GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: vance1 on 24 June 2017, 19:37
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Hi All, am in the process of buying a used R, or GTI, I've briefly drove both and enjoyed them, but was particularly struck by how good the R was with DSG! I've never had an auto before and would like anybody's thoughts/experiences of living with one, as there maybe something I haven't thought of. I read somewhere they can be troublesome? Also I like the Pretoria alloy wheel, do you get a noticeable harsher ride with them? I've got a GTD at the moment but fancy the smell of petrol again!
Thanks for any help,
Vance
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Hi All, am in the process of buying a used R, or GTI, I've briefly drove both and enjoyed them, but was particularly struck by how good the R was with DSG! I've never had an auto before and would like anybody's thoughts/experiences of living with one, as there maybe something I haven't thought of. I read somewhere they can be troublesome? Also I like the Pretoria alloy wheel, do you get a noticeable harsher ride with them? I've got a GTD at the moment but fancy the smell of petrol again!
Thanks for any help,
Vance
I have a DSG R on Prets and wouldn't change a thing. I've opted for DSG in my last 3 performance Golfs (9 years of DSG driving) and it's at its best to date in the R, working seamlessly with the modern tech - auto hold; e-handbrake; Adaptive Cruise, etc. Best incarnation yet. Can be a learning curve after a lifetime of manuals as it requires a slightly different driving style but a few weeks in and you'll be flying. There are some that never get on with it, but very few and far between. Similarly some experience jerky downshifts but again it's more likely adjusting to the gearbox. The main criticism of the DSG box is it's keeness to change up rapidly in D and not rapidly enough in S, but thats where manual - tiptronic or paddles comes in. Best of all worlds imo. And in the 9 years I've had DSG gearboxes I have not had a single issue or failure and each car was kept between 3 and 4 years.
Prets (19's) are a firm ride but it is a hot hatch and so it should be, but decent tyres are everything and can offset some of the harshness for those that find it a little too much. Ride comfort is very subjective so you'll hear all sorts of different perspectives. Best thing to do is test drive an R with Prets. Don't know if you are looking at DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) which is an adaptive suspension adjustment that gives the option to adjust the dampers to Comfort, Normal or Sport depending on personal preference and road conditions. I have it but mainly have it in Sport of Normal and tbh would be happy without it. The non DCC ride is part way between Normal and Sport for ride comfort. And of course, Prets are simply the best looking wheel for the R (not at all a biased opinion).
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As above........I have a DSG R on Prets......Do it 👍
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However I have a Golf R Manual on Prets and I also would not change a thing. I was also undecided whether to get DSG Golf R but ended up getting a Manual in the end. Not for the cost but just because i discovered in the end I actually prefer a Manual gearbox. I guess it's a case of whatever you fancy and prefer at the time just go for it. Both Manual and DSG will be good on the Golf R. I have to say the Manual gearbox on my Golf R is the best I have ever used. It is so silky smooth on changes and there is no clunkiness between gears like my GTI PP did on changing up to 3rd at times.
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I have to agree with Booth, the DSG box with auto hold handbrake (I had an Evoque before and the Golf version is way better) and adaptive cruise control is amazing.
For easy driving it makes long journeys so easy and relaxing, it takes some balls to get used to the car braking, especially when the traffic brakes hard infront of you it takes some balls to let the car brake hard too but it does!
That all said, we have a new DS3 1.6T (its not much slower than the GTI) in manual and thats really great fun to drive, the manual really does involve you in the drive, the DSG paddle shifters does allow a sort of manual experience but its just not the same. We have 2 cars to keep things spiced up and I feel lucky to be able to pick and choose which one to drive pretty much, but that being said if I really had to live with one I'd go with the DSG box.
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Thanks for all your replies, especially Booth11, very helpful. They echo my thoughts on a brief drive with the DSG it seemed to work so well with the engine, and the speed of the changes in manual was astonishing. I think I'll have to test drive them both to decide but dealers seem reluctant to let you test drive them!
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Thanks for all your replies, especially Booth11, very helpful. They echo my thoughts on a brief drive with the DSG it seemed to work so well with the engine, and the speed of the changes in manual was astonishing. I think I'll have to test drive them both to decide but dealers seem reluctant to let you test drive them!
