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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: mhoutman on 15 September 2010, 09:53

Title: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 15 September 2010, 09:53
I wrote already an introduction on the intro section. After driving Bimmers for more than 10 years, my family is in for 2 new 2011 Gti DSG. In fact I have asked the local garage to make a proposal for 2 full dutch specced cars except 18" (not comfortable due to bad roads/tarmac in my neighborhood) and an electric chair (no memory).

As I want nearly all options the car comes very close to a Golf R, but imho it feels too agressive and I really don't want 18" rims.

Some questions as I test drove a DSG with Dynaudio, ACC and 18".

ACC.
If I read the description well, ACC also should influences the steering characteristics but I only felt a difference in suspension. (I am used now to BMW's Active Front Steering AFS) What is correct ?

(SK) Color
As I love specials cars I also like a special color. Our wish was dark blue but except Moonlight Blue there are restrictions on other dark blue colors from the SK program. Carbon Steel grey which seems slighly greyish/green in the sunshine the only color from the standard color program we do like. Is anybody familiar with dark blue metallic paints other than Moonlight Blue which can be ordered for the GTi ?

Dynaudio.
To be honost I really expected more. Used to Logic& in the Bimmer, the Dynaudio system really misses sheer power. Is there consensus on this ?

Rear head rests
Want i don't like about the Gti are the big rear head rests. Did any try to mount the lower head rest which comes with non GTi's ?

Tyres
The dutch VW importer (also importer of Continental) usually changes all non-Conti tyres to Conti. Only on Gti's 18" I saw Dunlops. With BMW my favorites where Bridgestone (runflats) but what is advisable tyre for the standard 17" "Denver" rims. Any good experiences with Michelin Pilot Sports here ?

Tuning
The dutch importer have their own guarantee backup tuning program from ABT. (so 2 years guarantee for ABT tuning). HP increase is from 210 HP to 265 HP for about € 1.500,00 which doesn't seem to much considering the full importer guarantee. Now they have told me that with the ABT tuning, the DSG will lose its awesome sound when in sport mode. Is anybody familiar with this ?

Trims/steering wheel etc.
Don't shoot :wink: but the red stitching and parts and black trims everywhere are not our taste. In fact I have chosen for the R-Line trims (silver alloy) and R-Line steering wheel. Also the car gets R-Line door sill trims and a GTD grille. Yet I need some good pictures of the R-Line parts. Does anybody have a link to them ?

Thanks for your time and feedback  :smiley:

M.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Radek on 15 September 2010, 10:36
Hi and welcome!
I can comment on ACC: what is does (on top of the suspension setting change) is it's reducing the power assist steering therefore giving noticeable, much stiffer feeling. I personally like it very much.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 15 September 2010, 11:13
Hi and welcome!
I can comment on ACC: what is does (on top of the suspension setting change) is it's reducing the power assist steering therefore giving noticeable, much stiffer feeling. I personally like it very much.

hum, strange I didn't experience ACC as such. Is it perhaps with high speed of in sports mode ? (same experience there :sad:)
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Radek on 15 September 2010, 11:32
Hi and welcome!
I can comment on ACC: what is does (on top of the suspension setting change) is it's reducing the power assist steering therefore giving noticeable, much stiffer feeling. I personally like it very much.

hum, strange I didn't experience ACC as such. Is it perhaps with high speed of in sports mode ? (same experience there :sad:)
Now, that's strange! No you can feel it stright away. Maybe try some other GTI or any Scirocco as it has that as standard (at least in UK)...
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: FroGTI on 15 September 2010, 11:51
Not really answering your questions here, sorry, but IMHO you are going to miss your BMWs. The GTI is a great car, but FWD means it is inherently flawed.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: PenguinGTI on 15 September 2010, 12:05
I can only help with some of your points.

Colour
There is a colour for UK spec cars called shadow blue. Have a wee search for a user called Snoopy and have a look at his car if you want an idea of the colour. It is a fantastic colour. It moves the image of the GTI away from a hot hatch and more towards elegance. If your going for the R Line trim then such a colour would be perfect in my opinion.

