VW Golf R32 MK5

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Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Thursday 1st September 2016
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Having posted a few times over the years I thought it would be good to start a thread about my new car and actually keep it updated and interesting this time!

My previous car was a Eunos VR Limited, lovely thing, one of 700 in the world and I loved every minute of ownership. Unfortunately despite only paying £1600 for it I spent well over £3500 in parts, modifications etc in a little over a year. It was looking like another big spending spree as I wanted a respray, suspension re-fresh etc and, as nice as it would've been, couldn't quite justify spending another £4000+ and never seeing it again. Time to move on.

My twin brother (Twin2 on here) has a BMW 325ti and it's a brilliant little car. We drove from Glasgow to Hockenheim and back this summer for the German Grand Prix and it was the perfect tool - comfortable big thrones to sit in, great engine, very quick on the autobahn and returned nearly 40mpg over 2500 miles. I started looking and thought I could get a pristine, low miles, high spec one of those for really good money - perfect all rounder so budget set at £3-4000. That didn't last long laugh

Classic situation unfolded and each of my friends that are into cars tried to convince me 'their choice' was the right one. I was being pulled in all directions and kept thinking of the budget. Then I heard an R32. OH MY DAYS they sound incredible, even in stock form! I previously found this part of VW's marketing campaign for them and thought it was a bit pretentious but they are so so right:



I also kept comparing it to my brother's 325ti and thinking it was along the same line, except with a bigger boot, bigger engine, better spec and, for me, a little je ne sais quoi. Plus it's probably one of the last hot hatches that'll be NA, a V6 and adhere to the 'shoehorn a big engine into a small car' formula. What's not to like?

My R32

The search began and eventually I found the perfect one, or at least the one I bought. I found it at the beginning of my search and refused to view it because it looked really good and I was forcing myself to really take my time. I viewed some others until I felt informed enough and went to see it. Here's a picture at my mate's after the first wash:



It's a 2007 Manual in Deep Blue Pearl, currently on 53k miles with two previous owners and FSH. Great spec too: winter pack (standard on the R32s but gives heated seats and mirrors), convenience pack, MFSW, cruise control, auto lights, auto wipers and... Recaro Wingback buckets lick The previous owner fitted the RNS510 headunit upgrade which is amazing and saved me a job. It's remarkably similar to my friend's brand new Leon, with 7 digit postcode entry on the Nav and voice control (not that it understands a Glaswegian accent). Bluetooth will be added soon as I can't live without Spotify. He also fitted a resonated Milltek cat back system which really brings the sound to life - 3-5000rpm gives this fantastic VR6 rattle that I can't stop using. Probably also explains why I got 14mpg on the first drive home.

Initial Thoughts and Plans

I've had the car for two weeks now and covered nearly 600 miles so got some views. First of all it is a fantastic machine, just so capable! It'll go straight anywhere you point it and it feels very quick in-gear. It's also a very high spec Golf with the Mk5 build quality so it's a really nice place to be. That said I'm probably just spoiled because of my previous car - it didn't even have cup-holders!

There are some issues though that I'll be sorting very soon, and which led to me getting a BIG discount on it, even factoring in the private sale! It has a couple of bits of bodywork that, while they're not awful, I'm not happy having on my car. The wheels also definitely need a refurb - I think I'll have them done Anthracite to match the interior but think I'll lose the diamond-cut lip as I was quoted £108 a corner for that. With the windows down at high speed the wind makes a slight whistling sound which distracts me from the exhaust (which actually sits a little off centre so I'll need to get it in the air and sort that out). I'd also like to get the steering wheel re-trimmed to match the interior, maybe with blue stitching to match the exterior paint.

Given my previous history of spending money on needless upgrades and mods I'm trying to take it slowly with this car but there are lots of minor things I'd like to do, as well as some performance modifications. An induction kit is definitely on the cards, to further enhance the sound more than anything else.

I'll keep this up to date as and when things develop. Thanks for reading!

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Thursday 1st September 2016
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Obi Wan said:
Congrats. I love the mk5 especially in its signature blue. Could you please post some pictures of the recaros? Most I've seen have the standed seats. Also how do you find the insurance? I'm hoping to get one at some point.
Thanks! The colour is really brilliant in the sun. I initially didn't want a DBP car because it was too common but, as with my decision to get an R32 based on hearing it, I saw one in this colour and loved it!

