Best Bang for Buck improvements to Mk5 golf

[ryanmcco]

Hi Guys

Long story cut short.. sold my problematic 2 seater convertible.. bought a low miles '04 mk5 1.9TDI that was in reasonably good condition...So that I can fit to kids car seats in the back...

I've made a couple of little improvements, new wipers, cabin filter etc but nothing major.. headlights need de-scuffed which i'll attend to.

But what cheap-ish little improvements would you recommend to a reasonably sold mk5 that would make it better?

Thanks

[the-photographer]

ryanmcco said:

Hi Guys

Long story cut short.. sold my problematic 2 seater convertible.. bought a low miles '04 mk5 1.9TDI that was in reasonably good condition...So that I can fit to kids car seats in the back...

I've made a couple of little improvements, new wipers, cabin filter etc but nothing major.. headlights need de-scuffed which i'll attend to.

But what cheap-ish little improvements would you recommend to a reasonably sold mk5 that would make it better?

Thanks

1. A proper four wheel alignment

2. See http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,... for more ideas

[rich83]

Remap?

Xenon headlights?

[ch427]

Do the things that are needed most such as the timing belt and keeping the mechanicals in good condition.
Good remaps are not cheap and will put a little extra strain on your clutch if you drive it hard, they do make a big difference to the cars enjoyment though.

[ryanmcco]

The TB/Mechanics are in pretty good nick which is nice.. things like pollen filter werent..

From the link that was posted earlier, I think re-doing a lot of the grab handles and facias could make a huge difference..

need to look into the remaps too.. I can't see this car goin to 150k miles, its only done 90k in 11 years!

[Dr G]

the-photographer said:

1. A proper four wheel alignment

...having had it checked over for any undue suspension wear or leaks first. Worn bushes, dampers and crap alignment make cars drive horribly but the deterioration is so gradual a lot of people just don't notice.

[va1o]

The newer Mk6 style stereos (RCD 510 etc.) freshen up the interior quite a lot and can be had relatively cheaply

[s200rey89]

REMAP.

First as others have said check the car over thoroughly and replace anything that needs replacing. I put powerflex bushes on a MK5 I bought resonably worn / used so to speak and it tightened the whole car up again!! Amazing for the £.

[va1o]

s200rey89 said:

REMAP.

I think it's up for debate whether that is a good idea on an 11-year old car. My worry would be components like the turbo may already be heading towards the end of life, and by making them work harder you are only shortening the time before failure.

[s200rey89]

va1o said:

I think it's up for debate whether that is a good idea on an 11-year old car. My worry would be components like the turbo may already be heading towards the end of life, and by making them work harder you are only shortening the time before failure.

No Doubt. It might of already had a turbo though?...I've recently got rid of my faithful E39 525D Sport, and had that mapped to around 190+ for best part of 3 years, on original turbo, from 110k to 185k with no issues what so ever (different car / engine I know) but same principle. Remap's are not just about upping the boost to a within and inch of the turbo's life, they also play with the Air / Fuel ratios which is nothing to do with boost...mine only boosted @ 0.3/4 bar more than standard, but threw a fair amount more fuel in. So, he could be okay...

[tomjol]

s200rey89 said:

REMAP.

First as others have said check the car over thoroughly and replace anything that needs replacing. I put powerflex bushes on a MK5 I bought resonably worn / used so to speak and it tightened the whole car up again!! Amazing for the £.

Bushes, do them! Best thing I've done to my S3 by miles

[Dr G]

A pair of Osram Nightbreaker Plus headlamp bulbs (the 'Plus' version specifically).

I had a MK5 GTI and the standard halogens were poop. Upgrading to Xenons is involved and expensive but really good quality bulbs make a remarkable difference.