I know you said it was a PITA, but care to elaborate for the masses here?

 

Mine was for a 2002. The instructions were in French, I don't know why. Knowing now how to do it, the process is pretty straight forward... I just ended up doing steps I didn't have to do. For instance, there are already brackets riveted in above the exhaust heat shields, but the instructions wanted me to put them there. The general outline, for a 2002+, would look like this (each step is actually several):

1. Disassemble trunk cargo area, CD changer bracket, etc.

2. Take out taillights to get to bumper bolts

3. Take off bumper

4. Take out bumper struts

5. Assemble and install hitch

6. Reassemble everything


When I said it was a PITA, I was referring to things like bumper nuts, behind the taillights, that are REALLY easy to drop down into nowhere land. A magnet tool is a must on this job. When you realize the amount of disassembly that has to take place to get at these tiny bumper nuts, you'll think they could have designed it differently! A B5 A4 bumper comes off in about 5 minutes.

Once you get the hitch bolted in, it's really impressive how integrated it is. Typical Audi quality there... I'm really happy with it.

If I was going to charge a customer, it might be 2.5 to 3 hours (less than $200). However, I've heard the 2001's are a lot tougher!

Hope this helps,
Rob @ MP

 

After having done "several" they're still charging 5 hours.

Audi, and the mechanically minded consumer both seem to feel it takes only 2.5 hours. =)

 

I'll be documenting my experience as I believe someone else is also doing. However if anyone needs any information don't hesitate to contact me directly.
tosler@usa.com

 

Any ideas if the A6 Avant shares the same trailer hitch as the allroad? Do you have a photos from below of the finished product?

I have a 2003 A6 Avant
Thanks Bri