W212 towbars

[ThePadd]

Hi guys. Anyone fitted a merc towbar to a w212 2013 facelift E250.
I have seen some used ones on ebay that look like they fold away out of sight.
How would I find the right part number and how do I get it coded to my car?

 

[BfgSLKMan]

First thing is to chek your car is Type Approved for towing (not all are). Check the VIN plate on the B pillar and look for the towing weight. Assuming that's good then cross reference the part number against the manufactures website. If its detachable it's likely to be from Bosal/Oris, Westfalia, Witter or GDW. You then need to check if the car needs a bigger cooling fan. Merc (generally) only fit 450W fans, but cars leaving the factory with towbars have upgraded 600W fans. Electrics - make your life simplier by using a dedicated wiring kit. Bypass kits work but do not allow the full adaptablitity of the cars systems (such as traction control, air suspension) to towing. Coding can be done with anyone with access to bi-directional coding machine. A dealer would likely charge you an hours labour. I would internet search Mercedes Coding close to where you live an see what comes up. I am assuming you are going to fit this yourself (?) as most fitters will only fit new bars/electric for warranty/assurance purposes.

 

[ChrisHGTV]

Hi guys. Anyone fitted a merc towbar to a w212 2013 facelift E250.
I have seen some used ones on ebay that look like they fold away out of sight.
How would I find the right part number and how do I get it coded to my car?

Mine isn't a facelift but i have a factory fitted Westfalia removeable tow bar. Its superb and would highly recommend. I only use it for a bike rack though. The car i bought in the end had one factory fitted but before that i was researching the various kinds. From memory mine did have some upgrade to the cooling for towing but can't remember what exactly. The most i'll tow is a bike rack mind! The fold away ones look good but i do like the simplicity of the removeable one. Plus they are quite heavy so in a way it's nice to leave the big chunk of metal at home if i don't need it! The Westfalia is very well made and works perfectly. I was so impressed i bought a Westfalia carrier as well, direct from Westfalia.

Westfalia might be worth a shout - they seem to cover everything for the install and coding etc

Mercedes Benz E Class Estate towbars | Westfalia

 

[BfgSLKMan]

I had GDW on my Land Rover Discovery Sport. Belgian made and again like the Westfalia first class. That said I have the factory electric swivelling one on my car which is the bees knees

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If you buy a detachable towbar from the Mercedes parts counter then it will almost certainly be a Westfalia.

 

[BfgSLKMan]

If you buy a detachable towbar from the Mercedes parts counter then it will almost certainly be a Westfalia.

But with a large mark up over buying it direct I suspect

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

But with a large mark up over buying it direct I suspect

I bought both from the main dealer and Westfalia and they were identical. Neither Mercedes nor Westfalia knew whether there would be any differences. It was less expensive from Westfalia but not GT as much as you might expect (if you bought it as a kit rather than individual components).