Insurance is okay actually, worked out at £700 for the year. Bear in mind though I'm only 22 and wrote off a car in 2014. It's about £100 a year more expensive than my Eunos. Road tax stung a little, that was £505 I think, but I'd say it's worth it.

Here's a quick picture I took of the seats - same ones that came on lots of fast VAG cars and I think they're lovely, add a real wow factor to the interior:



They're relatively rare as I think they were quite an expensive option but I think they are worth it. They're still heated although you don't get the lumbar support that comes on the standard seats.

Good luck with your search!

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Thursday 1st September 2016
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JoeMarano said:
(will have to do a test with someone with an r32)
This would be interesting... I think there wouldn't be as much in it as I'd have liked! Maybe off the line the R32 might have an edge but on the move that Polo has a good chunk of torque!

Ved said:
Wonderful stuff. I should never have parted with mine. I found that putting the fronts up to 38 PSI stopped all understeer other than hamfisted cornering.

Truly a classic waiting to be appreciated and there will never be another NA V6 in such a great overall package. Never sell it.
I've got mine up at the recommended 2.8bar/40psi and haven't had a hint of understeer so far! Tonight was the first time I've driven it in the rain and it stuck like glue as usual. Think I'll have to get a little more boisterous to break traction in it!

I'm going to try and hold on to this one for a good few years, but I've said that about every car so far and 15 months has been the longest. I think the total package this gives me should edge it and help it stay! Plus I hate adding unnecessary owners to these - there are so many I saw for sale with 10+. You're definitely right though, this sort of car isn't going to happen again so really one to enjoy while it exists!

ManicMunky said:
Very jealous! Enjoy it biggrin
Thanks, I'm sure it'll be difficult not to!biggrin

Edited by Twin1 on Thursday 1st September 23:59

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Friday 2nd September 2016
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si_xsi said:
Very nice, welcome to the club! The recaros were a £2.5k option when new!! I'm on my 2nd R32 now, my first was supercharged, love them but as you say there are a lot out there which have bee abused or 10 plus owners because whilst parts aren't too expensive, fuel and road tax are a killer and people sell them on quickly. Also I get very dubious about some people on other forums who insist on trying to fix things themselves when it's clear by the questions they ask that they haven't got a clue where to start or what to do. Pay some money and take it to a garage ffs.

They make great long distance cruisers though, did 2200 miles around France this year and currently in Bruges in the new one. The in gear acceleration and off the line is quite deceiving until you look down and see what speed you're going.

Look forward to the updates.
Thanks! Yes they were pricey so pretty rare and seem to hold their value well second hand, although I wonder if those listen on ebay for £2k-ish ever sell at that. I actually read your thread before, sorry to hear about the trouble you had with the supercharged one - it seemed well cared-for by the previous owner and must have been ballistically fast! Funnily enough I was complaining about the price of V-Power to my friend the next day (an accountant, of course), he suggested Momentum...

I enjoyed doing maintenance on my Eunos and learned a great deal but I think the R32 is a bit specialist/expensive to work on myself and it actually has some value to hold! Don't worry, it'll be treated right wink

Learn2MergeInTurn said:
Love the seats and love the car! I was misinformed until recent that R32's were slow, I know different now.

They shift on very well, the illusion of being slow is because it's such a smooth ride...the sound of a 6cyl can't really be beaten (minus v8 obviously)

Enjoy!
Might I suggest the golf tee mod, leaves your butterfly valve open so more noise ??
Thanks! I'll definitely try the golf tee mod although I'm not sure if the Milltek back box kept the valve system. One to investigate tomorrow.

Interesting comments about speed from all the above - perhaps those who usually say they're slow aren't willing to do it on someone's build thread wink What I would say it that it's very quick and probably faster than the 0-62mph time indicates. Certainly compared to my brother's 325ti it seems to be a complete step up and I'd say a bigger jump than you'd expect given the difference on paper of less than 1s.

Obviously the usual competitor whipped out in these conversations is R32 v GTI/Edition30/Remapped. The acceleration is very linear on the R32 and there's a (relative) lack of torque so you don't get the same shove in the back that you might from one of the turbo two litre lumps and it perhaps doesn't 'feel' as fast. However I agree with Learn2MergeInTurn and so often find myself exiting a roundabout/slip road thinking I'm legal and being very very wrong! Also, arguing that it's not as fast as a remapped GTI/Edition30 brings modifications into the conversation and you can't limit how far you go with that.

