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.