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Old 03-03-2020, 02:05 PM   #1
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Mercedes 2020 GLE 350 brake controller install

I'm selling my aging Touareg and have opted for a 2020 GLE 350 with a tow package. The dealer seems absolutely clueless about how to (or where to) install a brake controller because of knee air bags. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions?
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Old 03-03-2020, 02:51 PM   #2
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I've heard good things about the Tekonsha wireless brake controller. The main unit mounts on the trailer and you have a handheld unit in the drivers position.
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Old 03-03-2020, 03:46 PM   #3
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I confirm. I am using the wireless Tekonsha and it works without any problem.
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Old 03-03-2020, 03:52 PM   #4
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The google may help

Good Luck👍


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Old 03-04-2020, 09:32 AM   #5
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Mercedes Brake Controller Harness (none)

Mercedes are not wired for plug and play brake controllers under the dash like domestic trucks with factory brake controller harnesses. You have to wire brake controller adaptor plugs into the Mercedes wiring. So Mercedes tow package is a little deceptive. There is no brake controller harness, you have to create it. The other posters are correct, Bluetooth a better option. Do not pull a trailer in a Mercedes without a brake controller, otherwise, you have no trailer brakes.

The new blue tooth controllers are a better option and eliminate the need to pull your seat in a Sprinter to access the vehicle wiring. I have a wired controller in my sprinter van (pain in the rear to install) and a Bluetooth unit in my GLE 350 I prefer. The BlueTooth units let you move from vehicle to vehicle too. The seat belt electronics are easily sent out of whack installing the wired units too!

Save yourself a lot of headaches and expense and get a Bluetooth unit!
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Old 03-04-2020, 09:39 AM   #6
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Curt Echo Bluetooth brake controller for GLE



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Old 03-04-2020, 10:33 AM   #7
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I'll second the Tekonsha wireless model. I used it on a '13 GL350 until I moved to a F150 this past fall.

The only issue was with the initial setup. Euro cars don't seem to send an initial setup signal well. Posts on the forum noted that you *may*need to use a US-made car for the initial connection between TV and the controller/receiver. I borrowed a friends truck and it worked easy. After the initial connection was made, the MB worked perfectly.

BTW, I have that wireless model that I don't need anymore. Since I already paired it, you may not need to. That could save some hassle. PM me if you're interested.
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Old 03-04-2020, 01:51 PM   #8
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I also use the Tekonsha wireless model on my Cayenne and it works very well. It will certainly address your issue with knee airbags as it does not require mounting the control. Getting one that has already been paired is a bonus as it will work with your vehicle right out of the box. That said, pairing a new one with a domestic vehicle is easy too and them just move it over to your Mercedes.
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Old 03-04-2020, 01:56 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SilverFire View Post
Have you actually used one of these. I have not found anyone who has to determine how well they work.
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Old 03-04-2020, 04:44 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thewarden View Post
Have you actually used one of these. I have not found anyone who has to determine how well they work.
I took a look at that and am not loving using my cell phone for manual control.
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Old 03-04-2020, 09:57 PM   #11
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Curt Bluetooth controller

Quote:
Originally Posted by thewarden View Post
Have you actually used one of these. I have not found anyone who has to determine how well they work.
No problems to date. It holds the programmed settings, so no different than my wired unit in terms of function. The only real difference is you are programming it through your phone rather than on your hard-wired unit. Change is constant! Safe trailering and don't fly faster than your angels!
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Old 03-04-2020, 11:36 PM   #12
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I read about problems with pairing. And this one of the reasons why I kept it in the box for most than one year. However, I paired it without any issue with BMW X5.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Troy McLure View Post
I'll second the Tekonsha wireless model. I used it on a '13 GL350 until I moved to a F150 this past fall.

The only issue was with the initial setup. Euro cars don't seem to send an initial setup signal well. Posts on the forum noted that you *may*need to use a US-made car for the initial connection between TV and the controller/receiver. I borrowed a friends truck and it worked easy. After the initial connection was made, the MB worked perfectly.

BTW, I have that wireless model that I don't need anymore. Since I already paired it, you may not need to. That could save some hassle. PM me if you're interested.
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Old 03-05-2020, 07:41 AM   #13
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Mine came wired for brake controller. I had MB fit it and later changed the controller to a different one (P3). Works great wired.
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Old 03-06-2020, 11:35 AM   #14
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We have a 2015 GL450 and had U-Haul install the trailer brake controller. I believe it was about $800 but has worked fine - can't recall the brand but can go look if interested.
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Old 03-07-2020, 05:43 AM   #15
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I am also using the Curt as mentioned below with my BMW X5, you need to download the app onto your cell phone, as that becomes the controller. My initial setup was less than 5 minutes, it paired in seconds, been using for about one year with no problems.
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Old 03-07-2020, 07:30 AM   #16
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I use the Prodigy RF with my Cayenne. I could not get it to pair at first. Had to put a piece of electrical tape over the pin in the 5 o'clock position where the trailer harness connects to the controller. Paired immediately after that. I then removed the tape and it's been working great ever since.

The Curt Echo may be a great solution but I chose the Prodigy because the 7 pin connection on my Cayenne is angled down toward the pavement. I did not think having my brake controller hanging down lower than my bumper was a good idea since I tow down some pretty rough dirt roads. I also like the fact that Prodigy has it's own controller and doesn't require a smart phone. It's a personal preference. I'm not knocking the Curt. Just stating the 2 main reasons I chose the Prodigy RF.
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Old 03-08-2020, 07:13 AM   #17
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Isn't the wiring for the brake controller in the same place in the driver's footwell, I thought I read that somewhere? My ML has driver knee airbags and the controller is mounted under the dash. I was concerned at first the realized the airbag deploys over top of it, so I didn't consider it a hazard IMO. I won't be picking up my GLS for another month but I will be evaluating that same location for my controller again. The very left side under the dash does not appear to have the airbag but the hood release is there and it is less convenient for emergency manual trailer braking. I am not as confident with RF over hard wire controllers but if I can't be sure of a safe mounting point for the hard wire P2 then I will go RF. Please post what you decide to do.
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Old 03-08-2020, 07:19 AM   #18
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Here is another thread which has some answers.

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...-a-199007.html
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Old 03-11-2020, 10:00 AM   #19
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Brake controller wiring

I have the Prodigy controller mounted under dash near the center console. The factory wiring is under the carpet and floor insulation near the base of the steering column for 2019 and previous. Assume same for 2020 if factory trailer package. I like the hard wiring if available.
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Old 03-12-2020, 07:30 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by walker View Post
I have the Prodigy controller mounted under dash near the center console. The factory wiring is under the carpet and floor insulation near the base of the steering column for 2019 and previous. Assume same for 2020 if factory trailer package. I like the hard wiring if available.
Do you have a 2020 GLE?
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