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OEM Refrigerator for 5 seater Phaeton (retrofittable)

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PanEuropean

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
Most forum members are aware that VW has been offering a refrigerator for the 4 seat Phaetons since 2004. This is a rather large coolbox, you can see photos of it on this thread: Retrofitting a refrigerator to a Phaeton.
VW is now offering a refrigerator for the 5 seat Phaetons as a factory installed accessory. This refrigerator is a bit smaller (interior volume) than the 4 seater model, and takes up considerably less trunk space. It can be retrofitted to any existing 5 seat Phaeton. Here are some photos.
Michael
NOTE: This is a 5 seater - it just looks like a 4 seater because of the two colour leather used.

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Here are the parts used, in case anyone wants to order the parts for a retrofit.
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#5 ·
Re: OEM Refrigerator for 5 seater Phaeton (PanEuropean)

Michael,
I know there are not any stupid questions, but how does the refrigerator work in the Phaeton. Do you have to turn it on when you get in the car, will it start up when you start the car, will it run while the car is shut off (short periods), what keeps things from getting SKUNKIE and just how long will it take to cool beverages down? Also, how much noise does it make.
I love the idea, but I'm not sure how practical it would really be. I must be getting old or something.
Image

Regards,
Brent
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Re: OEM Refrigerator for 5 seater Phaeton (Phat Cat)

Quote, originally posted by Phat Cat »
...how difficult would the installation be?

I kind of suspect it would be 'plug and play'. It looks like the fold-down armrest is unchanged from the non-refrigerator cars, and that is the part that will make retrofits of 4 seat fridges difficult.
You would need to supply it with fused power from the main power supply box - that should not be too difficult to do.
Michael
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Re: OEM Refrigerator for 5 seater Phaeton (W126C)

Quote, originally posted by W126C »
...but how does the refrigerator work in the Phaeton. Do you have to turn it on when you get in the car, will it start up when you start the car, will it run while the car is shut off (short periods), what keeps things from getting SKUNKIE and just how long will it take to cool beverages down? Also, how much noise does it make.

Hi Brent:
The fridges (both 4 and 5 seat) only work when the ignition is on. So, the idea is that you put a cold beverage in there, and the fridge will keep it cold for the balance of the journey. They make no noise at all that is audible inside the cabin, because all the mechanicals are in the trunk.
I suppose that if you are not using the fridge for a long period of time you could put a bag of desiccant in there - or, just leave the door open. The compartment volume is not very big, and there are no exposed cooling coils, so I don't think there would be any problems with off-smells developing if it is not used.
Michael
 
#9 ·
Re: (OEMpl.us)

looks exactly like the Audi Exclusive fridge option we have for the A8, it works pretty good, and suprisingly the fridge cars move rather quickly, but then there is the business of our 140K W12 in inventory, anyone wanna help me out with that one?
 
#13 ·
Re: (PanEuropean)

Sounds like it's going to be an Igloo cooler and a bag of ice for me.
You might be a "******* and/or soccer mom," if your favorite beverages are iced down in a cooler in the back seat.
Image

Well on the bright side, my cooler does match my gun rack.
Regards,
Brent
 
#15 ·
Re: (GripperDon)

Did we ever determine if the 4-seat version would or would not fit in a 5-seat? I saw the other thread, but it doesn't look like it was ever followed up on. I'm about to get my bonus from work, and was thinking about ordering one. The 4-seat model looks significantly more attractive and useful than the 5-seat version. There was some notation on the 4-seat refrigerator thread about a different size opening, but I wonder if that could be retrofitted or worked-around.
 
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