ML320 trailer hitch questions - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

DonB · #1 01-20-2008, 02:10 PM

I asked my local dealer about the trailer hitch wiring harness that used to be sold separately for about $50. But, they only offer it as part of the full trailer hitch kit (which is about $360). Does anyone know where I could still find the factory lighting harness?

A friend told me that the after market hitches were not much different than the official Mercedes version. Is there an advantage to getting the factory version?

I read that the factory version might require cutting the plastic bumper cover, and the pictures showed a receiver that was bolted onto the bumper. I thought that it would be mounted underneath the bumper and to the frame. Is there more than one factory hitch kit?

Does either of the hitches interfere with the spare tire mechanism. It looks like the hidden hitch (model HH70350ns or 70350) might get hit when getting the spare out.

I know this is a lot of questions, so, thanks in advance for the help.

P.S. - It's a 1998 ML320

Peter Guenther · #2 01-20-2008, 02:37 PM

I ha a 99 and looked into installing one, the factory hitch bolts up very easy and all the holes are there. The bumper is held by four bolts to install. It does not interfere with the spare. The great part is the electricals are there, pull out the plug, slide in the wiring connector mount the connector, plug them together and install a fuse. The filler panel needs to be cut or you can remove it and save it or get another and paint it gray or black.
The dealer told me their tech was doing them in less than a hour out the door.

DonB · #3 01-20-2008, 09:43 PM

Yes, from what I've read, the Mercedes kit seems to be a pretty good, convenient fit. I was just hoping to save a little by getting an after market hitch, but I don't want the after market wiring kit. Those seem to be hard wired cut-in, rather than plug-in. So if nobody knows where to get the harness, perhaps I'll end up with the entire Mercedes kit.

DonB · #4 12-09-2008, 09:24 PM

MB stopped selling this trailer hitch. I ordered one a couple of months ago and it never came in. Anyone know of a dealer still selling it?

Gene Horr · #5 12-09-2008, 09:38 PM

Nope. You can find an OEM on ebay but it will generally go for a fortune.

But there are several aftermarket that are just as good. You'll need to wire in your own lighting relay but it is simple as all of the necessary wires and power are already run to the back. Be sure and add the necessary fuse for the power for the relay.

The two kits that I know of are simple bolt-on installations. Less than 20 minutes to install and that includes the time of removing the bumper.

DonB · #6 12-13-2008, 08:52 AM

Oh, I just assumed there was something special about the pre-wired factory connector. If I can use it, I just have to figure out how to cut into it! Any suggestions? Does anyone know how the wiring is laid out?

Gene Horr · #7 12-15-2008, 09:03 PM

for pictures and description. There's a wiring color code list a little further down.

Remember you'll need to add the fuse for the relay power in the box under the hood.

DonB · #8 12-16-2008, 09:40 PM

Wow, that's one heck of a thread. Pretty much everything I needed to know! Which model of trailer hitch did you use?

Gene Horr · #9 12-16-2008, 10:42 PM

It's been so long that I don't remember the brand. It is the one in which the mounting plate is rounded like the OEM model. I've used it for loads over 3 tons which for me is the top limit for the 430 engine. I bought the hitch planning on towing only a couple of times a year and wound up doing at least two trips a month for a while. I probably have over 5k towing miles in the past year.

The ML is a towing MACHINE! Better than most 1/2 ton pickups IMO.

samrawet · #10 12-18-2008, 05:52 AM

Mercedes-Benz ML320

Most of the following pages reflect my personal Mercedes-Benz ML320 experiences from October 1997 to June 2000.

I exposed my silver ML320 to almost every imaginable on-road and off-road situations. From daily commutes and long fast highway trips, to exhausting expedition style travel and finally the infamous Rubicon Trail, my ML320 experienced a wider variety of situations than most SUV's will ever encounter. Admittedly it has it's limits, but there are only very few (off-road) places where I would rather use my Mercedes-Benz 300GD. So far the ML is the most impressive combination of off-road talent and safest sedan comfort one could imagine. Besides, no SUV before had such a big fun-factor built in. Driving my ML320 makes me smile from ear to ear - every day!

www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2008-11-27-mercedes-benz-ml320-diesel_N.htm

rickdurham · #11 03-28-2009, 06:41 PM

I don't know if this will be of much help now but I just bought one of these as it seems to be a better deal than buying just a harness. I found a harness for $105+shipping (in Seattle I think) and then I found a factory hitch and harness on ebay here for $129+shipping.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260372827838&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT&viewitem= I paid $132 for my aftermarked hitch and wish I saw this before buying just the hitch a while back.