Towing package on S-Line, is it possible?

[ManWIthAPlan]

Guys, Just acquired my CPO'd 2011 Q7 TDI Prestige with S-Line package and B&O. Only thing it's missing that I need is the Towing package. What is the best route here? Just take it to the dealer and have them install the official Audi OEM towing kit? Of course, I want full functionality of all brake lights, full integration with the MMI, etc. etc. I don't mind paying for things to be done once and done right. BTW - Keep in mind this is an S-Line, so it has the slightly different rear fender I believe, just like it has the more aggressive grill in the front. Does this mean any sort of problem with getting the tow hitch installed??? Thanks for the advice!

[Sherblatz]

Originally Posted by ManWIthAPlan

Guys,

Just acquired my CPO'd 2011 Q7 TDI Prestige with S-Line package and B&O. Only thing it's missing that I need is the Towing package. What is the best route here? Just take it to the dealer and have them install the official Audi OEM towing kit? Of course, I want full functionality of all brake lights, full integration with the MMI, etc. etc. I don't mind paying for things to be done once and done right.

BTW - Keep in mind this is an S-Line, so it has the slightly different rear fender I believe, just like it has the more aggressive grill in the front. Does this mean any sort of problem with getting the tow hitch installed???

Thanks for the advice!

There was a thread on here with step-by-step instructions for installing the tow package including photos. If my memory serves, it is pretty straightforward if you are handy around a car. Many discount Audi part vendors are on the forum and can probably save you some $$$ on the parts.

Jimbo

[ManWIthAPlan]

Originally Posted by Sherblatz

There was a thread on here with step-by-step instructions for installing the tow package including photos. If my memory serves, it is pretty straightforward if you are handy around a car. Many discount Audi part vendors are on the forum and can probably save you some $$$ on the parts.

Jimbo

Thanks. But I'm not handy with cars at all, I'd prefer the dealer to do it. Curious how much to expect to pay for it and whether the look of the Sline exterior is going to be ruined badly by it. I'd love to see pics of some other S-lines with the hitch on it.

[weth]

Originally Posted by ManWIthAPlan

whether the look of the Sline exterior is going to be ruined badly by it. I'd love to see pics of some other S-lines with the hitch on it.

I just took delivery of a '12 S-line with factory installed towing package. If no one else posts a picture, I'll get one up when I get out to my Q after work. I do believe there is a picture of it earlier in this forum if you can find it.

I was told when ordering the tow package and the running boards are not compatible with each other. It is one or the other.

[ManWIthAPlan]

Originally Posted by weth

I just took delivery of a '12 S-line with factory installed towing package. If no one else posts a picture, I'll get one up when I get out to my Q after work. I do believe there is a picture of it earlier in this forum if you can find it.

I was told when ordering the tow package and the running boards are not compatible with each other. It is one or the other.

Thanks, yeah, a pic would be great. I don't have running boards, nor do I want them, so no issue for me there, but thanks for the heads up on it. As for the towing capacity of the Audi OEM add-on tow kit vs. getting it straight from the factory with it on there, I've read that I would have about 5500 lbs capacity and folks like yourself have more like 6500 lbs. I think I can live with that, no issues there. I just hope it looks as "clean" and OEM-ish, if you know what I mean. I hate cheap knock-off 3rd party stuff, when it comes to the exterior of a nice vehicle. Lookin forward to the picture of yours. Thanks a ton!

[Jusforfun]

yes the OEM hitch and module will go straight in your S-Line. The different bumper mountings only effect the EU electric folding version so no worries there.
As you have already pointed out, you will get the lower rating without the larger transmission cooling that comes with factory fit.

Here are pics of 2011 S-Line by member Force-1 showing hitch.

[ManWIthAPlan]

Originally Posted by Jusforfun

yes the OEM hitch and module will go straight in your S-Line. The different bumper mountings only effect the EU electric folding version so no worries there.
As you have already pointed out, you will get the lower rating without the larger transmission cooling that comes with factory fit.

Here are pics of 2011 S-Line by member Force-1 showing hitch.

Excellent, thanks, the hitch looks very clean on that S-Line(same year as mine). It appears though that there is a "cutout" for the protruding hitch, I'm wondering does the dealer just provide that with the kit, or do they actually carve that slot out of the existing rear fender when they take it off? Just pointing out that mine doesn't have that currently, so somehow either a different part is used to replace the one that is there normally, or they modify the existing one. Thoughts? Thanks again.

[phidailo]

Originally Posted by Sherblatz

There was a thread on here with step-by-step instructions for installing the tow package including photos. If my memory serves, it is pretty straightforward if you are handy around a car. Many discount Audi part vendors are on the forum and can probably save you some $$$ on the parts.

Jimbo

Can someone PM me a price for the tow package? I'm looking to purchase the kit soon.

[ManWIthAPlan]

Originally Posted by phidailo

Can someone PM me a price for the tow package? I'm looking to purchase the kit soon.

Well, in the Audi Collection site and on various parts sites, it's listed at 895 dollars. I'm sure some places may have it for a bit less. But the biggest cost is likely the labor that the dealer will charge to install it. I'm going to call around to a couple Audi dealers today on it.

[iconoclast]

i have a Q7 with S-line package and factory tow package. it is possible but the side steps are not from the factory. you can install them after though. not sure why they will not package it like that.

the factory tow package is much different than the dealer installed option. the dealer option is just a hitch hooked up to the electric in the car... from the factory you get a lot more out of it than that.