Bought a 2013 estate last year with factory fitted removable towbar. 

 

Went to use it recently for the first time but found that it's been stored in the locked position so it won't go on!  The dealer isn't being very helpful and says there was never a key with the car, and the only solution is for me to get it drilled out.

 

The barrel isn't numbered and just wondered if anyone has a spare key they could send me to try?  Promise to return it.

 

Many thanks.

I think I'd look for a decent locksmith, if I were you. They can get into most things frighteningly easily.

I'd get on to the company that make the towbar as well. I can't remember who supplies the OEM parts, but I've seen it mentioned in a couple of the towbar fitting threads. They'll hopefully be able to help. My towbar key has a number on it, so unfortunately the number may well have been lost with the key :(.

 

Since the car came from a dealer, the least I'd expect is to get all the keys required to operate the vehicle I'd just bought though. Definitely follow up with them and ask them to cover the cost of replacing the key/lock.

Edited 19 June, 201511 yr by psycholist

Bought a 2013 estate last year with factory fitted removable towbar. 

 

Went to use it recently for the first time but found that it's been stored in the locked position so it won't go on!  The dealer isn't being very helpful and says there was never a key with the car, and the only solution is for me to get it drilled out.

 

The barrel isn't numbered and just wondered if anyone has a spare key they could send me to try?  Promise to return it.

 

Many thanks.

Call the Dealer Principal and moan like heck, as it appears they KNEW there was no key for the towbar but failed to "mention" this to you at the time of purchase.. They should sort this for you quick-smart...

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/358181-replacement-keys-for-swan-neck-towbar/?hl=%2Btowbar+%2Bkey#entry4272728

Call the Dealer Principal and moan like heck, as it appears they KNEW there was no key for the towbar but failed to "mention" this to you at the time of purchase.. They should sort this for you quick-smart...

 

 

Totally agree it is absolutely daft that a dealer sells a car like that without any come back.

If it's Westfalia, then they will send a set of master keys to a local centre to figure out the key number for you. I happened to see this in the FAQ on their website today.

Are all keys on oem tow bars not the same. I got one fitted in 09 and another one in '14 and the keys are the same. If you don't leave the ball connected to the car when not in use you could drill the barrel out. It's only an anti theft thing,nothing to do with stopping it falling off when in use.

the dealer is telling you a load of *******s / if it factory fitted they are listed on eta but the dealer need to email parts technical in germany with your vin number for the correct key number & they can order it for you.

the dealer is telling you a load of *******s / if it factory fitted they are listed on eta but the dealer need to email parts technical in germany with your vin number for the correct key number & they can order it for you.

...and FOC of course...