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at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

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Posted 8/19/2012 3:29 AM

norsecarnut
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Date registered: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle(s): 07 Rover LR3, 08 Audi S4Avant,04 Disco2,96 Disco1
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300

at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

It has returned to North America WITH an included factory receiver.

Maybe this is old news or boring news but I thought it was at least worth noting.

#206537

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Posted 8/20/2012 3:01 PM

mb230s

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Really? Has anybody seen this in person? The literature and web has been wrong for years on this topic.

#206569 - in reply to #206537

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Posted 8/20/2012 4:01 PM

Adoni
Expert

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
1000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Checked MBUSA today. It's somewhat vague. Both the G550 and G63 list a tow rating of 7500 lbs. with the "factory trailer stability assist" and an "approved aftermarket hitch". Soooo, it sounds like now you buy your hitch from the dealer when you buy your car. I wonder if the "approved aftermarket hitch" is only available from the $dealer$ the way the 6 disc CD changer used to be back in the day due to the "proprietary" wiring harness?

#206571 - in reply to #206537

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Posted 8/20/2012 9:24 PM

fernweh

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
2000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Adoni - 8/20/2012 1:01 PM

Checked MBUSA today. It's somewhat vague. Both the G550 and G63 list a tow rating of 7500 lbs. with the "factory trailer stability assist" and an "approved aftermarket hitch". Soooo, it sounds like now you buy your hitch from the dealer when you buy your car. I wonder if the "approved aftermarket hitch" is only available from the $dealer$ the way the 6 disc CD changer used to be back in the day due to the "proprietary" wiring harness?

Definitely no trailer hitch provision on a 2012 G-550. Just the large fuel tank protection plate behind the rear bumper. Completely different factory steel mountings (some for the tank plate) attached to the rear frame tube, than what are we used to see on our G-500's.

The wiring harness for the G-500 trailer hitch was also proprietary by Oris, never was a MB part. It was only available together with the hitch, but sold by MB dealers.

I will be visiting the Geländewagenzentrum in Hamburg this week and might get some more info there

Karl

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#206579 - in reply to #206571

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Posted 8/20/2012 10:57 PM

03-Gwagen
Elite Veteran

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s): CLK63 Black Series, 2018 G63, 2016 GLE300d
Posts: 888
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Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

I saw the 2013 G63 last week at the dealer.

Factory installed hitch was included at no additional charge.

The 2013 G63 is beautiful inside and out.

#206582 - in reply to #206579

Author

Posted 8/20/2012 10:58 PM

Adoni
Expert

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Sacramento, CA
Vehicle(s): '00 G500, '15 C300 4Matic, '06 L322 G4
Posts: 1283
1000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Karl,

The information was for the 2013 G Class. Perhaps in a rare moment of weakness, MBUSA caved to popular demand with regards to a desired feature on the G class in the US and redesigned the rear area to accommodate the hitch? It appears they have also upped the color options back to 12 from the previous 4-5 which I believe were available last year.

Per MBUSA site:

Trailer Stability Assist

With a generous 7,500-lb towing capacity when outfitted with an approved aftermarket hitch, the G-Class pulls a trailer with confidence. Whenever you're towing, standard Trailer Stability Assist acts decisively to help rein in trailer sway by strategically applying the front brakes of the G-Class, helping you keep your worries behind you.

Disclaimer:

Edited by Adoni 8/20/2012 11:04 PM

#206583 - in reply to #206537

Author

Posted 8/21/2012 12:18 AM

fernweh

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
2000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

03-Gwagen - 8/20/2012 7:57 PM

I saw the 2013 G63 last week at the dealer.

Factory installed hitch was included at no additional charge.

The 2013 G63 is beautiful inside and out.

Did you get a close look or even pictures from the hitch receiver? I wonder if a retro fit for the earlier G550 is possible.

