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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: Hertsman on 27 October 2022, 16:11
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Have been on these forums since 2013 on the MK 7 section, when ran a GTD for 3 years, and then an R, and presently a TCR, and did not think would be on the MK 6, but here we are 😊
Wife has been wanting to change her Audi A1 Black Edition 185BHP for quite a while now, and as we have always wanted a ‘new’ classic GTI we have just p/x the Audi for a MK 6 2012 (Sept) Candy White, 3 Door, Glendale Wheels, GTI 58,000 miles, from a dealer network, which has full VW History with evidence to oil change every year without fail, and with last service at 57,000 miles and 12 month dealer direct warranty on all major components.
The change was pretty nominal, more to ensure it was worth dealers while, so think we all walked away feeling balance was right, and stopped ourselves spending £16000 by not reaching for the TCR.
GTI is in really good condition, definitely looked after, and the Candy White, 3 Door, Privacy Glass and the Glendale combination, definitely ticks the looks box.
It’s the second car, and will only average 2.500 > 3000 miles a year now, of which there will be enough runs to get car up to temperature for good distance, and we will keep up the full VW Service Schedule and likely will run indefinitely.
One question on the DSG Oil, as stated there is evidence of changes, with last one Sept 2021 at 51,000 miles with Brake Fluid, Spark Plugs Sept 2020 47,000 miles, and last AC service was 5 years ago.
Have mind to have all these done next service, August 2023, at about 61,500 miles, thoughts?
Used Carista to enable the needle sweep, digital speedometer and the fog light cornering lights, was unsuccessful on dipping mirrors, which there was a setting for, but seats are electric lumbar and not full electric which is the requirement, and optical visualisation was not there as an option, so imagine it's because not have park pilot module even though it has rear sensors, so we will have to settle for only the sound coming from the rear sensors, which is fine, but would have been a nice to have. The digital speedo was the must have, so good to have ticked that :smiley: Anything else that’s a must have that feel missed?
Also did a scan, and zero faults which was nice to see, as was expecting a couple of minors at least. The previous owner left a VW data plug in it, so signed up to that on We Connect. Am used to the connected services as use WE App on my TCR, but any thoughts on the data plug in general, useful, intrusive?
That’s about it, really surprised how much pull it has, effortless and quiet on motorway for 80 mile trip and expecting firm ride, but really good also, though imagine new tyres help that, and dare say feels more solid than my TCR, quite like it to be honest. TCR is off soon, so good to stay in GTI family :smiley:
(https://i.postimg.cc/y6jB7kJ9/D26547-C3-DF29-40-FD-9-A72-567-C4-B460-A34.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/zXfNv8WQ/5177-AA92-2923-419-B-9-A79-28-C484-E1-AC6-A.jpg)
(https://i.postimg.cc/8PnSr9mz/3938-DF45-7084-4-DAD-9-A1-B-0-B685-C4-C7-F41.jpg)
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:smiley: nice spec. :cool:
Does it have the folding mirrors off the switch on the door.. If not it won't have the option for the dipping side mirror.
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@Hertsman; that’s one nice looking mk6 GTI. Seeing your pictures makes me feel a little nostalgic for my mk6 GTD which I think was my favourite out of the five VW’s I’ve owned.
It’s a shame yours doesn’t have the optional xenon headlamps; they are quite rare - probably because they were quite an expensive extra cost option on the mk6 GTI and GTD. I did have them on my mk6 GTD and IMHO speccing them was money well spent.
I was given a data plug with my current car and after initially loading the app on my phone and using it for a few days, I unplugged it and haven’t used it since as I didn’t really think it added much value. I don’t need an app to tell me such things as when my next service is due (I have it diarised on my phone), where I’ve parked my car (I’m not senile yet :grin:) or what my fuel consumption is (I can get reasonably accurate mpg figures from the car’s fuel computer if I want that info).
Enjoy your new classic GTI and I look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
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Good looking car and low mileage. Had our 2010 gti from new and still enjoy it. Think the seats are the most comfortable of any gti. Not had any real issues with it except intake manifold which was replaced but that is about it. Since it is a keeper it is worth checking for rust on the rear suspension arms particularly offside which seems to get a lot of wear and under the front wheel arch liners where the noise insulating sponge is stuck to the body panel and can trap moisture. Not had a problem with the latter but some have. Generally rust free though. Hope it is issue free.)
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:smiley: nice spec. :cool:
Does it have the folding mirrors off the switch on the door.. If not it won't have the option for the dipping side mirror.
It does not, so was never hopeful the dipping mirror would work, and apparently you have to have memory seats and it only has electric lumbar - just a nice to have, they flip in easily and you can get the left mirror into such a position that you can use for normal driving and just lean up when reverse.
We had option to buy my outgoing lease, the TCR, but even if cheaper than VW forecourts, what they wanted was silly money that would stretch us for what would be 2nd car duties for next 3 years given have a 128Ti arriving in December on company lease.
