Tow Ball Nightmare - How Expensive?

[proxymoose]

Hi All, I phoned Audi today about getting a new towball fitted to my 3.0TDI Q7 after checking the website out and seeing that the Touring Kit is £350. However, to my absolute shock I was told that to fit a tow ball will cost me £1750 in fitting cot alone and then another load of wedge for the parts. Ok, I should have had it fitted when I bought the car but surely £1750 is a ludicrous price for fitting no? Audi told me that the loom is the problem as its in the roof and added to that, the rear bumper needs to be completely dismantled. OK, but come on, £1750! Does anyone know of anywhere in either London or the South East where I might just get lucky with this?? Thanks in advance, Proxymoose

[frizz]

Sorry It's taken so long to reply, but i'm having one fitted this week by I.B.O,
£500.00 all in detatchable with loom specific for vehicle. Their tel No. 01843853037.
I was quoted £1570.00 by Audi. The funny thing is that the towbar i'm having fitted is the one that audi use themselves.

[Sportingmac]

I was quoted £1092 by Audi. Seems they quote as they like

I used Towbar Express - £560 all up - inc wiring loom for ESP control and VAG Com settings.

[jrinns]

Guys,

What make is the towbar, some say bumper cut but the witter says no cut required for OE panel. Sport has plastic bits whihc I presume come off

Any ideas as i need one soon

thanks

JAson

[Sportingmac]

Witter make a removable towbar - no cuts required in the bumper as the plastic insert in the bumper is removable - just pull from the hand grabs.

You will need Audi or the towbar fitter to set up the wiring loom on the CAN-Bus - needs VAG-COM and someone who knows how to do it. Audi will do it for you for around £80.

[Quacker]

Witter, Westfalia and Brink are the common ones fitted to UK Q7's.

My favourite is the Westfalia due its positive locking with easy location in its socket. Must admit to not having seen a Witter of this type but they are generally budget bars in my limited experience.