Towing issues with audi a4 quattro tdi b8

**john-mandy** · 02-03-2010,07:59 PM

After my posting yesterday title b7 or b8, i have since found out that certain b8 quattros suffer overheating issues when towing.

After a phone call to cardiff audi, it was suggested a tow bar fitted from them would cost £630 ok i suppose warranty uneffected, but then the body blow unfortunetely your quattro will need a few mods to stop the car overheating, upgraded coolant fan unit, alternator mod and some additional electrical work, joke or what.

In the brochere for that year it states the audi will pull a maximum of 2100 kgs, but it doesn't state you have to pay £3000 for that privilige.

I have found out the build dates of the b8's which are affected
before 26 feb 2008, how long before i don't know,and up to week 22 of that calander year,
BUT IF YOU THINK THIS MAY AFFECT YOU PLEASE SEEK ADVICE FROM AUDI.
I'm not sure weather this affects all b8 engine trays or just the 3.0 tdi quattro.

In 3 days time i would have put down quite a large deposit for this quattro and paid it in full within 2 weeks, lots of hard earned cash, but thanks to this very informative website i will now give it a miss, looks like a 3.0 quattro tdi b7 for me possibly with factory fitted tow bar.

This subject has been coverd before by some senior members, but i thought a quick update for forum members would be good, because these quattros are now hitting the second hand car market.

john

**mkc** · 03-03-2010,09:24 PM

Thanks John. It is wortwhile posting the info again, the older posts tend to get lost in the forum. Esp as its the start of March and people might be picking up new cars or as you say trading in for a pre owned car.

I hope you get the car you want at some stage. It is disapointing for you but at least you never spent all your hard earned cash on it and had it sat outside your house unable to tow

Good luck

**a8 tech** · 04-03-2010,09:00 PM

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.

**john-mandy** · 04-03-2010,10:28 PM

Thanks for that A8, i,ve decided to play safe and look for a quattro 1 year older, no warranty being a pain though.
It didn,t feel right stumping up £3000 for audi,s lack of quality control.

By the way cardiff audi contacted me today and are still running the gesture of meeting half the cost to the upgrade for towing, so generous of them to meet half the cost of their mistakes. The brochere for that year quite clearly states the car has maximum towing limit of 2100 kgs, nothing is mentioned about an additional contribution from us the audi owners.

**a8 tech** · 04-03-2010,10:52 PM

Interesting, I thought you just pay for the tow bar as normal and Audi pay for the mod.

**mkc** · 04-03-2010,11:15 PM

You are aware that if you go for a year older it wont be the current shape. Sorry to state the obvious but I know you were asking questions around the car you were looking at. I wouldnt rush into anything, you might find an A4 or A5 with a tow bar in time for the summer.

**john-mandy** · 05-03-2010,03:36 PM

Originally Posted by a8 tech

Interesting, I thought you just pay for the tow bar as normal and Audi pay for the mod.

A8 my understanding from audi is that a towbar fitted to this model is app £630, mods plus towbar quoted at £3000 minimum, audi contribution £1500, leaving a shortfall of £870 if you take out the £630 for the towbar.
Thats a lot of hard earned cash for a car which the brochere states can pull 2100kg.

**john-mandy** · 05-03-2010,03:40 PM

Originally Posted by mkc

You are aware that if you go for a year older it wont be the current shape. Sorry to state the obvious but I know you were asking questions around the car you were looking at. I wouldnt rush into anything, you might find an A4 or A5 with a tow bar in time for the summer.

Thanks mkc, i was aware its the older model, and i've seen a few i,m intrested in, no warranty will be a problem, but at least i can start thinking about mods earlier, may try and purchase a good third party warranty.