The winter hack - a 2006 Mk5 Golf GTI DSG
Discussion
Could a total novice fit it or am I going to be left with a spaghetti of wires everywhere and half my dash on the passenger floor, crying?
Unfortunately the Golf didn't come with any buttons on the steering wheel although apparently they do exist for the mk5 golf. Are there any android auto units with an actual volume button?
Unfortunately the Golf didn't come with any buttons on the steering wheel although apparently they do exist for the mk5 golf. Are there any android auto units with an actual volume button?
CarlosSainz100 said:
Could a total novice fit it or am I going to be left with a spaghetti of wires everywhere and half my dash on the passenger floor, crying?
Unfortunately the Golf didn't come with any buttons on the steering wheel although apparently they do exist for the mk5 golf. Are there any android auto units with an actual volume button?
Yes you could if you are methodical, the difficult (ish) bit is routing the wires for the GPS module and the microphone, simply remove radio trim (it just unclips), then 4 screws holding the radio in, then pull the radio out disconnect the connector and radio aerial, connect new stereo up using supplied leads (its very difficult to get wrong) fit GPS module, fit Mic (not 100% necessary in a lot of cases) test it powers up then fix in place and follow the instructions in the manual, they all have a volume button(s) the one I posted has them on the bottomUnfortunately the Golf didn't come with any buttons on the steering wheel although apparently they do exist for the mk5 golf. Are there any android auto units with an actual volume button?
Edited by Jazoli on Thursday 9th November 11:07
Had one, nice place to be but I didn't find it enjoyable to drive. Iirc the torque comes in strong and early but then it starts to feel a bit wheezy higher up the rev range. I guess that is just how they map a standard turbo hatchback though?
It also cost me a small fortune in the short time I owned it. I can't remember everything but thermostats (there's about 3 of them), diverter valve, timing chain/tensioner, spark plugs, coil packs. Obviously some of that is just consumables but I never quite had confidence in it unfortunately.
I hope your experience is wholly different!
It also cost me a small fortune in the short time I owned it. I can't remember everything but thermostats (there's about 3 of them), diverter valve, timing chain/tensioner, spark plugs, coil packs. Obviously some of that is just consumables but I never quite had confidence in it unfortunately.
I hope your experience is wholly different!
Great to see lots of posts in the thread.
I'm ~ 2 weeks into owning the car, so a bit of an update.
- When I got the car, the light switch was pretty worn out. Second hand replacement from a breaker online ordered and fitted this week for a mighty £10 all in.
- I had a bit of a funny moment when the passenger front brake seemed to be seizing on intermittently. I've done ~500 miles since and it's not happened again.
- Its major service and cambelt+waterpump is booked in for Tuesday at a local specialist.
- I'll be getting them to give me a view on anything else worth taking a view on - including that brake issue - but it's been absolutely spot on so far mechanically
- The interior light seems to be a bit temperamental. I think the switch by the map lights is broken as the footwell lights come on just fine. Going to keep an eye out for one at a breakers.
In terms of drive, it's interesting to hear people saying they weren't keen on it. In our household I'm struggling to keep the keys at the weekend. Mrs Conanius seems to have decided 'nipping out quickly' leaves her Discovery on the drive by default - probably not a bad thing as driven sensibly high thirties seem pretty straightforward for the Golf. I was even chastised for using it as the station car for my work trip to London this week.
Day to day it's a pretty beige car I'll agree - but isn't that the appeal of a hatch like this? Easy to nip to Tesco, get some open road and it offers rewards without shattering vertebrae in your spin if you go over a drain cover/cat eye. If you give the throttle a squeeze it's got a nice surge low down. I do agree by 5000 or so it's all over, which is quite the difference to the 996 as thats only really just coming on song then. I did get an offer through email to get my Bluefin handheld remap updated to a new car for £199, and honestly if Tuesday goes well and they don't think its about to implode, I'll probably do it. On previous cars it gave a bit more go and more economy, so it seems worth a go at that price. Certainly the Revo being ~£500 seems unjustifiable in comparison.
