'05 W211 E320 CDI trailer hitch install - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ROLLGUY · #1 03-01-2017, 09:14 PM

I purchased a Curt hitch for my CDI for around $140, including a 2" Euro Ball. The installation only took about 40 minutes total. The hitch bolts to the bumper shocks with U bolts, and also a tab on each side. The side holes needed to be drilled, and it was fairly easy to do. I drilled from the outside with a smaller drill, and finished the hole on the inside with a bit that worked for the 3/8 bolt. The wire bundle on the right needed to be moved out of the way, so it would not get damaged from the drill. I am planning to use it for towing a small trailer, which will never come close to the max rating of the hitch.

ROLLGUY · #2 03-01-2017, 09:43 PM

I purchased a converter from a four light system (stop lights separate from turn signals) to a two light (turn and stop combined). I removed the plastic sill cover by removing the plastic rivets. I looked up a Youtube video for the wiring, but did it an easier way. It said to remove the side covers, but I was able to gain access to the wires without removing them. I used the wiring color code specified on the video. On the left side I tapped into three wires, and one for the right. I did not run the green wire all the way over to the right side to make the connection, as the factory wiring started out on the left side.
Color code:
Converter Red= Black-Red tracer
Converter Brown= Green-Blue tracer
Converter Yellow= Green-Black tracer
Converter Green= Blue-Black tracer
I tucked the converter and extra wire behind the cover, and ran the trailer wire out below the sill cover. When I tow a trailer, I will just hang the wire over the sill, and close the trunk.

BillGrissom · #3 03-03-2017, 03:14 AM

Nice. I put similar on my 1985 300D by welding a 1.25" sq receiver to a cut-off Curt flat-bar hitch from the junkyard. Besides a trailer ball, easy to attach a bike carrier, etc.