GLE Tow bar

[mrbaz]

Hi all,

I'm a new member having taken delivery of a brand new GLE 450d in Jan 25.

So far the car has been lovely, everything I hoped it would be until I tried to arrange a tow bar installation.

There are plenty of installers that will retrofit a detachable tow bar, but all caution that it needs coding to the vehicle that is main dealer only (otherwise permanent tow bar warning on dash and safety/warning systems don't disable properly when towing).

The main dealers (3 so far) are all refusing to code because they won't warranty anyone else's work and are citing recent policy changes (last 6 weeks or so I'm told) behind this decision, a couple of independents also saying they are unable as the vehicle is too new.

The only "official" route is to pay for retro fit electric tow bar at a cost of thousands.

Has anyone else experienced this or any advice please?

Thanks in advance.
Baz

 

[roviw1]

I dont know if this will help you but last year I bought a 2016 GL63 and wanted a removable towbar fitted, I phoned around various places , a lot would not do it, but there was a place just 20 minutes from me. They fitted it and did dedicated electrics as well. It took 3 hours but all is well . Might be worth a phone call to speak to them.
Of course there is a possibility that as your one is a brand new model then it may not be possible but nothing to lose by calling them.

Not cheap, I think it was maybe around £900 but I was really pleased with the job.

Mark Gordon
Office 01252 543999
Mobile Towbar Fitter | The Towbar Man (South) Ltd | Alton

 

[John N]

Hi all,

I'm a new member having taken delivery of a brand new GLE 450d in Jan 25.

So far the car has been lovely, everything I hoped it would be until I tried to arrange a tow bar installation.

There are plenty of installers that will retrofit a detachable tow bar, but all caution that it needs coding to the vehicle that is main dealer only (otherwise permanent tow bar warning on dash and safety/warning systems don't disable properly when towing).

The main dealers (3 so far) are all refusing to code because they won't warranty anyone else's work and are citing recent policy changes (last 6 weeks or so I'm told) behind this decision, a couple of independents also saying they are unable as the vehicle is too new.

The only "official" route is to pay for retro fit electric tow bar at a cost of thousands.

Has anyone else experienced this or any advice please?

Thanks in advance.
Baz

Have you checked your Data Card, my 2021 GLB came with:

Code 554 Preinstallation for trailer hitch!

 

[mrbaz]

Thanks for the replies Roviw1 & John.

The problem is that the aftermarket dedicated electric kits (probably similar/same as fitted to your GL63!) need coding to the vehicle as per these instructions on page 15:

https://conwys.ch/pikto/87041091.pdf

The fitters I've spoken to are all saying they can't code as the vehicle is too new, its main dealer only and as of the last 6 weeks or so main dealers won't do it

@John - I can't decode the VIN for Data Card as the sites either don't work or say its too new!

 

[ALFAitalia]

Most decent towbar installers have the kit the code it to the car themselves these days.