So brief was to spend little to no money in exchanging wife Audi A1 Black Edition S Line 185BHP, and to strictly stick to that, so that excluded the ED35 out there, which were pushing MK 7 R money and many of the GTI saw were either high mileage, of suspect provenance of imported and the variety of options on them varied immensely, so the decision was to start at the car itself with the best history, assurances and that met the 3 Door Glendale or Watkins Glen wheel criteria.
So we knew we were always going to fall short somewhere on convenience features, but given the 2nd car profile its been mainly bought for the drive experience and having abandoned my TCR for last 3 days, this MK 6 is a real pleasure to drive, came back home last night on 20 mile motorway blast and she really pulls, is super smooth on the ground and feels solid in the hand, no feeling of looseness at all, and its a lovely, well lit interior in the red, and the dials! have realised that like dials far more than the media screens, jumped into the TCR today and it was like meh, obviously more capable, but more sterile experience.
Some of us grew up in 80's and there was none of these features, my escort RS2000 was all about the driving experience, and remember loving that car and gutted never wrapped it in cotton wool and garaged to drive about in now, but stupid young me swapped it for an MG Midget as always wanted one of them also, which was ok, fun with roof down, but was soon back to Escorts and XR3i and then family came, and all fun stopped, :grin: and it was a Sierra, Orion and Bora, before could start back towards more pleasing cars. But none of them had any really bells and whistles, radio, tape deck, and that's about it :smiley:
As can see us keeping this indefinitely, would maybe interested in the future retrofitting the VW parking and the LED lights, and even folding, but not myself, so is there any trusted retrofitters on the forum?
But for now, its all about the driving experience, and its top notch, and would say preferring it to the MK 7, the interior feels more surrounding, and car feels more solid and planted and given driving a 290BHP presently, the pull never really feels 80BPH short, pulls really hard and smoothly.
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@Hertsman; that’s one nice looking mk6 GTI. Seeing your pictures makes me feel a little nostalgic for my mk6 GTD which I think was my favourite out of the five VW’s I’ve owned.
It’s a shame yours doesn’t have the optional xenon headlamps; they are quite rare - probably because they were quite an expensive extra cost option on the mk6 GTI and GTD. I did have them on my mk6 GTD and IMHO speccing them was money well spent.
I was given a data plug with my current car and after initially loading the app on my phone and using it for a few days, I unplugged it and haven’t used it since as I didn’t really think it added much value. I don’t need an app to tell me such things as when my next service is due (I have it diarised on my phone), where I’ve parked my car (I’m not senile yet :grin:) or what my fuel consumption is (I can get reasonably accurate mpg figures from the car’s fuel computer if I want that info).
Enjoy your new classic GTI and I look forward to hearing how you get on with it.
See my reply to Snoopy, would have loved the Xenon, but any decent ED35 is MK 7 Golf R money, and amongst the rest of the GTI population, the options and quality of car vary hugely, so we focused on cleanest car mechanically we could find with best assurances and accepted we would lose some convenience features in process.
Our main car will always have the bells and whistles options, which my current TCR has and as will the incoming 128Ti, so for the 2nd car duties of local town hopping and occasional longer run its the driving experience that's main thing.
With regards the data plug, already gone, as like you said, not add anything not know, and so benefit does not outweigh the intrusive aspects.
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Good looking car and low mileage. Had our 2010 gti from new and still enjoy it. Think the seats are the most comfortable of any gti. Not had any real issues with it except intake manifold which was replaced but that is about it. Since it is a keeper it is worth checking for rust on the rear suspension arms particularly offside which seems to get a lot of wear and under the front wheel arch liners where the noise insulating sponge is stuck to the body panel and can trap moisture. Not had a problem with the latter but some have. Generally rust free though. Hope it is issue free.)
It has a year on year service history at same main dealer, and has not had a single notification on any MOT, and from all seen, its been incredibly well looked after, if not know it was a 10 year car, you would think just come off forecourt new.
We will keep up the full dealership servicing and with it likely only doing a max 3000 miles a year from now on, it should be a 10 year keeper at least.
Have made a note of what you have stated, and put into service book to remind me to ask for an inspection at the next service and MOT
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Looks a very clean and well maintained Mk6 you've got there Hertsman. Do like the look of the Glendale wheels. I'm sure it'll bring you many miles of enjoyable driving. Like joe6 mine's had a couple of inlet manifold issues, and timing chain tensioner, but as yours is a 2012 model year I expect that car will be on the latest tensioner revision.
I have the VW data plug, but after the inital novelty haven't really used it. I think the Mk6 appears more limited in what it has available via data plug features than maybe a Mk7 or Mk8. Found it a faff to open the app to get fuel consumption when it's there on the Display Information System on the dash. Granted I found the battery voltage handy when working out if my battery was on the way out. But other than that not really used it.
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Looks a very clean and well maintained Mk6 you've got there Hertsman. Do like the look of the Glendale wheels. I'm sure it'll bring you many miles of enjoyable driving. Like joe6 mine's had a couple of inlet manifold issues, and timing chain tensioner, but as yours is a 2012 model year I expect that car will be on the latest tensioner revision.
