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There are basically 2 models, depending on the thread. If you check eBay, the difference is pretty obvious. On top of a change of thread, the handedness changes as well. I went through the same search a few months back, and I was not able to find a clear cut-off year where this part changes. From memory, my 2003 follows the earlier style. Maybe the change goes with the newer body kit. So, there is no substitute for checking the threads on your own car. Take pictures. For reference, Jaguar calls it a "tow eye".
Separately from the factory part, there are (cheap) after market parts on eBay. The earlier thread is compatible with a bunch of Mazda models. I ended up getting that. Looks good, but has several parts threaded into one another. Everything screws into the bumper just fine. Removing it, though, could leave some sections behind. Should be rarely used, anyway. Last thing: you probably will need to clean those threads as they are likely to be loaded with crud and light rust.
The M20x2.5mm (HJA4333AC) is the larger size and the M16x3.0mm LH Thread (XR88500 same as the X200/X202/X350) is the smaller one.
The VW Jetta MKIV tow eye can be substituted for the M16x3.0mm LH Thread if you look in a salvage yard.
When the NEW CARS were delivered to the dealer I removed BOTH front tow eyes (for lashing the car to the ship deck) and put ONE in the boot tool kit and the other was to be discarded. TWO plastic 'blanking-plugs' (KPH100019) were installed in the front 'tow-eye' holes to prevent the ingress of dirt/debris.
I saved all the discarded tow eyes, but over the years my supply has become DEPLETED TO ZERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I still get requests for the tow eye but I don't have any.
I followed the flow of posts on this subject and understood that either 16mm or 20mm fits my car. Well 16mm is much too small for the threaded hole so I tried ebay for a used 20mm, without success.
went for new at the jaguar parts dealer who said 16mm or 20mm.
when it arrived it is too big for the hole in the car.
who can throw some light on this ?
Late 2004 xkr r spec.
Had similar experience buying a tow hook off eBay Seller, and found the dia okay but the pitch thread was wrong. As I'm familiar with the heavy fabrication workshops here, I sourced a couple of LONG gr 8.8 black bolts that fit the car's tow holes, and then got a fabrication shop to cut the threads off, ream and tap to fit the correct thread onto the "bad" tow hook. Did a 5 T load test and all's good. Pic below
My plastic covers, to the tow holes, were long gone, so I simply used the left over bolts heads/threads to fill the hole to stop crud blocking the threads. Put lots of copper grease and made sure the bolts were tight. I have a spare socket in the trunk's tool kit if I need to get these out.
One of those things, you have, but hope you never need.
Had similar experience buying a tow hook off eBay Seller, and found the dia okay but the pitch thread was wrong. As I'm familiar with the heavy fabrication workshops here, I sourced a couple of LONG gr 8.8 black bolts that fit the car's tow holes, and then got a fabrication shop to cut the threads off, ream and tap to fit the correct thread onto the "bad" tow hook. Did a 5 T load test and all's good. Pic below
My plastic covers, to the tow holes, were long gone, so I simply used the left over bolts heads/threads to fill the hole to stop crud blocking the threads. Put lots of copper grease and made sure the bolts were tight. I have a spare socket in the trunk's tool kit if I need to get these out.
One of those things, you have, but hope you never need.
hi David,
your photo looks very much like the threads in my bodywork.
could you confirm the od of the thread please
steve
