Buy Mercedes-Benz E550 Tow Eye Cover

Quick Summary
Purpose & Function
Fitment Details
Materials
Damage Signs
Installation Steps
Paint & Repair
Safety Notes
Related Components
Frequently Asked Questionss

Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2014-2017, Right Passenger, Primed (Ready to Paint), with AMG Styling Package, Convertible/Coupe, Replacement
E-CLASS 14-17 FRONT BUMPER TOW HOOK COVER Right (Passenger), Primed, with AMG Pkg, Conv/Cpe

OEM #: 207 885 00 24 9999, Partslink #: MB1029130

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Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2014-2016, Sedan/Wagon, Primed (Ready to Paint), with AMG Styling Package, Replacement
E-CLASS 14-16 FRONT BUMPER TOW HOOK COVER, Primed, with AMG Styling Package, Sedan/Wagon

OEM #: 212 885 24 22 9999, Partslink #: MB1029128

$24.95
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Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010-2013, Sedan/Wagon, Primed (Ready to Paint), Replacement
FRONT TOW HOOK COVER, PRIME/PAINT TO MATCH, MADE OF PP/PBT PLASTIC

OEM #: 212 885 01 26 9999, Partslink #: MB1029133

$15.95
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Front Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010-2013, Primed (Ready to Paint), Ideal for Convertible/Coupe Models, Replacement
E-CLASS 10-13 FRONT TOW HOOK COVER; Primed; Convertible/Coupe

OEM #: 207 885 01 23 9999, Partslink #: MB1029117

$28.95
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Rear Bumper Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes-Benz E-Class 2010-2013, Right Passenger, Primed (Ready to Paint), Sedan/Wagon, with AMG Styling Package, Replacement
E-CLASS 10-13 TOW EYE COVER, Primed-Gray, Rear, Sedan/Wagon

OEM #: 212 885 04 26 9999, Partslink #: MB1129100

$24.95
In Stock
Rear Bumper Tow Hook Cover for Mercedes Benz E-Class Sedan 2010-2013, Right Passenger, Paint to Match, without AMG Styling Package, Replacement
E-CLASS 10-13 REAR BUMPER TOW HOOK COVER; Paint to Match; without AMG Styling Pkg.; Sedan

OEM #: 212 885 03 26 9999, Partslink #: MB1129104

$18.95
In Stock

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Quick Summary

## Quick Summary

A tow-eye cover is the small plastic "door" on your Mercedes-Benz E550's bumper that hides the threaded metal socket for the factory towing eye. It protects the socket from dirt and makes the bumper look smooth. When the car must be winched onto a flat-bed, you pop the cover off, screw in the towing eye, and hook the cable to that eye so the bumper itself is not damaged. Because it is a light ABS plastic part, the cover can break, get lost, or need repainting after even a minor scrape. This guide explains what the cover does, how to spot trouble, fitment years that use the same size cap, easy do-it-yourself installation, paint prep, safety tips, and answers to the most common questions owners ask.

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Purpose & Function

## Purpose & Function

The little square (or oval) panel on the E-Class bumper is a **tow hook cover / towing-eye cap / bumper tow lid**. Its job is to keep road grime out of the threaded socket and to preserve the bumper's clean styling. Under the cover sits a left-hand-threaded steel insert where the factory towing eye bolts in straight and tight, giving tow operators a safe anchor point. ([The US Sun], [Family Handyman])

Without using this insert, a tow strap on a random suspension or trim piece can rip parts off the car. ([TowForce])

---

Fitment Details

## Fitment Details

* Mercedes-Benz E550 models built on the W211 chassis (2007-2009) and the W212 chassis (2010-2013) use the same round-thread towing eye and similarly sized cover; later W213 E-Class cars kept the concept but changed the cap shape slightly. ([Mercedes-Benz], [Mercedes-Benz])

* Front and rear bumpers each have their own cover-do not swap them. The rear sits lower and has different clips. ([Mercedes-Benz USA])

* AMG-style bumpers still use the standard threaded insert, so the cap from an E550 Sport will click into an E63 bumper only if both share the same year and chassis. ([MB Parts])

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Materials

## Materials

Most covers are molded from **ABS plastic**, prized for impact toughness and easy painting. ([Protolabs], [Pom Material]) The inside shows the plastic code "ABS >PA6<" or similar.

