BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 I am contemplating installing a towbar on an S212 E500 vehicle for the purpose of sometimes pulling a camping trailer or a very compact caravan. Installing the hardware and dedicated electrics seems to be a rather simple do-it-yourself task, however I have a few enquiries: 1) Programming the towbar to the car. Although my local garage is not specifically focused on Mercedes vehicles, they own a Xentry diagnostic system that is capable of connecting to the MB database. Will this be enough for accurately programming the towbar and updating the car's information with Mercedes, or is an other method required? 2) Fan for cooling purposes. According to my reading, a towbar that was installed at the factory would have come with an enhanced cooling fan. Is this applicable to the E500 model? It is possible that the V8 engine may already be equipped with a larger cooling fan. However, if the engine requires more cooling due to its V8 configuration, it may be necessary to install an even larger fan specifically for towing purposes. Does anybody have information on the dimensions of the E500 fan and the availability of a larger alternative? Does the improvement simply apply to the engine fan, or does the gearbox also need more cooling, which is facilitated by the same fan? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 I examined many component schematics on the internet. There are two cooling fans available for the E500: A 204 500 02 93, which is specified as a 600W fan, and A 204 906 68 02, which does not have a specified power rating but has the same dimensions as the 600W version. For the smaller engine variant of the E-Class, there is a 400W fan (A 204 500 03 93) available, which is significantly shorter in size. Additionally, there is also a more powerful 600W version. Searching the component number (A 204 906 68 02) on Google indicates that it is likewise a fan with a power rating of 600W. While an internet parts diagram may not provide definitive evidence, it suggests that the E500 model probably came equipped with either of two 600W fans from the factory, and there doesn't seem to be a larger or smaller option available. Indeed, the presence of a 600W fan as a standard component implies that additional cooling may be required due to the V8 engine configuration. Is towing expected to need additional cooling? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 Can someone confirm whether the Xentry system available at my local non-MB garage is capable of doing towbar coding? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 I apologise for making another attempt. I am familiar with the functioning of forums, where individuals with the necessary knowledge to answer a query may be found. However, it is contingent upon one's ability to capture their attention at a time when they are both available and willing to respond. Is Xentry the appropriate tool to program a towbar for an S212? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KWILB Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 I am uncertain of the solution, but typically providing a little amount of money to your local towbar fitting specialist, who has the necessary tool, will result in the task being completed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 It is quite likely that you are correct. I am relying on my nearby, trustworthy automotive repair shop to do the task for me. They have a reputation for honesty and fair pricing, and their location is conveniently within walking distance from my residence. Â Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 I installed a Westfalia removable tow bar over the weekend. I purchased it from PF Jones, along with a specialised wiring kit. I am quite delighted with the tow bar since it does not need any modifications to the bumper, is easy to install, and when the ball is removed and the socket is swivelled up behind the bumper, it remains entirely hidden until one physically lowers themselves to the ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 The wiring kit was equally impressive. It came with a fuse bank that takes up the last bank space on the fusebox (the blue one in the photo)... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 ...and the CAN BUS wires were pre-terminated with the right terminals, allowing them to be easily inserted into the appropriate slots in the blue socket located on the rear of the fuse box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BENZE220AMG Posted August 26 Author Share Posted August 26 All the lights on my trailer board function correctly without any programming. However, I want to have it programmed correctly to enable features like as reversing sensors and the anti-sway program. Therefore, I will visit my nearby garage to enquire whether they can do the necessary coding. The wiring instructions provide fundamental guidance for the STAR/Xentry system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xsports Posted August 26 Share Posted August 26 I have the same one on my device, however it was installed by the manufacturer. I just use it for a Westfalia bike rack, nonetheless, it is a commendable piece of equipment. I like the satisfying sound that is produced when it is connected. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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