It's obviously not got the driving dynamics of other hot hatches I've had like a Clio 182 with both cup packs, but it's hardly woeful. I think the 17s and standard suspension are a great comfort/performance compromise. I note others have had a bit of a tough time comfort wise with lowering springs and 18s, but I doubt I'll do anything that adventurous with it. The Conti Premium Contact 6 tyres on it are, fine, but they to will be swapped out for some all seasons in the coming weeks.
It's the first time I've had a car with apple CarPlay, and suffice to say I'm now looking for a suitable head unit for my 911 and a retro fit for the 2015 Discovery. Its absolutely fantastic isn't it ?!
I'm ~ 2 weeks into owning the car, so a bit of an update.
- When I got the car, the light switch was pretty worn out. Second hand replacement from a breaker online ordered and fitted this week for a mighty £10 all in.
- I had a bit of a funny moment when the passenger front brake seemed to be seizing on intermittently. I've done ~500 miles since and it's not happened again.
- Its major service and cambelt+waterpump is booked in for Tuesday at a local specialist.
- I'll be getting them to give me a view on anything else worth taking a view on - including that brake issue - but it's been absolutely spot on so far mechanically
- The interior light seems to be a bit temperamental. I think the switch by the map lights is broken as the footwell lights come on just fine. Going to keep an eye out for one at a breakers.
In terms of drive, it's interesting to hear people saying they weren't keen on it. In our household I'm struggling to keep the keys at the weekend. Mrs Conanius seems to have decided 'nipping out quickly' leaves her Discovery on the drive by default - probably not a bad thing as driven sensibly high thirties seem pretty straightforward for the Golf. I was even chastised for using it as the station car for my work trip to London this week.
Day to day it's a pretty beige car I'll agree - but isn't that the appeal of a hatch like this? Easy to nip to Tesco, get some open road and it offers rewards without shattering vertebrae in your spin if you go over a drain cover/cat eye. If you give the throttle a squeeze it's got a nice surge low down. I do agree by 5000 or so it's all over, which is quite the difference to the 996 as thats only really just coming on song then. I did get an offer through email to get my Bluefin handheld remap updated to a new car for £199, and honestly if Tuesday goes well and they don't think its about to implode, I'll probably do it. On previous cars it gave a bit more go and more economy, so it seems worth a go at that price. Certainly the Revo being ~£500 seems unjustifiable in comparison.
It's obviously not got the driving dynamics of other hot hatches I've had like a Clio 182 with both cup packs, but it's hardly woeful. I think the 17s and standard suspension are a great comfort/performance compromise. I note others have had a bit of a tough time comfort wise with lowering springs and 18s, but I doubt I'll do anything that adventurous with it. The Conti Premium Contact 6 tyres on it are, fine, but they to will be swapped out for some all seasons in the coming weeks.
It's the first time I've had a car with apple CarPlay, and suffice to say I'm now looking for a suitable head unit for my 911 and a retro fit for the 2015 Discovery. Its absolutely fantastic isn't it ?!
Well...
I collected it from the garage this evening.
It can't have gone too badly as I've now booked in getting cruise retrofitted next week (£100 all in fitted, new parts), and ordered a refresh of my Bluefin remap device to use on the car (£199 on offer). That should give a reasonably healthy lift in midrange and make any longer trips I'm doing in the car a bit more sedate.
In seriousness, car has a handful of minor things, nothing crazy and all things I'll sort out over the next few weeks (passenger drop link is fine but the boot has perished, one of the rear dampers has misting, front brake flexi hoses could do with changing next time I do discs and pads when this set of pads wear out...).
I'd got some brake bind going on at the front passenger side - new calliper fitted, I hadn't realised how significant that was !
Car is going to be taking me to Manchester and back on Monday ~260 mile round trip.
I collected it from the garage this evening.