---

Damage Signs

## Damage Signs

* Cover missing-socket is open to mud and rust.

* Floppy on one side-one of two tiny tabs has snapped. ([BenzWorld])

* Cracked or road-rashed plastic after a curb bump.

* Paint flakes-UV and bumper-flex crack the finish.

---

Installation Steps

## Installation Steps

1. **Locate the cap.** On the E550 it sits in the driver-side lower grille for the front and under the left tail-lamp for the rear. ([Mercedes-Benz USA])

2. **Pop it out.** Use a plastic trim tool; pry at the slot and pivot outward. A small tether prevents loss. ([Reddit], [YouTube])

3. **Line up tabs.** New caps have two beveled tabs-slide the thin side in first, then press until flush. ([BenzWorld])

4. **Test fit.** The cover should sit level and not rattle when you tap it.

---

Paint & Repair

## Paint & Repair

ABS needs sanding with 600-grit, a light coat of plastic adhesion promoter, and then primer-sealer before color. ([3M], [3M Multimedia]) A flexible-parts clear keeps the finish from cracking when the bumper flexes. For deep gouges, a two-part flexible filler, such as a semi-rigid plastic repair epoxy, reshapes the cap. ([3M])

---

Safety Notes

## Safety Notes

* Always screw the towing eye **all the way in by hand, then snug with the lug-wrench handle**. A loose eye can strip threads or fail. ([Mercedes-Benz USA])

* Tow only in a straight line at walking speed; the insert is for loading, not off-road recovery. ([TowForce], [Reddit])

* The eye uses a left-hand thread on many German cars so the pulling force tightens the bolt, not loosens it. ([PistonHeads])

---

## Related Components

* **Towing eye bolt** - factory tool in trunk toolkit.

* **Headlamp-washer cover** - similar shape; do not confuse it with the tow cap. ([The US Sun])

* **Front camera plug** - small round plug near emblem on some models.

---

Frequently Asked Questionss

Q: Where is the towing eye stored in an E550?

A: It sits in the foam tool tray next to the jack in the trunk. ([Mercedes-Benz USA])

Q: Does the front cap fit the rear?

A: No, they have different tab geometry and angles. ([Mercedes-Benz])

Q: Can I drive without the cover?

A: You can, but water and salt will corrode the steel insert and may set a fault for the parking sensors. ([Family Handyman])

Q: Why is the thread left-handed?

A: Left-hand threads tighten under forward pull, reducing the chance of backing out. ([PistonHeads])

Q: What plastic is the cap made of?

A: ABS plastic, known for impact strength and easy painting. ([Protolabs])

Q: How do I paint a new cap to match my bumper?

A: Sand lightly, spray plastic adhesion promoter, primer, color-coat, and clear-coat. ([3M])

Q: Will a missing cap fail inspection?

A: In most areas it will not, but exposed threads may rust and seize. ([The US Sun])

Q: Can I tow another car with the eye?

A: The insert is rated only for winching the E550 itself; do not use it to pull another vehicle. ([TowForce])

Q: My cap keeps popping out-why?

A: The inner tabs may be bent; replace the cap or gently warm and reform the tabs. ([BenzWorld])

Q: Is the cap paint already color-matched?

