Looking for OEM hitch for R500
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 558
Likes: 114
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2006 R500
Looking for OEM hitch for R500
I'll start this off by saying I have read pretty much all the threads regarding the OEM hitch for W251s. I am looking for an OEM hitch because the aftermarket hitches are too low to the ground and the OEM hitch appears to be much sturdier. I plan to modify it with a 2" receiver like others have done. The primary purpose is to tow a boat approximately 3/4 of a mile and launch it.
Based on the thread, I know I want part number 66-85-0077. However, every parts center I've contacted has said that the number has been discontinued and superseded by 251-310-03-95. As I understand it, the 66-85-0077 package included 251-310-03-95 and the harness. The pricing of the package ranges from about $700-800, but the hitch alone is $1700-2100, and I would have to buy the harness separately on top of that!
Does anyone know where I can find a hitch for not that absurdly high price? Thanks in advance.
Based on the thread, I know I want part number 66-85-0077. However, every parts center I've contacted has said that the number has been discontinued and superseded by 251-310-03-95. As I understand it, the 66-85-0077 package included 251-310-03-95 and the harness. The pricing of the package ranges from about $700-800, but the hitch alone is $1700-2100, and I would have to buy the harness separately on top of that!
Does anyone know where I can find a hitch for not that absurdly high price? Thanks in advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 258
Likes: 50
R320, Astro, JSW, ST4
Closest I can find, is in the U.S. (Bakersfield, CA):
Mercedes Benz Trailer Hitch X164 GL GL320 GL350 GL450 GL550 Genuine
4 available / 2 sold
US $959.97, Shipping:
FAST 'N FREE
This looks to be identical to hitch used in most recent R-Class hitch install thread, on this site:
https://mbworld.org/forums/r-class-w...ch-2011-a.html
(But, no harness. I've read before that the ML harness is fine for the R as well, and it comes up in related links on fleabay.)
As noted on this ad, you'll likely need to get the newer SAM unit as well.
Might be best to contact the seller there, I bet he has a line on everything you want.
But, the $total might discourage you...
Mercedes Benz Trailer Hitch X164 GL GL320 GL350 GL450 GL550 Genuine
4 available / 2 sold
US $959.97, Shipping:
FAST 'N FREEThis looks to be identical to hitch used in most recent R-Class hitch install thread, on this site:
https://mbworld.org/forums/r-class-w...ch-2011-a.html
(But, no harness. I've read before that the ML harness is fine for the R as well, and it comes up in related links on fleabay.)
As noted on this ad, you'll likely need to get the newer SAM unit as well.
Might be best to contact the seller there, I bet he has a line on everything you want.
But, the $total might discourage you...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 938
Likes: 53
From: Montreal, Canada
2005 C240 2011 R350
I installed an aftermaket hitch on my R320 2008. I understand you dont want that sort of hitch. Just FIY in case you find a hitch but no harness. It is easy to install a harness with one of the isolator units. The only catch is that you need to get stop light power from the rear center hatch light. The reason is that the rear lights and brake lights are the same. The regular lamps get partial voltage for driving and full 12 volts under braking.
Hope this helps.
Hope this helps.
