[weatherald]

Warning. If you are considering a tow bar make sure you go for factory fit ?650. A retro fit by the dealer will cost ?2400. This is due to new cooling fans and mods to software on car etc. Believe me I have spent Hours arguing with the garage and even Audi UK about this excessive cost.
After market is an option and I have investigated the best provider who appears to know what they are talking about. They are PF Jones in Manchester.(however they will not do the cooling upgrade, hence warranty issues)
Some contributors to this site think it is Audi making things up regarding costs but I have seen all the bulletins from Audi regarding the retro fit and parts list with prices.
Hope this helps.

 

[nsm3]

I would recommend the factory fit - it is a really neat installation and a piece of cake to use.

Not bad value either at ?650 IMHO?

 

[CrustyNoodle]

In Aus. and NA, tow bars are fitted by the dealer so every Q5 is supplied with "Towing Hitch Preparation" as a no cost option and the brochures state that the tow bar needs to be purchased separately from Audi parts.

If you are in the UK and thinking about a tow bar but not sure, you might be able to order your car with the towing hitch preparation which would give you the option to fit a tow bar at a later date.

I think the other thing to consider is if you really need the extra cooling and things if all you are doing is pulling a 6x4 trailer to the tip or mounting a bike rack.

Me... I'm fitting my Bosal detachable tow bar tomorrow (~300 Quid from TowEquip plus 134 Quid for the electronics box plus shipping to Australia - all up cheaper and neater than what they offer here). Towequip also have a couple of other brands for the Q5 both are less than the Bosal.

 

[smo]

Is this the same cooling upgrade that was ranted about on another Q5 forum along with alleged chassis changes....its all tripe.

When i questioned both aftermarket installers/supplier (including the oem suppliers) and audi through the dealers and customer service i was told ther were NO changes to the cooling or the chassis, the only changes are the software and wiring directly related to the towbar.

 

[weatherald]

Is this the same cooling upgrade that was ranted about on another Q5 forum along with alleged chassis changes....its all tripe.

When i questioned both aftermarket installers/supplier (including the oem suppliers) and audi through the dealers and customer service i was told ther were NO changes to the cooling or the chassis, the only changes are the software and wiring directly related to the towbar.

To clarify.I am talking UK and 2.0 tdi and 2.0 tfsi. I have the specification sheet from Audi. You may be surprised but this is fact. I am sure Audi have not made this up purely for my sole digestion. I have also talked directly with Audi UK. Possibly a conspiracy. Scary!!

 

[sam]

To clarify.I am talking UK and 2.0 tdi and 2.0 tfsi. I have the specification sheet from Audi. You may be surprised but this is fact. I am sure Audi have not made this up purely for my sole digestion. I have also talked directly with Audi UK. Possibly a conspiracy. Scary!!

I was in dealers recently to enquire about retro-fit towbar to my 2.0 tfsi and was told that additional parts are required for tdi but not for 2.0tfsi. Specialist has quoted removable with single electrics ?500 fitted, twin electrics ?550 fitted. I know I could get it a bit cheaper but the specialist has top reputation.

 

[smo]

I would dearly love to see the spec sheet for these cooling upgrades then as it will prove it and answer a lot of questions over this

Any chance you can scan it in?

 

[weatherald]

I would dearly love to see the spec sheet for these cooling upgrades then as it will prove it and answer a lot of questions over this

Any chance you can scan it in?

Will do it tomorrow. There is another interesting section informing that the Q5 will not support twin electrics. Will include this in scan.

 

[weatherald]

Attached is all information sheets detailing requirements for 2.0 tdi, 2.0tfsi and 3.0tdi.
Also quote from Hull Audi managed to get labour rate down to ?70/hour instead of ?90/h

 

[smo]

oh no its not

Edit: now it is

 

[smo]

Weatherald - may i suggest you remove them and edit out your address, personal details and chassis number etc

Thanks for posting them though, its interesting but i still think they are pulling your plonker as no aftermarket installer knows anything about it, and in reality you couldnt have a car that has towbars available and yet cant be fitted without other mods, imagine the warranty claims when all those engines go pop?????

 

[weatherald]

Weatherald - may i suggest you remove them and edit out your address, personal details and chassis number etc

Thanks for posting them though, its interesting but i still think they are pulling your plonker as no aftermarket installer knows anything about it, and in reality you couldnt have a car that has towbars available and yet cant be fitted without other mods, imagine the warranty claims when all those engines go pop?????

Good Point. Thanks for that, have removed the attachments and will reattach later.
regards