Need Pic of Factory (euro) Tow Hitch for123

[hamsandwich81]

Does any one have a pic of a w123 factory (euro) tow hitch. I am now forced to use it to tow and from what I have read here a factory(Euro) hitch is the best bet. Off to the salvage yard. Thanks for your help.

[shadetree]

Does any one have a pic of a w123 factory (euro) tow hitch. I am now forced to use it to tow and from what I have read here a factory(Euro) hitch is the best bet. Off to the salvage yard. Thanks for your help.

No picture of a German (Euro) tow hitch, however, back during 1974 while
in Germany and owning a VW 411 at the time I had reason to buy a tow
hitch. I was advised to seek out a German dealer of hitches in Frankfurt.
I did buy one for the VW and later had cause to see the similar hitch
made for the W-123 MB.
To mount the hitch the rear bumper with mounts had to be removed from
the car. The tow hitch was mounted in place of the regular bumper
mounts and the bumper was then mounted on the tow hitch. The only
thing that stuck out a bit from the bumper was the metal part of the tow
hitch which had the hitch ball welded on. No method to put a different
size ball on the trailer hitch. And of course the welded on ball was not
the exact size of any of our US spec bolt on balls.

During the 1980's and early 1990's while living and working in Germany
I noticed many of the same type hitches on German owned W-123 MB's
as well as one owned by a co-worker. He knew I wanted one(if I
didn't have to buy it) so when he traded the car he removed the tow
hitch and offered to give it to me if I would come by his place and pick
it up. However, I never did get around to get the hitch before he departed
for the USA.
Regards,
Chas Mattix

[Maxbumpo]

Here's a diagram from the EPC - will give you a good idea of the construction.

I also have the Euro hitch installation instructions for wagons (in German). It is to large to attach. Send me a private message with your email address and I'll send you a copy. It has some diagrams and pictures.

If you want a Euro hitch, I think that you will have to attach it to a Euro car with Euro bumpers, as the US spec cars have bumper shocks that will interfere with the Euro hitch location.