It can't have gone too badly as I've now booked in getting cruise retrofitted next week (£100 all in fitted, new parts), and ordered a refresh of my Bluefin remap device to use on the car (£199 on offer). That should give a reasonably healthy lift in midrange and make any longer trips I'm doing in the car a bit more sedate.
In seriousness, car has a handful of minor things, nothing crazy and all things I'll sort out over the next few weeks (passenger drop link is fine but the boot has perished, one of the rear dampers has misting, front brake flexi hoses could do with changing next time I do discs and pads when this set of pads wear out...).
I'd got some brake bind going on at the front passenger side - new calliper fitted, I hadn't realised how significant that was !
Car is going to be taking me to Manchester and back on Monday ~260 mile round trip.
conanius said:
Well...
I collected it from the garage this evening.
It can't have gone too badly as I've now booked in getting cruise retrofitted next week (£100 all in fitted, new parts),
Who did the cruise retrofit for you? I've been having issues trying to retrofit it to my mates Scirocco and I'm tempted to tell him to take it somewhere instead after trying 3 different stalks and squibs.I collected it from the garage this evening.
It can't have gone too badly as I've now booked in getting cruise retrofitted next week (£100 all in fitted, new parts),
Edited by Jazoli on Wednesday 15th November 09:46
Jazoli said:
Who did the cruise retrofit for you? I've been having issues trying to retrofit it to my mates Scirocco and I'm tempted to tell him to take it somewhere instead after trying 3 different stalks and squibs.
VW Retrofit in Redditch. Quick jaunt up the M5 to do it - Its booked in for Tuesday next week so will let you know. Edited by Jazoli on Wednesday 15th November 09:46
Tim Cognito said:
Had one, nice place to be but I didn't find it enjoyable to drive. Iirc the torque comes in strong and early but then it starts to feel a bit wheezy higher up the rev range. I guess that is just how they map a standard turbo hatchback though?
It also cost me a small fortune in the short time I owned it. I can't remember everything but thermostats (there's about 3 of them), diverter valve, timing chain/tensioner, spark plugs, coil packs. Obviously some of that is just consumables but I never quite had confidence in it unfortunately.
I hope your experience is wholly different!
The standard GTI cam with a K03 turbo and that is exactly how they were from the factory. I think they are great for point and squirt around town because they are so responsive but 100% run out of puff when you wind them up. The Edition 30 cam with a bigger turbo, massive room for running despite having only 10% more when standard.It also cost me a small fortune in the short time I owned it. I can't remember everything but thermostats (there's about 3 of them), diverter valve, timing chain/tensioner, spark plugs, coil packs. Obviously some of that is just consumables but I never quite had confidence in it unfortunately.
I hope your experience is wholly different!
conanius said:
In terms of drive, it's interesting to hear people saying they weren't keen on it. In our household I'm struggling to keep the keys at the weekend. Mrs Conanius seems to have decided 'nipping out quickly' leaves her Discovery on the drive by default - probably not a bad thing as driven sensibly high thirties seem pretty straightforward for the Golf. I was even chastised for using it as the station car for my work trip to London this week.
Must say a MK5 Golf GTI is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Particularly, as you say, with enjoyment that is just so accessible.They just do everything well.
VeeReihenmotor6 said:
I like the mk5 gti too. If I was to get another cheap fun car (to sit next to my 90s VW) for the garage it would be one of these. OP i saw the car advertised and looked into it and thought it was a nice car.
Honestly I've always thought they looked interesting. I took out a Mk5 GTI years ago when I had my S2000 as I was doing more and more miles and it was a good fun car. I thought I'd missed an opportunity to get one as so many seem a bit, leggy, but this being single owner and such a wedge of history seemed like a fair bet. Glad to see I wasn't totally mental considering it !Tommie38 said:
Must say a MK5 Golf GTI is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Particularly, as you say, with enjoyment that is just so accessible.
They just do everything well.