Karl

#206589 - in reply to #206582

Author

Posted 8/21/2012 2:28 AM

norsecarnut
Extreme Veteran

Date registered: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle(s): 07 Rover LR3, 08 Audi S4Avant,04 Disco2,96 Disco1
Posts: 305
300

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

fernweh - 8/20/2012 9:18 PM

03-Gwagen - 8/20/2012 7:57 PM

I saw the 2013 G63 last week at the dealer.

Factory installed hitch was included at no additional charge.

The 2013 G63 is beautiful inside and out.

Did you get a close look or even pictures from the hitch receiver? I wonder if a retro fit for the earlier G550 is possible.

Karl

I should have said I saw it on a local dealer G63. I don't think there is any reason why the stuff wouldn't retrofit but it would still of course require welding because 09-12 G did not have the plate welded to the cylindrical frame cross tube. As I'm sure you are aware. Seems to me the retro-fit is really just the act of welding onto that cross member. After that, all the basic parts would bolt on and one would think, the way these vehicles are nearly identically structured, the new altered tank cover/hitch allowance could be ordered and also bolted on to 09-12 models. Although cutting the tank cover is what the Renntech notes suggest with it's hitch kit.

#206590 - in reply to #206589

Author

Posted 8/21/2012 2:40 AM

norsecarnut
Extreme Veteran

Date registered: Apr 2009
Location: Seattle, WA
Vehicle(s): 07 Rover LR3, 08 Audi S4Avant,04 Disco2,96 Disco1
Posts: 305
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Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

mb230s - 8/20/2012 12:01 PM

Really? Has anybody seen this in person? The literature and web has been wrong for years on this topic.

I meant to say I saw it. Yes, very "really"

and about time!

The overall literature is pretty mixed up in other areas too. I read some confusing stuff about the number of actual air bags and locations of "protection" To my knowledge, it still only has one front bag per front seat and a side curtain which runs from front seats through 2nd row. It may also run further into the 3rd row/cargo area. But no mention is ever made saying a "side" or "bolster" or "torso" air bag.

The literature however does state "8 way protection" but also "4 air bags".

It is interesting considering some other models, similar in price range, have many more safety protections - or so it appears. For instance the Range Rover has of course both frontal and side/torso for both front people, plus window curtain, plus knee for driver.

I wish there were crash tests performed for the G. I'd like to see how it does in the comparisons just from a purely intellectual point of view. I saw an amazing upside down drop/spin of a Volvo 70 wagon, maybe an xc70, to mimic a bad air born roller over/flip. Dropped it while spinning it to land right on the A pillar and it barely cracked the windshield. Cool to watch on video.

Almost as fun as watching the Smart car vs C or E class sedan test. Bad day for smart car with it resembling one of those rides at a county fair like the "octopus" spinning you into the air while rising up from the ground.

#206591 - in reply to #206569

Author

Posted 8/21/2012 8:49 AM

03-Gwagen
Elite Veteran

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s): CLK63 Black Series, 2018 G63, 2016 GLE300d
Posts: 888
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Did you get a close look or even pictures from the hitch receiver? I wonder if a retro fit for the earlier G550 is possible.

Karl

I didn't look that close to it but I did notice the electrical harness receiver was not vertical - which I thought was odd.

I'll ask the dealer if they will email me some pics.

Edited by 03-Gwagen 8/21/2012 9:03 AM

#206595 - in reply to #206589

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Posted 8/21/2012 9:14 AM

03-Gwagen
Elite Veteran

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Western Pennsylvania
Vehicle(s): CLK63 Black Series, 2018 G63, 2016 GLE300d
Posts: 888
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Dealer just emailed me the G, was sold yesterday. So no pics...

#206597 - in reply to #206595

Author

Posted 8/21/2012 4:37 PM

mb230s

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Nice....good to have the hitch back. This was one of the major reasons I didn't get another G after deciding it was time to dump my 02. Now give me a diesel and I'm back in the fold.

