OEM Towbar fitment - indicator warning?

[ArtistsRifles]

We've got the Oris tow-bar fitted to our E320 with the Euro style 13 pin socket. When hooked up to the van there is no audible warning that the indicators are working and - as far as we can see - no visual warning either. This seemingly is illegal!!
Any one know whether the W124 tow-bar fitment should have an audible warning or a warning light on the dash????

 

[BTB 500]

If it helps any, I had the same issue with the official VW towing electrics fitted to my Sharan. When I queried it I was told that failure of one of the trailer indicators would cause faster flashing ... which legally was an adequate warning that there was a problem. Except when I tried it (by removing an indicator bulb from the caravan) the flash rate was exactly the same! The manual showed a separate amber light on the dash for trailer indicators, but it didn't work. They offered to install a Halfords style buzzer in the boot (this was a brand new car with £512 worth of official towbar and electrics) - er no, I don't think so!

Took me 12 months of phone calls, trips to the dealer, and general hassling to get it sorted - VW Customer Services gave me a free service as compensation.

Anyway just thought I'd mention it in case you got told the same thing about the flash rate! Check the handbook, and if there's a trailer indicator light on the dash then OEM towing electrics should make it operate.

 

[Benzowner]

You have buld failure device on the Merc. When connected to a trailer or caravan, the trailer becomes an extension on the system and the bulb failure on your car should pick it up, it certainly does on mine. I split from the 13 pin to two 7 pin for the caravan and if the connections are not quite correct, it comes up as a bulb failure, even when it just a bad connection.

 

[mark.t]

to check if its working just hook up the 13 pin and leave the other ends free then flick your switch...it will flick faster

 

[ArtistsRifles]

Well - replaced the bulb in the van again - and now we have normal indicators.
Just my luckto get two duff bulbs on the trot!!

So - the consensus of opinion is the normal bulb failure warning applies to the van as well. Thats OK with me, just so long as I can tell the plod something with a straight face if they ever pull us over!!!

 

[BTB 500]

If your handbook refers to a trailer indicator light on the dash, then with OEM electrics fitted it should work.

 

[ArtistsRifles]

Nope - nothing in the owners book about a trailer light on the dash!!!

I assume what other have said about the bulb failure warning being the only indicaion is the case.
Which is a pity 'cos on our '94 E320 estate that light is on continuously as soon as the sidelights are switched on despite every bulb being replaced with Bosch ones, every terminal being cleaned and every light working (inc. number pate!!)