A: Replacement caps are shipped in primer; you or a body shop must paint them. ([Hagerty])

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: https://www.the-sun.com/motors/13459029/hidden-panel-car-stranded-tow-eye/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Little-known square panel on car bumper can help if you're left stranded - but you need to know where to look"

: https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/car-features-explained/?srsltid=AfmBOopG3QTwR7c0H0e8-ySJpf-3MxcZSDZdjGjM75fdPz3tlyTFy0Jh&utm_source=chatgpt.com "The 10 Most Obscure Car Features Explained - Family Handyman"

: https://www.towforce.net/topic/6325-screw-eyes-tow-eyelets-recovery-hooks-etc/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Screw Eyes, Tow Eyelets, recovery hooks etc - TowForce.net"

: https://static.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com/css-oom-assets/en-jo/pdf/mercedes-e-class-sedan-2011-w212-owners-manual-1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] e-class sedan 2011 Owner's Manual PDF Download | Mercedes-Benz"

: https://static.oneweb.mercedes-benz.com/css-oom-assets/en-bh/pdf/mercedes-e-class-saloon-2025-january-w214-mbux-owners-manual-1.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] e-class saloon 2025 january mbux Owner's Manual PDF Download"

: https://www.mbusa.com/en/owners/manuals/gle-suv-2020-03-v167-mbux/tow-starting-or-towing-away/installing-the-towing-eye?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Installing the towing eye | GLE SUV March 2020 V167 MBUX"

: https://mbparts.mbusa.com/oem-parts/mercedes-benz-tow-eye-cap-16488534239999?c=bT0xJmw9NiZuPVJlY29tbWVuZGVkIFByb2R1Y3RzJmE9bWVyY2VkZXMtYmVueiZvPWU1NTAmeT0yMDA3JnQ9YmFzZSZlPTUtNWwtdjgtZ2Fz&srsltid=AfmBOop4ZLhWn240Wp4GNkrz_pFKVdacXtxelbpVPbPwqWD9QxA52-ot&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Towing Eye Cover - Mercedes-Benz (164-885-34-23-9999)"

: https://www.protolabs.com/materials/abs/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "ABS Plastic: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Applications - Protolabs"

: https://pom-material.com/blog/abs-plastic-used-in-cars/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Why is ABS plastic a Game-Changer in Automotive Manufacturing?"

: https://www.benzworld.org/threads/tow-hook-cover-how-to-attach.1317069/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Tow Hook Cover, how to attach? - Mercedes-Benz Forum"

: https://www.reddit.com/r/mercedes_benz/comments/1115ifm/w205_how_to_open_front_tow_hook_cover/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "(W205) How to open front tow hook cover? : r/mercedes_benz - Reddit"

: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQoDfOCf8ok&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Emergency Towing Eye Bar For E350 Mercedes. ***THIS IS NOT A ..."

: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision-repair-us/applications/bumper-and-plastic-repair/cosmetic-flexible-bumper-repair-sop/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "How to Repair Flexible Bumpers - A guide from 3M"

: https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1084594O/two-sided-bumper-repair.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com "[PDF] Standard Operating Procedures - Bumper Repair - 3M"

: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/collision-repair-us/applications/bumper-and-plastic-repair/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Collision Bumper Repair & Plastic Tab Resources - 3M"

: https://www.reddit.com/r/cars/comments/apmvuy/do_all_cars_have_a_tow_eye_looked_for_one_in_two/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Do all cars have a tow eye? Looked for one in two cars that had tow ..."

: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?f=226&h=0&t=941003&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Car towing eyes? - Page 1 - General Gassing [Archive] - PistonHeads"

: https://www.the-sun.com/motors/13459029/hidden-panel-car-stranded-tow-eye/ "Little-known square panel on car bumper can help if you're left stranded - but you need to know where to look | The US Sun"

: https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/panel-on-your-cars-front-bumper/?srsltid=AfmBOoqeFLyYJEcW11h1P9znwhSSP6Ed6Z_fGm5LdPvMmSAayYM-pNwb&utm_source=chatgpt.com "Here's What The Small Panel On Your Car's Front Bumper Is For"

: https://www.hagerty.com/media/opinion/the-hack-mechanic/the-z3s-long-delayed-bumper-cover-replacement/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Z3's long-delayed bumper cover replacement - Hagerty Media"

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