I have the VW data plug, but after the inital novelty haven't really used it. I think the Mk6 appears more limited in what it has available via data plug features than maybe a Mk7 or Mk8. Found it a faff to open the app to get fuel consumption when it's there on the Display Information System on the dash. Granted I found the battery voltage handy when working out if my battery was on the way out. But other than that not really used it.
This forum was invaluable in the search, as read all through the timing chain and tensioner sticky and was main reason overlooked quite a few GTI and stuck to as late 2012 as could find, so hopefully with its good year on year maintenance and regular oil changes and relatively low mileage and lower mileage to come, something to not feel too concerned about, though will ask for the cam reading at next service to see how within limits it is.
Expect to spend some money on it at some point but could have spent £1000's more chasing something newer, and still had potential problems, so its a good financial decision to not do that chase really.
Good point on the battery, useful to know its healthy and if have battery issues, may plug it in, but data plug is too big brother over benefits so already unplugged :)
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Good point on the battery, useful to know its healthy and if have battery issues, may plug it in, but data plug is too big brother over benefits so already unplugged :)
Well the 'volunteering' of extra data to the Volkswagen mothership e.g. driving locations, routes, speeds etc was another reason why my data plug has grown cobwebs in usage. :grin: I too was of the big brother opinion. I'm a typical Gen X in that regard. :whistle:
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The aircon service: If they run low on lubricant in the gas they can damage the pump.
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The aircon service: If they run low on lubricant in the gas, they can damage the pump.
Car was just serviced, August at 57000 miles (presently 58,800 miles) with next service August 2023, likely 62,000 miles
The DSG change was at 51,000 miles, so is there a year-based recommendation as imagine it would have no more than 80,000 in next ten years based on use profile.
Air Con was 5 years ago, so definitely have that done at next service and oil change and likely have plugs and brake done also to really bring it up to everything up to date.
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Just spotted this thread and wow! :cool:
What a great example of a mk6 and with Glendales too which are one of my all time favourite VW wheel designs.
Having had two mk6 GTI’s I’m a big fan of them, one being one of the first batch on an 09 in standard spec which I had fun retrofitting loads of parts to, and the second being an 11 plate with a huge spec as I’d run out of steam retrofitting things!
That’ll be a fantastic second car to keep in tip top condition which will give you heaps of pleasure.
My first mk6 had halogen lights to which I uprated the bulbs as I do a lot of nighttime driving and the second had factory xenons. I toyed with retrofitting xenons to my first but it had too early a control module and in the end I couldn’t be bothered with the expense and hassle of swapping the lot out. Honest opinion from me is the halogens were actually preferable as the xenons had too sharp a light cut off point on dipped beam meaning the area close to the car was super-illuminated and the area beyond was pitch black. The halogens had a more progressive light cut off which seemed more natural. I’m speaking from the experience of commuting 700 miles a week in darkness for three or four months during one of the darkest wettest winters in my 50 odd years (2012). The LED lights on the latest Golfs are so much better than the xenons but… the mk6 xenons do look so cool!
The relative simplicity (compared to the very latest Golfs) and solidity will stand them the test of time well.
A very good choice Hertsman and I look forward to reading continuing updates.
How does the older DSG feel after a few years with the 7 speed?
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Just spotted this thread and wow! :cool:
What a great example of a mk6 and with Glendales too which are one of my all time favourite VW wheel designs.
Having had two mk6 GTI’s I’m a big fan of them, one being one of the first batch on an 09 in standard spec which I had fun retrofitting loads of parts to, and the second being an 11 plate with a huge spec as I’d run out of steam retrofitting things!
That’ll be a fantastic second car to keep in tip top condition which will give you heaps of pleasure.
My first mk6 had halogen lights to which I uprated the bulbs as I do a lot of nighttime driving and the second had factory xenons. I toyed with retrofitting xenons to my first but it had too early a control module and in the end I couldn’t be bothered with the expense and hassle of swapping the lot out. Honest opinion from me is the halogens were actually preferable as the xenons had too sharp a light cut off point on dipped beam meaning the area close to the car was super-illuminated and the area beyond was pitch black. The halogens had a more progressive light cut off which seemed more natural. I’m speaking from the experience of commuting 700 miles a week in darkness for three or four months during one of the darkest wettest winters in my 50 odd years (2012). The LED lights on the latest Golfs are so much better than the xenons but… the mk6 xenons do look so cool!
The relative simplicity (compared to the very latest Golfs) and solidity will stand them the test of time well.
A very good choice Hertsman and I look forward to reading continuing updates.
How does the older DSG feel after a few years with the 7 speed?
Good Morning Sir
Decided not going to do any retrofitting, going to keep it just as is, and though Bi-Xenon look great and likely add something, the use profile and the effort and expense are just not worth it, and if it was such a must, I would have held out for next one up, but this car was so clean could not pass on it.
Having been out at night a few times already, the headlights are perfectly efficient, do not obviously give that Arc of light and magic tricks of the TCR, but they light the road perfectly well, and Carista added a little magic with cornering lights functionality via the fog lights, and work really, really well in the dark side street close to me.