Stupid dealer.
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I have to agree with Booth, the DSG box with auto hold handbrake (I had an Evoque before and the Golf version is way better) and adaptive cruise control is amazing.
For easy driving it makes long journeys so easy and relaxing, it takes some balls to get used to the car braking, especially when the traffic brakes hard infront of you it takes some balls to let the car brake hard too but it does!
That all said, we have a new DS3 1.6T (its not much slower than the GTI) in manual and thats really great fun to drive, the manual really does involve you in the drive, the DSG paddle shifters does allow a sort of manual experience but its just not the same. We have 2 cars to keep things spiced up and I feel lucky to be able to pick and choose which one to drive pretty much, but that being said if I really had to live with one I'd go with the DSG box.
I still don't trust ACC & have had the need to stamp on the pedal moment a couple of times, which slightly detracts.
As for DSG - non-believer. It may be better on the sportier stuff like here, but dire on the Old's Skoda. Seriously dodgy for anyone who cares more than 1% (and that's compared to a bang average manual 'box,). IMHO, of course :)
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Hi All, am in the process of buying a used R, or GTI, I've briefly drove both and enjoyed them, but was particularly struck by how good the R was with DSG! I've never had an auto before and would like anybody's thoughts/experiences of living with one, as there maybe something I haven't thought of. I read somewhere they can be troublesome? Also I like the Pretoria alloy wheel, do you get a noticeable harsher ride with them? I've got a GTD at the moment but fancy the smell of petrol again!
Thanks for any help,
Vance
My Golf R was my first auto in 25 years of driving and have to say I love it on the R, it is a bit Playstation when your driving the car harder but in a good way. I am still a lover of the manual box but DSG and Golf R are a great match together.
Also have the 19" Prets without DCC with absolutely no issue, now have Eibach springs on and the ride is still complaint and comfortable.
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I had to admit I think the DSG does really suit the R (given we have had three), my only gripe is in manual mode it still kicks down and also changes up (RS3 and BMW DCT still give you control)
I think the key with DSG is to get some better paddles as the stock ones are just too small, S2T or VWR seem the pick of the bunch
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I think the key with DSG is to get some better paddles as the stock ones are just too small, S2T or VWR seem the pick of the bunch
Second that about paddles wigit. Oem paddle shifters are pitiful and simply not conducive to enjoyable manual shifting. S2T replacement shifters change all that. Pricy but superb quality and a joy to use. After the pedal box, the best change I made on my R, and wish I'd done it on my first or at least second dsg Golf and not waited so long.
From this
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5686/22547081973_941353ff7f_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AmpFWD)
To this
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/733/22780116257_ac6cddeff7_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AH13V8)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/673/22779973017_0848c63625_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AGZjkt)
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5758/22547080353_e33f541a77_o.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/AmpFsH)
And THE easiest things to fit. http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=276214.0
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That was my thought about the manual change, very playstation like, so easy and quick. Still haven't got to try any more cars , may be off to jct600 Sheffield on Wednesday, anybody had any dealings with them? Thanks Booth11 they look better, may be a purchase in the future!
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How much are the new paddles?
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How much are the new paddles?
From what I can gather on google they look to be around £200 or $265, ouch! They look the part though.
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How much are the new paddles?
S2Ts? It very much depends on which style (there are 3) and the finish you go for. Prices here. http://www.s2tpp.com/VW.html Plus factor in shipping from the US. I got mine with $50 discount as bought through a group buy on another forum.
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The shape of the paddles on Booth11's car is what I have and for me perfect as they are very easy use, ridiculously easy to fit. I use my DSG 90% of the time in manual mode.
My wife does not have them on hers and I do miss them.
You can get cheaper stick on offerings but these feel nice to the touch.
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Tried a DSG R yesterday which didn't seem to have the same 'parp's after each upchange in race mode when using the paddles as the first car I tried. Is it normal for them to give you a parp in race mode, as this one didn't sound as good?
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Have modern cars become so dull and overly competent that the defining feature of a Golf automatic is how loud it can backfire going past the local drive-thru on the bypass?
