Buy Mercedes-Benz S500 Tow Eye Cover
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Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover, Left Driver Side, Tow Bracket for Mercedes Benz S-Class Sedan (1995-1999), Replacement
S-CLASS 95-99 FRONT COVER TOWING EYE Left (Driver), Tow Bracket, (140) Chassis
OEM #: 140 885 09 26, Partslink #: MB1038107 -
Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover Right Passenger for Mercedes S-Class 2003-2006, Black (Code 040), Without Sport Package, Replacement
S-CLASS 03-06 FRONT BUMPER TOW HOOK COVER, Black, (Code 040), without Sport Pkg., (220) Chassis
OEM #: 220 885 12 23 9040, Partslink #: MB1029101 -
Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover Right Passenger for 1995-1999 S-Class Sedan, Replacement Tow Bracket
S-CLASS 95-99 FRONT COVER TOWING EYE Right (Passenger), Tow Bracket, (140) Chassis
OEM #: 140 885 10 25, Partslink #: MB1039107 -
Front Bumper Tow Hook Cover Right Passenger for Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan (1992-1994), Tow Bracket, Replacement
S-CLASS 92-94 FRONT COVER TOWING EYE Right (Passenger), Tow Bracket, (140) Chassis
OEM #: 140 880 06 05, Partslink #: MB1039106
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Quick Summary
The tow eye cover-also called a tow hook cover, towing-eye cap, bumper plug, or tow hook cap-is the small, usually color-matched plastic square that hides the threaded metal tow eye socket behind the bumper of every Mercedes-Benz S500. It keeps dirt out of the threads, completes the bumper's smooth look, and pops off quickly when you need to screw in the tow eye for short-distance towing or recovery. On the S-Class, the cover clips into the fascia with two or three tabs, is molded from impact-resistant ABS, and can be removed in seconds with a gentle push from the outside or a plastic trim tool.
Location & Fitment
- Front bumper position. The tow eye cover sits low on the right-hand side of the front bumper on most S500 models (left-hand side on some early W220 cars). A light press on one edge unlatches it. Official Mercedes-Benz manual
- Rear bumper cover. Many S-Class years add a second cover at the back for flat-bed loading. Owner's manual section on storage
- Generation compatibility.
- W220 (1998-2006) - part A220 885 03 23 (front) (MBWorld)
- W221 (2007-2013) - several color-coded caps; see EPC references
- W222 (2014-2020) - front cap 222 885 01 23 (front AMG uses 222 885 86 00) (MBWorld)
- W223 (2021-present) - cover 223 885 04 00 (front) (Mercedes-Benz USA)
Purpose & Design
- Seals the tow socket. The cap blocks mud and corrosion from the threaded boss welded to the bumper beam (Jalopnik).
- Aesthetics. Hiding the steel eye keeps the bumper smooth and improves airflow. The Sun calls the hidden panel a "secret lifesaver" when stranded (The US Sun).
- Material. Most caps are injection-molded ABS-tough, temperature-stable to ≈ 148 °C, with low moisture uptake (ScienceDirect).
Installation Steps
- Find the cap. Look for the paint-matched square on the bumper.
- Release gently. Use a plastic pry tool or push on the marked corner; spring tabs flex out (Benzworld).
- Insert the tow eye. Retrieve the steel eye from the trunk foam tray and hand-thread it clockwise until seated (MBWorld).
- After towing. Remove the eye, inspect threads, and snap the cap back in; Mercedes warns not to tow long distances on the eye (Mercedes-Benz USA).
Painting & Customizing
- New caps ship in gray primer; clean with isopropyl, scuff with 600-grit, apply a plastic adhesion promoter, base-coat, and clear. 3M's bumper-repair SOP stresses promoter for chip-resistance (3M).
- Use the trunk-lid paint code sticker (e.g., "040 Black," "149 Polar White") to order touch-up aerosol or have a body shop spray it.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Quick Fix |
| Cap falls off | Tab fatigue or bumper flex | Warm tabs with hair-dryer, bend slightly outward for tighter grip (MBWorld) |
| Lost cover | Parking curb impact | Replace with correct part number; paint to match |
| Won't stay closed | Broken latch tang | Snap-in replacement; some owners 3 D-print ABS replicas |
| Color mismatch | Sun-fade vs. fresh paint | Blend surrounding bumper during refinish |
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Safety Notes
- The tow eye is only for straight-line pulling up to 50 km/h and 50 km according to the Mercedes manual (Mercedes-Benz USA).
- Never winch the car sideways or lift by the eye; use rated recovery points.
- Many modern brands omit a supplied tow eye entirely; Jalopnik highlights cost-cutting trends (Jalopnik).
Maintenance Tips
- Remove and clean the cap yearly; a dab of silicone grease keeps the O-ring soft.
- After repainting bumpers, reinstall the cap while paint is tack-free to avoid edge chipping.
- Store the steel eye in the trunk foam so you can find it on a cold night (MBWorld).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a tow eye cover do?
A: It seals the threaded tow eye socket, keeping dirt out and finishing the bumper's look (Jalopnik).
Q: Is it safe to drive without the cap installed?
A: Yes for short periods, but road grit can rust the threads and spoil bumper aerodynamics (The US Sun).
Q: Where is the tow hook cover on my S500?
A: Low on the right (passenger) side of the front bumper on most model years; some early W220s place it on the left (Jalopnik).
Q: How do I remove it without scratching paint?
A: Push gently on one edge or use a plastic pry tool-no metal screwdrivers (Benzworld).
Q: What is the cap made of?
A: Impact-resistant ABS plastic that withstands heat and road debris (ScienceDirect).
Q: Can I paint a replacement myself?
A: Yes-clean, sand lightly, spray adhesion promoter, then base-coat and clear-coat (3M).
Q: Which part number fits a 2005 S500?
A: Front cap A220 885 03 23 for W220 chassis (MBWorld).
Q: Why did my cover keep popping off?
A: A bent tab or bumper flex after a curb bump; warming and reshaping the tabs usually fixes it (MBWorld).
Q: Are the front and rear covers interchangeable?
A: No-each cover matches the unique curvature and tab layout of its bumper section (MBWorld).
Q: Can I 3D-print a cap?
A: Owners have successfully printed ABS or nylon replicas as temporary fixes, but factory-grade paint and fit are best for long-term use (MBWorld).
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