Not investigated the bulbs, maybe the previous owner was well ahead of the game and has the best halogen in there, but is there any recommendation to what make and type of bulbs across the Main, Side, DRL and Fog, should be looking at for most optimised experience.
It might be a marmite thing, but do intend to put a gloss black wrap on the roof, think it will work really well with Glendale as the wheels.
Completely passed on the MK 6 model, never drove one, was over the fence in A3 Quattro, so from all the comments saw about the transformation of the MQB platform for the MK 7 series, was expecting a good element of stepping back in time, and that's just not happened, in fact there is elements prefer, such as the solid feel, you definitely notice to that as step from the TCR into the MK 6 GTI.
Not sure if this DSG is the 6 speed carried into my 63 plate GTD and 66 plate R, but all can say is that not count the 6 and 7 really and it just goes up and down as smoothly as the TCR seems to, great pull, smooth changes, and when in S, would say it was better profiled than the GTD and the R, which always hung onto the gears too long, this DSG holds on to gears just right in S. The TCR is perfect, the DSG 7 speed gearbox is sweet in its changes.
The amount of pull surprised me, expected a chasm to the TCR, but on normal roads, in bursts? its a comparable pull through to speed limit (or feels not far off)
Maybe part of the solid feel and new tyres, and adds to the solid, but its super smooth on the road, and another big surprise was expecting ride to be firm on the Glendale, and it maybe new tyres that help, but none of it, would say about normal setting on the TCR,.
The one big difference to the TCR is lightness and feel, the TCR has tons of it, whereas feel the MK 6 feels like the R, that weightiness.
The RNS510 would say is no worse than the 63, 66 GTD and R which both had the standard system and the GTD the low resolution screen, and its only the TCR that is a quantum leap beyond. Nav is decent and has latest maps and can bluetooth BBC Sounds and Deezer readily.
In summary, been a really pleasant surprise, and its a really enjoyable experience, to point wife has been driving off in TCR as asked her to leave me the MK 6 GTI to drive, which is obviously due to the new to us factor, but think it will endure.
As you can see the TCR after 9 months of we keeping/we not, is definitely going, we have saved £16000 stretch by profiling the second car usage to this MK 6 GTI, and head won over the heart, but the MK 6 is compensating way more than thought and looking forward to a run out to Caffeine and Machine to put it among the older cars there
the 128Ti arrives Dec 6th, so have some newness there also, with all the bells and whistles, and be interesting to see how BMW 'GTI' stacks up in comparison.
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The Glendales do look nice but they are too reminiscent of the rotors which Audi used on so many of their models at one point. For me, the Monzas are iconic and suit the Mk5 and Mk6 GTI the best.
I agree about the Mk6 xenons, they look very cool and are rare but the actual beam isn't very good. My previous A3 8P with halogens provided better visibility.
Also agree about the relative simplicity of the Mk6 vs later models and the solidity. I've spent a fair bit of time inside the mk7 and mk8 and VW definitely cheapened out the interior build quality.
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The Glendales do look nice but they are too reminiscent of the rotors which Audi used on so many of their models at one point. For me, the Monzas are iconic and suit the Mk5 and Mk6 GTI the best.
I agree about the Mk6 xenons, they look very cool and are rare but the actual beam isn't very good. My previous A3 8P with halogens provided better visibility.
Also agree about the relative simplicity of the Mk6 vs later models and the solidity. I've spent a fair bit of time inside the mk7 and mk8 and VW definitely cheapened out the interior build quality.
Never drove the MK 6 was was in 8P Quattro at that time, and from memory think my 07 headlights were not that good, and escapes me if there was a shy, something was upgraded, but the 2010 A3 Quattro never ever had you thinking to the lights as anything but competent.
This MK 6 GTI feels same, feels perfectly lit up and not as if peering into the dark. The TCR lights are ridiculous, with the brightness and automation, so they do show the leap that has been made.
There is a story behind the Glendale, as there was no MK 7 GTD in country when ordered in 2013, so wandered a few VW forecourts looking to see what bought, and in the showroom that day under lights was a Candy White MK 6 GTI on Glendale and it really had the wow factor and that obviously stuck with me :smiley:
You are talking to Mr Signature, the R had to be Lapiz Blue and the TCR had to be just like it was shown at Worthsee, and the 128Ti that getting is completely signature, so totally get the Monza, and its just slight preference this time around, likely influenced by that showroom visit in 2013
You hear the narrative, so many say the same, but when not seen for self you still wonder if its some nostalgia talking, but but no doubt about it, the MK 6 was much more solidly built than MK 7 which is my experience and from all state on MK 8, its still slowly going the way of reduction in premium, though did see a performance pack MK 8 R (parked away miles from anyone else in car park :grin:) and really grown on me in that guise.
When exchange a good car, basically on a whim, there is a period of doubt to if done right thing going back 18 months more to older car with higher mileage, but could not be happier, was always meh on wifes Audi A1 Black Edition, its steering quite sterile and though 185BHP, lot of twin turbo work to get it moving, whereas the GTI brings smile factor, looking completely past my TCR at the moment :grin:
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The 128 will remind you of how Golfs were rather than how Golfs have become with its solidity so will be a good partner to the mk6, an inspired choice of bedfellows.
