New MG ZS EV Australia - towbar problem

[TassieDi]

I've just taken delivery of my new Essence model EV, and yesterday I had the towbar installed. The installer found a different fusebox wiring setup to what was shown in the installation instructions (see photos attached). On my enquiring with the dealer what to do about this (i.e. which fuse should I choose to replace with the fuse connector for the towbar), I was told that I had ordered the wrong towbar. (And that I have to have it removed and replaced with the proper one). Needless to say I am spitting chips.
But I am wondering if there is some confusion on the part of the local dealer and the local parts warehouse here in Hobart, Tasmania. I'm pretty careful about these decisions and it seems to me that the webpage showing the accessories looks different now to what it was when I ordered the part a month ago.

The towbar I received has the detachable towball that I have seen in the New MGZSEV manual I found via this forum. So I thought it must be in order. But the picture I've now been shown on the Australian website for the New MGZSEV shows the standard welded/bolted on towball.

My correspondence with the local parts manager feels to me like he is just reading the parts catalogue without actually knowing anything about the differences between the bars, and anything about the EVs - they are a pretty new thing here in Tasmania - and covering his ignorance by simply requiring a removal. The salesman has already admitted he knows little about the cars, let alone the accessories.

This is what I have had installed: Part 50660007. The Australian website now says I should have got Part 52660007.
Attached are photos of the actual fuseboard for my car and the instructions for the towbar that I have had installed.
Can anyone help to shed some light for me???

 

[TassieDi]

Update: I believe I was right in thinking that the website was misleading when I ordered my towbar. The parts team have clarified that the towbar for the MG ZS EV 2022 has not yet arrived in Australia, and they have indicated that they may have had some share in the errors that led to me ordering and receiving the wrong towbar.
Anyhow apparently when the correct model arrives it will have to go through "certification" before being released to consumers. Meanwhile, I am not permitted to use the towbar that has been installed as it has not been "certified" for use on this vehicle. I must be resigned to not having a towbar for several months. Thankfully the company will arrange the replacement at no cost and minimal inconvenience to me.

 

[N2STY]

It look like the right fuse bord to me just row 2 on there illustration is missing there fuses
It makes sense to me remove fuse from fusebord labelled no. 1 then plug that fuse in piggy back labelled no. 2 then plug in piggy back labelled no. 3 in to old no. 1 that you removed the only thing is that 15amp is now 20amp so you are using 2 20amp

 

[Squeak]

Tassie Di ... I have ordered the NEW type of tow bar as listed on the current MG Australian web site (back on the 30/9/2022) The part no: MG-52660007. The cost of the towbar kit is $899.00 inc gst. It will not arrive until the first week in December. I got mine from Bundoora MG here in Melbourne were I picked up my MG Essence on the 20/9/2022.

 

[TassieDi]

Tassie Di ... I have ordered the NEW type of tow bar as listed on the current MG Australian web site (back on the 30/9/2022) The part no: MG-52660007. The cost of the towbar kit is $899.00 inc gst. It will not arrive until the first week in December. I got mine from Bundoora MG here in Melbourne were I picked up my MG Essence on the 20/9/2022.

You did well, Squeak. I think when I ordered mine online on 4 Sept the parts website had not been updated, anyhow somehow I ordered the other one. A painful lesson, as I have a big weekend away with bikes planned for our Show Day weekend. I've done some juggling and am now taking a couple of folding bikes.

 

[Peter WA]

What have you both been quoted as fitment costs? My dealer gave me a total of $1251 for towbar supplied and fitted.

I also got a quote from a local company specialising in towbars (dealer is 1 hour drive from me). When I called them I didn't have much hope they'd be able to deliver one for the ZS EV already. To my surprised they replied they do: $980 fitted.

After seeing this thread I will need to have another chat with them to make sure it's an approved one that is legal and won't cause warranty issues.

 

[Squeak]

Hi Peter ... I can't say (yet) what the fitted cost is .. the we MG web site said +120mins fitting time .. My car is having it's first service on the 20th of this month .. I will ask what 120min s fitment time cost and post it on this thread..

 

[TassieDi]

Yes, I was told, and Squeak seems to confirm, that the approved towbars aren't even in Australia yet.

My fitter was a local towbar specialist that I've used before. He quoted $300, and stuck with that, even though it took longer than he thought. The dealer implied I should have asked them to do it, but I don't know what their fee would be.

 

[Squeak]

I paid upfront for the MG factory towbar .. it's due early December. I will get MG to fit it .. that way if something go wrong .. they have to sort it out. I know that it going to cost more than a local towbar supplier here in Melbourne but it covered under the MG warranty.

P.S .. the wife said that was my xmas present

 

[Peter WA]

Thanks

Also, I can confirm what you had heard: my dealer told me that MG expects tow bars to land in the country November 30th. Meaning it will be December before dealers can get any.

 

[Squeak]

Hi all ... just completed my first 1K FREE Service at the dealer.. I asked the question regarding the towbar (Hayman Reece type) which I paid for last month and is due in early Dec22.. how much is it to wire and fit. Bundoora MG quote a firm price of $352.00 (inc tax). I have the car booked in for the 19/12/22 to get it done Merry Xmas??

 

[TassieDi]

Update - my towbar has arrived in Hobart and today the dealer is taking off the wrong on and installing the correct one. It's a first for them and I think they were a bit nervous. Fingers crossed.

Oh, I just got an alert via iSmart saying they have triggered an airbag - I'm not sure what's involved in refitting one of these!

 

[Peter WA]

Oh, I just got an alert via iSmart saying they have triggered an airbag - I'm not sure what's involved in refitting one of these!

Wow! Let's hope that's just a false alarm from the app. It's hard to imagine how working at the rear of the car can trigger an airbag, unless they did a test drive and crashed.

I'm watching with interest. No news yet from my dealer about tow bar.

 

[TassieDi]

Hurrah! I now have an officially approved towbar installed. At last. I mentioned the alert I received about the airbag and apparently nothing like that happened. They were a bit disparaging about the (non-MG) installer of the (non-EV) towbar, which may be valid, who knows. But from now on I will be advising friends to use the dealer for installation.

 

[Deleted member 10911]

Ordered an MG EV on the weekend for delivery in a couple of weeks - with the towbar installed by the dealer, $1,090 fitted.

 

[Peter WA]

Ordered an MG EV on the weekend for delivery in a couple of weeks - with the towbar installed by the dealer, $1,090 fitted.

Where was that? Great price, mine didn't budge from the $1249 so far. ETA I was given was today, I better check if stock actually has arrived and make an appointment...

 

[TassieDi]

It's great being able to chat on this forum with fellow Aussie MG ZS owners. I'm watching the local FB page but the level of general EV ignorance there is a bit testing. Thankyou to the admin of this forum, and to the experienced owners (from all parts of the world) who are happy to share their knowledge and experience, it is much appreciated!

 

[Deleted member 10911]

Where was that? Great price, mine didn't budge from the $1249 so far. ETA I was given was today, I better check if stock actually has arrived and make an appointment...

Sorry for the delay here, busy week - my year is meant to be finished, and yet, here I am.

MG South West Sydney (Lansvale)