Notes on installing a trailer hitch - AH31.10-P-1000-02G

MODEL 215.### 1# up to 8/31/02 without CODE 772 (AMG styling package - front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron) 

MODEL 215.### 1# as of 9/1/02 without CODE 772 (AMG styling package - front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron) without CODE 855 (TELE AID) 

Fig 1: Identifying Trailer Hitch And Rear Fuse Box

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Fig 2: Identifying Trailer Hitch

Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

The customer must be advised that fuse 55 in the rear fuse box (F4) may only be inserted when driving with a trailer attached Otherwise another electrical device could discharge the battery while the vehicle is at a standstill.

The transport lock between the crossmember and the swing-out ball neck may only be removed after the release for the trailer hitches has been installed.

The ball neck snaps into its two end positions and can only be operated using the cable at the release lever. 

The following applies for Germany:

Installed trailer hitches without E1-test symbol  must be inspected by an officially appointed appraiser.

For trailer hitches with E1-test symbol  the legislator waives the requirement for inspection by an authorized technical inspection station (for example Technical Inspection Association) for a retrofitted trailer hitch (AHV).

Prerequisites:

• The additional phrase "if installed at the factory" must be printed in the registration papers (in clause 33 to clause 27: E1 00...).
• An E1-test symbol must be affixed to the trailer hitch.

Foreign countries must observe the appropriate registration regulations or legal requirements for the installation of a trailer coupling.

On all areas in which the trailer hitch comes into contact with the body, the body sealing compound and the underbody coating are to be removed. The mounting points should then be cleaned with a commercially available cleaning agent. Apply anticorrosion paint to bare-metal areas of the body.

Trailer hitches are homologated safety-related parts. They must be installed on vehicles by a specialist. trailer hitches, which are damaged because of an accident, bottoming or being run into from behind, must be replaced; subsequent alterations such as bending, mechanically processing, welding etc. are not permitted.

The coupling ball must have a minimum diameter of 49 mm at all points, measured using a caliper gauge. The ball must be greased before use to reduce wear. Advise the customer accordingly. Otherwise safety will be compromised.

The customer should be asked to read the chapters entitled "trailer hitch" and "Trailer operation" in the vehicle's operating instructions.

On trailers with an anti-swerve device  it is not necessary to grease the ball (see trailer instructions). Advice the customer accordingly.