Lots of threads about trailer hitches on the forum. What I haven't been able to find is whether someone has adapted a 123 wagon's trailer hitch to a 123 sedan.

Here in the salt belt, rear bumpers fall off because of corrosion, hence a hitch that hangs off the bumper is bad juju. In contrast, the station wagon hitch hangs off the bumper bolts.

123 wagon hitch:
Trailer Hitch by Curt for 1983 300TD - C11805

123 sedan hitch:
Trailer Hitch by Curt for 1983 300D - 11614

Years ago, a local welder designed and made one for me from scratch for my '85 123 300D but unfortunately, he is long gone and I have no photos. Has anyone converted the wagon hitch to use on a sedan hitch/recall a thread where this is described?

Thanks!

- Neil

I modified a 300td hitch to fit my 240D. I'll post pics later today.

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I choose to be happy, even when the Mercedes is being awkward, lol

Because at that time I couldn't find a wagon rear-bumper. I installed a sedan rear bumper on my '84 TD and the bumper-shock mounting is exactly the same. A hitch designed to fasten at the bumoer shock mounting-bolts and frame-rails is the way to go. Don't see why the wagon hitch won't fit a sedan.

The hitch Curt shows for the W123 sedan is a joke. It would interfere with the function of the bumper-shocks and transmit any rear impact directly to the trunk floor. Plus, I would never try to load the aluminum rear bumper that way on any of these - especially the later W123 bumpers that had the shock-pads molded on!

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

The wagon hitch won't fit the sedan because in the sedan, the exhaust tip protrudes directly rearwards. In contrast, the wagon's exhaust tip "swerves" outwards.

The design of the hitch takes advantage of this curvature in the wagon exhaust tip, but in doing so, prevents compatibility to the sedans (and coupes). Basically, the brace for the wagon hitch will come into contact with the sedan/coupe exhaust tip if mounted on these models.

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http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7271/7...144c3fc1dc.jpg

Would a wagon muffler fit a sedan, or at least, could an elbow be tacked on to replace the sedan's tailpipe?
An exhaust modification would certainly be preferable to trying to compromise the wagon hitch just to fit the sedan's exhaust.

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

here are the pics; ignore the wire and zip ties. A friend backed into the car while I was in NY and busted the rear bumper off. I lashed it on to get home.

I made a couple of L shaped brackets that go over the 2 outer most bumper shock studs. I then cut of the original mounting brackets from the wagon hitch and tossed them. I bolted my L brackets onto the car, then tacked the hitch cross piece on. Everything was then removed and solidly welded.

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I choose to be happy, even when the Mercedes is being awkward, lol

Hi Smiffy,

Thanks for your pictures.

MBeige,

Is the area where the fore-aft bracing bolts up the same in the station wagon as it is in the sedan?

Thanks!

- Neil

Was this just to clear the sedan's exhaust, or were there other fit issues with using the wagon hitch?

Happy Motoring, Mark

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DrDKW

The bolt pattern was different, that's why I had to chop the ends off of the wagon hitch and make my own brackets. If you need a pic without the bumper, let me know.

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I choose to be happy, even when the Mercedes is being awkward, lol

Hi Smiffy,

Any and all additional photos you might have would be useful to all of us who need a good solid hitch.

Thanks!

- Neil

ditto.......

i am about to put a hitch on my 240, and i would like to see what i can see....

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-Justin

I believe in extreme automotive perfection whenever possible.......there is no such thing as "It doesn't matter" !!!

1985 300 CDT - 287k miles

1980 240 D - 340k miles

With extras !!

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I'd send some pics of the hitch I made for my 83 TD but I can't seem to add pictures to the post.

Manfred

Pictures appear to be of a modified Euro hitch and not a modified US style hitch.

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

All the info makes no sense as far as a factory wagon hitch, it bolts up the the rear of either sedan or coupe just like the wagon- as long as your car has euro bumpers with only wiring block issues to be worked out.

Wanted to bump this for clarification. If the exhaust is not a factor (what exhaust?), is there anything else that would prevent the curt 11805 from being installed on a 123 300D sedan? From all I've read it should match up to the shock bolts, and holes would need to be drilled for the supports into the frame rails.... Correct?

I really want something I can plug into instead of the permanent shin buster. Tired of not being able to drag my jet ski around with me.

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1985 MBZ 300D (DD, 240k, unmuffled hellion!)
1982 MBZ 300D (372k, retired for parts)
1981 MBZ 300D (575k, parts pig)