Tyres
My car came with Bridgestone Potenzas and I swapped to Dunlop which were an improvement. I have since swapped to Michelin Pilot Sport 3s which are the best tyre yet. The dry grip is slightly better than the Dunlops and the wet grip is brilliant. There are plenty of others on here who would give the PS3s a thumbs up.

ABT Tuning
I cannot comment on ABT in specific but my car is remapped and it doesn't sound any different.  :undecided:

Dynaudio
This has been a good discussion point on this forum. Generally people are in 2 minds about Dynaudio. Some people believe the 310 variants have better sound quality but prefer the functions of the 510 variants. I only have an RCD 310 in my car and I have never really needed a louder system.

Sorry I have not answered all your questions. I don't know enough about the other aspects to offer you advice  :embarassed:

Ali
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: RickS on 15 September 2010, 13:14
Hello and welcome.

I personally love my GTI, the Dynaudio is very good and 300 watts is plenty for me, the rear head rests are not too big, 18" Monza's are superb and I don't have any issues with using them on all types of road surface, the red stitching and other interior trim is something I really like. Basically I bought the car because I think it looks fantastic all round and the drive is superb.
You seem to have so many misgivings about trim and various aspects of the GTI perhaps you should consider buying something else.

Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: matchboy on 15 September 2010, 14:40
except 18" (not comfortable due to bad roads/tarmac in my neighborhood)

car looks sh1t with 17" alloys, and the ride is not that hard honestly!


Dynaudio.
To be honost I really expected more. Used to Logic& in the Bimmer, the Dynaudio system really misses sheer power. Is there consensus on this ?

which setting did you have it on?  cause there are 3 settings and i can assure you the highest one will blow your head off.  better than a bmw standard system by a mile, not better than a bose, bang & oluf etc

Rear head rests
Want i don't like about the Gti are the big rear head rests. Did any try to mount the lower head rest which comes with non GTi's ?

the big head rests look cool dude - if you want little ones buy a sh1ttier version of a golf!


Trims/steering wheel etc.
Don't shoot :wink: but the red stitching and parts and black trims everywhere are not our taste. In fact I have chosen for the R-Line trims (silver alloy) and R-Line steering wheel. Also the car gets R-Line door sill trims and a GTD grille. Yet I need some good pictures of the R-Line parts. Does anybody have a link to them ?

buy a different car lol - is there actually anything you do like about the GTI?!?!

Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: gizzywizzy on 15 September 2010, 15:59
Hello and welcome.

I personally love my GTI, the Dynaudio is very good and 300 watts is plenty for me, the rear head rests are not too big, 18" Monza's are superb and I don't have any issues with using them on all types of road surface, the red stitching and other interior trim is something I really like. Basically I bought the car because I think it looks fantastic all round and the drive is superb.
You seem to have so many misgivings about trim and various aspects of the GTI perhaps you should consider buying something else.



I totally endorse everything you have said. 
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Steve30 on 15 September 2010, 16:25
Buy another BMW, if the GTI dos'nt float your boat, why are you even considering a GTI if you have all these concerns?  :undecided:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 15 September 2010, 17:47
thx for your remarks and/or answers.

I hope you don't mind but one of my joys in life is buying a new car. In fact building that car to my own specs and make considerations is something I really like. So, if I don't like some particular rims or stitching I order otherwise (if possible). At the end I am the one paying the bill and have to drive the car. I am not 30 anymore and had some excellent Bimmers but I never forgot my first Gti bought in 1986. So if you read between the lines I do love the GTi very much but have some thoughts on options. Nothing wrong with that I hope  :smiley:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Steve30 on 15 September 2010, 17:58
Why dont you get another BM? I mean rear wheel drive or the R, me I would go for the R . I think your focussing on the 18's to much?  There is really nothing in it between 17's or 18's , but then you also say your going to map it anyway??  :undecided:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: R32UK on 15 September 2010, 18:01
thats what this place is all about.. gettina car and making it better. Whats all the fuss about :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 15 September 2010, 18:57
Why dont you get another BM? I mean rear wheel drive or the R, me I would go for the R . I think your focussing on the 18's to much?  There is really nothing in it between 17's or 18's , but then you also say your going to map it anyway??  :undecided:

I didn't write I am going to remap the car. I only asked a question on ABT chiptuning... but it seems this is dutch spec only.

