w205 towbars

[kjb1]

Looks like your source data has been updated since you posted



Phew

Cheers

is this with factory tow bar however? or still applies for aftermarket fitting etc. ????

 

[Driver15]

is this with factory tow bar however? or still applies for aftermarket fitting etc. ????

I'm not sure. At one point you would of thought either or but it's not unknown for other brands to not fit bigger cooling fittments to cars without factory fit tow bars.

I would suggest the mb PDFs and apps state the factory and car limit and then the 3rd aftermarket equip may also display its max limits

 

[easyonthegas]

The towing limit is the strength element, and whether you get a factory fitted towbar or a reputable towbar will make no difference. The V1 document will state the MB limit, and this should match the data gievn above.

You state you have ordered the premium pack? If so you can not have the retractable towbar from MB, as this would requrie a bumper cut which conflicts with the boot opening sensor. I wanted the MB towbar but I am glad I bought the Thule (Brink) one, as there is no bumper cut, and the sensor works fine.
Most manufacturer do not understand towbar or towing system, but thankfully the towbar specialists do.

For your peace of mind, speak with the specialists - I did, and they were bang on!

 

[Adamxn85]

I have recently purchased a C250 AMG Line Estate. As it was a demonstrator I asked the dealer to fit a towbar as I had rad on a Thule website that the car was not suitable for towing, the comment was:- AMG & PANORAMIC ROOF MODELS ARE NOT HOMOLOGATED FOR TOWING - BRINK EXCL AMG PACKAGE. The dealer insisted this was incorrect and had an after market towbar fitted. I was advised that a small cut would be necessary in the lower skirt but would be hardly noticeable, unfortunately this was not correct as it is a large cut which is easily noticeable when standing behind the car. Apparently mercedes are looking at a modified lower skirt to accommodate a towbar. I'll wait and see. My question is, is there any truth to the statement made by Thule (Westfalia also stated not suitable for towing) and where would I stand if I were involved in an incident whilst towing?

 

[BTB 500]

I have recently purchased a C250 AMG Line Estate. As it was a demonstrator I asked the dealer to fit a towbar as I had rad on a Thule website that the car was not suitable for towing, the comment was:- AMG & PANORAMIC ROOF MODELS ARE NOT HOMOLOGATED FOR TOWING - BRINK EXCL AMG PACKAGE. The dealer insisted this was incorrect and had an after market towbar fitted. I was advised that a small cut would be necessary in the lower skirt but would be hardly noticeable, unfortunately this was not correct as it is a large cut which is easily noticeable when standing behind the car. Apparently mercedes are looking at a modified lower skirt to accommodate a towbar. I'll wait and see. My question is, is there any truth to the statement made by Thule (Westfalia also stated not suitable for towing) and where would I stand if I were involved in an incident whilst towing?

Look on the car's VIN plate. If a gross train weight (GTW) is given you are ok. If not you are breaking the law by having a towbar fitted, whether you are towing anything or not.

 

[Adamxn85]

Look on the car's VIN plate. If a gross train weight (GTW) is given you are ok. If not you are breaking the law by having a towbar fitted, whether you are towing anything or not.

Car has a GTW of 4010Kg so I guess its ok.

 

[BTB 500]

Sounds good

 

[kjb1]

Look on the car's VIN plate. If a gross train weight (GTW) is given you are ok. If not you are breaking the law by having a towbar fitted, whether you are towing anything or not.

this statement from Thule was down to the fact that the pano roof / amg line will have the remote easy access boot opening feature sensor located near to where tow bar sits, and they claim its in the way and cannot be fitted. Clearly wrong!!! [emoji1]

 

[mosescapetown]

First time i heard of models not allowed to tow...

How did MB reach that conclusion. ??? :fail

 

[kjb1]

First time i heard of models not allowed to tow...

How did MB reach that conclusion. ??? :fail

they did not. Lol

 

[BTB 500]

First time i heard of models not allowed to tow...

How did MB reach that conclusion. ??? :fail

Since 1998 car manufacturers have had to apply for EU type-approval for towing, for each specific model. This takes time and money so for versions where fitting a towbar was unlikely to be required by customers they didn't bother.

