Mercedes E250 Bluetec

[sandmansans]

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/57d444bdc734f/313361300113.pdf

Here is the install instructions for the electrics kit that comes with it. It looks a lot easier than the install for the vw, ad the module that you work with is located in the trunk area. For volkswagen you had to route all the way to the front of the car.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

bobdfsh, is your bike rack and bikes less than 88kg?

 

[sandmansans]

Yep, there is a factory trailer hitch, but is only offered in European markets. If I recall correctly, it electronically retracts (i.e. wiring is involved) and it is integrated with COMMAND (i.e programming is involved).

That retractable one ktr mentioned is dor the 2016 models and onwards. Pfjones doesn't stock them yet, but give them a call. They may be able to special order. They're super friendly. I called them a few times when I ordered mine and they were very helpful

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[sandmansans]

P.s. Just throwing this out there, if any of you ends up going the route of guinea pig as gjas18 and myself did and you happen to be in the nj/ny/pa area, let me know! I wouldn't mind helping out for the cause, it's always a good (and frustrating time) doing something first.
Hey it may get me to trade in for a 250 bt once my finances get back under control.

Also, here are some pics I took just now to show you how it looks
Towball attached and electrics socket extended. I've gotten a lot of use of my towbar, hence the missing paint on the top of the ball!

Now without the bar and with the electrics retracted

This is the harness that I made. Most of my towing involves 4 flat trailers, but it is easy to change out for a 7.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk


This is the adapter that you will need

https://www.amazon.com/docooler-Trailer-13-Pole-Connector-Caravan/dp/B00S97S56C

You can buy the us loom for either 4 or 7 at any autopart for a few bucks.

 

[ssamalin]

The instructions don't show any wire splicing which is a relief. I'd be willing to hand this to Uhaul to let them try it. Not sure I'd have any other way. I don't think any trusted mechanics would do it. I don't think it looks any more complicated than the average hitch job does it? and like sandmansans says the box is in the rear, and no splicing. The directions are strictly pictures which is bad? Could an experienced and knowledgeable tech have enough info to do it?

 

[sandmansans]

The instructions don't show any wire splicing which is a relief. I'd be willing to hand this to Uhaul to let them try it. Not sure I'd have any other way. I don't think any trusted mechanics would do it. I don't think it looks any more complicated than the average hitch job does it? and like sandmansans says the box is in the rear, and no splicing. The directions are strictly pictures which is bad? Could an experienced and knowledgeable tech have enough info to do it?

Why not do it yourself? But if you choose the route of having someone else do it, I'd make sure it's a trusted guru. Not the folks at u haul.
No splicing whatsoever. That is part of the beauty of going oem. That and the added features you can't get from the splice and dice methods others go with.
Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

I'll try to find a trusted mechanic that will A work on MB and B install a hitch, but I think I'm going to wind up at U-Haul, they are the only guys I know who do it. As for DIY, can a guy with an apartment parking spot and almost no tools or experience do it?

I just spoke to Bosal in NJ. They said they don't have it. So the only hope is Sandmansans's links or IndigoBlueWagon's guy. Can anybody phone pfjones Europe? Please ask them if they know of a hitch on an E250BT at least in Europe if not here and if not do they have a hitch they think might fit. Looks like buying the Bosal and trying it is what's left to try. I called my dealer. The parts guy said don't even try it. He didn't have a clue.

 

[sandmansans]

I'll try to find a trusted mechanic that will A work on MB and B install a hitch, but I think I'm going to wind up at U-Haul, they are the only guys I know who do it. As for DIY, can a guy with an apartment parking spot and almost no tools or experience do it?

I just spoke to Bosal in NJ. They said they don't have it. So the only hope is Sandmansan's links or IndigoBlueWagon's guy. Can anybody phone Bosal Europe? Please ask them if they know of a hitch on an E250BT at least in Europe if not here and if not do they have a hitch they think might fit. Looks like buying the Bosal and trying it is what's left to try. I called my dealer. The parts guy said don't even try it. He didn't have a clue.

You're better off going the route of calling pfjones. I tried and wasted a lot of time calling bosal and I only ran into uneducated employees. When I finally got an answer, they actually told me it wouldn't fit the NAR jetta..lol they were obviously wrong. The folks over at pfjones are very helpful.

Regarding the install, yes if it's anything like the jetta you can most certainly install in limited space with limited tools.
The biggest thing will be finding a spot where you can lay the bumper cover once you have it off so it doesn't get scratched. I used an old comforter.

For the jetta and I'm sure similar for the merc, you removed the bumper cover which was held by like 13 torx screws. After that it was the actual steel bumper. That was held by 8 bolts. The bosal unit slides into the frame rails and you bolt it in. Tools suggested without looking at the install.

Basic socket set and extension
Torx sockets if needed
3/8 driver
And a torque wrench to turn the bolts to spec.

For the electric you will probably need those torx bits. Also you will need a electrical pin push tool. These can be found at harbor freight at a low price.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

Thanks Sandmansans.