Now answering your question: I currently drive a 130i and the next 1-sweries will be here end of 2011, beginning 2012 (scheduled intro at IAA 09/2011). I do not want to wait that long. On my shortlist was also an Audi S3 but that is same story as with the Bimmer. Yes I also have considered the Golf R but in Holland the color schedule is rather limited. Four-wheel drive is awesome and I had a great test drive with the R, but the GTI gave more rest  :smiley:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 15 September 2010, 20:23
Just to put my two pence worth in and probably upset a few people.

So here goes .....

The BMW I Series IMO is a horrid car. I had one on loan for 3 weeks and I felt claustophobic in it and eventually hated everything about it. It is pig ugly and looks like a deformed lizard.

Moving on ... Get yourself a Golf R, if this floats your boat, and if you wish it to go faster re-map it. Or save some money and get a GTi and then re-map it. Or, you could buy a lightly used example of either one of these and save some money.

ACC: There is no doubt you should get ACC. You cannot judge it on a brand new car until the car's suspension settles-in at around 2000 miles. It is a must with the GTi and the R. Go for 18" wheels as their ride comfort is excellent even on our UK potholed roads.

Bi-Xenons: The other option that is worth having are the Bi-Xenons. They are excellent value for money. I made a big mistake not ordering them from the factory. You cannot get the cornering function cheaply with a retro-fit. This function itself would cost upwards of £700 I am told.

Soundsystem: The RCD 310/510 sound better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 having the best sound. No doubt. However, it does not rate highly in the beauty stakes. Regarding Dynaudio, I have heard many systems with this and it may seem a waste of money to some of us and not to others, but you do get a slightly more powerful amplifier and more high tech and less sensitive speakers (not always a good thing) . Most unimpressive. You will still need to get a sub-woofer with it. The Dynaudio system sounds very clean but slightly unexciting. So, stick with the standard speakers as they sound faster and more exciting and attach a sub-woofer. The standard system goes just as loud. I am going to fit a sub-woofer in the passenger footwell this Friday, work permitting. Hope it cures some minor ills.

Colour: I like Shadow Blue as it is a truly classy colour. Red and White are great with my definite preference (at last!) for Red. A Red GTi looks the business but on a Golf R it seems decidedly uncool IMO. White, though very nice, has become too popular and requires untold amount of cleaning. Lastly, for me, all Gre(a)ys are boring.

Seat/Upholstery: Leather (or part-leather as it actually is) in a Golf GTi does not appeal to me either and makes the interior look quite ordinary, dark and boring. The quality of the leather is also pretty poor. The Jacara cloth is superb and very comfortable to sit on. Much better than leather. Also, the seat warmers work much, much more quickly with the cloth upholstery.

Tyres: no experience with these. However, I dislike my Bridgestones as they are very noisy. In Autoexpress test for 225/40 18" tyres, the Continentals came out top followed by the Michelins. I'd say ditch the Bridgestones. They are horrid. Therefore, Michelins or Continentals are the ones to go for from what I have read and heard. The greater nod from many Forum members appears to be for the Michelins.

In 2102, I will probably buy the new Mercedes A Class, but not before comparing it with the 2012 model GTi. The equivalent BMW 1 Series will probably still look pig ugly.

Enjoy whichever choice you make. :smiley:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: gizzywizzy on 15 September 2010, 21:22
Just to put my two pence worth in and probably upset a few people.

So here goes .....

The BMW I Series IMO is a horrid car. I had one on loan for 3 weeks and I felt claustophobic in it and eventually hated everything about it. It is pig ugly and looks like a deformed lizard.

Moving on ... Get yourself a Golf R, if this floats your boat, and if you wish it to go faster re-map it. Or save some mony and get a GTi and then re-map it. Or, you could buy a lightly used example of either one of these and save some money.

