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RETIRED
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Set up, Mercedes SUV Towing questions
I just bought an ML 350 Diesel. Looking to retrofit a tow hitch and have questions on the wiring needs. I am hearing that aftermarket kits are not optimal and I need a wire kit from Mercedes.
Can someone give me some BTDT insight?
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-26-2017, 06:53 AM
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Information Junky
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: an island, upper left coast, USA
Posts: 73,189
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Pretty sure it will throw codes if you tie directly into the brake lights and turn sigs. (wrong resistance detected by computer)
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Everyone you meet knows something you don't. - - - and a whole bunch of crap that is wrong. Disclaimer: the above was 2¢ worth. More information is available as my professional opinion, which is provided for an exorbitant fee. 
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08-26-2017, 06:56 AM
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RETIRED
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U haul quoted $396 installed with their wiring kit. Class 3 with drop hitch and 2" ball.
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-26-2017, 07:24 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 31,483
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I use this site fr 560SL questions.
PeachParts Mercedes ShopForum - Powered by vBulletin They have an ML section. Good luck. Trailer can be a *****.
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1996 FJ80. |
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08-26-2017, 07:34 AM
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weekend wOrrier
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 6,252
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I just installed a towing wiring harness on my volvo (yesterday).
I don't know if this applies to mercedes or not. The kit I got (from e-trailer) powers the trailer lights from a separate power supply that feeds off the battery. The kit taps into the original wiring not as a power supply, but more as a relay trigger to activate the 12v power supply, so no real current draw comes off of the original harness. The volvo system is pretty finicky for resistance, and this kit has not set off any warnings so far, so at least for me, it worked. Perhaps mercedes is more finicky. ps- I was originally reluctant to buy an aftermarket kit for the volvo, but etrailer had an installation video on youtube for my exact car, so I knew it had been done (and nobody burst into flames). Perhaps they have a merc. equivalent. edit- mine was a curt too (like post below) Last edited by LEAKYSEALS951; 08-26-2017 at 02:22 PM.. |
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08-26-2017, 07:58 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 338
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Powered relays for my e350 wagon from Curt have worked fine with no warnings.
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08-26-2017, 08:37 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 11,248
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I put 200K miles on a 2001 ML430. Back than, you had to buy OEM wiring and hitch, as it affected the SRS when hitch was used.
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David 1972 911T/S MFI Survivor |
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08-26-2017, 05:16 PM
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RETIRED
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U Haul uses the inductive wiring, offers a warranty....so is 400 a fair deal?
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-26-2017, 06:49 PM
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Formerly bb80sc
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Hollywood Beach, CA
Posts: 4,361
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I equate uHaul to JiffyLube, and would personally not let either touch my vehicles. I'd at least find an independent trailer/hitch company. That said, based on prior hitch installations, $400 sounds fair
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Cheers -Brad 2015 Cayman GTS 2015 4Runner Limited |
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08-28-2017, 01:43 PM
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Unregistered
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: a wretched hive of scum and villainy
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08-28-2017, 02:24 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: OK
Posts: 12,730
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How do you like that M-class?
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76' 911s Signature Edition |
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08-28-2017, 04:52 PM
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RETIRED
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Love the ride....all the bells are coolio. The Voice command/navigation. Not so much.
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-28-2017, 06:58 PM
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Registered
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 177
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What model year?
I have a 2000 ML430 (W163). There is a factory 7-pin trailer wiring harness that plugs into the vehicle wiring harness. Be sure to check the main fuse box. There is a specific fuse for the trailer harness. The factory hitch is a "bolt-in" installation. Remove the bumper cover ... four bolts ... replace the cover. |
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08-28-2017, 09:28 PM
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2012......$22K with 60K miles. Smoking deal per my research. White with tan leather, 3.0 turbo Diesel.
Gotta part number and other stuff? I just upgraded some iPod/phone cables and purchased some DEF since it's a Diesel. But having a hard time finding trailer wiring info....I guess I can call the Merc dealer in Denver. Prolly owned by Elway.... 
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-28-2017, 09:35 PM
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RETIRED
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For schitzle and giggles, I called the dealer. $9K and they won't sell just the wiring.......
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-29-2017, 11:38 AM
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Registered
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: VA
Posts: 3,573
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FWIW, it is about $2k for my Cayenne at a dealer.
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'06 Cayman S '16 Cayenne '08 Audi RS 4 |
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08-29-2017, 03:26 PM
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Can you find one at a parts yard from a wrecked one?
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08-29-2017, 08:27 PM
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RETIRED
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Been cruising the CL ads, nada.....not in a hurry. Will rent a box trailer sometime before the weather turns and get my crap in San Diego.....
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-29-2017, 08:29 PM
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RETIRED
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I went to the site Seahawk recommended....not much action over there. So, has anyone done a performance chip on these turbo diesels?
Also, Sammy recommended etrailer. The wiring and hitch/drop and 2 inch ball is around 65 bucks cheaper than the installed price at UHaul....with warranty I may just let them do it.
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1983/3.6, backdate to long hood 2012 ML350 3.0 Turbo Diesel |
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08-31-2017, 06:28 PM
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Da cab