#206606 - in reply to #206537

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Posted 8/21/2012 5:09 PM

DUTCH
Administrator Doppelgänger

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: US, GA, Atlanta
Vehicle(s): 2015 Audi Q7 3.0 TDI,2018 Sprinter
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Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

mb230s - 8/21/2012 4:37 PM

Nice....good to have the hitch back. This was one of the major reasons I didn't get another G after deciding it was time to dump my 02. Now give me a diesel and I'm back in the fold.

Don't hold your breath on that last one.

#206608 - in reply to #206606

Author

Posted 8/22/2012 9:42 AM

oskar
Elite Veteran

Date registered: Sep 2006
Location: Lyons, CO
Vehicle(s): 1981 280GE, 2002 G500, 280SE 4.5, Audi A4 1.8T
Posts: 708
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Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

fernweh - 8/20/2012 6:24 PM

The wiring harness for the G-500 trailer hitch was also proprietary by Oris, never was a MB part. It was only available together with the hitch, but sold by MB dealers.

Karl

I had a electrical issue, wanted to buy the special flasher relay for trailer and the other black box ... could only get the relay

Oskar

#206628 - in reply to #206579

Author

Posted 8/22/2012 10:30 AM

mb230s

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

Definitely not holding my breath. I think it was 3 years ago this month I dumped the G500. On my 3rd daily driver since. Didn't care for the first 2. Really digging #3. We'll see how the winter goes but thus far I'm not missing having an SUV. My fondness for the G may fade over time if MBUSA won't offer the model I want.

DUTCH - 8/21/2012 4:09 PM

Don't hold your breath on that last one.

#206629 - in reply to #206608

Author

Posted 8/28/2012 11:29 PM

fernweh

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
2000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

I have visited the Gelaendewagen Center in Hamburg Germany to get a closer look at the 2013 model line up.

The following models are available for the German buyer:

G Class Stationwagen (LWB) G350 Bluetec Diesel

G Class Stationwagen (LWB) G500

G Class Cabriolet (SWB) G500

G Class (LWB) G63 AMG

G Class (LWB) G65 AMG

All those vehicles have the trailer hitch mounting provisions and all models on display had a German type Oris trailer hitch installed.
Not sure if those provisions are identical for most parts compared to those found on the 2002 to 2008 models. I did notice the rear frame horns with the welded on tow loops on all 2013 models and the attachment points for the inner bumper brackets as we have known from our earlier G-wagen.
The fuel tank protection plate and its mounting is different now from our earlier models, different also from the MBUSA G550 - not as large but obviously much more refined and nicely (more professional) shaped. This protection plate allows full access to the rear bumper and the trailer hitch provisions on the rear most frame tube.

Pictures will follow as soon as I find (or buy again) my mini USB cable

Karl

#206804 - in reply to #206629

Author

Posted 8/30/2012 10:48 AM

mb230s

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: SWFL
Vehicle(s): G-less for now, vintage MBs, FJ40
500

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

The Euro models may not match what will be offered in the USA in this area. Rear impact regulations specific to USA were the reason for the change and elimination of the hitch in 2009 on these shores. Never went away in ROW.

#206828 - in reply to #206537

Author

Posted 9/1/2012 2:33 AM

jimmy
Regular

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Vehicle(s): 2013 G 63 AMG
Posts: 64

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

fernweh - 8/29/2012 7:29 AM I have visited the Gelaendewagen Center in Hamburg Germany

Hi Karl, where exactly was this in Hamburg? I'll be there next week.

#206911 - in reply to #206804

Author

Posted 9/2/2012 4:28 AM

fernweh

Date registered: Apr 2006
Location: Calabasas, CA - Centenario, BCS - Luebeck, Germany
Vehicle(s): Few Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota Amphibious and a Vespa
2000

Re: at least one useful G63 improvement - factory towing receiver

jimmy - 8/31/2012 11:33 PM

fernweh - 8/29/2012 7:29 AM I have visited the Gelaendewagen Center in Hamburg Germany

Hi Karl, where exactly was this in Hamburg? I'll be there next week.

Jimmy,

Gelaendewagen Center
Kollaustr. 171
22453 Hamburg