mk8.5 GTI road noise

[chrisgolf1]

Hello,

Coming from a 7.5GTI PP with DCC and 18 inch wheels, I find my new 8.5 GTI unacceptably noisy on rough surfaces. The DCC doesn't smooth things out like in my previous GTI's either, which is disappointing.

I know all this is subjective to some extent, and road tests tend to not mention excessive road noise nor a harsh ride, so I'm in the minority here (and my hearing ain't what it used to be).

I've done a lot of research into tyres, the consensus being along the lines that the OEM Potenza sports aren't great for noise or comfort, and there are better options around. I'm thinking of swapping all four tyres for something more 'touring' oriented like a Primacy 5 (a crime against GTI's, I know).

Has anybody actually done something like this and experienced a significant difference? Other option is to sell it, take the hit and get something more comfortable and quieter - maybe a BMW 320i touring.

Cheers

[david25]

What tyres did you have on the 7.5?

[chrisgolf1]

I put PS4's (not the s) on it when I got it. It did make some difference, I can't remember what was on it when I purchased it. So I kind of know the answer to my own question, but the mk 8.5 seems so much...worse 

[fredgroves]

Less sound deadening in a MK8.x vs a MK7.

Much much more in a BMW.

Could try some different tyres... Go have a look at the ratings on them all and find the quietest. Ignore all the other figures and just focus on noise.

Personally it's not a problem, I go everywhere with loud music lol

[P6GTD]

Goodyear A/S 6 rates well for ride and noise. I fitted current set of these to replace Michelin PS 5 or 6 and they are better. I have a 7.5 with 18” wheels and DCC. I think this combo is quite unusual.

[Watts]

Mine had Hankooks from new and whilst not the grippiest, I do find them pretty quiet and smooth.

[Exonian]

Hankooks co mine too and I don’t hate them.
Mind you I’m scared of going within 12 inches of a kerb as there’s no rim protector as such.

chrisgolf1, have you tried dropping the tyre pressures 3 or 4 psi from factory recommended? It might help, and it’s free.

[chrisgolf1]

Exonian - yes, funnily enough I did that yesterday. Makes the ride a bit less fidgety but doesn't help with the noise.

[CarbonGTD]

Hi Chris - I feel very much the same way about my new 8.5 GTI on the hard and noisy Bridgestones, which is why I am (prematurely) swapping them for a whole new set of Pirelli PZ5's this coming weekend (which are supposed to be the quietest and smoothest riding tyres currently available on the market).  I had a 7.5 GTI previously (non DCC) which I ran on PS4S's (not PS4s) which I loved - but I am taking the gamble on the new design Pirelli PZ5's as the PS4S's are now a 10 yr old design, and the new Pirellis really are supposed to be v good (plus currently available with 20% discount which is helpful) - I'll let you know my verdict on them once they have bed in.

[Exonian]

Exonian - yes, funnily enough I did that yesterday. Makes the ride a bit less fidgety but doesn't help with the noise.

Somehow I don’t think you and this car are going to gel which is a shame.
It might be worth test driving a few other similar cars to see if it’s unique to yours and maybe try a few other marques too.



There’s going to be a lot of interested people on this forum in your experiences with the Pirellis @CarbonGTD