At least with choosing the BMW above a current generation Golf you actually got a build date too, aside from 1.5 Taigos and T-Rocs VW don’t seem to be supplying much.
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The 128 will remind you of how Golfs were rather than how Golfs have become with its solidity so will be a good partner to the mk6, an inspired choice of bedfellows.
At least with choosing the BMW above a current generation Golf you actually got a build date too, aside from 1.5 Taigos and T-Rocs VW don’t seem to be supplying much.
There are folk on the BabyBMW Forum who have still not received their 128Ti dating back till March 2021, but they hang on as deals they got were too good not to.
However, BMW have obviously restarted production of 128Ti and they are starting to come through now.
Ordered mine in April with an October 10th delivery date, that was moved to 6th December, and have just confirmed with BMW genius, that my 128Ti has gone into production, with a 28th delivery date to UK, and so that meets the 6th Dec delivery date to me.
So, personally had a couple of months additional wait, minor compared to others, and offset as was allowed to continue running the TCR till new car arrives.
Only went for a small amount of options, only the Parking Plus system was tech, so again personally unaffected, but adaptive headlights have been dropped off folks orders and not expected to return till way into next year, and the Hardon Karmon and HUD think have been sketchy in who receives and who does not.
With the new platform coming next year, this might end up being a limited run on the 128Ti, as doubt there be more than 2500 by time this model is done. They are also changing the media set up when new 1 series arrives late next year, to which the BMW is known to be one of its strengths, and from what understand from those who already have on higher models, its a step back
Definitely looking forward to some time in the BMW cabin, no doubt be saying they just a gimmick, but repeatedly playing with them ambient lights and remember you convinced me to order the heated steering wheel, so will see what all fuss is about :smiley:
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Come 6th December that heated steering wheel will become a heavenly experience every time the outside temperature drops into single figures!
I did see that the heated ‘wheel and matrix lights were removed from a lot of MINI and BMW vehicles either as standard or options so fingers crossed your car will arrive with everything you ordered. Nice warm toasty fingers at that 😁
The BMW interior doesn’t feel gimmicky, just intuitive and super-solid. It genuinely feels like a much more expensive car inside and the interior solidity is more than just a feeling when you see the amount of chassis bracing BMW have added. Much more like older mk4 - mk6 Golfs and earlier generation Audi A3’s than the current crop of smaller cars from VW group.
I wasn’t aware that the F40 1er was being replaced so soon. That’s a surprise to me as the car was only launched in 2019. I appreciate the MINI chassis it’s based on has been around a good while but the 1’er still looks fresh and the chassis is a good one. I’ll have to pop over to the F40 forum and read up on that a bit, I’ve not visited there for a couple years for obvious reasons. Having been pretty settled with my Clubsport I’ve really cut back on forum use generally for quite some time.
The 128 will be something nice to look forward to and then the mk6 can have a bit of a rest over the winter maybe to protect it from the salt.
And apologies mk6’ers for dragging this away from the subject.
Here’s a pic of my second mk6 as compensation :laugh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/0yJnQ9VY/9-D0-F4-C1-C-1-E42-4-C68-A3-CC-866-E21-AE1-B3-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tspWvGQJ)
Not as pretty as a Candy White 3 door on Glendales which to my eyes is the perfect combo, but still a smart looking car.
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Not investigated the bulbs, maybe the previous owner was well ahead of the game and has the best halogen in there, but is there any recommendation to what make and type of bulbs across the Main, Side, DRL and Fog, should be looking at for most optimised experience.
Hi Hertsman, in my Mk6 I currently use Osram Night Breaker Laser (H7) for low beam. Osram Cool Blue Intense (H15) for high beam and Osram Cool Blue Intense for the parking lights (W5W). Fog lamps are still the original VW ones - don't use my front fogs all that much. I personally have found the Osrams fine for my commute on dark country roads and main A-roads.
When I was doing about 30k miles a year I'd find the Night Break Laser H7s would last about 12 months before they popped and needed replacing, same with the parking lights.
For the puddle lights on the door mirrors I replaced those W5W type (think they're W5W, was a while ago) with Philips X-tremeVision LED 6000K lamps. Though this does cause a error to show on a VCDS scan as the LEDs don't draw enough current, so the car thinks there is a fault in the door mirror's lamp circuit. Doesn't cause an error on the dash though.
Interior wise I have replaced all the interior VW lamps with Philips 6000K LED ones. For the footwell lighting a quick tweak on VCDS to tell the car it has LED lights in the footwell, so not to bother monitoring those. Boot, cabin and glove box lights aren't monitored by the car (well not on my 2009 Mk6) so no VCDS sorcery required there. Tried the OEM VW LED rear licence plate lights but they caused a light out error on the dash that I couldn't code out with VCDS. Though as you have a 2012 model I expect you have LEDs already illuminating your rear number plate. :grin:
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Come 6th December that heated steering wheel will become a heavenly experience every time the outside temperature drops into single figures!