Christ I'm getting old. I thought whoosh dump valves were bad enough for scraping the barrel.
I think I'm going to get an Aygo and take up stamp collecting.
I wonder what makes people want to bang their head against a wall on stamp collecting forums?
Mind you, I was out for an evening wander with my son a couple days ago when a Lamborghini convertible went past us and started to slow for the speed camera. Now that was a noise. Growling, roaring and popping. Proper aural drama.
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Reference those giant paddles, never quite understood why? The only advantage I can see is changing gear on roundabouts. Since the steering wheel is so superior to any other I've experienced and the rack (lock to lock) so bloody poor, I either have hand(s) in thumb cut-outs perfect for std paddles or drive hands free.
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I wonder what makes people want to bang their head against a wall on stamp collecting forums?
Self adhesive stamps. :laugh:
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Reference those giant paddles, never quite understood why? The only advantage I can see is changing gear on roundabouts. Since the steering wheel is so superior to any other I've experienced and the rack (lock to lock) so bloody poor, I either have hand(s) in thumb cut-outs perfect for std paddles or drive hands free.
They are right up there with stabbed rat pedal boxes.
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Who said it was a defining feature, I was asking if they all did it or not. I can't afford a Lamborghini where its ok to backfire. Thanks for your input
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Tried a DSG R yesterday which didn't seem to have the same 'parp's after each upchange in race mode when using the paddles as the first car I tried. Is it normal for them to give you a parp in race mode, as this one didn't sound as good?
I always laugh at that noise, it sounds stupid to me, bit like the boy racers with the dump valves or the Focus ST's moving in traffic at 5mph and their cars banging like firecrackers.
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I've just heard my brother in law's 918 spyder revving up. That's what you call a noise!!
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Reference those giant paddles, never quite understood why? The only advantage I can see is changing gear on roundabouts. Since the steering wheel is so superior to any other I've experienced and the rack (lock to lock) so bloody poor, I either have hand(s) in thumb cut-outs perfect for std paddles or drive hands free.
Ahh, you're back. How's the suntan?
Changing gear on roundabouts is probably not a great idea unless you want your car to change ends.
The big paddles make life easier for changing gear manually, plus they feel a lot nicer to use than the standard ones. Trust me, I'm a DSG expert :lipsrsealed: :whistle:
I didn't believe threads saying the R had poor steering lock until I ended up owning one.
There must be a good reason for it. I wonder if it's something to do with torque transfer when the front wheels go past a certain angle? A bit like when you tickle a dogs belly its back leg kicks.
I wonder what makes people want to bang their head against a wall on stamp collecting forums?
Self adhesive stamps. :laugh:
Ooooohhh yes! You're ahead of the game there.
Do you have a secret hobby to confess? :grin:
Who said it was a defining feature, I was asking if they all did it or not. I can't afford a Lamborghini where its ok to backfire. Thanks for your input
It was a pleasure.
I'm a one man public service.
Have you discovered the R forum? vwroc.com
Now there's the place to find DSG fart nuances and you'd probably get a five page thread going on the subject (minus my invaluable help).
Watch out for one of the mods though, she's got a handy right hook.
I can't afford a Lamborghini either.
The first thing I thought when I heard it was "I'd like a car just like that, i'd also like the income and lifestyle that goes with it" and then that image was gone almost as quickly as the Lamborghini disappeared out of view and I went home to my crappy manual car and utilitarian lifestyle.
I've just heard my brother in law's 918 spyder revving up. That's what you call a noise!!
My brother in law has a Diesel Peugeot.
When I hear that revving up I run away.
I think I've outstayed my welcome in this thread.
Sorry Vance
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Who said it was a defining feature, I was asking if they all did it or not. I can't afford a Lamborghini where its ok to backfire. Thanks for your input
What were the years of the two different DSG R's you tested? Were they used cars? Only reason I ask is there is a mod (you may be aware) called the 'flapper mod' whereby you can adapt the exhaust valves via VCDS or OBDeleven, or physically, which enables all 4 exhaust flap valves to be open all the time in any mode not just in Race mode or when gearbox is in S as is the norm, only 2 being active when in D or other modes. Now I say all this because some (not all) R owners that have done this mod have reported that they no longer get the usual dsg farts on upshifts. So I wondered if one of the cars you drove might possibly have had this mod done by a previous owner. Probably not but just a thought.
