GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: candywhite12 on 26 January 2026, 18:30
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have the 8.5 from new for 3 whole days now :laugh:, here are my first impressions (and questions)
Drive: been keeping low revs till after i hit the fist 800 miles or so, but what a piece of machine this is... coming from the GTI mk6, the difference is immense. Be it city, countryside or open roads, this is a beast. Very responsive, even though i haven't put it to its limits obviously, but from what i gather, it can cope with pretty much everything. Sound > nice pops here and there especially when downshifting manually, THAT grawl while accelerating makes me smile every time, sporty without being noisy.
consumption: only got something like 300miles so far, averaging about 30mpg. Not bad i would say. I expect this to go all the way down to 25mpg once i start driving it properly :laugh:
Ride: 19'' wheels fitted with DCC, i must say pretty happy for splashing a few extra quid for the combo, expected it to ride harder overall and it does when you set it nearer the sport end, but when DCC is set on comfort, makes for a comfortable ride
Looks: stunning. Got moonstone grey, black estorils and s/r. I would have preferred a slightly bigger spoiler end but overall, damn impressive design. Fog lights - how i wish it were night all day long just to keep those on :grin: Got some condensation in both headlights when I gave it its first wash the other day, soon dissolved, initially thought that it could be insulation issue, then it occurred to me that i had the engine running for some time before and temperature change may have caused that.
Cabin quality: could improve but a solid 8. Nice sporty seats, super steering wheel (no illuminated shift paddles though, same as in mk8, whereas the 7.5 has those lit up along with rest of wheel). Other than that, not much has changed.
Infotainment: the Good > compared to wife's mk8, this is a treat, fast response, even though i find it lacks some shortcuts (e.g. more buttons on top for quick access could be useful than the 4). The annoying > absolutely huge fonts when you play media or radio, getting older but not that old. Jury still out on Harman Kardon, i kind of feel that Dynaudio in my 7.5 sounded, won't say better but definitely louder. HK has more settings to play with and maybe i have yet to hit the sweet spot, but i expected it to sound louder for 480kw output. This is the one area I would improve.
Questions: still trying to figure out a couple things, activated trial for Dynamic Background Lighting but for the love of me, can't see why anyone would shell 50 pounds or so to get this for life. Connect plus for 2 years and connect for a further 8 with zero cost is a nice touch, spotify for free but how much music can one listen to? Also getting some problems with mobile hotspot connectivity.
Finally, wasnt able to add a second user yet (not a guest), it seems to need to be a user with an active VW ID, when i try to go through the steps, that's what it requires. Any ideas here are welcome.
Next steps: ceramic coating when the weather permits.
Hope this helps future buyers
C.
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Sounds great! I'm impressed with my 8.5 too compared with my 7.5 TCR.
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Why do you want to add a second user?
If you created a VW ID for them it would be so they could use the online services (find my car, sound the horn etc)
If you just wanted someone else (significant other for example) to have things like their radio station, climate settings, mirror positions etc that should be possible just by using the second key.
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well we share driving sometimes, she drives to, i drive from :laugh: so it'd be ideal to have user accounts in the car rather than having to use separate keys.
Why do you want to add a second user?
If you created a VW ID for them it would be so they could use the online services (find my car, sound the horn etc)
If you just wanted someone else (significant other for example) to have things like their radio station, climate settings, mirror positions etc that should be possible just by using the second key.
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Guess you'll need another vw account then...
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Hi C
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Many have been disappointed with the HK system, particularly those coming form a MK7/MK7.5.
I don't know if you have seen it, but I make these for members looking to improve the set-up with a simple plug and play option.
100% positive feedback, including many with HK, as it uses the standard system speaker!
Any queries, just shout.
(https://i.postimg.cc/PrBzK5xD/Speaker-Info-Sheet.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/QHJTdscN)
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Hi C
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Many have been disappointed with the HK system, particularly those coming form a MK7/MK7.5.
I don't know if you have seen it, but I make these for members looking to improve the set-up with a simple plug and play option.
100% positive feedback, including many with HK, as it uses the standard system speaker!
Any queries, just shout.
@candywhite12 posted of their disappointment in the HK system on the car audio forum board so I replied to that post about your plug and play upgrade with link to the discussion topic you started. Hopefully @candywhite12 will read either that post or this one.
https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=291139.0
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makes for an interesting read, cheers mate. I'll also post in car audio section as im facing some issues with intermittent sound now and then
Hi C
Really useful feedback, thanks.
Many have been disappointed with the HK system, particularly those coming form a MK7/MK7.5.
I don't know if you have seen it, but I make these for members looking to improve the set-up with a simple plug and play option.
100% positive feedback, including many with HK, as it uses the standard system speaker!
Any queries, just shout.
@candywhite12 posted of their disappointment in the HK system on the car audio forum board so I replied to that post about your plug and play upgrade with link to the discussion topic you started. Hopefully @candywhite12 will read either that post or this one.
https://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=291139.0
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makes for an interesting read, cheers mate. I'll also post in car audio section as im facing some issues with intermittent sound now and then
I’m not sure too many mk8.5 owners visit the car audio section of the forum so probably worth posting your details of your audio issues here as well.
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fair enough, quoting from my Audio post then:
got intermittent sound twice in a week, music cuts, thought it was my usb stick and my music, nope, same with radio and spotify. Had to hard reset the system. Some members in other forums mention having to change the OSF Control Unit (part code 572035876G), others cite that is happens because of CarPlay or Android Auto.
As if the disappointment that for such a lovely car, such a poor audio system choice wasn't enough...
Anyone else experiencing this?
makes for an interesting read, cheers mate. I'll also post in car audio section as im facing some issues with intermittent sound now and then
I’m not sure too many mk8.5 owners visit the car audio section of the forum so probably worth posting your details of your audio issues here as well.
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The OSF you mention is usually called the 5F controller. It's the "brains" of the infotainment system, a computer that lives behind the glove box.
Not seen anyone say it's causing HK problems, it has been known to be the cause of the various bongs and crashes on the Mk8 though.
It's an expensive part, £3500...unless there is a TSB for it they aren't going to even think about touching it. In fact the dealer isn't allowed to do any warranty work without the VW computer authorising them... No guess work or initiative allowed.
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and some pics following full ceramic treatment by hand :laugh: Had to let it sit for a few days but worth the wait
(https://i.postimg.cc/CKbCbzjj/20260203-090749.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/mc2FsZpD)
(https://i.postimg.cc/Y9k6RM3g/GTI1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/3yS0JMzJ)
(https://i.postimg.cc/fLZcCDKK/GTI2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Y4nLqcTG)
(https://i.postimg.cc/qR0sw4L2/GTI3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xkxNTrBd)