I did see that the heated ‘wheel and matrix lights were removed from a lot of MINI and BMW vehicles either as standard or options so fingers crossed your car will arrive with everything you ordered. Nice warm toasty fingers at that 😁
The BMW interior doesn’t feel gimmicky, just intuitive and super-solid. It genuinely feels like a much more expensive car inside and the interior solidity is more than just a feeling when you see the amount of chassis bracing BMW have added. Much more like older mk4 - mk6 Golfs and earlier generation Audi A3’s than the current crop of smaller cars from VW group.
I wasn’t aware that the F40 1er was being replaced so soon. That’s a surprise to me as the car was only launched in 2019. I appreciate the MINI chassis it’s based on has been around a good while but the 1’er still looks fresh and the chassis is a good one. I’ll have to pop over to the F40 forum and read up on that a bit, I’ve not visited there for a couple years for obvious reasons. Having been pretty settled with my Clubsport I’ve really cut back on forum use generally for quite some time.
The 128 will be something nice to look forward to and then the mk6 can have a bit of a rest over the winter maybe to protect it from the salt.
And apologies mk6’ers for dragging this away from the subject.
Here’s a pic of my second mk6 as compensation :laugh:
(https://i.postimg.cc/0yJnQ9VY/9-D0-F4-C1-C-1-E42-4-C68-A3-CC-866-E21-AE1-B3-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tspWvGQJ)
Not as pretty as a Candy White 3 door on Glendales which to my eyes is the perfect combo, but still a smart looking car.
My wording was not great, its not new as in new platform, but the facelift, which will from understand will remove the control/touch dial for touchscreen, that dial is one of things love the idea of the most! so glad, beat the facelift. (EDIT: just had a proper look and it seems the idrive 7.0 does keep a controller, but have seen some general moans, so must be some aspects regular BMW drivers do not like)
Still think this might be last time see the 128Ti as an option and might not make it over to the facelift, we shall see.
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series/90088/new-bmw-1-series-facelift-nears-hot-m135i-spied (https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/1-series/90088/new-bmw-1-series-facelift-nears-hot-m135i-spied)
One us will drive the MK 6 GTI occasionally when we go in separate directions, usually to 2500 miles annually, at weekends in particular where coach grassroots football and off over the county and wife gets out and about doing her own things while i am freezing my toes in cold fields, but at least hands will warm up quick now on way home! :grin: will report back one wintry football weekend to how much love have for that heated steering :grin:
This will be my last lease, and imagine 3 years down the line will not go new for the main car, but 3-5 years, and can see a Clubsport/R being top of the shopping list, really like both, especially the R with performance pack
One of other reasons bailed on the TCR, is nobody really knows what car market will look like in 2-3 years, there could be a substantial plummet to prices we were used to prior to the shortages.
Would have been very happy to secure a ED35 with Watkins Glen in either 3 Door or 5 and in any colour, and even clean standard GTI, they lovely, classic wheels, and other colour were also in frame, it just happened the cleanest could find in that moment in time happened to be a preference combo, the cleanest car no matter wheels, colour, doors would have won though, as all look great as yours prove.
Rebecca over at VWROC just shared a photo of her previous and much loved Black GTI on Glendale, that's a nice combo also
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Not investigated the bulbs, maybe the previous owner was well ahead of the game and has the best halogen in there, but is there any recommendation to what make and type of bulbs across the Main, Side, DRL and Fog, should be looking at for most optimised experience.
Hi Hertsman, in my Mk6 I currently use Osram Night Breaker Laser (H7) for low beam. Osram Cool Blue Intense (H15) for high beam and Osram Cool Blue Intense for the parking lights (W5W). Fog lamps are still the original VW ones - don't use my front fogs all that much. I personally have found the Osrams fine for my commute on dark country roads and main A-roads.
When I was doing about 30k miles a year I'd find the Night Break Laser H7s would last about 12 months before they popped and needed replacing, same with the parking lights.
For the puddle lights on the door mirrors I replaced those W5W type (think they're W5W, was a while ago) with Philips X-tremeVision LED 6000K lamps. Though this does cause a error to show on a VCDS scan as the LEDs don't draw enough current, so the car thinks there is a fault in the door mirror's lamp circuit. Doesn't cause an error on the dash though.
Interior wise I have replaced all the interior VW lamps with Philips 6000K LED ones. For the footwell lighting a quick tweak on VCDS to tell the car it has LED lights in the footwell, so not to bother monitoring those. Boot, cabin and glove box lights aren't monitored by the car (well not on my 2009 Mk6) so no VCDS sorcery required there. Tried the OEM VW LED rear licence plate lights but they caused a light out error on the dash that I couldn't code out with VCDS. Though as you have a 2012 model I expect you have LEDs already illuminating your rear number plate. :grin:
That is really useful information, doubt will change anything that needs any sorcery, happy to keep them stock, but will go and have a look at what bulbs are in there at present and will definitely investigate your recommendations, reason love forums is you get to make well informed choices and not waste time and money experimenting.
The rear lights are LED as are the number plates
Will feedback to how got on :smiley:
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There won’t be a better test of a heated steering wheel than after a chilly football session in mid-winter Hertsman!
