Ski Bag??
 

I gave my interior a thorough going over and discovered a long 'bag' tucked away behind the rear armrest. I'm assuming it would be for skis.

The problem is, it won't fit back in, and I can't close the hatch. Is there a easy solution for this?

If you have the ski bag, you'll also have the hatch in the boot, you could open that to give you some space to try and tidy it up for folding back in.

I would have this problem in my B5 every time any one got in the back seat and said 'what's this for'. No quick solution really, just fold neat and tight. Handy for collecting timber from B&Q though.

Some many times I was crying because of not being able to just go and pick some timber up from B&Q, I always have to ask someone :-(
And that sometimes postpones so many DIY projects which I can't be bother to do later if I can't do it right now

I'm not sure how the D3 ski hatch is constructed, but I retrofitted it into my (FL) D2 and decided to leave the bag (elephant condom!) itself off - it's stored under the boot floor next to the spare wheel.
If it's similar (might be identical) it just clips back into place with plastic lugs around the rim. Very easy to fit and remove, takes seconds.

To do this open the cover in the boot and just push the frame into the channel around the hatch and the clips engage.
Obviously this involves reaching deep into the boot and getting some decent light source so you can verify you have it all the right way round and right way up.

I have the ski bag and surround off my scrapped D2 if anyone is interested - currently on ebay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3012895328...84.m1555.l2649

Thanks for that. I will do it when I get my wheels back. I'd rather not be clambering about in the boot when it's on four stands.+++

I don't "know" it's the same, but it seems likely to be, or very similar. The D2 Elephant Condom definitely is fitted/removed from the boot side.
If you look carefully at the frame on the tube and where it fits onto the method and orientation should be obvious.

iirc the whole D3 hatch mechanism removes quite easily, much easier than the D2 that requires the back seats out.... I discovered this when transferring the fridge from my 4.2 Tdi to my S8 (which Oli promptly negotiated back!) as it was a very easy clip in / clip out....

Only PF as some fixing bolts are hidden behind the rear backrest, FL is pretty simple as they are directly accessible. ;)

If it's that easy on a D3 it might be easier to remove it all to refit/reorganise the actual bag. (On D2 I found it easier to fit the frame without the bag there)

Here is the D3 version of the Ski Hatch for sale +++ Price wise I don't think it's too bad. +++

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A8-Re...item4d21f8fe48

Regards, Mark.

And at a cheap as chips starting price!

I wish I hadn't already bought one (for much more money!). :o

Does anyone know the dimensions of the ski hatch? I am trying to work out if I can fit skis and a snowboard through it.

If it's the same as a D2 you will struggle with a snowboard, how wide is it?

It's about 25cm / 10 inches wide

My D2 "orifice" is almost 10" by 9", so if a D3 is similar you might just manage it with the board at a slant. Only way is to test it.
Might depend if you are prepared to dispense with the elephant condom...... :rolleyes:

Condom not needed :ROFL:

I would be grateful if anyone with the hatch can measure it, I'm planning to drive to French Alps and would need to fit both the board and skis.

Can't you just have the board in the cabin lengthways between the seats?

If you're planning on using the ski hatch you'll only have at most 4 onboard anyway

Hi, that's the plan B yes, but ideally I would like to avoid that. Also not sure if the skis are short enough to fit there - I haven't tried. I know they both are too long for the boot...

I only have 3 in the car for the long journey, but when in Alps I may have 4th person travelling with us.

Skis through the hatch, board continues inside the car. Simples. ;)