Towbar for GLC

19489 Views 19 Replies 14 Participants Last post by Steampowered, 11 mo ago

David_D

Discussion Starter · Aug 29, 2019

I am about to order a 220d AMG Line GLC (facelift model) but need a towbar for towing a caravan. The messages I'm getting from Mercedes is that there isn't an option for a factory fitted towbar on the AMG Line model but there is on the Sport. I've asked the local dealership about a dealer fitted towbar but was informed that they can't do this because it invalidates the warranty. I know there was an option for a towbar on the old GLC AMG Line so why is this not available on the new model?

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snrbrtsn

· #2 · Aug 29, 2019

I believe it’s to do with the lower apron design of the rear bumper and kick sensor for the boot
Both can be overcome Looking at the configurator, it is very odd.
I have the previous model 2019 Amg line and overlooked the towbar, as long as the car is type Approved for a towbar you shall be fine,
I had an aftermarket supply & fit detachable towbar supplies

LONS

· #3 · Aug 30, 2019 (Edited)

Hi David

Certainly sounds odd to me unless the apron on the new version interferes and they haven't bothered to produce an alternative. These are the same manufacturers who stated categorically that in wasn't possible to fit mudflaps to the AMG-line bodywork and when I sent them specs and photos of the excellent chiwanese flaps I fitted they finally admitted over the phone that they didn't like to see flaps on that model as "it spoils the lines of the car".

Unless they definitely state that the AMG-line is unsuitable for towing I suspect there will be towing limits published in the manual in which case it would be difficult for them to argue and as said aftermarket bars have to meet type approval under regulations though in that case you will have to put up with a detachable ball and are likely to lose the foot wave feature.

My 2019 250d AMG-line has a factory electric towbar which is excellent. Completely out of sight, operation buttons on tailgate and drivers door, easily accessible 13 pin socket fixe to the swivel bit and full use of foot wave whether ball is away or in use.

I'd get back on the 'phone to MB customer services and push for answers from someone senior, the dealers will tell you anything, when I bought mine they said a factory towbar wasn't available and I would have to contact a local company to have one fitted. They had egg on their face when I showed them on the configurator and pointed out that one of their demo cars already had one fitted.:smile2:

I towed a big 1800kg twin axle and the car handled it perfectly btw, not now as we swapped it for a motorhome.

PS
The electric bar fitted to mine is made by Bosal.

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David_D

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 31, 2019

Thanks for the replies. The GLC will be on lease and the leasing company have said that fitting an aftermarket towbar is only allowed if it's installed with no cutting of the bumper. Interestingly the Configure option for the New GLC on the uk websites is no longer available this morning.

snrbrtsn

· #5 · Aug 31, 2019

I would recheck with the leasing company, ordinarily the leasing company is just a broker/middle man and the registered owner of said car is under A N Other company name
Seek written confirmation that a towbar can be fitted, which requires a unseen bumper cut (towbar specific varies the extent of bumper cutting) you will receive written notification that it’s allowable ( make sure you keep this) as long as, on return of vehicle you leave the towbar otherwise return to as received condition (which would result in replacing the rear apron and installing original rear frame)

In regards to the kick sensor for comfort opening of rear tailgate/boot, this is repositioned higher up the bumper and still fully functional
Sadly, I state sadly as I only use my towbar for a cycle carrier and once mounted it’s all too easy to swipe the sensor resulting in boot opening, my work around is to run engine (or open boot) when I mount and demount bikes.

Ps
I have a tow trust detachable bar - smallest unseen bumper cut

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David_D

Discussion Starter · #6 · Sep 7, 2019

I've checked on the the German Mercedes website and the towbar is there as an option in the car configuration. Speaking to my local Honda dealership they said they have the same problem selling new cars with added accessories because of WLTP.

Philamg

· #7 · Sep 7, 2019 (Edited)

Towbar available on UK configurator for sport version but not AMG line.

On my GLE I have factory fitted electric towbar and still have gesture control for boot opening, all UK GLE'S are AMG line.

Archiwells

· #8 · Nov 25, 2019

David_D said:
I am about to order a 220d AMG Line GLC (facelift model) but need a towbar for towing a caravan. The messages I'm getting from Mercedes is that there isn't an option for a factory fitted towbar on the AMG Line model but there is on the Sport. I've asked the local dealership about a dealer fitted towbar but was informed that they can't do this because it invalidates the warranty. I know there was an option for a towbar on the old GLC AMG Line so why is this not available on the new model?

David, did you manage to get a towbar. I have just purchased a stock facelift GLC 300 D AMG Line and was looking online for and aftermarket tow bar but have been finding some companies saying that a tow bar isn’t available for this vehicle. Looked at the Mercedes configurator and there is no option for factory fitted one, which is strange. Like you I need to tow a caravan so getting a tow bar fitted is vital. Thanks.

David Darnell

· #9 · Nov 26, 2019

I took delivery of the GLC yesterday so haven't had the towbar fitted yet. I've spoken with several companies about the availability of a towbar for the AMG Line models and most said there wasn't an option available. Eventually I found PF Jones who assured me that they have a couple of detachable towbars that can be installed on the AMG Line models. They advised that I would need the Vehicle Specific wiring kit and that they have the software for doing the Electrics Coding. They will also have to make a non visible cut which isn't a problem with the lease company. The only other company that said they could install the towbar was Hedleys in Durham but because PF Jones are more local I'm going to book the car in with them.