Thanks for posting up the link to the 1 Series overhaul. Hopefully the front end won’t look like some of those hideous BMW SUV’s!! Fingers crossed they don’t change the looks too much as it’s a good looking car with nice aggressive undertones.
Considering the huge expense, lack of real choice and endless build waits for new cars now I think the plan to buy well cared for older cars is absolutely the right way to go. The build quality of the mk6 should see it happily share the driveway with your other acquisitions for decades to come :smiley:
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Have been on these forums since 2013 on the MK 7 section, when ran a GTD for 3 years, and then an R, and presently a TCR, and did not think would be on the MK 6, but here we are 😊
Wife has been wanting to change her Audi A1 Black Edition 185BHP for quite a while now, and as we have always wanted a ‘new’ classic GTI we have just p/x the Audi for a MK 6 2012 (Sept) Candy White, 3 Door, Glendale Wheels, GTI 58,000 miles, from a dealer network, which has full VW History with evidence to oil change every year without fail, and with last service at 57,000 miles and 12 month dealer direct warranty on all major components.
What was the approximate cost please, I'm running a 2011 with 60,000 miles.
You'll find the MK6 heavier compared to the Audi and TCR but will a more "feel".
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Have been on these forums since 2013 on the MK 7 section, when ran a GTD for 3 years, and then an R, and presently a TCR, and did not think would be on the MK 6, but here we are 😊
Wife has been wanting to change her Audi A1 Black Edition 185BHP for quite a while now, and as we have always wanted a ‘new’ classic GTI we have just p/x the Audi for a MK 6 2012 (Sept) Candy White, 3 Door, Glendale Wheels, GTI 58,000 miles, from a dealer network, which has full VW History with evidence to oil change every year without fail, and with last service at 57,000 miles and 12 month dealer direct warranty on all major components.
What was the approximate cost please, I'm running a 2011 with 60,000 miles.
You'll find the MK6 heavier compared to the Audi and TCR but will a more "feel".
The price is really variable from whether buy private, from small dealer, or a main dealer if they have taken one in on p/x to shift and then there is the variable service history and mileage. Personally always willing to pay that little extra for cleanest vehicle with the best assurance,
The one purchased was advertised £14000 from a main dealer network, and we p/x a 2014 Audi A1 Black Edition + £2000, to which included extra 6 months warranty (to take to 12 months) 3 year gap insurance and life shine at reduced rate (basically we had to make it worth the dealers effort to make the p/x)
The Audi is now up for Sale at £14000 on their website
Had the Audi up on Autotrader for £12000 for 2 weeks and had no offers, and WBAC were offering £10850, Motorway was £11800
Given was having no interest privately think got car that wanted with not much of a leap to do so, and very happy with the transaction,
Imagine if wished to sale the GTI now, given have real good knowledge to what is out there, imagine one as clean as this could get between £11500-£12500 but likely no more than £11000 on p/x
Its like any car, as soon as leave the forecourt you have lost money but on p/x you can completely forget what car buying is advertised at and what your car is worth, with only figure that matters is how much prepared to spend in the change and my limit was £1500 as basically just wanted to swap cars, but we agreed to £2000 by buying 'product' which the dealer makes money on also.
For straight cash, imagine you in the £10000-£11500 with a full history, but if p/x you do have some wiggle to back and forth a bit with dealer, though be assured they have to feel as making enough money to make it worth it.
The TCR is super light, a highly engaging car, absolutely love it, the MK 6 GTI feels more like my MK 7 R in weight, and thats no bad thing, it has its own comfort and pleasure in driving, nice and solid and planted, and has way more pull than ever expected, the biggest surprise, really thought there be a big drop off in pull, but none of it, hit a slip road with foot down the other day and whoosh it was off, all very smile bringing :smiley:
The TCR is off in a couple of weeks, so makes the transaction even more worth it by keeping a GTI in the family, would have felt wrong not to
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It’s a shame yours doesn’t have the optional xenon headlamps; they are quite rare - probably because they were quite an expensive extra cost option on the mk6 GTI and GTD. I did have them on my mk6 GTD and IMHO speccing them was money well spent.
https://www.xenonbulbs.co.uk/Lamps/Golf-Mk6/vw-golf-mk6-Bixenon-headlamps
These might be worth a look. They are fake and use LED bulbs, but I have seen them and they are very good.
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It’s a shame yours doesn’t have the optional xenon headlamps; they are quite rare - probably because they were quite an expensive extra cost option on the mk6 GTI and GTD. I did have them on my mk6 GTD and IMHO speccing them was money well spent.
https://www.xenonbulbs.co.uk/Lamps/Golf-Mk6/vw-golf-mk6-Bixenon-headlamps
These might be worth a look. They are fake and use LED bulbs, but I have seen them and they are very good.
