Volkswagen ID.3 Forum

Hi chaps, chapesses and chaplets

Just had the bike transport hitch retrofit - fit

I was expecting to see 55kg 2 bikes max on the sticker ?? as I was under the impression that the retrofit max weight was reduced when compared to the factory fit ?

However.. Once fitted I have 75kg 3 bikes max denoted ?

So... is this the wrong sticker on the retrofit item ? Or am I ok for 75KG 3 Bikes max as it suggests ?

I presume either a 55kg or 75kg max hitch takes into account the carrier and bike weight combined.

lastly, the sticker seems to suggest a maximum depth for a bike rack of 300mm ??? which would be enough for 2 bikes, but not 3 ???

I have had just has a delaer fitted rack too and it has the same sticker as you. presumably no accident.

I believe the 75kg refers to the load on the hook, which includes the rack weight. Though there is a lot of confusion..
There is another thread
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=499

The 330mm is for three bikes (if I understand the stickers correctly) whereas it is 225mm for two bikes (see picture in other thread)

I "believe" the specs were changed from 55kg to 75kg at some point..

Can I ask either/both of you how much the dealer retrofit was?

MotMot wrote: ↑Mon Jan 31, 2022 10:15 pm Can I ask either/both of you how much the dealer retrofit was?

About £800. It is a standard price in the brochure.

My new car has the new 75kg sticker, which was a pleasant surprise.

Just in case anyone thinks this is only when retrofitted.

Griff wrote: ↑Mon Jan 31, 2022 10:19 pm

MotMot wrote: ↑Mon Jan 31, 2022 10:15 pm Can I ask either/both of you how much the dealer retrofit was?

About £800. It is a standard price in the brochure.

Yup

Taa - wondered if there were a cheaper deal/option about. No problem.

MotMot wrote: ↑Tue Feb 01, 2022 2:46 pm Taa - wondered if there were a cheaper deal/option about. No problem.

I know what you mean..

We do a lot of cycling and used Thule roof carriers in the past.. This VW fit is the only solid option for the ID.3 though.

On the plus side, its super neat, with the electrics and mount protected from the elements by the number plate, its really quick to attach the ball hitch and it also comes with additional software including an update for the reversing camera.
Its quite a big job to install it.

The cheaper option would be something like a 'Saris Bones' device

Presumably the whole bumper is replaced with one that has the fold down numberplate?

Is the rear bumper pre cut to accommodate retro fit? Dealer is assuring me that installation would be same as if factory fit but I am a little nervous. I presume everyone is happy with the tow hitch as a bike transport solution?

My car (when it arrives) doesn’t have the bike prep, am I reading this thread correctly in that this can be completely retro fitted?

I did look at the Saris Bones, has anyone tried this or found another frame that works on the ID3?

Trilby wrote: ↑Sun Jun 19, 2022 8:39 pm My car (when it arrives) doesn’t have the bike prep, am I reading this thread correctly in that this can be completely retro fitted?

I did look at the Saris Bones, has anyone tried this or found another frame that works on the ID3?

Correct, can be retrofitted. When I had mine the retrofit was £600 more than factory option. I believe that price differential has subsequently reduced since the factory fit has gone up.

From memory (I could be wrong) VW do not recommend hanging racks off the back.

Tailgate is all plastic - so I’d be careful/wouldn’t do it.

Thanks folks. Yes I’ve read on a few bike rack websites that the ID3 is not rack-able.

I might have to bite the retrofit bullet, or buy a Brompton to put in the boot

I’ve got roof bars - and used a roof top box with absolutely no problems (bars by Farad) but there are folk here who’ll say it’ll invalidate your warranty etc…

That’s maybe a debate for another thread.

However, there are mounting lugs/markers for roof bars - but as Vw don’t sell them they are sniffed at.

I’m happy with them for the odd (every few months) journey - but maybe not every week.

Trilby wrote: ↑Mon Jun 20, 2022 5:59 pm I might have to bite the retrofit bullet, or buy a Brompton to put in the boot

Retrofit is cheaper than the Brompton!!

I hate to drag up an old topic but how/where can i get a bike carrier retrofitted? I've spoken to a few towbar companies locally and they don't have any info/experience.

Casparh, do you mean the id3 transport hitch? If so, ring around a few VW dealers - I found my supplying dealer quoted a stupid price, another not-local dealer did the the job for ~£900 IIRC. They also did a very neat installation. Many dealers subcontract this type of work to peripatetic towbar specialists: if so, it's important to ensure that whoever does it, knows to do the coding properly

SinglePointSafety wrote: ↑Sat Dec 31, 2022 3:19 pm Casparh, do you mean the id3 transport hitch? If so, ring around a few VW dealers - I found my supplying dealer quoted a stupid price, another not-local dealer did the the job for ~£900 IIRC. They also did a very neat installation. Many dealers subcontract this type of work to peripatetic towbar specialists: if so, it's important to ensure that whoever does it, knows to do the coding properly

That's what I was after, thanks. I'm guessing that the £900 doesn't include the cost of a bike carrier?