The other argument that gets rolled out against the R32 is how heavy it is. I've yet to check the figures and someone may correct me but I'd be surprised if there's more than 100-120kg in it, say 10% extra. It doesn't feel unduly heavy for the size and quality of car that it is - running a high spec, AWD, 3.2 litre car means you have to accept it won't weigh 950kg. And let's not forget it has 250bhp - that's plenty!

Anyway, all of this is overshadowed by the sound - it's sonorous and enchants me every time I drive. It'll be a sad day indeed when I stop enjoying the level of aural pleasure the R32 provides.

Edited by Twin1 on Friday 2nd September 20:55

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Saturday 3rd September 2016
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si_xsi said:
It looms like you have got a good one. They weigh a smidge over 1500kgs so about 150kg more than a GTI, not much in it. The supercharged one was running fine after I threw a load of money at it..then a few weeks ago someone drove into the back of me at 50mph whilst I was stationary in traffic. I will update my thread soon and probably start one on the new one. I remember a great shoot out I had with an audi b7 RS4 convertible, let's just say he didn't get past me until after about 120 leptons! I never got a chance to pitch it against a Mk 7 R but I think it would of been close.

Ps check inside the front wheel arch liners for leaves and other debris, they get stuck in the bottom and the rot can make the already rust prone wings worse. Also worth getting it scanned using vagcom software to see if there are any fault codes. Personally I don't think you can do the golf tee mod with a miltek, you don't need to with one of those anyway!
Nightmare - an unlucky car to say the least... Are you considering supercharging your new one?

Interesting that you mention the RS4. One of the dealers where I viewed a R32 claimed it was much faster than the RS4 they had too. I took it with a pinch of car-dealer brand salt but maybe they're closer in real life than on paper...

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Saturday 3rd September 2016
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KennyGT said:
Had mine 4 years now, same colour as yours and has the Recaros cloud9
Can't bring myself to sell it, kept it longer than I thought I would, it's just a great car.
It's nowhere near as quick as today's hot hatches etc but it's a lot more special smile

Enjoy driving
Thanks! I'm really going to try to keep this one for a while - can't see any good reason to get rid, although it has only been two weeks...

Mike1990 said:
That's pretty much a perfect '32, the Seats really do make the Interior, its a shame they are not an option on the Mk7 Golf R.

Its funny you should mention the E46 325Ti, i was reading Modern Classics Magazine before, that and the E36 323Ti, you just don't see then anymore and totally of the Hot Hatch rader for people not in the know.
I guess they had to stop adding the same seats to their performance models at some point - I've seen these Recaros on fast VAG machinery for as long as I can remember. They are excellent though. Even my gran says they're her favourite seats of any car in the family, and she's 93!

I don't want to turn this into another 325ti appreciation thread but they really are brilliant cars, especially for the money you can pick them up at.

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Sunday 25th September 2016
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6cylGolf said:
Very nice
I loved that car but got rid of it in the end because i couldnt live with the fact i was the 10th owner. Thought it would be fine but it kept eating at me

Dbp, dsg. 3 door.
I wonder how many of the 9 owners before you had the same thought tongue out So many of them have huge numbers of owners - very pleased to be number 3.

6cylGolf said:
I dont know what state your drivers lower bolster is. The foam breaks apart. I repaired mine by getting a new seat base foam. 80 quid from vw in 2012. Lower cover clips off very easily off the base on the recaros, no stiching just metal clips
Great tip, thanks! It's holding up okay at the moment but might be nice just to have it completely fresh.

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Sunday 25th September 2016
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JoeMarano said:
How did you get the seats in? I want to get some better seats for my Polo Gti and thinking along the lines of something like those.
Those seats came in my car although they've been squeezed into pretty much every VAG model over the years - I'm sure you could do it...

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
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irfan1712 said:
stunning car OP - I miss my MK5 R32 immensely and ive moved into V8 territory now with a C63.

...

I love my C63, but driving down the same roads as i did with my R32 at night and/or in bad weather, i definitely miss that four wheel drive. Defo something you take for granted with the R32. what tyres are you running? i was on good year eagle F1s on the BBS's and Michelin Pilot Sport 3's on the standards 18s. The Michelins are utterly fantastic.

...

RE the flapper mod on your exhaust, the standard system has been replaced with the Milltek on yours - the valves are attached to the standard rear box. Is your milltek resonated or non res? I put a non res on mine after loads of members urged me to on the R32OC, however after a month it came off as i couldn't face the drone. The resonated is quieter than the standard system.