Yes. Considering it feels genuinely quite refined (stick with me, a 1998 911 is not!) it still manages to feel quite supple and enjoyable. They just do everything well.
I'm looking forward to the extra performance from the remap. I saw your other post about the ED30. They seem like they must be a good bit of fun.
A sheddy one is wot I got!
Like almost every car I’ve bought, once you own a particular model you start noticing similar or exact replicas of that car. I’ve seen 3 Black 5 door GTi’s im the past 24 hours, all within 2 miles of my home. Both were a year or two newer and both were in much nicer condition! But I bet both their owners didn’t pay what I paid for my Golf
With the low money entry point to MkV Golf GTi I’m having some older car issues which may cost me dear.
Windscreen.
It’s dreadfully scratched and chipped and it has garnered a number of MOT advisories. Making night driving pretty unpleasant, especially in the rain. It’s also delaminating which might be why the interior is moist. See below.
Seat belts.
Putting on the belt reveals a slightly damp lower section; where can water be ingressing? I have a sunroof which is surely the only answer? I’ll try clearing the drain tubes front & back.
Air Conditioner.
It does not clear the build up of condensation as I recall it did on my last MkV. I’m having whatever R134 recovered, the system leak tested and a regas next week. Let’s see what difference this makes.
Footwell lights.
Weird one. Passenger side has footwell light. Drivers side - no light. The place where it should be was blanked and no lamp had ever been fitted. Every other MkV I’ve been in had both passenger & drivers side footwell lamps. Not a biggie but odd!
O/S CV joint noise.
Pretty sure the outer CV joint is buggered. The boot is split so chances are the grumbly noise I hear is as a result.
Rusty sill tops. Passenger side is not pretty but I’m hoping it’s just surface. I’ve not investigated properly yet…..
It drives pretty well but as I’ve mentioned previously, doesn’t feel as keen as my Edition 30 and a lot slower than my long departed 7R and my current 997.2 Carrera S!
I didn’t buy it for speed though. It’s a perfect little beater (my US pals will know this term!) and I really don’t feel precious about it so long as it starts, stops and gets me safely to where we’re going.
Like almost every car I’ve bought, once you own a particular model you start noticing similar or exact replicas of that car. I’ve seen 3 Black 5 door GTi’s im the past 24 hours, all within 2 miles of my home. Both were a year or two newer and both were in much nicer condition! But I bet both their owners didn’t pay what I paid for my Golf
With the low money entry point to MkV Golf GTi I’m having some older car issues which may cost me dear.
Windscreen.
It’s dreadfully scratched and chipped and it has garnered a number of MOT advisories. Making night driving pretty unpleasant, especially in the rain. It’s also delaminating which might be why the interior is moist. See below.
Seat belts.
Putting on the belt reveals a slightly damp lower section; where can water be ingressing? I have a sunroof which is surely the only answer? I’ll try clearing the drain tubes front & back.
Air Conditioner.
It does not clear the build up of condensation as I recall it did on my last MkV. I’m having whatever R134 recovered, the system leak tested and a regas next week. Let’s see what difference this makes.
Footwell lights.
Weird one. Passenger side has footwell light. Drivers side - no light. The place where it should be was blanked and no lamp had ever been fitted. Every other MkV I’ve been in had both passenger & drivers side footwell lamps. Not a biggie but odd!
O/S CV joint noise.
Pretty sure the outer CV joint is buggered. The boot is split so chances are the grumbly noise I hear is as a result.
Rusty sill tops. Passenger side is not pretty but I’m hoping it’s just surface. I’ve not investigated properly yet…..
It drives pretty well but as I’ve mentioned previously, doesn’t feel as keen as my Edition 30 and a lot slower than my long departed 7R and my current 997.2 Carrera S!
I didn’t buy it for speed though. It’s a perfect little beater (my US pals will know this term!) and I really don’t feel precious about it so long as it starts, stops and gets me safely to where we’re going.
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