Just to keep things interesting, I got to help a friend out with their VW Passat that had a transmission issue.
Tag: VW
So after that damn fiasco with the Integra I decided to be more sensible and get another German car, because I’m really a fanboy for German cars.
Had a look around, test drove some more cars, just the usual, and then stumbled on this MK5 Golf GTI. Took it for a drive, and wow, much like the R32 Golf it instantly left an impression on me. Not quite as good as the R32, but the combo of the turbo power and the DSG trans is a lot of fun to drive.
It was a Japanese import, had service history and was pretty well specced with heated leather, HID headlights, cruise control, heated mirrors and puddle lights. It was a really nice place to be and drove so well.
Along with the good spec from the factory it had a few good modifications on it from Japan. VW Racing adjustable suspension, carbon fibre front splitters and rear diffuser, Forge diverter valve, Okada Project coils, some 16v ignition booster system (more on that later) and carbon look cluster trim.
It’s also the little things.
New key badges
The old key badges were worn and ugly. New one cleaned it up for little cost.
And finally got a bottle opener (which also doubles as the divider in the cup holder)
Before it sold though I managed to fit some extended DSG paddles. Man, what a difference, every car with paddles should have ones this long. Much easier to find when driving hard.
But yes the car did eventually sell, and I do miss it. It was a bloody good example. If I get another golf in the future, it’ll be an R32 though.
Related Project Links
Useless thought for the day. The VW Golf R32 MK5 with DSG is one of very few cars that properly “wowed” me that i havent purchased. The reason i havent purchased one? They’re holding their values too well, its hard to justify the extra 6-7 thousand over a GTI. The GTI was a great car, but the R32 is next level.
One day.
The cars I have owned, past and present, in chronological order.
Sub-Four Wheels of Fury.
They aren’t cars (or if they are, they are the Reliant Robin), and they have less than four wheels, but I owned them.
Honorable Mentions.
Cars I didnt own, but had a big part to play in my life.
So after that damn fiasco with the Integra i decided to be more sensible and get another German car, because im really a fanboy for German cars.
Had a look around, test drove some more cars, just the usual, and then stumbled on this MK5 Golf GTI. Took it for a drive, and wow, much like the R32 Golf it instantly left an impression on me. Not quite as good as the R32, but the combo of the turbo power and the DSG trans is a lot of fun to drive.
At some point I also decided to do something I hadn’t done before, and modify the exhaust further. I purchased a decat 3″ downpipe from Aliexpress (it was super cheap!).
So the Golf reminded me that the Germans have an awesome sense of humour. Today was the first time I’ve driven the car more than around the block since doing the work last weekend. I took it to work.
And then it stranded us.
FML, finally managed to look into why the electrics on the driver’s seat don’t work.
The Mark 5 Golf GTI with the FSI Turbo engine has a weak point; the High Pressure Fuel Pump cam follower. They like eating themselves and taking the cam with them.