 

[sandmansans]

Thanks Sandmansans.

Not a problem, too bad you're on the west coast as I'd be down to help you out.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

pfjones web site wiring kit is about $200. I left a "call me back" request. I may try to connect the wires first before I install the hitch. Make sense? If you can stay tuned here maybe I can get through the wiring first with your help. I can do the physical hitch install later.

 

[sandmansans]

pfjones web site wiring kit is about $200. I left a "call me back" request. I may try to connect the wires first before I install the hitch. Make sense? If you can stay tuned here maybe I can get through the wiring first with your help.

Yes sure I can help you. Worth noting pfjones is 8 hours ahead of your time. I don't know if they will actually call you back being that you're a long distance number. If you don't feel like calling first, reach out to them via the live chat or email option. They're pretty responsive there as well

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

We ordered a couple of these from Bosal. Probably 10 weeks out. Pricing will probably be in the $400 range including shipping. We'll have final pricing once they ship.

 

[ssamalin]

Any confirmation from them that it works on an E250BT rwd US? Did they actually know of a car that has one installed successfully? There are 3 owners on this thread that I think would like to install one. I may contact you this Weds on your commercial web site IndigoBlueWagon and try to order it from you.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Our Bosal catalog and pfjones both confirm it'll fit, but we can't test that until we have one on hand. I'm out of the office this week after today 'till Friday. I'll be at a trade show, so perhaps I can find Bosal and see if they can confirm fitment.

 

[ssamalin]

You will test install it on MB?

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

We could if we have a car available. Right now we don't. If Bosal can confirm fitment on the US market E250 we'll be satisfied with that.

 

[ssamalin]

Did you also get the wiring? Sandmansans has advised the 13pin Westfalia (above).

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

No, we don't stock wiring. Variations in plugs between US and Europe make it too challenging to get right.

 

[ssamalin]

OK. I'll order it from pfjones.

 

[sandmansans]

OK. I'll order it from pfjones.

Believe it or not shipping is very quick considering it comes from the uk. If I'm not mistaken it was a week.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/mercedes-e-class-saloon-2009-2016-westfalia-detachable-towbar.html

There's a Westfalia choice on hitches? Also

Pfjones say the Bosal hitch and Westfalia wiring fit, except for:

"if the vehicle has Flashing tail lights for the turn signal instead of separate ones it could be a problem."

Don't know what that means. Continuing to email pfjones about this.

I am in no rush to rip apart my wiring. I am going to keep able to back out at all times. Slow is good. This will take me months or more.

 

[sandmansans]

http://www.pfjones.co.uk/mercedes-e-class-saloon-2009-2016-westfalia-detachable-towbar.html

There's a Westfalia choice on hitches? Also

Pfjones say the Bosal hitch and Westfalia wiring fit, except for:

"if the vehicle has Flashing tail lights for the turn signal instead of separate ones it could be a problem."

Don't know what that means. Continuing to email pfjones about this.

I am in no rush to rip apart my wiring. I am going to keep able to back out at all times. Slow is good. This will take me months or more.

That's confusing. But taking a stab at the translation. Maybe they mean if your break lights also double up as your blinkwrs/4 ways? Then no good?

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

flashing is the new LED strips, blinking older type I think.

 

[sandmansans]

flashing is the new LED strips, blinking older type I think.

What kind do you have.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

I emailed pfjones asking how I tell the difference. There are a few types, standard, LED strips, full LED and probably a few more types. They phased in LED over three or more model years. Apparently the connections are tricky. Even full LED has had a few gens with adaptive, various LED capacities, not going to be easy.

 

[sandmansans]

I emailed pfjones asking how I tell the difference. There are a few types, standard, LED strips, full LED and probably a few more types. They phased in LED over three or more model years. Apparently the connections are tricky. Even full LED has had a few gens with adaptive, various LED capacities, not going to be easy.

That would make sense. Probably a change in that control module.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

pfjones says:

"I mean in Europe the turn signal has always been a separate amber color bulb section in the rear lamps. In the U.S the older vehicle use the same Red bulb as the tail lights and flash that one instead, some VW's for instance still have this function in the last 10 years but it may not be the same on your vehicle as most European brands aren't.

Your LED bulbs are irrelevant and the kit would work providing you have the separate rear turn signal."

I have an amber strip that flashes for turn and a red tail light. So I think he's saying I'm good.

 

[sandmansans]

pfjones says:

"I mean in Europe the turn signal has always been a separate amber color bulb section in the rear lamps. In the U.S the older vehicle use the same Red bulb as the tail lights and flash that one instead, some VW's for instance still have this function in the last 10 years but it may not be the same on your vehicle as most European brands aren't.

Your LED bulbs are irrelevant and the kit would work providing you have the separate rear turn signal."

I have an amber strip that flashes for turn and a red tail light. So I think he's saying I'm good.

That sounds right

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[ssamalin]

It'll be a few weeks before I start installing the wiring due to previous commitments.