Towbar preparation MY2010

[vincentbob]

Hello there, given that there are now a few MY2010 vehicles out there, has anyone found out yet what the towbar preparation additions to the spec involve.
I only found out about the problem with fitting a towbar after I had placed my order (planned to fit a cheaper after market one as I have done before).
I am hoping that all the cooling system mods have been fitted as standard, so that it will now be possible to fit an aftermarket item.

I take delivery of my 170 TDI Avant S-Line Exec (Meteor Grey) mid August (1st Sept) and need to get a towbar fitted quickly.

Thanks in advance

[The Polisher]

Hello there, given that there are now a few MY2010 vehicles out there, has anyone found out yet what the towbar preparation additions to the spec involve.
I only found out about the problem with fitting a towbar after I had placed my order (planned to fit a cheaper after market one as I have done before).
I am hoping that all the cooling system mods have been fitted as standard, so that it will now be possible to fit an aftermarket item.

I take delivery of my 170 TDI Avant S-Line Exec (Meteor Grey) mid August (1st Sept) and need to get a towbar fitted quickly.

Thanks in advance

As far as I understand... the towbar prep has all the mods you need to after market fit a bar..... however, you need to make sure you get one that has "vehicle specific" wiring so that the towbar ties into the ECU (needs software from Audi dealer) to make sure it all works right and that the car knows when it is towing.

I ordered mine "on the cusp" of the 2010, and although I now know mine will be a 2010 with towbar prep... I just couldn't take the risk and ordered the very expensive factory fit detachable bar..........

[vincentbob]

I ordered mine at the end of April, and was quoted a very high price for the towbar, they were working from the old brochure and didn't mention the fact that a MY2010 version was in the pipeline.
I actually said that I would fit an aftermarket towbar as it would be cheaper, the salesman mentioned nothing about the problems that would cause.
If there is a software mod involved to fit an aftermarket kit even with the MY2010 mods then I can expect to get stung by Audi I suppose.
I will get in touch with Westfalia who claim to be suppliers of OE towbars to Audi, and see if they know what is involved.

Cheers

[ScottyUK]

I'm guessing the rear parking sensors automatically disable is something is connected to the towing electrics.

You can imagine what happens otherwise

[vincentbob]

I emailed Westfalia who are fully aware of the situation and have recommended a suitable wiring kit to go with their tow hitch, they confirmed to me what The Polisher said about having Audi set up the car to suit.

This was their message,"If your car has the pre prep for the cooling upgrade, then the wiring kit 305214300113 will integrate fully with the vehicle, and will be able to be coded by the Audi dealer. It was only the lack of correct cooling equipment that was creating a problem with regards to the wiring kit not being able to be coded by Audi."

I am yet to get a price for the tow hitch plus wiring kit, but when I do I will post details, fitted or self fit.

Best regards

[a8 tech]

Production date

After build week 22/2009 (MY2010)

All engines on A4 Saloon and Avant only

8T0092155 Detachable tow bar
8T0055204 13 pin electrics
so no mods required as of this date


After build week 22/2008 2.0TDI / 1.8T / 3.2FSI / 2.0T

(Engine fans must be upgraded to 600W) 8T0055200 Towing kit that includes:
Tow bar
Towing electrics
600W fan upgrade parts


2.7TDI / 3.0TDI

(No fan upgrade required)

8K0055204 Tow bar electrics

8T0092155 Tow bar

Before build week 22/2008
2.0TDI / 1.8T / 3.2FSI / 2.0T

(Engine fans must be upgraded to 600W)
Towing kit that includes:
Tow bar 8T0055200
Towing electrics
600W fan upgrade parts


(Engine fans must be upgraded to 1000W) 8K0959455 B/H
8K0959455E
8K0121207 C/D
059903016J
8K0971228D
7L0121953A (x6)
8T0092155
8K0055204 600 watt fan
400 watt fan
Double fan cowling
Alternator 150A (Valeo)
Wiring harness
Bolts (x6)
Tow bar
Tow bar electrics


also additional Three-wire adaptor kit
For full towing electric functionality use adaptor ZGB000055200B.

Please refer to your dealers for cost

[a8 tech]

I'm guessing the rear parking sensors automatically disable is something is connected to the towing electrics.

You can imagine what happens otherwise

yes they turn off

[a8 tech]

Hello there, given that there are now a few MY2010 vehicles out there, has anyone found out yet what the towbar preparation additions to the spec involve.
I only found out about the problem with fitting a towbar after I had placed my order (planned to fit a cheaper after market one as I have done before).
I am hoping that all the cooling system mods have been fitted as standard, so that it will now be possible to fit an aftermarket item.

I take delivery of my 170 TDI Avant S-Line Exec (Meteor Grey) mid August (1st Sept) and need to get a towbar fitted quickly.

Thanks in advance

you just need the normal tow bar and loom

Production date

After build week 22/2009 (MY2010)

All engines on A4 Saloon and Avant only

8T0092155 Detachable tow bar
8T0055204 13 pin electrics

[Hillbeley]

Is there a new rear skirt/ bumper required? Does anyone have any photos of the factory or aftermarket fit towbar, please?

[vincentbob]

I have been quoted a price of £390 to fit a Westfalia towbar which I have been led to believe is the same as fitted by Audi, Westfalia being OE suppliers to Audi.
The fittting instuctions from Westfalia show the removal of a section of the lower bumber which is designed to be cut out to allow the removable ball hitch to be removed when not being used. As far as I can see it would not be visible unless you layed on the ground and looked up. I haven't seen a factory fit towbar but I suspect the same would have to be done.
In addition to the cost of fitting the kit would be a visit to Audi to have the car programmed so that it recognises when a towbar is fitted and disables the reversing sensors, as has been mentioned here earlier by others more knowledgeable. I suspect this would be a 10 minute VAGCOM job, but what they are likely to charge I have yet to find out.
From what I can see the cost of parts from Westfalia to fit yourself would be about £240.
I fitted the one on my current Passat which was easy, but the Audi looks more complicated with regard to the wiring, so I will wait until I take delivery of the car and have a look then.