Buy Mercedes-Benz E320 Tow Eye Cover

Summary

A tow eye cover-also called a tow hook cover, towing-eye cap, bumper plug, or cover plate-snaps into the small square opening on your Mercedes-Benz E 320's front or rear bumper. It keeps dirt and water out of the threaded tow eye socket, protects the bumper's paint, and makes the car look complete.

Part Basics

• The E 320's tow eye sits behind a small flap in the bumper; the plastic cover hides the threaded socket when it is not in use. (ManualsLib)
• Mercedes puts both a front and a rear socket on most E-Class generations (W 210, W 211, and W 212). (, Wikipedia)
• When you need a roadside pull, you unscrew the cover and screw in the steel tow eye kept in the trunk tool kit. (ManualsLib, ManualsLib)

Why It Matters

• Keeps water out - sealing the thread helps stop corrosion that could freeze the eye in place. (NHTSA)
• Finishes the bumper - the small cap hides the metal insert and gives a smooth look. (Wikipedia)
• Aids aerodynamics - even tiny holes disturb airflow; the plug restores factory shaping. (Wikipedia)

Fit & Years

• W 210 (1996-2002 NA) and W 211 (2003-2009) sedans and wagons each use model-specific covers; the cap is not one-size-fits-all. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)
• Check the last three digits of your bumper part number or compare the cap's clip pattern before buying. (ManualsLib)

Materials

• Most caps are molded from impact-resistant ABS plastic that flexes in minor bumps and holds paint well. (Amazon)
• A few aftermarket versions use polycarbonate/ABS blends for extra strength but still paint like factory plastic. (eBay)

Install Steps

1. Pop out the old cap. Use a plastic trim tool to pry the bottom edge and swing it outward. (ManualsLib)
2. Line up the two small tabs on the replacement with the slot in the bumper. (BenzWorld)
3. Press firmly until it clicks flush. No glue is needed; the built-in spring clip holds it. (MBWorld)

Tip: If your cap arrives unpainted gray, scuff it with 600-grit, prime plastic, base-coat, then clear-coat for a perfect color match (many DIY painters finish a small part in 20 minutes). (YouTube)

Care & Problems

• Loss while driving - a loose clip lets the cap pop out at highway speed; snap checks after car-wash visits can prevent it. (MBWorld)
• Broken hinge loop - cold weather makes old ABS brittle; replacement is the only cure. (eBay)
• Stripped threads - leaving the steel eye screwed in all winter can rust or cross-thread the socket, so always reinstall the cap after towing. (NHTSA)

Safety Notes

• The screw-in tow eye is only for straight-line pulls onto a flatbed; do not use it for angled off-road recovery, which could tear the bumper bar. (Reddit)
• Never exceed 30 mph (50 km/h) or 30 miles (50 km) when flat-towing with the transmission in "N," as stated in the E 320 owner's manual. (ManualsLib)
• NHTSA recalls show that loose tow-eye bolts or brackets can fail, so ensure any supporting hardware is torqued to spec. (NHTSA)

Environmental Angle

• A small ABS cap weighs only a few grams, but painting and shipping produce carbon. Painting several parts together or using water-borne paint cuts VOC output. (YouTube)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the tow eye cover do?
A: It seals the bumper's tow-eye hole, keeping dirt out and finishing the bumper's look. (ManualsLib)

Q: Where is it on my E 320?
A: On most models it's on the passenger side of the front bumper and the right side of the rear bumper.

Q: Is a tow eye cover the same as a tow hook cover?
A: Yes-both names describe the same snap-in plastic cap. (Wikipedia)

Q: What is it made of?
A: Factory pieces are ABS plastic, chosen for strength and easy painting. (Amazon)

Q: Can I drive without it?
A: You can, but road spray may rust the socket and the open hole looks unfinished. (NHTSA)

Q: Do I need special tools to install one?
A: Just your fingers or a plastic trim tool; no screws or glue required. (BenzWorld)

Q: Does a W 210 cover fit a W 211 bumper?
A: No-each generation uses a cover molded to its own bumper contour and clip design. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia)

Q: My cap flew off; why?
A: Usually a clip cracked from age or it wasn't fully seated after bumper work. (MBWorld)

Q: How tight should the steel tow eye be?
A: Hand-tighten it until it stops; over-tightening can strip threads. Always remove it afterward and refit the cover. (ManualsLib)

Q: Is painting required?
A: If the cap is supplied primed or bare gray, you'll paint it to match the car's color code before install. (YouTube)

Frequently Asked Questions