HadoukenZR

Hey All,

Just thought I'd share my hitch install experience on my 2013 Q5 3.0T (with S Line package).

Initially I wanted to tackle this project myself but went against it figuring I might screw it up somehow. That and I read that you need to take it into the dealership to get it SW reprogrammed anyway.

In the end, I purchased the hitch online ($620 w/free shipping) and paid $450 for the labor to have it installed at a Audi dealer.

I also went the extra steps and did the cutout on the cover to make look as seamless as possible. I'm pretty satisfied with the results!

Just waiting for the Thule Helium Aero bike rack to arrive and I'm good to go!


P.S : Just a side note. I initially only cut the middle section since I have no plans to hook up a trailer anytime soon but found that the cover will not fit. The electrical socket will be in the way.

soonerfan

Very nice and thanks for sharing. Pictures speak volumes.

tmiele

Looks great!

jofish

It looks great.

Can you provide the part # of the hitch and where you purchased it?

Also can you elaborate on the type of reprogramming they did - can it be done via VAG-COM?

Thanks

Parsec

I'm just wondering why you didn't go with the hitch as a $800 option instead of paying $1,070 right after delivery. PIOs have a much longer warranty too. Was the tow hitch not a PIO for MY 2013?

idale

Hitch was available as PIO, though it may have been an en-route vehicle or something where the option hadn't been specified (and couldn't be added in time). (Or the dealer could've been confused like one was on there not being a non-Side Assist hitch because they saw the Side Assist-specific one listed. Someone posted about that recently, but the order guide did show the proper option.)

S4forDC

Looks terrific. I would have considered doing it myself and then made the same decision you did in having the Audi dealer do it!

HadoukenZR

Item Number: 8R0092115
Bought it at www.audipartsforless.com .

They are a Audi dealership located in North Scottsdale. The parts manager is top notch. The hitch i ordered had very minor scratches and I wrote a email to complain. The manager sent me a can of spray paint along with free hats and Q5 sunshade to remedy the issue.

If that's not customer service I dont know what is ! lol... And they were the cheapest I found online.

I read that others tried to VAG-COM the update but couldn't finish it 100%..

HadoukenZR

Yeah unfortunately I didn't think there was a need at the time. Indecisiveness sucks.

However, seeing how I was quoted $1700+ at some other places, this seemed like a good alternative.

idale

Yeah, as far as after-the-fact installs go, you didn't do too badly.