W163 Towbar

[Jane270ML]

Hi guys & gals.
If you have a W163 with a towbar, could you please let me know which type (detachable, swan neck, fixed) & brand (Oris, Westfalia, Witter etc) you have fitted.
And the dimension from the bumper to center of towbar ball, and from the ground to center of ball.
Any other comments would also help.
TIA
J

 

[Rjohnscuba]

Hello Jane270ML,

I had the Westfalia Towbar for Mercedes ML M-Class (W163) 1998-2005 - Detachable Tow Bar fitted.

I bought it from ebay and had it fitted by a mobile installer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Westfalia...672554&hash=item3f0e82f8b4:g:ee4AAOSwEzxYWA--

It is removable so can accommodate using the bumper cutout too.

Many thanks
Rob

 

[Rjohnscuba]

Main consideration for this towbar system is what type of electrical socket you want, double or single

 

[Joderest]

Hello
I have just fitted a WITTER tow bar to my 2003 ML270, fitting tow bar was easy, bumper off (four bolts) then fit chassis supports to both sides, then four bolts to fit tow bar to rear cross member. the slightly difficult part was wiring, i used the Mercedes wiring block (located in left hand side rear of vehicle, behind the two vents that can be seen when bumper off) this had all lights feed, i fitted a 7 way bypass relay, used the live feed in the block by putting a fuse in slot 18, in fuse box under bonnet.
Fun starts cutting the bumper to fit round the tow bar. Best way is little at a time and offer bumper up. Once that's done, i then cut the cover to fit, again a little at a time. Whole process took about 4-5 hours. I did not go for a detachable, just because the witter one was a good price, £82 off e bay.