Tow-Trust Towbars
Important: Please read General Notes overleaf before fitting
Issue 5
TM866AVK-6217 MERCEDES M CLASS (W164) 2005 - 2012 / M CLASS (W166) 2012 - 2015 / GL (X164) 2006 - 2013
Parts List
| Item | Qty | Description | Item | Qty | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | Crossmember | D | 2 | M12 x 25 Bolts & S/P Washers |
| B | 2 | Handed Side Arms | E | 8 | M10 x 35 Bolts, Nuts & S/P Washers |
| C | 1 | 6217 Detachable Neck | F | 4 | M10 x 50 Grade 10.9 Bolts & S/P Washers |
| G | 4 | M12 x 45 Bolts, 2 Nuts & 4 S/P Washers | |||
| H | 2 | M12 x 22 Bolts & S/P Washers | |||
| J | 1 | Flip Up Socket Plate (TTFP/LH) | |||
| K | 15 | 10 x 25 Flat Washers | |||
| L | 4 | 10 x 30 Flat Washers | |||
| M | 10 | 12 x 25 Flat Washers | |||
| N | 1 | Clamp Plate | |||
| P | 2 | Handed 2012> Brackets | |||
| R | 2 | M8 x 35 Bolts, Nyloc Nuts & 4 H/D Flat Washers |
Installation Instructions
- Temporarily remove the rear kick panel and each of the side panels from inside the vehicle.
- Remove the rear bumper. Four fixings along lower edge, four fixings in each wheel arch, one tip fixing each side. For W166 models, there will be an additional fixing behind the wheel arch liner plus clips securing the bumper tips to the vehicle body. Inside the boot, remove one fixing each side on the vehicle rear quarters and one nut through the rear panel each side. (W166 models have no internal fixings in the boot).
- If fitted, disconnect rear sensors.
- Remove the spare wheel, jack tray, triangle holder, and wheel well carpet.
- For W166 models, lower the fluid tank to gain access to the bumper beam lower fixings. Exercise caution not to damage the tank or pipelines.
- Remove the bumper beam. This is not refitted with the Towbar.
- Remove foam pads from the bumper beam and cut as shown (See sketch).
- Cut a section from the lower bumper support, 65mm wide x 30mm deep.
- Locate Item B inside each chassis member and loosely bolt through existing holes using Item F with Item L.
- Using Item E with Item K, and Item N, bolt Item A with the original foam pad (see sketch) through the existing holes in the rear panel. For W166 models, fit Items P to the lower rear panel mounting points.
- Using Item G with Item M, bolt Item B to Item A.
- Using Item H with Item M and Item D with Item M, bolt Item C and Item J to Item A.
- Fully tighten all nuts and bolts and ensure the Towbar is rigid and secure.
- Using Item R, refit the fluid tank to Items P.
- Cut a section from the lower edge of the bumper. See sketch. Note: The GL bumper cut is the same width but 130mm DEEP.
- Refit the bumper and all interior components.
Diagram Descriptions
Main Assembly Diagram
The main diagram illustrates the Tow-Trust TM866AVK towbar assembly for Mercedes M-Class and GL models. It shows the central crossmember (Item A) connecting to the vehicle chassis via two handed side arms (Item B). The detachable neck (Item C) is also shown. Various fasteners, including bolts (Items D, E, F, G, H, R), nuts, and washers (Items K, L, M), are depicted securing these components. Foam pads are noted, and specific brackets (Item P) are indicated for W166 models. The diagram also shows the flip-up socket plate (Item J).
Bumper Cut Details Diagram
The 'Bumper Cut Details' section provides specific measurements for modifying the vehicle's rear bumper. An 'Inside View' shows a cut-out area on the bumper beam support, measuring 65mm wide by 30mm deep. Another detail indicates a cut-out on the lower edge of the bumper, with dimensions of 42.5mm and 212.5mm for the main cut, and a depth of 130mm for the GL model's bumper cut. A separate note indicates cutting a hatched area on the original foam pad.
Notes
- Recommended Torque Setting for M12 Grade 10.9 is 139 Nm. (For other Torque Settings, see notes overleaf.)
- Nose load limits and vehicle manufacturers' trailer / caravan weight limits must be observed.
