Towing/towbar with C250 CDI

[pembssurf]

Looking at fitting a detachable flange tow hitch on my 2013 C250 CDI AMG Sport estate along with 13 pin electrics for a caravan. Loads of options and specs available but after doing some googling it appears whatever one I go for with the electrics it needs to be coded. Also Mercedes seem to recommend a type approved one from Westfala for this. Anyone have any guidance on this and whether it does indeed need to be coded. Will be getting it fitted by a pro and will be towing a van around 1340 laden in full running order.

Thanks

Adam

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I've had server all Westfalias and they've all been great. I always get the Mercedes integration kit and coding so it all works seemlessly.

 

[pembssurf]

I've had server all Westfalias and they've all been great. I always get the Mercedes integration kit and coding so it all works seemlessly.

thanks Bobby, is the coding kit essential for lights and stuff to work or is it for the more advanced electrical features like split charging etc?

 

[Druk]

I fitted a Westfalia wiring to my S212 and it worked out the box but coding it made the bulb failure work with the caravan and also the car stability program now works with the caravan. £100 for them to code it...whats not to like?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

As Druk said, things like adjustment to ESP and bulb failure are excellent safety related benefits, but there are some convenience features too, for example the rear parking sensors are automatically disabled when the trailer/caravan electrics are connected, and the fog light switch will turn on the fog lights on your trailer/caravan but not the car (to avoid reflective glare).

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Fog light feature in action:

 

[Druk]

And the Brucie Bonus was it added a 'factory towbar' to the original build sheet.

 

[pembssurf]

Some good advice, thanks people. Guessing only Mercedes can do the fitting? So I need to go to the towbar fitters explain I would like a Mercedes approved Westfalia and then after its fitted with the electrics drive to the dealership to get it coded then all will be well?

 

[GordonTarling]

Lots of places sell and will fit Westfalia towbars. Many can do the coding, too. I had mine fitted here at about half the cost of using an MB dealer - they used an MB cable harness and coded it correctly.

 

[Druk]

I think you're mistaken in the belief that it must be a Westfalia bar. In my own case I used a Bosal/Oris bar from https://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars.html and there was no mention of it not being to Merc's liking when it came to the coding.
I did get with it (at my request) a Westfalia loom and later discovered that it didn't have the required heavier section wires needed for the caravan fridge and battery charging and that I would have been better advised to go for the British made generic loom that Jones also sells. PF Jones are now aware of this Westfalia shortcoming.

Several historic threads on this subject...

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/188384-s212-2015-e350-towing-electrics.html





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[pembssurf]

Brilliant info, everyone. I do tow a lot of wagons with work but obv only with basic light setup and no need to worry about 13 pin 20amp etc. Hopefully I can get it right first time.

Last question, my C250 CDI sport estate obv is not a real AMG but has the AMG level trim which I guess means I have an AMG rear bumper? If this is the case will it limit what kind of tow hitch I can have. I do not want a section cut out of the rear skirt if I can help it. Any recommendations on fixed or detachable flanges ?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It doesn't have to be Westfalia, although if you buy a Mercedes tow bar from the parts counter at your local Mercedes main dealer, then it will be Westfalia.

Use a tow bar fitting specialist rather than the main dealer. If you ask the main dealer to do it them they'll either tell you to use a tow bar specialist, or take on the work and sub-contract the job to a tow bar specialist! I'd ask your main dealer who they use, and then go to them directly.

I would definitely go for detachable, even if the bumper needs to be cut, it will be invisible when removed (if fitted properly) and in my opinion it looks better than a fixed towbar when fitted as there's less visible.

Finally, you need to check your car is type approved for towing. If you don't know how, then post a photo of your chassis plate which can usually be found by opening the driver's door. It will have you chassis number and a series of weights (kg) on it.

 

[Bluegnomes]

No need to cut the bumper with my s212 and detachable towbar.

 

[Markudell]

Hi, just bought a c250d premium plus saloon December 2015 model. I need to fit a towbar which I can easily do myself but want to fit the 13 pin wiring harness made for the car rather than tapping into the wiring harness. Can anyone tell me where the plug socket is on the car. I no it needs coding after. Cheers Mark.

 

[MikeBenz1]

Hi, just bought a c250d premium plus saloon December 2015 model. I need to fit a towbar which I can easily do myself but want to fit the 13 pin wiring harness made for the car rather than tapping into the wiring harness. Can anyone tell me where the plug socket is on the car. I no it needs coding after. Cheers Mark.

Hi, did you get anywhere with this, and which tow bar did you go for?

 

[Dippo]

Hi, did you get anywhere with this, and which tow bar did you go for?

He hasn't been around for 18 months, so don't expect an immediate answer.