There is no doubt you should get ACC. You cannot judge it on a brand new car until the car's suspension settles-in at around 2000 miles. It is a must with the GTi and the R. Go for 18" wheels as their ride comfort is excellent even on our UK potholed roads.

The other option that is worth having are the Bi-Xenons. They are excellent value for money. I made a big mistake not ordering them from the factory.

The RCD 310/510 sound better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 having the best sound. No doubt. However, it does not rate highly on the beauty stakes. Regarding Dynaudio, I have heard many systems with this and it is a waste of money. Most unimpressive. You will still need to get a sub-woofer with it. So, stick with the standard speakers as they sound faster and attach a sub-woofer. That's what I am goig to do this Friday.

Colour wise: I like Shadow Blue as it is a truly classy colour. Red and White are great with my definite preference (at last!) for Red. A Red GTi looks the business but on a Golf R it seems decidedly uncool IMO. White, though very nice, has become too popular and requires untold amount of cleaning. Lastly, for me all Gre(a)ys are boring

Seatwise: leather (or part-leather as it is) in a Golf GTi does not float my boat either and the inside looks very ordinary with it. The quality of the leather is also pretty poor. The Jacara cloth is superb and very comfortable to sit on. Much better than leather. Also, the seat warmers work much, much more quickly with the cloth upholstry.

Tyres: no experience with these. However, I dislike my Bridgestones as they are very noisy. Michelins or Continentals are the ones to go for from what I have read and head.

In 2102, I will probably buy the new Mercedes A Class but not before comparing it with the 2012 model GTi. The equivalent BMW will probably still look pig ugly.

Enjoy whichever choice you make. :smiley:

Am1w, hope I,m still here then :grin:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 15 September 2010, 21:29
Darling Amanda,
You've got eveything except the colour!  :evil: :laugh:
A near perfect car and better than mine!
Asker :kiss:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: p3asa on 15 September 2010, 22:14
As for colour: (taken from another thread (http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=123179.0))
1. Candy White
2. Black
3. Reflex Silver Metallic
4. Carbon Steel Grey Metallic
5. Tornado Red
6. Shadow Blue Metallic
7. United Grey Metallic
8. Blue Graphite Pearl
9. Deep Black Pearl
10. Blue
11. Blue Spirit Pearl
12. Dark Violet Pearl
13. Deep Blue Pearl
14. Ink blue Pearl
15. Light Blue
16. Mercato Blue Metallic
17. Moonlight Blue Pearl
18. Ravenna Blue Metallic
19. Silverblue Metallic
20. Techno Blue Pearl
21. Ultramarin Blue
22. Violet Touch Pearl
23. Brush Yellow
24. Platinum Grey Metallic
25. Silver Grey Metallic
26. Urban Grey Metallic
27. Tin Grey Metallic
28. Bright Green Pearl
29. Cosmic Green Metallic
30. Mint Green
31. Racing Green
32. Reseda Green
33. Cola Red 2000
34. Dark Burgandy Pearl
35. Flash Red
36. Yellow
(http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~dv8r/golf/mk6%20colours.jpg)
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: p3asa on 15 September 2010, 22:19

The RCD 310/510 sound better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 having the best sound. No doubt. However, it does not rate highly on the beauty stakes.

Think that is very subjective am1w as I went from an RCD510 to the RNS510 and the sound was exactly same. In fact the first RNS was cosmetically damaged so it was replaced and the replacement was equally just as good acoustically.  However maybe your profession gives you a lot more credibility in this area  :grin:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 15 September 2010, 22:35
High quality Classical music recordings, especially Opera, sort the men from the boys! :grin:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: gizzywizzy on 15 September 2010, 23:10
Us Brits always get short changed, so many colours too choose from on the Continent.  I love nearly all of those blue shades.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Buck on 16 September 2010, 00:01
Darling Amanda,
You've got eveything except the colour!  :evil: :laugh:
A near perfect car and better than mine!
Asker :kiss:

Oi!  What's wrong with black - remember it's the new black!!

 :wink:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: RickS on 16 September 2010, 09:39

Soundsystem: The RCD 310/510 sound better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 having the best sound.

