What a car!

[laney]

After a frustrating couple of weeks searching behind every sofa I could find for the cash to pay for the GTI (during which the car has annoyingly just been sat there waiting for me) I picked it up on Saturday. Car is fantastic............ although I can see that the first 1000 miles are going to be frustrating to say the least! 120 done over the weekend and after numerous trips to see relatives I'd have thought that I'll have broken the back of it by the new year. Roll on 2007!

Motor provider have provided a good service to date (bloke decided to wait inside out of the cold whilst I spent about an hour looking round it before I'd pay for it  ) although I'll reserve final judgement until I receive a manual in English (currently have a German one  ), I receive the logbook from DVLA and I register it on the VW UK system and get the warranty set up 

Next steps are to get the Autoglym lifeshine treatment, connect an ipod link, and to get out and enjoy it  Cant wait!

Couple of queries:
1) What is the rotating dial in the glovebox for?
2) Is there any way to get the passenger door to unlock with one press of the keyfob?
3) Do I really really need to run it in? 

[The Doc]

Hi and welcome!

You asked:

1) What is the rotating dial in the glovebox for?

Its to turn the supply of ice cold air con (to keep things cool)  into the glovebox on and off.


2) Is there any way to get the passenger door to unlock with one press of the keyfob?

Yes, If you have a highline fuel computer ypu can access the menu through that and change the settings OR if you have a lowline computer the VW have to di it but it can be done!


3) Do I really really need to run it in?

YES, even if the engine does not require it the brakes, suspension, clutch etc do!

Enjoy m8!

[laney]

Cheers Doc

Re point 3 - I thought you might say that! 

[illyun]

Hi Laney... I have an R32 that is an import.  I didn't know I had to go and register it. How is that done?

[laney]

I dont know mate

The guy at Motor provider said to give him a call when I get the logbook etc and he'd talk me through it.  I think it will just be a case of going into the local dealer and getting them to do it but I'm not sure. Will let you know when I find out.

Is there anything I should be aware of with it being an import?  I did a few checks which had been posted on tyre smoke:
English manual - failed 
Leather binder for manual
Headlights aren't on all the time
Spare wheel rather than repair kit

Everything else seems ok but I'm generally suspicious of anything which can save me that amount of cash (not enough to stop me buying it though  )

[golfmk3]

this might seem like a really stupid question but how come you need to run cars in?

[lowdown]

Because the Germans tell us to....and since they build the cars, they can make the rules.

Chapter and verse from Wolfsburg states....
Booklet 3.2, Tips and Maintenance, Page 13.  Running in.

Up to 1000km
Do not drive faster than 3/4 of top speed.
Do not use full throttle.
Avoid high engine speeds.
Do not tow a trailer

From 1000-1500km
Speeds can be gradually increased to the maximum road speed or engine speed(rpm)

it also states:
During its first few hours of running, the internal friction in the engine is greater than later on when all the moving parts have bedded down.

For the sake of the environment
If the engine is run in gently, the life of the engine will be increased and its oil consumption reduced.

Tyres and Brake pads
New tyres should be run in carefully in the first 500km.
New brake pads should be run in carefully in the first 200 - 300km.

I firmly believe an initial running period as described above is best.  All the bits of the car are constructed to very high engineering tolerances, but there will be small variations.  By allowing the engine to 'bed - in' it allows the engine to do the final fine tuning itself.

So take it easy for the first 750 miles then head for the Nurburgring.  Once run - in the car is many times tougher than what the average driver can throw at it.

I have heard (don't know where) that the FSI engine management system 'learns' how the car is driven and optimise's settings accordingly.  Anybody know if this is true?

Incidentally...I enjoyed a high speed blast today, well into 3figs, with passengers saying, blimey are we there yet, heavens  above(or rather f**k me); we are!

I've done 10K, and the engine is getting better. Brakes-spot on. Gearbox-super slick.  No extraneous noises(that's rattles etc).  So I believe, my regime of following manufacturers guidelines, treating the car with care during the early part of its life has produced dividends.

Sadly, I  know of instances, where running in guidelines have been ignored, and consequently the car has ended up with problems.

Please treat your Gti with all the love and affection that was endowed by its creators during birth.

[wantmygti]

I too will be following the above regime religously. I used the same schedule on my MR2 roadster and it has never used a drip of oil outside the usual services.

[illyun]

I think it would be really daft not to run it in - its a £20k+ car after all (£26k+ in the case of my Edition 30  )

However, it is a form of torture though and probably a flagrant breach of the Geneva Conventions. 

[laney]

Am sticking to it so far - think it would be stupid not to for the sake of a month - but its really really hard    especially when you get d*ckheads in saxos revving up next to you at the lights on the way into work!