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Ahh, you're back. How's the suntan?
Changing gear on roundabouts is probably not a great idea unless you want your car to change ends.
The big paddles make life easier for changing gear manually, plus they feel a lot nicer to use than the standard ones. Trust me, I'm a DSG expert :lipsrsealed: :whistle:
Any wonder the peak district is so green !! One day of sun in 7, locals reckoned that is good going this time of year. Anyway off to St Mawes to pile some more miles on this week. Love this car!
Now not changing gear on roundabouts? Do a r/h turn especially on large roundabouts and DSG changes gear in Auto let alone diy in Manual! R's can't change ends, can they?
Still not convinced re big paddles, the std are perfectly placed for me anyway. Are you saying they are more sensitive as in lighter touch? May get some stick on's, no way spending silly money on those. Anyway still haven't got the pedal box. Also, Hoping I didn't get a ticket on the M42 that is one tempting stretch of road when one has been stuck on the M1 (don't mention the M6!!)
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Still not convinced re big paddles, the std are perfectly placed for me anyway.
May get some stick on's, no way spending silly money on those.
Well that was a quick turnabout.
Are you saying they are more sensitive as in lighter touch?
A good start might be asking someone on here who actually has a) a DSG car, and b) big paddles. :grin:
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Still not convinced re big paddles, the std are perfectly placed for me anyway.
May get some stick on's, no way spending silly money on those.
Well that was a quick turnabout.
Are you saying they are more sensitive as in lighter touch?
A good start might be asking someone on here who actually has a) a DSG car, and b) big paddles. :grin:
I thought I was madam, my response was to Exonian, as in quote. :rolleyes:
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I thought I was madam, my response was to Exonian, as in quote. :rolleyes:
Yes, I think you'll find he drives a manual sans paddles of any description, but with an extra pedal to compensate. :laugh:
wigit has a DSG with big paddles. :smiley:
Forum fact: Doesn't matter who you quote, others will respond. :wink:
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I thought I was madam, my response was to Exonian, as in quote. :rolleyes:
Yes, I think you'll find he drives a manual sans paddles of any description, but with an extra pedal to compensate. :laugh:
wigit has a DSG with big paddles. :smiley:
Forum fact: Doesn't matter who you quote, others will respond. :wink:
Anyone? How rude :grin: On a private conversation :laugh:
Heading : Ask the Experts - Here's one for you, save me the trouble, best rubber mats for front only. Thinner the better, I think you have some but would you buy same again, anyone can answer, :laugh: thanks :smiley:
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I thought I was madam, my response was to Exonian, as in quote. :rolleyes:
Yes, I think you'll find he drives a manual sans paddles of any description, but with an extra pedal to compensate. :laugh:
wigit has a DSG with big paddles. :smiley:
Forum fact: Doesn't matter who you quote, others will respond. :wink:
Anyone? How rude :grin: On a private conversation :laugh:
Heading : Ask the Experts - Here's one for you, save me the trouble, best rubber mats for front only. Thinner the better, I think you have some but would you buy same again, anyone can answer, :laugh: thanks :smiley:
Hopefully for your sake someone will respond to you. Your chances of getting any helpful info out of me on this forum are next to zero. Once bitten and all that. :grin:
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Thanks Booth, they were both 15 plate cars but sounded quite different, the first sounded like an old audi 5 cylinder engine, nice, with the parps on gearchange. The second was quite restrained , so I wondered if you could turn down the soundaktor. I didn't know there was flaps in the exhaust, thanks
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Thanks Booth, they were both 15 plate cars but sounded quite different, the first sounded like an old audi 5 cylinder engine, nice, with the parps on gearchange. The second was quite restrained , so I wondered if you could turn down the soundaktor. I didn't know there was flaps in the exhaust, thanks
You may already know all this so forgive me if you do. On MY16 cars (built from end May 2015) an option to adjust the interior Soundaktor noise was introduced. It's only available in the Individual driver mode menu and referred to as Interior Engine Sound. On any car built PRIOR to end May 15 this is not an option. So if you are not talking about real external exhaust sound, then it may be the case that one of the cars you tested was pre the adjustable soundaktor option, and the other post? However regardless of this, on eithewhen in Race mode the soundaktor is by default set to its loudest, it's only in Individual mode on the later cars that the fake sound can be adjusted, so you can technically have everything set to Sport (as in Race mode) but the soundaktor set to Sport; Normal or Eco (loud, med or low). Maybe this is something to do with the difference in sound of the two you tested. Prior to the menu change, some owners chose to unplug the soundaktor or turn it down via VCDS/OBD11, so that's a possibility. But that said, the parps come from the actual car/exhaust not from the soundaktor.
