Fitting second hand 2007 wagon tow bar

[Passat my07]

Hi,As usual I've left everything to the last minute and I need to fit this tow bar kit for the holidays. I bought a second hand genuine tow bar kit as vw doesn't sell the kit anymore. I fitted up the wiring and module kit the other night with the help of a westfalia link I found in another thread. I haven't coded it yet so that will be another issue for me if I can't do it from a Launch scanner but the main thing I'm after is info on where to drill the holes to mount the bar? I haven't pulled the rear bumper off yet and it might be self explanatory when I do? Has anyone done this before?Thanks.

[Guest001]

Hi,As usual I've left everything to the last minute and I need to fit this tow bar kit for the holidays. I bought a second hand genuine tow bar kit as vw doesn't sell the kit anymore. I fitted up the wiring and module kit the other night with the help of a westfalia link I found in another thread. I haven't coded it yet so that will be another issue for me if I can't do it from a Launch scanner but the main thing I'm after is info on where to drill the holes to mount the bar? I haven't pulled the rear bumper off yet and it might be self explanatory when I do? Has anyone done this before?Thanks.

According to the Wesfalia instructions the holes are already there arent they. Seemed to be when I was going to fit one. They would need parts put in to prevent crushing the rails otherwise

[Passat my07]

By the looks of the bolts they only go through one wall of the rails. It'd be very nice if the holes are there. I've only seen the westfalia wiring instructions (not the bar fitting instructions). The Aussie dealer tow bars are made by best bars in nz and they don't have instructions on their website.

[Guest001]

I have seen instructions somewhere but cant remember where unfortunately and there was nothing about drilling holes in them

[Guest001]

GOOGLE IS YOUR FRIEND "Fitting towbar to a B7 Passat"

Here you go

Passat B7 estate towbar fitting guide - UKPassats

You may have to join to see everything Im a member so can do so

Plenty of Youtubes on it as well

[Passat my07]

Yep I have done a bit of searching but I haven't found anything relating to the Aussie dealer fitted bars.
Some of the bars on YouTube do require drilling. One even mounted to the muffler hanger bolts. I'm sure once I drop the mufflers down and remove the heat shields I'll be able to work it out.

[Guest001]

Yep I have done a bit of searching but I haven't found anything relating to the Aussie dealer fitted bars.
Some of the bars on YouTube do require drilling. One even mounted to the muffler hanger bolts. I'm sure once I drop the mufflers down and remove the heat shields I'll be able to work it out.

Ok what brand is the towbar as there is no such thing as a genuine VW bar They are all bought in from places like Westfalia or HR or someone
The Westfalia ones fit along the outer sides of the rails and require the muffler to be dropped and the instructions are in the link I provided Im sure there was a link on here a year or so ago with pictures

Read this thread and the links in it Saves me typing it all again

OEM Passat B7 sedan tow bar

[Passat my07]

As above the bar is made by Best Bars N.Z.

[Guest001]

As above the bar is made by Best Bars N.Z.

Oh right when it sitting on the ground as it would be mounted in the car does it have two plates about 60mm wide and about 500mm long that would go beside the chassis rails and have two holes in each Say in the specs on their website that drilling is not required

[Passat my07]

Yes that's right. Looks like it slides inside the rails after throwing the bumper reo' away. Then it's bolted from the side. I looked at the instructions on the westfalia website and it looks to mount in a similar way.
Thanks for looking it up. I didn't see the part where it said no drilling required.

[Guest001]

Yes that's right. Looks like it slides inside the rails after throwing the bumper reo' away. Then it's bolted from the side. I looked at the instructions on the westfalia website and it looks to mount in a similar way.
Thanks for looking it up. I didn't see the part where it said no drilling required.

Should have gone to Specsavers LOL I think it goes on the outside edges NOt inside and yes you dump the reinforcing across the back and the bumper has marks underneath where you may have to cut it

[Passat my07]

Well I found some spare time the other night and fitted the bar.
If anyone else is looking to do the same (this probably only applies to the dealer fitted Best Bars tow bar)you have to remove the rear tail lights (watch the clips on the outer edge).
Then you need to remove the bumper screws (2 under each tail light, 4 inside each wheel arch and 4 under the car).
Then remove a plastic clip inside each arch. You can then pull the bumper rearwards and disconnect distance sensor wiring.
You then unbolt the bumper reinforcement and the muffler hangers. (The bumper reinforcement isn't refitted)
Then remove/unscrew the annoying clips that hold the heat shield in place. You'll then see holes in the sides of the rails.
You slide the tow bar inside the rails and fit the bolts from the outer side of the rails to the captive nuts on the tow bar.
You then need to run your wiring through the grommet below the left tail light.
Then refit the bumper and mark out where you need to cut so you can remove and replace the tongue. I cut it with a multi tool plunge saw and a die grinder.

[Guest001]

Well I found some spare time the other night and fitted the bar.
If anyone else is looking to do the same (this probably only applies to the dealer fitted Best Bars tow bar)you have to remove the rear tail lights (watch the clips on the outer edge).
Then you need to remove the bumper screws (2 under each tail light, 4 inside each wheel arch and 4 under the car).
Then remove a plastic clip inside each arch. You can then pull the bumper rearwards and disconnect distance sensor wiring.
You then unbolt the bumper reinforcement and the muffler hangers. (The bumper reinforcement isn't refitted)
Then remove/unscrew the annoying clips that hold the heat shield in place. You'll then see holes in the sides of the rails.
You slide the tow bar inside the rails and fit the bolts from the outer side of the rails to the captive nuts on the tow bar.
You then need to run your wiring through the grommet below the left tail light.
Then refit the bumper and mark out where you need to cut so you can remove and replace the tongue. I cut it with a multi tool plunge saw and a die grinder.

Which basically is whats in the UK threads

[Passat my07]

You say that after telling me above that the bar bolts to the outside of the rails?

[Guest001]

You say that after telling me above that the bar bolts to the outside of the rails?

I said I thought it went on the outside I havent been on that forum for nearly 2 years when i was going to fit a bar to my wagon and so had to search for the thread to try to help you.

Sorry I bothered and gave such terrible information but of course the correct stuff was in the link wasnt it EG 3rd line under the pic

Slide the bar into the rails.

Very sorry I didnt take the time to reread something i am no longer interested in but thought it might help someone.

Obviously not appreciated