Tow Bar (For a Bike Rack)

[como]

Hi,
I am looking at getting a detachable tow bar fitted to my W213. I occasionally need to transport a bike and feel that this is the most secure method. I have contacted a local installation company, with good reviews and feedback and they have quoted £564 inc VAT. This is for a Mercedes dedicated wiring harness that does not invalidate the warranty and integrates with the car's electrics. Does anybody have any experience in this area, to point out any pitfalls? Does the price seem about right? Am I going overboard and should I just get a decent roof rack? Is that too many questions? Your thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance

 

[MercedesDriver]

If you want to transport just one bike roof bars with a bike rack is much cheaper solution. But if you need to transport 3+ bikes or the bike is particularly heavy then the tow bar with tow rack makes a sense. Tow racks are bulky items so you also must think of storage when not used while roof racks you can keep on a car.
If you go for a tow bar solution use a reputable companies which will not mess up the electrics. £500-£600 were the quotes I got for a tow bar with electrics + thule tow bike rack for 3 bikes, so yes the price is about right, but I went for roof racks as it seamed a lot of hassle to put on and take off the tow rack on a car every Saturday and Sunday.

 

[BTB 500]

If you want to transport just one bike roof bars with a bike rack is much cheaper solution. But if you need to transport 3+ bikes or the bike is particularly heavy then the tow bar with tow rack makes a sense.

Agreed - sounds like overkill for one bike.

Need to watch the total weight of rack plus multiple bikes with a towbar fitment ... towbar limit is likely to be around 80kg?

 

[David404]

I had a detachable bar fitted to my W211 with 13 pin electrics fully coded by independent specialist in Birmingham almost 2 years ago for £550 so your quote sounds about right.
All the bulb warnings worked correctly (they demonstrated) and best of all when removed its completely invisible.

 

[Bluegnomes]

I use my bike rack on my S213 pretty often. I spec’d my car with the electric towbar that appears at the touch of a button - very cool!

Tow bar racks are the most secure, more fuel efficient, safer (I know lots on people that have driven into overhead barriers with bikes on top) and easier to load. Also I’m not a fan of putting a really muddy MTB on the roof with a panoramic roof.

 

[Benzowner]

One thing to look out for is that normally a detachable tow bar need a specialist fitment to take the bike rack, check the bike rack will fit a "swan neck" tow bar.

 

[como]

Many thanks for the replies. Given that it is for occasional use for just one bike, I am leaning towards the roof rack. Take the point about putting a dirty bike on the roof though.

 

[mat8n]

What about a bike rack?

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Maybe I've missed something here, but rather than spend just shy of a grand for a tow bar and a tow bar fitting (most of which you will never get back), why not spend £150 for a Saris bones boot rack, or a bit more for a roof rack & carrier?

(The only tip I would give about the roof rack is that for ease of use, it will help if you have a box that you can stand on while loading the figging thing).