A post end May 2015 Individual mode menu
(https://s11.postimg.org/jt3z9jpub/23066923575_1344985fa8_o.jpg) (https://postimg.org/image/j3l6x6pan/)
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I''ve obviously not grown up as I love the DSG 'parps' as we're calling them, and with the addition of the BCS Res Delete they are even louder and more aggressive....great fun under bridges and through tunnels :evil:
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Many thanks for the info Booth, I didn't know that. I'm not sure when they were built but that could be the reason, thanks. I assume BCS Res Delete is something you can do with VCDS?
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Many thanks for the info Booth, I didn't know that. I'm not sure when they were built but that could be the reason, thanks. I assume BCS Res Delete is something you can do with VCDS?
There's a bit more to a resonator delete than that. Raffe will able to enlighten you, but worth having a look on VWROC (R Owners Club) modifying section. Just type resonator delete into the search box t the top of the section for various threads on various res deletes.
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/forum/59-modifying-your-golf-r-mk7/
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Many thanks for the info Booth, I didn't know that. I'm not sure when they were built but that could be the reason, thanks. I assume BCS Res Delete is something you can do with VCDS?
No it removes the centre silencer, the difference with the BCS option is it has a Helmholtz silencer which eliminates drone.
This mod gives you a deeper/sportier tone to the OEM exhaust and some nice gurgles and burbles on overrun, the real beauty is that it doesn't drone like most aftermarket exhausts do...win win.
Exactly how the car should have come from VW for a 300bhp car.
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Thanks for the info Raffe
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Have modern cars become so dull and overly competent that the defining feature of a Golf automatic is how loud it can backfire going past the local drive-thru on the bypass?
This is so true I am afraid, that said like a child it is what I love especially in the estate, without it I'd probably nod off. There is an 'Easter Egg' mode on the M2 where if you use it in manual the burbles when you lift off are insane
Still not convinced re big paddles, the std are perfectly placed for me anyway.
You need to sit an Alfa Giulia and try the paddles on that, just amazing.
My R is driven mainly in manual mode and my previous one did a lot of track work and they were just a lot nicer and more accurate.
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I'm someone that went from a manual GTD to a DSG R in January there.
Having had driven manuals for the last 30 years I thought I'd give this auto thing a go.
Now its not just a case of stick it in D and go. You really need to watch the road conditions and know exactly what gear your DSG is in. Its caught me out several times when I was needing some acceleration and the car just sits there going down the gears from 6th to 3rd for what seems like an eternity. It really is annoying.
Watching the road conditions and having it in the proper gear then its absolutely great but its definitely not a put it in D and forget about it gearbox like some claim it is. It is extremely interactive.
I tried running about for a few weeks in its manual mode and it returned about 17mpg whereas the same kind of conditions in D would return in the low 30's. I'm past the point of watching the MPG and just drive it like I want but it is worth baring in mind.
Sometime I think to myself I'm going back the manual route on my next car then I drive my wife's manual GTI and am glad I have the DSG :grin:
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Thanks for that P3asa, something to bear in mind, I tried an S3 s tronic yesterday and thought it hunted for the gears a couple of times, but could have just been me. To me it was about the same as the R and not an upgrade over it as the salesman claimed. Mind you the price was an upgrade!