My 1997 SL500 can legally have a towbar fitted and tow a 1500 kg trailer. But a 1998/S registered one couldn't, because it's subject to the type-approval law.

 

[SG94]

Hi.

Quick question.
I just had a fixed towbar fitted to my new C220 estate today. He mentioned something about 'downloads' so the car knows it can now tow, but it seems the active park assist no longer works, I don't get the blue icon in the dash anymore.

Should this have been disabled? The manual states that with a towbar fitted the system requires a longer length space, and that when you plug anything in it then disabled it. But mine is gone.

This was a third party fitter recommended by the dealership.
Not a big deal TBH, dont think I would use it much, but the car is brand new and at the mo it's a nice little trick to show off ;-)

:-/

Thanks.

 

[easyonthegas]

What type of electrics did you fit? If the dedicated (plug in) type then the MB dealer can code the towbar electrics to the vehicle. Take about 30 minutes (plus the compulsary wait around time) and they will want to charge you £100!

 

[Forestier]

AMG Premium Plus Estate & Brink Removable Two Bar

I have a sep 2014 built W205 C Class Estate Premium Plus with pano roof.
I have read through this thread a few times but I am still unsure about being able to fit the ex Thule & now Brink detachable towbar to my car.

Brink site quotes:
"now the portfolio has been expanded with a new vertical detachable towbar for the C-Class (W205) with AMG styling. This vertical detachable towbar (BMU) is also easy to assemble, is completely invisible and requires no incision in the bumper.

Vertical detachable tow bar BMU 590300Wiring kit
7-pin 727623Wiring kit
13-pin 727624The wiringkits
(7 pin & 13 pin) both fit the C-class (w205) with and without AMG stylng. The wiringkits are completely car specific and require programming for the functions: Foglight disconnection, Parking distance control sensor shutoff."

My 3 questions are:
1. Has anyone had this towbar fitted to an AMG model?
2. Did it interfere with the under bumper sensor for wiggly foot hands free boot opening?
3. Which wiring kit is needed for a tow bar mounted bike rack?

Any guidance welcome!

 

[kjb1]

I have a w205 amg premium plus, and fitted a brink detachable tow bar, no incision, wiggly foot sensor still works. All good, bar the shocking installer I used who completely fudged my coding ( every error imaginable on the car ) and chipped paintwork on rear wing, its a good tow bar, make sure you use a decent firm, and avoid cowboy outfits, would recommend ph jones mobile fitters!!


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Forestier]

Brilliant news, thanks for the reply.

Which wiring loom did you go for?

Also, anyone used a good towbar installer in Southampton / Hampshire area?

 

[Forestier]

Brink Tow bar now fitted

I can now confirm that Brink Detachable Tow Bar model 5903 does the following:

1. Correct for W205 C Class Estate with AMG styling & Pano roof.
2. No cutting of the rear valance.
3. No conflict with foot sensor for hands free boot opening.
4. Rear parking sensors coded to shut down when tow bar electrics connected.

Tried it yesterday with a Thule 2 bike tow bar mounted rack and it all worked perfectly.

I went for 7 pin electrics and a vehicle specific loom.

All in price including fitting was £595

I used this company who were recommended by my local Mercedes dealership:

Towbar Services, Pavillion Close, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hants. 023 8069 5311
Ask for Tony

 

[kjb1]

I can now confirm that Brink Detachable Tow Bar model 5903 does the following:



1. Correct for W205 C Class Estate with AMG styling & Pano roof.

2. No cutting of the rear valance.

3. No conflict with foot sensor for hands free boot opening.

4. Rear parking sensors coded to shut down when tow bar electrics connected.



Tried it yesterday with a Thule 2 bike tow bar mounted rack and it all worked perfectly.



I went for 7 pin electrics and a vehicle specific loom.



All in price including fitting was £595



I used this company who were recommended by my local Mercedes dealership:



Towbar Services, Pavillion Close, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hants. 023 8069 5311

Ask for Tony

does yours push the centre rear diffuser out at bottom slightly??picture??


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Forestier]

Sorry for late reply. No distortion of rear diffuser. Also, electrics are on a swivel down fitting so invisible when not in use. Slightly awkward inserting the detachable tow hook but that's because the car is so low. I find I have to lie on the ground to be able to locate the mounting socket & pop the tow hook in.