Will the Curt Hitch C13411 Fit a 2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 Diesel If I Remove the Def Tank?

Updated 10/29/2025 | Published 03/17/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(186)

$323.97

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(15)

$296.90

Question:

I just acquired a 2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 Bluetec Diesel. I cannot find a hitch for this vehicle on your site. This vehicle no longer uses the DEF tank at the rear of the car, my question is: if I remove this unused tank, will the gasoline version of a hitch work on my vehicle?

asked by: Brian C

Expert Reply:

Hey Brian! I know the Draw-Tite item # 75774 won't work but if you can get that DEF tank off, the Curt item # C13411 should work. I checked with Curt and this hitch is custom fit for the 2012 Mercedes Benz ML350 with the only exclusion being the diesel models.

I have linked the installation instructions below so you can compare the pictures and steps to what you see when you remove that tank.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jerred H.

10/27/2025

Hey Brian, what ended up happening when you compared the Curt hitch instructions to your ML350 after removing the DEF tank? Knowing how that fit worked out could really help others with the same diesel model.

Brian C.

10/28/2025

@JerredH It fits just fine! The DEF tank must be permanently removed because of the main center square tube (so if the customer's vehicle is a "deleted" diesel it will work great! The one part of my towing project that STILL hasn't worked out is the electronics. I bought from you the Tekonsha ZCI wiring kit, but I have never been able to make the correct lights on the trailers work, including a U-Haul trailer. I got everything connected correctly per the instructions, I've called Tekonsha and quizzed them a couple times, but it still doesn't do what it's supposed to. I'm just at a dead end with it.

Jerred H.

10/29/2025

@BrianC Glad the hitch ended up fitting! That's disappointing the item # 119250KIT still isn't working for you. When you had issues earlier this year, I for sure thought it was a simple grounding problem. At this point, I recommend reaching out to a Mercedes dealer or a shop that specializes in foreign cars.