I have a 2000 ml430 that I need to pull around a small utility trailer (harbor freight 1700lbs max) and after searching the forums and calling dealers, I've come to find that MB does not make or sell this hitch or wiring harness anymore. I'd prefer a MB one and am looking into junkyard pulls, but I would like to get a recommendation from this forum.

http://www.etrailer.com/mm5/merchant...ategory_Code=H

This hitch looks most like the MB version and is what I'm leaning toward (it has the frame brackets, the MB yard pull ones don't). Is this a decent product in terms of quality and look? Does it fit with the stock bumper? As for the wiring harness, any ideas? It looks like I'll have to grab a plug that mates to the stock harness and pull out my multimeter to test. Do wiring diagrams exist? I can't find them on the forums.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I was in same situation last year for my 99 ML320 and I don't like any aftermarket parts or accessories for my cars. The one you are looking at is on e-bay for around $100 but no harness with any them included plus frame brackets are half of the thickness. I've watched e-bay for about month and brand new OEM hitch kit showed up for $200 (lucky me) week after used complete kit sold for over $1000!!! and harness wiring for $150. Part No. for hitch is Q6310002 or BQ6310002 and harness Q6540013 all made by ORIS. I don't have schematic but wire colors in my notres:
green=left turn signal
pink=right turn signal
gray=backup lamp
red=12V power from fuse#18
white=tail lamp
orange=stop(brake) lamp
brown=ground
I'm pulling cars and now snow plow on my hitch but you would be OK even without frame brackets. Try this link, they may still have them: http://www.amgkit.com/EBMS/Catalog/P...;OrderBy=Model
Good luck, Bernard

 

Fantastic help!!! I've searched all the other forums and you nailed it! Thanks!

 

You're welcome!!! That's why we're here for, to help each other.

 

Bought something similar to that for under $200 at pepboys. No wiring harness found though. Other than that it works great.