If you want approved retro-fit lights, see if the Osram XENARC lamps are still available. These are MOT compliant with much less installation trouble compared to a factory retrofit
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Have been on these forums since 2013 on the MK 7 section, when ran a GTD for 3 years, and then an R, and presently a TCR, and did not think would be on the MK 6, but here we are 😊
Wife has been wanting to change her Audi A1 Black Edition 185BHP for quite a while now, and as we have always wanted a ‘new’ classic GTI we have just p/x the Audi for a MK 6 2012 (Sept) Candy White, 3 Door, Glendale Wheels, GTI 58,000 miles, from a dealer network, which has full VW History with evidence to oil change every year without fail, and with last service at 57,000 miles and 12 month dealer direct warranty on all major components.
What was the approximate cost please, I'm running a 2011 with 60,000 miles.
You'll find the MK6 heavier compared to the Audi and TCR but will a more "feel".
The price is really variable from whether buy private, from small dealer, or a main dealer if they have taken one in on p/x to shift and then there is the variable service history and mileage. Personally always willing to pay that little extra for cleanest vehicle with the best assurance,
The one purchased was advertised £14000 from a main dealer network, and we p/x a 2014 Audi A1 Black Edition + £2000, to which included extra 6 months warranty (to take to 12 months) 3 year gap insurance and life shine at reduced rate (basically we had to make it worth the dealers effort to make the p/x)
The Audi is now up for Sale at £14000 on their website
Thanks for the extensive information, last time a valued mine was in the pandemic with WBAC, they estimated £8500.
I will have to see if my one has continued to appreciate
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Have been on these forums since 2013 on the MK 7 section, when ran a GTD for 3 years, and then an R, and presently a TCR, and did not think would be on the MK 6, but here we are 😊
Wife has been wanting to change her Audi A1 Black Edition 185BHP for quite a while now, and as we have always wanted a ‘new’ classic GTI we have just p/x the Audi for a MK 6 2012 (Sept) Candy White, 3 Door, Glendale Wheels, GTI 58,000 miles, from a dealer network, which has full VW History with evidence to oil change every year without fail, and with last service at 57,000 miles and 12 month dealer direct warranty on all major components.
What was the approximate cost please, I'm running a 2011 with 60,000 miles.
You'll find the MK6 heavier compared to the Audi and TCR but will a more "feel".
The price is really variable from whether buy private, from small dealer, or a main dealer if they have taken one in on p/x to shift and then there is the variable service history and mileage. Personally always willing to pay that little extra for cleanest vehicle with the best assurance,
The one purchased was advertised £14000 from a main dealer network, and we p/x a 2014 Audi A1 Black Edition + £2000, to which included extra 6 months warranty (to take to 12 months) 3 year gap insurance and life shine at reduced rate (basically we had to make it worth the dealers effort to make the p/x)
The Audi is now up for Sale at £14000 on their website
Thanks for the extensive information, last time a valued mine was in the pandemic with WBAC, they estimated £8500.
I will have to see if my one has continued to appreciate
Used cars, even 10-12 years have been inflated by lack of new cars, but it’s all relative if selling as you get more for yours as pay more for what changing to, so in reality the ‘change’ for figure has remained constant
In normal market with no Covid and chip shortages, would expected only £9000 for the Audi but the GTI would have only been advertised at £12000
My 66 R was on sale in 2019 for less than £20000, that same R if was on sale now with much higher mileage as a 6 year old car would likely cost £21000, that’s the chip shortage effect
I was quite happy to change at lower end of market as think it’s cost me as much as would at anytime, but in 3 years likely going to buy something pretty decent used for about £20000 so hoping by then that gets me 3 year old car with good mileage as now that cost me £27000
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My 66 R was on sale in 2019 for less than £20000, that same R if was on sale now with much higher mileage as a 6 year old car would likely cost £21000, that’s the chip shortage effect
We sold a last of the Mk1 (65) Tiguan R-line 18 months ago through Motorway for £10,250 rather than px it against a new Tig. That was a pretty good price then. I'm thinking about cashing in my T6 Caravelle whilst the going is really good on them, and thought an older Tig would be perfect to use for work. I haven't seen a half decent one like we had before for less that £16k now.
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If you want approved retro-fit lights, see if the Osram XENARC lamps are still available. These are MOT compliant with much less installation trouble compared to a factory retrofit
Those are the others I was thinking of, but couldn't remember who made them.
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If you want approved retro-fit lights, see if the Osram XENARC lamps are still available. These are MOT compliant with much less installation trouble compared to a factory retrofit
Those are the others I was thinking of, but couldn't remember who made them.
Had completely abandoned the idea of a light upgrade, as to originals its way beyond what prepared to do and its not as if the halogen are poor, been out a few times now its dark early and visibility is not something even thinking to.
However, it seems these are plug and play as long as replacing halogen and they definitely look the part, and at £700 not ridiculous, so going to back pocket these and return to in a more settled period where can play about with such things.
Had no idea even existed, so great recommendation both :smiley: and be interested if anyone else has done the Osram upgrade and experience?
EDIT: Just seen the Volkswizard video of him making that exact change and looks pretty straightforward if set self out properly with proper tools and methodically follow the steps, though as much as like them, think they take the MK 6 away from being a MK 6 if understanding what mean, and starting to revert thinking back to staying stock and just upgrading the halogen bulbs (if not been done already, as still need to go and check what's fitted)