A question for Lutz

[rob_jax]

Hi, and a happy New Year to you.

I've just purchased an E-Klasse 280 CDI and I'm now thinking about fitting a quick-release tow-bar. Do you have any comments on the relative merits of Bosal, Westfalia, or other makes?

I had looked on the Test pages from ADAC but couldn't find anything useful.

Regards, Robert

 

[Lutz]

I don't know of any direct comparison tests of various makes of towbars, either. It is difficult to make any fair comments on the merits or otherwise of Oris, Westfalia, Brink, Bosal, etc. because they would be based on our experience of working together with them as an OEM supplier and not after-market fittings. There may be differences in these products. Any recommendation could therefore reflect undue bias. Suffice to say that all four are capable of producing a quality product.

If you want to have a look at the design of the Westfalia towbar for the Merc E, there's a picture in the operating instructions (in English on pages 21 and 22)

And here is the equivalent Bosal design

Brink don't appear to have a removable towbar for the current E-Class Merc, at least I couldn't find one listed in their catalogue (unless I overlooked it).

Oris don't have a web based catalogue which can be accessed by the public.

 

[cris_408518]

I've had a number of Bosal QR tow hitches and three fitted on Mercedes as Bosal purchase was more cost effective by far than Mercedes or Brink.

Many tens of thousand of miles towing Cravans plus business trailers with Zero problems if that helps.

 

[rob_jax]

Lutz and Cris,

Thanks for the feedback guys, I had a Brink on my last MB and it was fine, but as you say that option is not available for the new W211 - so I was wondering which to choose.

And thanks for the link to the Westfalia technical document - English, Dutch or German is fine (too many IP / CEN / DIN / NEN meetings)

Regards, Robert

 

[Lutz]

Lutz and Cris,

Thanks for the feedback guys, I had a Brink on my last MB and it was fine, but as you say that option is not available for the new W211 - so I was wondering which to choose.

And thanks for the link to the Westfalia technical document - English, Dutch or German is fine (too many IP / CEN / DIN / NEN meetings)

Regards, Robert

Your seemingly very extensive international contacts intrigue me. I have a question and would appreciate if you would get in touch with me by email.

 

[Lutz]

I forgot to mention that Oris is the supplier for the Merc E Class factory fitted towbar. It is a fairly sophisticated affair, instead of being detachable, it's a swing-out towbar which is operated by a handle inside the boot so you don't get your hands dirty - obviously not really suitable as a retrofit option, but I thought you may be interested. The Vectra estate has the same system.

ORIS-MATIC video

 

[Lutz]

ORIS-MATIC towbar system

 

[rob_jax]

Your seemingly very extensive international contacts intrigue me. I have a question and would appreciate if you would get in touch with me by email.

Hi Lutz - you should have something in your inbox - Robert

 

[rob_jax]

Thank you again.

I'm collecting the E280 CDI from Oxford on Saturday, then off to Rotterdam on Sunday - and I'll get the Westfalia bar fitted when I get back.

Robert

 

[Lutz]

No doubt when you read the Westfalia installation instructions you will have noticed that you need an uprated motor for the cooling fan and two additional underbody reinforcements (not included in the towbar kit) in order to tow with the E Class. They point out that without these changes, you would be in danger of losing warranty coverage. Just thought I'd mention such an important note again here.

 

[rob_jax]

Thank you yes, I saw that in the Westfalia documentation - I'll speak with the MB dealer on Saturday.

Robert