Trailer Hitch

I want to have a trailer hitch put on a 2004 ML500.  Dealer quoted around $1000 for the OEM hitch and install.  I'm not sure there is any benefit in going with the OEM vs third party.  From what I have read the third party ones mount into the holes provided for the factory one.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks,

Louis

for what it's worth, I installed a hitch on a 99 ML430. Bought the electric harness from MB dealer (~$70) and the hitch on-line (~ $100).  The harness plugs right in, and there is a small bracket (~$10) that bolts right to the bottom of the frame.  Don't forget to put in a fuse in the fuse box in the right spot, mine didn't have a fuse installed, and it took me a while to figure out why the turn signal and brake lights didn't work.  The hardest part was taking off the bumper to install the hitch, but the hitch I bought ("draw-tite") came with detailed instructions.  If I remember right, there are four bolts located under access panels on the rear bumper, and a couple of screws underneath.  Then the whole thing lifts off.  I cut the center cover to match the hitch using a piece of paper to get the right fit, then tracing it onto the plastic piece.  The whole job took about 2 hours after I got all the pieces.  And about another hour to cut out the panel to match the hitch.  Good luck.

Thanks for the post Paul.  Looks like after market is the way to go.  I found a great hitch guy in the Chicago area http://www.masterhitch.com/.  He is going to do whole think for about $350 (hitch, wiring, ball, bumper cutout).  For me its worth the extra $150 to get a professional to do it. 

Paul- YOU DA MAN !
Good job on doing it yourself.
Could you please explain in detail the wiring ?
I installed a hitch, - piece of cake.., but need to hook up my trailer lights. Just a little trailer with 3wires plus a ground.
- - Im fuzzy on what has to be bought and shere it plugs in.
So the ML has no way of working without a $70 Mercedes adaptor wire > > ?

SEPT 1st Update. I gave up on a cheaper way. Ordered the harness $75. from a guy online. Looks like wiring should be a breeze too. fish it up to the trunk box and plug in.

October update: of all the stinking luck. bought the mercedes wiring harness preowned - installed it...and only the lights work. no brake lights or turn signals. how this thing clips out of the way in the little compartment is beyound me.

Thanks.

I did it on my wife (and family) ML320 about 5 years ago. The after-market hitch cost about $140 (than) and included the corner reinforcements for the main frame on the vehicle. Bumper is hold by 4 pcs M6 bolts. Takes 45 sec with power drill to remove them and slide the bumper out.
Needed 7-prong harness for the brake controller, so I split the factory wiring and run new #10 wire from the fuse box, thru the controller to the rear.
Works great today.

Paul what did you use to cut a hole on the center to fit in the hitch. Thanks.

I installed the factory hitch (about $375) on my '98 320 in about an hour.

I use dremel to cut it!!