FS: OEM wiring harness for European hitch, rare! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

NCfriend · #1 10-01-2011, 03:20 PM

This is a tough one to describe any better or compare prices as I haven't seen anything quite like it!

Part off a factory hitch on a 1982 300D Euro model.
ORIS brand? Made in Germany.
Name plate and specs in German included on metal bumper mounting plate.
Stock plugs that fit right in-line with rear lights; both sides for all directional signals. I simply pulled the wires loose in order to fit through body holes, but nothing was cut or damaged
Unusual plug adaptor

but a rare collector item and perfect match to any Euro hitch

Also have the plastic trim along the upper edge from the sedan's trunk with euro-spec hitch emblems. I can try to pull the labels off, cut the plastic down, or get an estimate on shipping this piece separately to any interesting offers...see last pic

Hard to find the market price, but I hope to share with another collector and free up some funds for painting projects.

Asking $100 obo, plus some cheap shipping (small size)

BrianCostello · #2 10-03-2011, 12:02 AM

for anyone interested in this:

there is a conversion from the Euro (round plug) to the standard US "flat 4"

I had one on my 2000 jetta. The euro hitch I got (used) included the wiring. same plug as pictured, but with an adapter to flat 4

NCfriend · #3 10-03-2011, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianCostello

for anyone interested in this:

there is a conversion from the Euro (round plug) to the standard US "flat 4"

Thanks Brian that is helpful; makes this plug useful instead of just a collector item. Do you recall where to order one of these??

I knew this wiring is nice for plug-n-play to get trailer lights without hacking the stock wires, but this would help on the "play" end of things!

BrianCostello · #4 10-03-2011, 04:44 PM

I still have mine, I need to dig it up. But I am pretty sure it's a Uhaul part!!

ScooterABC · #5 10-03-2011, 07:27 PM

I see from your images that your parts are the same as the ones I had from a euro 108 trailer hitch. I still have the 6-pin pass through plugs. Makes hitch wiring nice, independent of whether or not you have a european hitch. (Or more correctly, a non-US hitch). It still doesn't make the system plug-and-play with a euro hitch since technically US hitches are required to have a chain connection in addition to the ball/socket connection. Euro hitches don't provide for a chain so technically they aren't legal in the US. If you really want to nit-pick, the ball is also a slightly different size, but close enough. If you want to read about it, go to wikipedia and look up trailer hitch.

If you are going to add a hitch to your Mercedes and IF you have tail lights that plug into 6-prong sockets like these, it's really nice to have the pass through sockets even if you don't use the outlet portion. By the way, I think that the outlet portion is supposed to have more of a bracket on it that connects to the undersideof the car / hitch / bumper / something. From the picture it looks like that rusted off.

ScooterABC · #6 10-03-2011, 07:32 PM

PS - this won't work for W123 wagons - they have 4-prong plugs because the backup light isn't part of the taillight...

panZZer · #7 10-04-2011, 02:23 PM

then would wagon harness work on a sedan if someone put terminals in the -sandwitch -pass thru plug, or plug the trailer harness into the backside of the standard plug ends, the stock ones probably dont have holes but getting 6 hole pass thru should not be a problem,

ScooterABC · #8 10-05-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

then would wagon harness work on a sedan if someone put terminals in the -sandwich -pass thru plug, or plug the trailer harness into the backside of the standard plug ends, the stock ones probably dont have holes but getting 6 hole pass thru should not be a problem,

I doubt it. I haven't seen the wiring for a euro wagon hitch but the 4-prong plug doesn't have anything for the reverse light so I doubt it would handle everything needed. Also the 6 prong and 4 prong pass through plugs are not compatible, meaning you can't shove the 4 prong plug into the prong plug because the alignment pin doesn't fit.

panZZer · #9 10-05-2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScooterABC

I doubt it. I haven't seen the wiring for a euro wagon hitch but the 4-prong plug doesn't have anything for the reverse light so I doubt it would handle everything needed. Also the 6 prong and 4 prong pass through plugs are not compatible, meaning you can't shove the 4 prong plug into the prong plug because the alignment pin doesn't fit.

I have several sets of six prong plug ends--a little drill bit could make them pass thru.....I dont need backup lights on the trailer hitch--or at all for that matter-if thats the way I would have to do it.

ScooterABC · #10 10-06-2011, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

I have several sets of six prong plug ends--a little drill bit could make them pass thru.....I dont need backup lights on the trailer hitch--or at all for that matter-if thats the way I would have to do it.

That won't work. The insides of the plug have combo male/female pins. Just drilling holes in the back of the plug isn't going to help.

panZZer · #11 10-06-2011, 04:30 PM

Then the way to the mark is get 8-12 male/female prongs and-unfortunately have to modify the harness, or there must be another way?

NCfriend · #12 10-06-2011, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by panZZer

Then the way to the mark is get 8-12 male/female prongs and-unfortunately have to modify the harness, or there must be another way?

Another way = make an offer on these parts I have for sale

No cutting or modifying plugs!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScooterABC

By the way, I think that the outlet portion is supposed to have more of a bracket on it that connects to the undersideof the car / hitch / bumper / something. From the picture it looks like that rusted off.

Yes, the mounting plate came off where it was welded to the edge of the bumper. IT can easily be welded back to your bumper along the same line.

I cannot comment on the electronic details; but this plug work with the converter Uhaul part mentioned by Brian for US wired trailers?

As for chains and hitch balls there are a few aftermarket options; I pulled my log splitter around just fine with the bumper mounted CURT for just over $100.

Thanks for all the comments

panZZer · #13 10-07-2011, 03:23 PM

Ok I looked at mine last nite, the 4 plug ends-There is one Loose pass thru terminal in each, so perhaps the classic center can get these or maybe a well stocked--old euro car parts store-all the euro cars had the same type plug ends.

panZZer · #14 10-07-2011, 03:29 PM

Hey man, im not trying to mess with your sale, I have just been trying to figure this out-All I need is two plug ends like in your first post pics to change my wagon harness

NCfriend · #15 10-07-2011, 04:15 PM

No worries; I enjoy the discussion and appreciate the posts getting this up on the list

Is there anything about the wires or passthru plugs that I can post pics of, to help?

Also, what size ball is a true NA hitch ball closest too: 1 1/2" or 2"?

This sedan's hitch had some super long 17mm bolts running along the frame rails deep into the trunk...I could not get any of it loose all day in the PNP!