Rear Bumper removal for Towbar fitment e-tron

[FortyPlus]

Hi all
ASAP in 2018 I need to fit a towbar to my Q7 e-tron. All indications are there is nothing different for the e-tron to normal Q7 tdi. I don't have the panoramic roof which does appear as a factor (no idea why).

2 options.
1) Westfalia detachable swan-neck + relay style generic electrics all for £310, I have fitted this style previously to my previous VW Phaeton and it works absolutely fine.

2) The factory electric retractable kit + electronic interface. A few new-original kits on ebay for about £800. A bit more work to fit the electronics, and probably some re-coding to recognize the interface.

Can't decide which option, but TBH I do very little towing, just a dingy, small trailer & bike rack: so probably the Westfalia removable swannexk.

To do it DIY, the information I need is rear bumper removal, and access to wiring loom for turn signals, etc.

I have done this before so am comfortable with the process, but as new to the Q7, utterly unfamiliar as to how it's put together!! ( which after this exercise, I plan to remain...)

Regards
Hugh
Dublin

[KevTrem]

PF Jones will supply you the westfalia one which is the one I have fitted to my A6, they come with very detailed instructions. You can also view the fitting instructions on their website, which helps.

[FortyPlus]

Hi all
I now have the Westafalia hitch delivered ready to install. It all looks straightforward (90min according to Westfalia instructions ), I have installed it before on a previous car so so it should be OK.

One question only: Bumper removal. The supplied instructions skip over this, and the best I can find is this (note it's not a Westfalia hitch)

This indicates that the painted arch trims must be removed to reveal a hidden torx screw, I assume this is accurate? I am wary of damaging painted trim panels

However, it's an Audi video, and the external bodywork looks the same as mine (internally mine is e-tron).

Thanks
Hugh
Dublin

[anemeth]

According to the Factory Workshop Manual, the first step in the bumper removal is:

"Remove wheel arch cover (rear) "

I just looked the rear bumper and for e-tron looks little bit different than the diesel model, but the screws and bolts look the same.