Buy Mercedes-Benz C400 Tow Eye Cover

Background Info

The Mercedes-Benz C400 tow eye cover-also called a tow-hook cap, towing eyelet lid, bumper tow plug, or recovery-point cover-is a small, paint-matched plastic piece that snaps into the round threaded hole in the front bumper of W205-series C-Class cars built for model-years 2015-2018. Its simple job is to keep water, dirt, and stones out of the tow-hook threads, and to preserve the smooth look and aerodynamics of the bumper. When the cover is missing or damaged, owners risk corrosion on the tow-hook insert, increased drag, and possible penalty under road-worthiness inspections.

Fitment Basics

• Vehicle family: Fits the W205 C-Class chassis, including the 2015-2016 C400 4MATIC sedan and most C400 coupes with the "sport" front bumper. Always confirm by VIN because AMG-Line and facelift bumpers use slightly different caps.
• Location: Front bumper, lower passenger-side corner on LHD models. On the C400 there is no cover on the rear because the tow eye is integrated into the metal support behind the bumper. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
• Thread insert: The screw-in tow hook that lives in the trunk tool kit uses an M22 × 3 mm knuckle thread, which is not universal across brands. (Metris Forum, Reddit)

Purpose & Design

• The cover seals the bumper opening so the recovery threads stay clean and ready for emergency towing.
• It is molded from ABS plastic, chosen for low weight, impact toughness, and easy paintability. (Wikipedia)
• A thin tether on the back prevents loss when the cap is removed for towing.

Common Problems

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Removal Steps

1. Press the small triangle mark on the cap to release the upper tab.
2. Swing out the cover; the tether keeps it attached.
3. Screw in the factory tow hook clockwise until fully seated-hand-tight, then snug with wheel wrench.

Tip: Some owners find a plastic pry tool makes step 1 easier and avoids paint chips.

Installation Steps

1. After towing, unscrew the hook counter-clockwise and wipe threads clean.
2. Align the cap's lower hinge, press the top until it clicks.
3. Test by tugging lightly; it should not rattle.

If clips feel loose, warm the cap with a hair-dryer for 30 seconds and pinch the tabs closer together before refit.

Painting & Refinish

Because the part is raw ABS, good paint prep matters:

1. Wash with plastic-safe soap; dry.
2. Scuff-sand with 600-grit to promote adhesion.
3. Apply adhesion promoter (e.g., 3M™ Polyolefin Promoter) in a light coat and flash 5-10 min.
4. Spray primer, base-coat in the exact Mercedes paint code, then clear-coat.
5. Buff lightly after 24 h cure.
   Following OEM-style plastic repair SOPs prevents peeling and color shift over time.

Materials & Durability

ABS resists impact, remains tough below -20 °C, and accepts colorants for perfect paint match, making it an ideal material for exterior trim.

Safety & Towing Rules

• Use only the factory tow hook; improvised bolts may strip threads.
• Mercedes recommends flat-bed transport whenever possible; wheel-lift towing is limited to 30 mi at 30 mph. (Mercedes-Benz USA)
• Roadside Assistance (dial 1-800-367-6372 in the U.S.) will tow any Mercedes to the nearest dealer at no charge if repair is performed there.

Care & Maintenance

• Monthly: Check that the cap sits flush; press lightly to seat.
• After storms: Rinse off road salt to prevent clip corrosion.
• Before long trips: Make sure the tow hook is present in the trunk kit so you are ready if you need a tow.

Environmental Notes

Broken ABS pieces can be recycled as post-consumer plastic; place them in municipal recycling streams that accept #7 plastics. (Wikipedia)

Related Parts

• Front screw-in tow hook (lives with jack tools)
• Bumper impact absorber
• Fog-light bezel
• Under-tray splash shield

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my C400 even need a tow eye cover?
A: It keeps dirt out of the recovery threads and completes the bumper's smooth shape for better looks and airflow.

Q: Can I drive without the cover?
A: Yes, but grit can seize the tow-hook insert, and inspectors may flag the open hole.

Q: Is the cover side-specific?
A: Yes. The C400 uses a unique front-right cap shaped to match the bumper curve; a left-side cap will not fit.

Q: Are tow-hook threads universal?
A: No. Mercedes uses an M22 × 3 mm thread, while many other brands use smaller sizes. (Metris Forum, Reddit)

Q: My cap won't latch after painting-why?
A: Thick paint can clog the clip slots. Lightly file paint off the hooks, then try again.

Q: Can I pop it off with a screwdriver?
A: A plastic trim tool is safer; metal tools often scratch clear-coat.

Q: Is there a rear tow cover on the C400?
A: No; the rear recovery eye is hidden behind the bumper beam and needs no external cap. (Mercedes-Benz USA)

Q: How tight should I install the tow hook?
A: Hand-tight plus a quarter-turn with the wheel wrench is enough; over-tightening can damage the insert.

Q: Could I repaint the cover myself?
A: Yes, with plastic primer, adhesion promoter, and the right paint code; follow the steps in the Painting section.

Q: Where do I find my paint code?
A: Look for the three-digit code on the driver-side door jamb label.

Q: Does losing the cap affect crash safety?
A: No structural risk, but it can let debris reach sensors or the intercooler inlet behind the bumper.

Conclusion

A tow-eye cover may be small, but it protects critical hardware, keeps your Mercedes-Benz C400 looking factory-fresh, and helps preserve resale value. Regular checks, gentle handling, and proper paint prep ensure this little cap keeps doing its quiet job mile after mile.