ML270CDI Towbar fitting

[barhardy]

Hi
I'm new to this forum, been having a look, seems likethere is a lot of good advice on this forum.
Just purchased an ML270cdi 54 plate from a dealer. I now want to fit a towbar. Can anyone tell me if the westfalia removeable towbar is the same as a genuine mercedes bar?

The car has a space saver spare tyre fitted does this interfere with the towbar installation?

Do I have to purchase a new cover for the bumper or can I still use the original one?

Any advice would be appreciated

Barry

 

[BTB 500]

Can't help with the specifics of the ML but the factory detatchable towbar on my Vito is certainly a Westfalia one; car makers just buy them in rather than making their own. I know VW use Westfalia too.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Welcome to the forum.

If it's the Westaflia I'm thinking of then it's near in all respects. Compare it to the diagrams of the towbar in your manual. You have several options with regards to the cover.

(1) The Westfalia unit includes a template to cut the cover. However you only need to do this if you indeed to leave the cover in place when the towbar is fitted. Of course this means that it looks poor when the towbar is removed.

(2) You can simply leave the cover intact, and only fit it when the towbar is removed. You can then remove the cover when the towbar is fitted. There should be no clearance issues providing you fit the towbar correctly.

(3) The final option is to order an additional cover with holes in the right place for the tow bar and the factory electric hook-up location. You can fit this cover when the towbar is fitted, and fit the standard cover when the towbar is removed.

You get both the standard cover and cover with holes if a towbar is specified from the factory. I had a part number but I think I've lost it. Sorry.

I personally prefer option (2). I've also had the electrics moved to beneath the bumper for convenience. Worth considering.

Have you already purchased a towbar kit?

And whereabouts in the country are you?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

PS Car looks nice by the way Barry!!

 

[barhardy]

Bobby Dazzler,
Like you I think option 2 is the best way forward.
I haven't yet purchased the towbar kit.
I'm based in Glasgow, do you know of a good supplier of towbars?

Barry

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

We've used these guys several times, albeit to supply & fit rather than supply only, but the service was very good. Prices were very good too. Unfortunately they only offer the fitting service in the Midlands.

http://www.diytowbars.co.uk and http://www.cdf-towbars.co.uk

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

I had the westfaila one fitted by a mobile towbar fitter including twing drop down electrics. I just remove the cover when in use (you can get one with the cut out already done from your stealers)

When I'm using it I dont mine though as it looks what it is.. When not in use however you would not know it has a towbar.

Mines the car on the right (father inlaws the left 270)

Show's it without any cover.

 

[gedaso]

Any suggestions for a good online vendor who sells the Westfalia units and ships to Australia ???

 

[Stuart O]

towbar

FWIW I got a detachable westfalia c/w single electrics delivered to N Scotland for approx 220 GBP's cheapest I could find on the net - company called 'Towquipe' - hope thats of some use

Stuart