Mercedes W169 W245 Front Bumper Tow Eye Hook Cover Cap Steppe Brown - 490

Visual condition of the part

The product shows signs of use visible in the photos.

Mercedes W169 W245 Front Bumper Tow Eye Hook Cover Cap Steppe Brown is an original body component from the Bumper Inserts and Covers category, designed for installation in the front section of the vehicle. The cover allows for the aesthetic closing of the tow hook opening, restoring the bumper's cohesive appearance and maintaining the factory body line. The version in Steppe Brown Metallic - 490 color allows for a perfect match to the paintwork without the need for additional painting or with minimal paintwork required.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: A1698851522-STE
• Mark: Mercedes (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: A1698851522
• Substitutable numbers: A1698851522, A 169 885 15 22
• Location on the vehicle: Front
• Color: Steppe Brown Metallic - 490
• Category: Bumper Inserts & Covers

Purpose and function of the component

The front bumper tow eye cover serves a dual role: it covers the technical tow hook mounting hole and visually organizes the lower part of the bumper. Thanks to its precise fit to the shape of the bumper in the Mercedes W169 model, the component creates a flush surface with the rest of the bodywork after installation, without any unwanted gaps or misalignments.

Its location in the front zone of the body makes the cover susceptible to mechanical damage and weather conditions, which is why its replacement during bumper repairs is often necessary. Using an original cover allows you to maintain stylistic consistency and the correct geometry of the plastic components in the vehicle's front end.

Color and visual fit

The factory color Steppe Brown Metallic - 490 is a metallic shade used in the Mercedes paint palette, characteristic of elegant body configurations. Using a cover in this color allows you to:

• minimize color shade differences between the bumper and the new component,
• limit the scope of paintwork required when repairing the front of the vehicle,
• maintain a consistent, orderly appearance of the front body section.

For users who care about the aesthetics of their car, this is a practical solution that allows you to restore visual order after a collision, disassembly, or loss of the original cover.

Installation characteristics

The cover is designed for installation in the factory front bumper socket, which facilitates work for both professional service centers and independent workshops. The design of the component is adapted to the standard bumper in the Mercedes W169, ensuring that it maintains a stable position during vehicle operation once properly seated.

The component comes from the secondary market, which allows for economical repair while maintaining original geometry and compatibility with the factory bumper. It is a practical solution for post-accident repairs, front-end restoration, or completing missing body details.

Use in repairs and upgrades

Replacing the front bumper tow eye cover is recommended in situations where:

• the original component has cracked, deformed, or fallen out of its socket,
• the bumper has been painted or replaced and color matching is necessary,
• the vehicle is being prepared for sale and the aesthetic appearance of the front body section is important.

A well-chosen cover improves the visual perception of the entire front of the car, which is important both for daily use and when reselling the vehicle.

Complementary Mercedes body components

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the front bumper zone in your Mercedes and need other components from the same group, such as additional inserts, covers, or grilles, check out the available parts in the Mercedes Bumper Inserts and Covers category.

Support for retrofitting and upgrades

When planning broader body upgrade works or retrofitting the car with components from higher equipment versions, it is worth knowing the best practices for using dismantled parts. The article describing the principles of professional vehicle retrofitting, available here, may be helpful: Retrofitting in VAG and BMW group cars – how to use used parts wisely.