Off putting Golf R haldex/diff stories..... simple cause?

[skypeller]

Hi all

Looking to replace my super trusty immaculate 330ci sport (7years seamless service)

Been looking mostly at the m135i manual 3 door and Golf R but ouch they’re quite a bit more expensive for 14 plate manual with under 50k miles.

I really like both cars, my heart says m135i but my head says golf R due to the 4 motion and now living in Malvern (renowned for its hills .... and they are steep roads here).

The issues playing on my mind is people reporting they’ve had to have their haldex units/diffs replaced under warranty on these R’s and the s3’s , obviously the cars I will be going for won’t have warranty’s (private purchase I guess) and I can’t be arsed paying for warranty’s outside of the manufacturer one. I do nearly all maintenance work myself and to a good standard.

Is the issue not just the pump pickups/gauze filters clogging up and requiring a good clean in some fresh fuel during the oil change procedure ?? Or is it a much more sinister internal expensive failure?

Cheers

[anonymous-user]

skypeller said:

Hi all

Looking to replace my super trusty immaculate 330ci sport (7years seamless service)

Been looking mostly at the m135i manual 3 door and Golf R but ouch they’re quite a bit more expensive for 14 plate manual with under 50k miles.

I really like both cars, my heart says m135i but my head says golf R due to the 4 motion and now living in Malvern (renowned for its hills .... and they are steep roads here).

The issues playing on my mind is people reporting they’ve had to have their haldex units/diffs replaced under warranty on these R’s and the s3’s , obviously the cars I will be going for won’t have warranty’s (private purchase I guess) and I can’t be arsed paying for warranty’s outside of the manufacturer one. I do nearly all maintenance work myself and to a good standard.

Is the issue not just the pump pickups/gauze filters clogging up and requiring a good clean in some fresh fuel during the oil change procedure ?? Or is it a much more sinister internal expensive failure?

Cheers

Possibly people not having the 40k haldex oil and filter done?

Look for one that has had this done anyway, it is essential to the gearbox working correctly.

[skypeller]

Hi yes could be, have read some cases Apparently where the vehicle has only done under 20k I believe the haldex is 30 or 40k, used to be 40k on my v6 golf 4motion

[Sardonicus]

Not surprising really if its anything like the reliability of both VAG dry and wet clutch DSG transmissions

[anonymous-user]

Certainly 40K on mk6 golf r and mk7.

If it's dsg gearbox needs to done same time.

Safest best is to buy one with manufacturer warranty left surely?

[skypeller]

Yes it would be the safest option but it’s a bit dire that I should have to have a warranty i’d Rather know the cause of the failures and then weigh up the idea of buying one in the first place, I get that there will be different reasons for different failures, like some have just had pumps replaced or software updates on the haldex and been ok since..... it’s the ones they’ve been replaced as an entire unit that concern me....

in 15 years of driving and many many different cars I’m yet to have a serious expensive failure occur... I do pamper my cars maintenance wise, I drive them hard sometimes but I wouldn’t say I thrash them.

This is why I wondering if the m135i may not only be the more fun car to drive but potentially the more reliable.

[skypeller]

That said.... I’ve loved every golf I’ve owned (5 of them) and they have a good classless reputation.

[skypeller]

That said.... I’ve loved every golf I’ve owned (5 of them) and they have a good classless reputation.

[minorworx]

I own a 2014 TTS with Haldex, are there any indications/ symptoms that the haldex may be suspect, such as odd noises etc

[skypeller]

From what I gather it’s more like lack of traction you’d expect from 4wd, so more front wheel spin that you’d expect ... lack of assistance from the rear wheels