Recommendation to Carry Four Bikes with 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon

Updated 07/28/2015 | Published 07/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Cam Buckle Stabilizing Strap for Hitch-Mounted Accessories - 61" x 1" - Qty 1

(666)

$15.93

Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 46" Long - Qty 2

(2754)

$239.98

Swagman Upright Bike Rack for 1 Bike - Roof Rack Crossbars - Frame Mount

(150)

$84.19

Yakima RoundBar Crossbars - Steel - Black - 48" Long - Qty 2

(15748)

$149.95

Replacement Small Claw Assembly for Yakima RailGrab Roof Rack Towers

(63)

$30.63

Question:

Is there any solution that would allow me to safely transport 4 bikes on a 2000 Mercedes Benz 4matic E320 Wagon? It appears i have to use a hitch mount rack and due to limitation of available hitches they recommend carrying no more than 2 bikes.

asked by: Chris M

Expert Reply:

The only trailer hitch available for your 2000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E320 Wagon is a Class 1 Curt Hitch, # C11830, which as you noted will limit you to carrying two bikes.

Also, to be in compliance with the Curt warranty requirements if you use the hitch with a bike rack or cargo carrier you must use stabilization strap # 18050.

I recommend using a roof rack and roof rack mounted bike carrier to carry the other two bikes.

If you have a factory roof rack with crossbars then you can use the Yakima roof rack which consists of the following parts:
Round 48" CrossBars # Y00408
Yakima RailGrab Towers for Flat and Raised Side Rails # Y80145

If you have factory rails that run front to back you can use the Rhino Rack roof rack which consists of the following parts:
Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRVA118B-2
Rhino-Rack SX Series Legs for Vortex Aero Crossbars # RRSX100

Then you can use two roof top bike carriers like the Swagman Roof Bike Carrier # S64720 which is compatible with round, square, aero, elliptical, and most factory crossbars.

For install details and some product demonstration videos, click the provided links.