Golf R turbo/s3 failure ~ how common in uk models?

[skypeller]

Hello all

I’m sure i’ll Get a few touchy weirdos angry by posting this but...... I’m torn between a Golf R and M135i (either in manual guise), I prefer the look of the golf and loved the golfs I’ve had in the past for their simple styling and comfort whilst being capable cars ~ much less of a love/hate design than most BMW’s. I’ve had several BMW’s too including my current 330ci m sport and previously a 130i m sport and golf wise mk5 gti mk4 1.8t gti & mk4 2.8v6 4motion.

I’m looking at spending anywhere between 14 & 17 thousand of my hard earned, I’m naturally looking at cars out of warranty and don’t really want to belch out for third party warranty’s to be honest, I’m used to pretty much hassle free motoring and maintaining the cars myself. They don’t get driven hard often just a few times a month now my commute is longer and I enjoy a more steady chilled out drive.... I just like to have the power, Just in case, you know what I mean PistonHeaders !!!!

SOOOOOO

Turbos..... on this unit in uk models, do they fail like I’ve been reading on the inter web ... out of balance I hear + uncertainty regarding “revised” turbos and wether they’re actually balanced too?

[skypeller]

Plus while I’m here, will I likely see the 35mpg average (with steady driving minimal traffic jams/ borderline never on 40 mile winding A~road commute) my 330ci m sport gets me currently ?

[Lucas Ayde]

From what I remember, there were a 'lot' of Turbo failures on the early Mk7R models. 'Lot' meaning it was making waves on internet forums at the time, so presumably was higher than would be considered normal on a car.

I think the issue was addressed in later ones. I'd guess any Turbos from the first batch or two of Rs that were likely to fail, would have done so by now.


Based on my own driving (6-speed DSG), you will severely struggle to get 35mpg unless you drive strictly to speed limits and traffic is flowing freely. I'm currently averaging 28mpg on a mixed variety of roads every week whereas was averaging 32.5mpg on more or less the same weekly routes/ driving style on my previous TT (same six speed box, FWD). Any sort of even vaguely hard acceleration will destroy the fuel economy I've noticed, much more so than on the TT.

[skypeller]

Thank you for your reply! surprisingly considering my past “driving like a loon”, I dont actually drive to the limits unless it’s 2am and dead quiet.

So the m135i might actually be slightly better on fuel then. Yes so no trouble on your R regarding turbo? How long have you had it ? Mileage etc

Edited by skypeller on Wednesday 20th February 15:00

[Dr G]

Have had/sold over 100 8V chassis S3s, which are mechanically almost identical to Golf Rs.

Had reports from original owners (~2013) of turbos replaced under warranty at very low mileages but nothing since then, even on tuned cars.

Water and Haldex pumps yes, turbos no. They're pretty stout cars.

I could get up to 37MPG from S3s on a smooth, motorway run on super unleaded.

Normal commute about 31, traffic commute 28-29.

[Lucas Ayde]

skypeller said:

Thank you for your reply! surprisingly considering my past “driving like a loon”, I dont actually drive to the limits unless it’s 2am and dead quiet.

So the m135i might actually be slightly better on fuel then. Yes so no trouble on your R regarding turbo? How long have you had it ? Mileage etc

Edited by skypeller on Wednesday 20th February 15:00

No Turbo issues on mine - only the very early ones were affected. 3.5 years, 41k miles so the engine should be well run in as regards economy. Great car in general, just not as frugal as I had thought it would be. The newer 7-speeds may well improve on the economy front though as 6th is just too low for economical motorway cruising. Mind you, for a medium sized car it is extremely heavy, getting on for 1.5tonnes. Amazing to see how bulky it is compared to a mk1 or 2 Golf.