What to look out for? - Mk4 R32
Discussion
Hi, I've been driving a 1974 914 2.0 just about daily for 7 1/2 years and I'm looking at replacing it finally with a Mk4 R32. I've been around Porsches most of my life, and I know what to look for when looking to buy just about any used Porsche, but don't know about VWs. I'd really appreciate any advice about buying a used Mk4 R32. Thanks!
John
John
The MKIV R32 shares the same common problems as standard golfs and other VAG cars which are based on the MKIV platform.
Issues to look out for are;
1. cooling fans - with the air con switched on the radiator cooling fans should rotate slowly. If they don't or pulse on and off the inernal control module has packed in meaning the fans need replaced. If not fixed the fuse flows meaning no fans wen you need them or the fans burn out prematurely. Fix is about £600 although there is a diy fix by adding a couple of resistors between low spedd and high speed control lines.
2. water in passenger side footwell - pollen filter seal deteriates and lets water in. Check for damp carpets
3. coilpack failure is common although a lot were replaced uner warranty.
4. coolant sensors - prone to failure although not expensive to fix
5. MAF failure - £80 replacement
6. Rear washer pipe blows off in cold weather causing water ingress in the tailgate and in extreme cases can damage the lock
Most MKIV R32s are owned by enthusiasts who tend to look after their cars and know about these issues so i wouldn't worry about it to much.
Check out tyresmoke.net or r32oc.co.uk for more info.
Issues to look out for are;
1. cooling fans - with the air con switched on the radiator cooling fans should rotate slowly. If they don't or pulse on and off the inernal control module has packed in meaning the fans need replaced. If not fixed the fuse flows meaning no fans wen you need them or the fans burn out prematurely. Fix is about £600 although there is a diy fix by adding a couple of resistors between low spedd and high speed control lines.
2. water in passenger side footwell - pollen filter seal deteriates and lets water in. Check for damp carpets
3. coilpack failure is common although a lot were replaced uner warranty.
4. coolant sensors - prone to failure although not expensive to fix
5. MAF failure - £80 replacement
6. Rear washer pipe blows off in cold weather causing water ingress in the tailgate and in extreme cases can damage the lock
Most MKIV R32s are owned by enthusiasts who tend to look after their cars and know about these issues so i wouldn't worry about it to much.
Check out tyresmoke.net or r32oc.co.uk for more info.
Edited by cuprabob on Friday 13th February 21:20
just to add to the list based on my experiences
7. Clunking when turning steering from lock to lock - front strut top mount bearings
8. Noise from behind glovebox like a cd changer - one of the heater/aircon motorised valves needs replacing.(does not seem to effect operation tho)
10. Check the front brake disks and pads, parts alone are nearly £700 from VW to replace both sides.
edit forgot the big one!
11. From the factory the anti knock sensor was programmed to be too sensitive. So what happened was when the engine got hot you would suffer hesitation and power loss. VW released a software update called 6463 to fix this but it was never a recall and seemed to rely on the owner asking for it. So there may be cars still out there without it. Only way to know is using Vagcom to get the software versions. It also was alleged to increase power to 250bhp.
7. Clunking when turning steering from lock to lock - front strut top mount bearings
8. Noise from behind glovebox like a cd changer - one of the heater/aircon motorised valves needs replacing.(does not seem to effect operation tho)
10. Check the front brake disks and pads, parts alone are nearly £700 from VW to replace both sides.
edit forgot the big one!
11. From the factory the anti knock sensor was programmed to be too sensitive. So what happened was when the engine got hot you would suffer hesitation and power loss. VW released a software update called 6463 to fix this but it was never a recall and seemed to rely on the owner asking for it. So there may be cars still out there without it. Only way to know is using Vagcom to get the software versions. It also was alleged to increase power to 250bhp.
Edited by dogbucket on Sunday 15th February 10:52
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