Detachable towing hook (W164)

[Nat]

My ML500 (164) has the manufacturer/dealer hook up electrics but the detachable towing hook isn't in the car - not that I can see, unless it's hidden somewhere I haven't thought to look. I know it had one in the advert I saw of it so can only presume the last owner took it off before I collected it.

Are these pretty much the same for all Mercs or is it model dependant? I've not had one on any Merc before so not familiar with the set up.

 

[BTB 500]

Don't know about the W164 specifically but factory fitted removable tow hooks often have a storage position behind one of the interior trim panels, where the jack/toolkit/etc. live.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Don't know about the W164 specifically but factory fitted removable tow hooks often have a storage position behind one of the interior trim panels, where the jack/toolkit/etc. live.

I think it should be in the spare wheel well in the W164.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

My ML500 (164) has the manufacturer/dealer hook up electrics but the detachable towing hook isn't in the car - not that I can see, unless it's hidden somewhere I haven't thought to look. I know it had one in the advert I saw of it so can only presume the last owner took it off before I collected it.

Are these pretty much the same for all Mercs or is it model dependant? I've not had one on any Merc before so not familiar with the set up.

Can you post a photo of the receiver or socket up behind the rear bumper?

 

[Nat]

I think it should be in the spare wheel well in the W164.

Nothing there at all. I can only think the previous owner took it off.

 

[Nat]

Can you post a photo of the receiver or socket up behind the rear bumper?

Here you go:-

 

[BTB 500]

Looks like a Westfalia socket - factory fit for many MBs.

 

[Nat]

Thanks for that. I'll give them a call in the morning and see if they can source one for me.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I agree, it does look Westfalia-ish. Did you manage to get a photo of the release mechanism? For example, on a Westfalia-made towbar, there’s a three pointed knob (not dissimilar to the MB logo).

 

[Nat]

I agree, it does look Westfalia-ish. Did you manage to get a photo of the release mechanism? For example, on a Westfalia-made towbar, there’s a three pointed knob (not dissimilar to the MB logo).

BD, I'll nip underneath again when it's a bit drier.

Judging from the ones I've seen advertised it shows the three pointed knob on the removable swan neck along with what looks like three ball bearings evenly placed. The other thing I've just thought of. Would it have the 7 or 13 pin plug bearing in mind of it's age? I guess I'll find out at some stage. I bought the ML for a variety of reasons including taking up camping again, although I'm seriously thinking of doing away with canvas and buying a caravan.

I wouldn't have thought towing with it would be a problem

 

[BTB 500]

The other thing I've just thought of. Would it have the 7 or 13 pin plug bearing in mind of it's age?

I don't know what age it is, but the factory fitted removable towbar on our 2007 Vito came with a 13-pin 'euro' socket ... which is what yours appears to be. It doesn't really matter as you can get adapter leads for either direction (our 2004 caravan has the two 12N & 12S plugs).

 

[Nat]

Thanks
Mines an 05 or 06. I can't remember exactly but I know it's the cheaper tax one.

This seems to be pretty much what most of the Merc ones look like that I've seen advertised:-

MERCEDES ML W163 WESTFALIA 313 179 601 105 DETACHABLE TOW BAR 1998 - 2005 | eBay

 

[BTB 500]

That's pretty much identical to my Vito one, apart from the angle of the swan neck (the socket is higher off the ground on a W164, so it needs to be angled down to put the towball at the correct height above the road).

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

BD, I'll nip underneath again when it's a bit drier.

Judging from the ones I've seen advertised it shows the three pointed knob on the removable swan neck along with what looks like three ball bearings evenly placed. The other thing I've just thought of. Would it have the 7 or 13 pin plug bearing in mind of it's age? I guess I'll find out at some stage. I bought the ML for a variety of reasons including taking up camping again, although I'm seriously thinking of doing away with canvas and buying a caravan.

I wouldn't have thought towing with it would be a problem

It could be either 7 or 13 pin as previous owners could have retrofitted the 7 pin connectors - it would be 13 pin from the factory.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I wouldn't have thought towing with it would be a problem

 

[Nat]

Jeez BD, how big is that! It makes your ML look like a toy car and that takes some doing

What sort of mpg is doing when it's towing? Can't be a lot.

 

[Nat]

That's pretty much identical to my Vito one, apart from the angle of the swan neck (the socket is higher off the ground on a W164, so it needs to be angled down to put the towball at the correct height above the road).

I didn't think of that as I thought they might all be the same, but apparently not. I've called westfalia and waiting for a call back.

 

[Nat]

Westfalia have just replied - The part that you require is 913192601005 and is £143 inc VAT and delivery. Yikes ...

 

[BTB 500]

Wow that's expensive.

I had one of those bent back into the bumper once. I stopped at a roundabout while towing (this was with a VW - they also use Westfalia), and the HGV behind drove straight into my caravan. Made a bit of a mess but amazingly the caravan was rebuilt rather than being written off.

 

[Nat]

Wow that's expensive.

That's what I thought.

I popped round to the person I bought it off and they said it was on there when I took it away.

I had one of those bent back into the bumper once. I stopped at a roundabout while towing (this was with a VW - they also use Westfalia), and the HGV behind drove straight into my caravan. Made a bit of a mess but amazingly the caravan was rebuilt rather than being written off.

Ouch!