MODEL 203.### 1# with CODE 550 (Trailer coupling) without CODE 772 (AMG styling package - front spoiler, side skirts and rear apron)
Trailer hitch with removable ball neck
As part of liberalization of EU regulations the legislator waives any requirement for an inspection of retrofitted trailer hitch (AHV) at an authorized technical inspection station (for example Technical Inspection Association).
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.
For older vehicles or trailer hitches, with national test symbol (no E1-test symbol), the installation test at an authorized technical test point (e.g. Technical Inspection Association) continues to apply.
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.
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.
The coupling ball must have a ball diameter of at least 49 mm at all points, measured with a caliper gage. The ball must be greased before use to reduce wear. Advise the customer accordingly.
Otherwise safety will be compromised.
On trailers with an anti-swerve device
it is not necessary to grease the ball (see trailer instructions). Advise the customer accordingly.
The customer should be asked to read the chapters entitled "trailer hitch" and "Trailer operation" in the vehicle's operating instructions.
Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
Always remind the customer that fuse 18 in the SAM control unit with the rear SAM fuse and relay module (N10/2) should be inserted in its socket only when a trailer is actually connected. - Otherwise another electrical device could discharge the battery while the vehicle is at a standstill.
Otherwise another electrical device could discharge the battery while the vehicle is at a standstill.