Good afternoon! I am relatively new to the Benz world as I got me a used 2011 ML350 about a month ago. I pull a trailer quite frequently on the weekends and tried to get a hitch put on it. Dealer wanted over 2k to do it so I had an aftermarket company (discount hitch in TX) install one- it pulls extremely well and very smooth but they wouldn't touch the wiring for the lights. I ordered a Curt universal but get error codes when porting into the tail light wires so I took that back out.

I bit the bullet and ordered a new rear SAM unit part # 1649005401 that says its for towing but needs to be programmed. I would like to know if anyone has experience in how much that will cost and where do I get the actual wires from that plug from the SAM into the trailer? I can't seem to find that anywhere. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

For all of those Searching... Here is the OEM part numbers that are seemingly impossible to find, I ordered them at OEM / Performance / Maintenance / Repair / Replacement Parts and kits for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche and Volkswagen - ECS Tuning because on there it was cheaper then I could find even on Ebay. Still pissed about having to spend so much but as long as the programming of the SAN isn't a fortune its still under half price of the dealer installing it:
1649005401 - Rear SAM Unit (needs to be programmed) $374.07
1644406434 - Cable from SAM to bumper $109.65
0205454026 - Trailer hitch socket plug $31.93


This is for my 2011 ML350, part #'s will work with others though. Enjoy!

 

Mate, I’m in Australia and damn near fell off my chair when I saw your post and how much it’s cost you so far.
I had a tow bar / hitch installed for $1500 AUD, but was never told about any requirement for a SAM or to get it programmed. Is this a American requirement? Frankly $2,000 USD seems very expensive. I checked with my local Merc Specialist and the blank puzzled look on his face said it all. Merc Specialist asked me what a SAM is, and I laughed and said I was asking him as he was the guru.
so both of us are scratching our heads wondering how your hitch could be so expensive. The one I have fitted to my 2011 ML350 is made for my car. The 2011 ML350 has a max load limit for a tow / hitch without any modification to the existing suspension or breaking system. Is your hitch setup fitted with the optional power assist breaking? Can you shed some light on what this SAM is and what the programming is?