Reactions: 1

kradje

· #10 · Dec 9, 2019

Towbar GLC

Trevor at The Towbar Man in Prahran 03 9529 7722 fits towbars to the GLC without compromising any functions

RobertB

· #11 · Jan 16, 2020

am having the same problems myself. just wondering if you have had the towbar fitted and if you encountered any problems with coding. i have been informed by a few fitters that they may not be able to fully code the car.

Gregoryurb

· #12 · Aug 2, 2021

David Darnell said:
I took delivery of the GLC yesterday so haven't had the towbar fitted yet. I've spoken with several companies about the availability of a towbar for the AMG Line models and most said there wasn't an option available. Eventually I found PF Jones who assured me that they have a couple of detachable towbars that can be installed on the AMG Line models. They advised that I would need the Vehicle Specific wiring kit and that they have the software for doing the Electrics Coding. They will also have to make a non visible cut which isn't a problem with the lease company. The only other company that said they could install the towbar was Hedleys in Durham but because PF Jones are more local I'm going to book the car in with them.

Hi there,

I've got GLC 300d AMG line
I went a bit further.
I called MB in Exeter and asked them to fit towbar.
Thay said it is possible... But the price.

16 hours x£148
Wiring kit, new software, towbar price =nearly £6k.

He was embarrassed saying that.
But I still want one fitted.
Has anyone actually got fitted on new model AMG line?

Regards Gregory

I called

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MUSTWAGGIT

· #13 · Aug 4, 2021

I had an electric fully retractable tow bar supplied and fitted for the same car at Milton Keynes price was approx £3200.00, included was tow bar, wiring harness and relevant switches plus they uprated the cooling system and also something to the gearbox and transmission system, also they upgrade the satnav software to take account of towing a caravan.

Gregoryurb

· #14 · Aug 5, 2021

Gregoryurb said:
Hi there,

I've got GLC 300d AMG line
I went a bit further.
I called MB in Exeter and asked them to fit towbar.
Thay said it is possible... But the price.

16 hours x£148
Wiring kit, new software, towbar price =nearly £6k.

He was embarrassed saying that.
But I still want one fitted.
Has anyone actually got fitted on new model AMG line?

Regards Gregory

I called

Hi,

Thanks for your email.
Did you fitted your tow bar at MB dealership or elsewhere?

Regards Gregory

MUSTWAGGIT

· #15 · Aug 5, 2021

Gregoryurb said:
Hi,

Thanks for your email.
Did you fitted your tow bar at MB dealership or elsewhere?

Regards Gregory

At Mercedes-Benz HO Milton Keynes not the dealership. Purchased car through son in law's used car staff purchase scheme.

Deek

· #16 · Mar 6, 2022

LONS said:
My 2019 250d AMG-line has a factory electric towbar which is excellent.

Hi LONS, I would be grateful if you can advise how much you paid for the retractable towbar factory fitted on your brand new vehicle?

MUSTWAGGIT

· #17 · Mar 6, 2022

£750.00 when fitted at factory on new car orders, approx £3250.00 as an after market fitted by Mercedes all electric operation type plus all the additional bits as if factory fitted also it retains foot operation for boot opening.

royboy2713

· #18 · Mar 28, 2022

David Darnell said:
I took delivery of the GLC yesterday so haven't had the towbar fitted yet. I've spoken with several companies about the availability of a towbar for the AMG Line models and most said there wasn't an option available. Eventually I found PF Jones who assured me that they have a couple of detachable towbars that can be installed on the AMG Line models. They advised that I would need the Vehicle Specific wiring kit and that they have the software for doing the Electrics Coding. They will also have to make a non visible cut which isn't a problem with the lease company. The only other company that said they could install the towbar was Hedleys in Durham but because PF Jones are more local I'm going to book the car in with them.

Hedleys fitted a detachable tow bar for me on the 260322. This was the only option . my car is a 2019 facelift model glc amg line. Only slight issue is the electric connection isnt easy. I dont know if i could find an adapter.

Beaver

· #19 · May 17, 2022

Anyone know if you can fit one to a GLC300d 4matic plug in hybrid? This could make a break the deal for me on the car if you can't get one or they cost thousands to do... thanks

Steampowered

· #20 · 11 mo ago

David Darnell said:
I took delivery of the GLC yesterday so haven't had the towbar fitted yet. I've spoken with several companies about the availability of a towbar for the AMG Line models and most said there wasn't an option available. Eventually I found PF Jones who assured me that they have a couple of detachable towbars that can be installed on the AMG Line models. They advised that I would need the Vehicle Specific wiring kit and that they have the software for doing the Electrics Coding. They will also have to make a non visible cut which isn't a problem with the lease company. The only other company that said they could install the towbar was Hedleys in Durham but because PF Jones are more local I'm going to book the car in with them.

Hi David,

I have a GLC 300D AMG Line & looking at getting a tow bar fitted to tow a boat trailer. I wondered how the PF Jones Tow Bar fitting went?

Cheers

Mark

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