Trust me when i say that the standard exhaust sounds stunning in all the right places without being intrusive and does not need replacing!
C63 would be a good upgrade for it I think: still a sensible car but making a ridiculous noise!

I'm running Goodyear Eagle F1s at the moment. Two are going to need replacing in the next six months so might plump for the Michelins at that point - heard nothing but good things! As my first 4WD car, it still surprises me how much grip there is. We had snow this week and I just drove around normally. This leads on to the point below...

Exhaust-wise I'm really happy with it. I have a Milltek cat back at the moment (with the original in the garage). I haven't yet looked underneath but the previous owner told me it was non-resonated, although I haven't noticed any motorway drone. It's definitely louder than all the stock ones I test drove -MUCH LOUDER!

Yours looks really good on the BBS!

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
My ambition was to keep this thread regularly updated and interesting, but I fear it's been neither! I've owned the R32 now for just under three months so it's a good opportunity to review my thoughts on it.

First of all, it is a great daily driver. Due to starting a new job, I don't drive nearly as much as I used to; I've done about 2000 miles so far and that includes some really long trips to Aberdeen. I usually average about 50 miles a week, which is just shameful! Having said that it's great in the mornings - get in, heated seats on, pootle down to the train station with zero fuss or effort. Plus by the time I get close to the station it's warm so I can enjoy a quick blast! The current lack of bluetooth doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would due to the amount of driving I do. If I decide to keep it long-term I'll get it wired into the factory system I have but that'll be about six months away.

More importantly, the sound hasn't worn me down, nor has the excitement of it worn off. Every cold start puts a grin on my face, every time I put my foot down. Oh, and tunnels are my friends. I don't live far from the Clyde Tunnel (3/4 of a kilometer) and every Sunday I go through it to get coffee grounds for the week.

Unfortunately, there are some issues that annoy me and will have to be fixed over the winter:

1. At some point a previous owner has switched the wipers on whilst they were up in their 'washing the car' position. There's paint missing on the top edge of the bonnet and the wipers 'clack' at the top of their stroke. I can't see any obvious issues so a bit of investigation required but should hopefully be an easy fix. VERY annoying in the rain.

2. There is a tiny amount of rust at the join between the sills and the front arch. I spoke to VW about a warranty claim and they have offered 50% towards the cost of cutting it out, replacing with a zinc panel and re-painting. I'm a bit disappointed with that as VW are accepting it's a design fault but not paying for the whole thing. There's also a touch of rust on the rear quarter panel which I hoped to have fixed under warranty from VW too although they are refusing it because the paint is much thicker on the rear arches than anywhere else on the body. The previous owner assured me it had never had any bodywork done so that's also very disappointing.

3. Mist gathers in both headlights. Standard from VAG!

4. The alloys were in bad shape and the centre caps were missing. I got new caps and then had the allows refurbished in anthracite (tried to achieve a colour close to the leather on the seats). For the refurb I used a company I've used before and been very happy with their work but I'm not impressed with their work on this car. Here's a quick snap:



The centre caps are perfect but the rest has been poorly powder-coated. You can see in the picture there are darker patches and lighter patches. I think the power-coat has been really thin. I've also found a bit of corrosion coming through next to the valve on my driver's side front. As I say, not impressed! I've started to speak to the company but haven't had a chance to go in and show them yet.

Aside from that, I'm very pleased with the car. It's been mechanically faultless so far, which is a far cry from my Eunos! Should hopefully have a good update next month once I've had these things seen to.

Thanks for reading.

Twin1

Original Poster:

89 posts

121 months

Sunday 13th November 2016
quotequote all
6cylGolf said:
That was a few years ago tho, the car was less than 5 years old at the time!





Edited by 6cylGolf on Sunday 13th November 19:15
Crikey - 9 owners in 5 years? That's outrageous! Hope it didn't cause you too much trouble.

Bogsye said:
Looks a nice example.

I had my Omanyts refurbished by Lepsons in Kent. Price included courier to and from Glasgow.
The finish was excellent and was still good when I sold it over a year ago.

I did what they called Carrs anthracite and had the edge of the rim diamond cut per original. The laquer held out really well.

I managed to get VW to repaint the rear arches - albeit they wouldn't blend it without me contributing.
Thanks for the recommendation - I'll look into them depending on what the place says. I'm happy to give them an opportunity to re-refurbish (?) them but any issues and I'll look elsewhere to have it done again.

What was wrong with your arches? Just wondering if there's some information I can gather here to make my argument a little stronger (even though they've apparently been repaired!).