dbowman2

W166 ML350 Bluetec with AIRMATIC, ACTIVE CURVE, and hitch? My 2013 has everything but the hitch, and dealer is telling me it's going to be $5000 to put one on it. I find that very hard to believe, but then again, aftermarket hitch manufacturers exclude this package from the list of vehicles their hitches will fit, and I have been unable to locate a used one with that combo. Options link:

http://www.autoipacket.com/packet-sh...et-description

Waykool plantz

Looks great without running boards.
Great options but no HK !

peter2772000

I found one by CURT, but it specifically excludes Active Curve vehicles.


Even an OEM MB hitch by MB excludes the AC. What's so special about this Active Curve?

dbowman2

HK?

dbowman2

With Active Curve, the vehicle turns on a rail. No body roll at all. It stays level even when thrown into a turn. Pretty amazing - especially with 20" wheels.

peter2772000

I'm guessing it just firms up the suspension, much like "Track" or "Sport" mode on my GC SRT?


I'm also in the dark about HK, btw LOL

dbowman2

It has the Hong Kong option installed, so that can't be it. 😎 Also, active curve is essentially what you described on your SRT - only the bluetec diesel six won't pull me to 60 in three seconds like your SRT can. It will however pull me 600 or more miles on a tank of diesel! She's quick enough for me. I would probably kill myself in an SRT.

skw

H/K is the optional Harmon Karden sound system. Well worth it. My '12 ML350BTC had it, my '16 GLE350 does not. I want it back, bad.

As for not being able to combine active curve and the trailer hitch, I'm wondering if there's a reservoir or tank (air? hydraulic?) in the way of how the hitch would mount? Or could it be something w/ the shocks used that it would not be able maintain the same 7000k lb hitch rating?

TA Canada

Here's my take on your $5k quote for the hitch:
(Canadian pricing)
1. MB hitch probably about $500
2. MB wiring harness ~$800
3. Installation @ 8-10 hrs = $1200 - $1500
4. Upgraded fan / install = $1500
5. 2013 may require a new Control Module? That may replace the cost of the fan of they didn't quote a fan?
You likely wouldn't need the fan but they may suggest especially if you're going to tow a big trailer unit?
My understanding is most of the labour is in the wiring harness as it has to be wired back to the front: removing front & back seats, carpetting, etc to get access to the Active Curve SW/module/controller??? so when you connect your trailer to the harness it automatically deactivates the Active Curve.
As an option at new the frigging hitch is like $600!
Wish I'd have known that before I bought my 2015 ML350 BT (Canada) without a hitch. Now looking at same costs - ARGGH!

pjw1967

After reading up on Active Curve, I would suspect the weight of a trailer pulling on the rear end of the car while in a curve could cause the system to get "confused".

theboogers

2014 w hitch and air/active suspension.

pjw1967

Wow. Options out the wazoo. And a hitch.....

TA Canada

Interesting video. Does this represent a vehicle with Active Curve on pulling a trailer?
I think it gets deactivated using the MB hitch & harness once connected but not 100%certain of this. Then it should act like a "normal" vehicle towing a trailer.
theboo - can't enlarge your screen capture but assume it shows the Active Curve option along with a hitch?

cmginc

Possible. I have AIRMatic, Active Curve, and trailer hitch on my GL63.

theboogers

Blow up

TA Canada

Great info guys!
Got the blow up too.