Sorry, I know this off topic but I've been wanting to ask for some time........
I've noticed at various times people saying that the RCD310 and 510 sound quality is better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 being the best. I can understand it perhaps for the RCD310 as it is very different to the RCD/RNS510; but I would have thought that the RCD510 and RNS510 shared the same components as far as audio is concerned as they are obviously made by the same manufacturer. I also wouldn't expect VW to install systems which cost more but have inferior sound quality to the standard fitment RCD310. Why would these units have differing sound qualities?
Maybe one of you experts out there can explain please?
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: gizzywizzy on 16 September 2010, 13:23

Soundsystem: The RCD 310/510 sound better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 having the best sound.

Sorry, I know this off topic but I've been wanting to ask for some time........
I've noticed at various times people saying that the RCD310 and 510 sound quality is better than the RNS510 with the RCD310 being the best. I can understand it perhaps for the RCD310 as it is very different to the RCD/RNS510; but I would have thought that the RCD510 and RNS510 shared the same components as far as audio is concerned as they are obviously made by the same manufacturer. I also wouldn't expect VW to install systems which cost more but have inferior sound quality to the standard fitment RCD310. Why would these units have differing sound qualities?
Maybe one of you experts out there can explain please?

I replaced my RCD510 + dynaudio with the RNS510 + dynaudio and to my ears there is no difference, they sound exactly the same and for my tastes that is good enough.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 16 September 2010, 17:21
I replaced my RCD510 + dynaudio with the RNS510 + dynaudio and to my ears there is no difference, they sound exactly the same and for my tastes that is good enough.

Which therfore now means that the RCD310 sounds better than the RCD510 and the RNS510. The Ugly Duckling is truly a Sound Swan. Deal done! :smiley:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Snoopy on 16 September 2010, 20:38
Reading the original post, I think you maybe better looking at the Golf R especially since your coming from a 130i. People coming from BMWs often complain about the grip etc but this imo is down to driving style differences between front wheel drive and rear wheel drive. You have to make less of a adjustment to bad habbits going to 4wd.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: ErikGTI on 19 September 2010, 12:42
I drove the GTI VI a couple of weeks without ABT and now with ABT...the sound is phenomenal....I do not know who told you different.......

The pullingpower is .........well once you've experienced that ...you never drive a normal GTI in your life again.....mark my words.. :shocked:
(I drove the GTI V unchipped for 4 years).

The difference between 17 and 18 inch is with "looks" (and yes take the nicer alloys) a totally different ballgame and in my opinion only slightly more uncomfortable... :cool:

The RNS and camera gave me a lot of pain with malfunctions but after weeks of VW argueing  it is now working again.....

Leather aftermarket proves to be quite better...

BTW I have nearly all the options....so feel free to ask..... :smug: 

groetjes
Erik
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 19 September 2010, 13:17

BTW I have nearly all the options....so feel free to ask..... :smug: 

groetjes
Erik

Hi Erik, could you please be so kind to contact me at:  mhoutman@planet.nl
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 19 September 2010, 13:41
Erik:
Except for ACC/DCC! :evil: :grin:
Pity. :sad:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 23 September 2010, 17:00
After a second testdrive in the R, I ordered a 5D with DSG in Deep Black. really a pity that Carbon Steel Grey is not possible :sad:

Full option except 19", Top Sport Seats and electric seats. Delivery jan. 2011
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: am1w on 23 September 2010, 18:39
After a second testdrive in the R, I ordered a 5D with DSG in Deep Black. really a pity that Carbon Steel Grey is not possible :sad:
Full option except 19", Top Sport Seats and electric seats. Delivery jan. 2011

Bye, bye. :cool:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Snoopy on 23 September 2010, 18:40
I thought he would after seeing the thread on the R forum.
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: mhoutman on 24 September 2010, 15:12
I thought he would after seeing the thread on the R forum.

If you don't mind I till have a peek at this excellent forum  :wink:
Title: Re: Miscellaneous questions
Post by: Steve30 on 24 September 2010, 19:53
Great car miles better than the BM more fun to drive proper motor there mate , its all down to the waiting game now ??  :rolleyes: