bhiggins80@gmail.com

Hi All, when installing an OEM hitch (#8R0092115) on a non - S-line it is my understanding that the fascia must be cut. Does anyone happen to know if the hitch comes with a template to do the cut ? I'm confident I can do the installation, but I'm a little hesitant about taking a Dremmel to the fascia.

Thanks,

Brian

waninae39

if you get the execuhitch/invisihitch, there is no need as they go around the bumper
links to the firm are posted elsewhere on this site

arter

Just measure in from each edge and it is pretty ease to do a good job, tight around the hinch. If you remove a little bit of the flap on the electrical cover handle you can cover that up with the fascia too. ( just look at it after installation and you will see).

bhiggins80@gmail.com

Hi Waninae, I spoke to the folks at ExecuHitch and they mentioned that unless you have an S-Line it SQ5 you'll need to cut the fascia.

Thanks,

Brian

waninae39

it also is cut free for a q5 with the sline pkg. maybe others also

cheers

tmfstyle

My 2016 SQ5 came with factory trailer package. Not a particularly finished looked for an otherwise very well designed car IMO.

DennisMitchell

I recall there is a cutting guide on the back of the removable plastic fascia piece.

Redd

There is a cover plate that pops off the rear lower valance panel (i.e. below the bumper) and when the OEM hitch, which is really an entire new bumper cross-member, is installed, the hitch assembly protrudes out through that hole left by removing the cover plate. It is about the size of a US license plate, and held in place by two
thumbscrews" that twist and latch.

The only fascia that you would need to cut is that cover plate itself, not the larger bumper cover. There are no guides on the standard Q5 part (at least, not as of 2014) so you are left on your own to measure, mark, and cut. You basically need to cut out the center 1/3 of the plate, about 3/4 of the way from top to bottom. It is a BIG piece to cut out and your best bet is to mark carefully, drill two small "corner" holes, then cut down to them and across between them. I used a "Japanese" pull saw for this, they are inexpensive ($10?) and make very smooth cuts.

But you can take your time, it is just a small plate that you are cutting up, and the dealers seem to think that entire plate should simply be tossed out after installation. You can install the new bumper cross-member, and then do the plate any time afterwards.

arter

cut out only around hitch to cover plug

Redd

arter, that looks like an S-line bumper? With the electrical connections removed or totally obstructed?

S-line and regular Q5 are different. And the electrical connections would be useful for anything more than a bike rack.(G)