GTI 215

[RedRobin]

Ok... Forgive my noobness but wtf is a GTI software update?

....As the original poster wrote, it's an ECU update to the Mk5 GTI which would be done at your next VW dealer's workshop session on your car. As a matter of course, your car is plugged in and any available software updates from VW are then installed.

I hope this helps

[Spaced]

My 05 GTI was serviced on the 5th of March and I asked if there were any ECU updates, they said no, So maybe it is only for newer models.

However I would be surprised if any routine updates would increase power as surly that would have insurance implications?

[Phil mcavity]

it is doubtfull that they would increase it.Vw_sales may be able to find out if there is such a thing as this update or what does the 215 update include? what bug fixes etc

[winrya]

Its a common trait with vw engines at the moment.  200bhp is quoted on 95 ron fuel.  Vw tell me, running on 98 ron and above fuel like they are designed to, all GTI's should run between 213-220 bhp. The same goes for the ed30, it should (and does) run closer to 244bhp. 

Red, no, the newer ecu update doesn't equate to 15 bhp on top of the remap.  Take a look at REVO's site for example, the gti remap shows a before of 214bhp and an after of 255bhp.  A lot of the tuners now talk of gti remaps of 215 to 240/50 ish.

I remember top gear and Evo magazines long term gti's both ran 215bhp and 15% more torque.

I agree though, the ecu update did change the delivery of power, for me it feels stronger near the red line. 

[Manu_R32]

Is this ECU Update available world wide or is it like just in the UK?? Had my GTI serviced on Friday and it may be possible they upgraded the ECU software. 

[deanpoli]

Can you have your GTI updated at the dealers even if it isnt up for a service? can you book it in just for this?

[RedRobin]

Can you have your GTI updated at the dealers even if it isnt up for a service? can you book it in just for this?

....Of course. I'm sure that any VW dealer will be happy to take your money for any workshop time spent

[telboy]

ed30-achieving 245-252, with remap 310

Runs for cover!!!!!

[Phil mcavity]

Live of a GTi is not just for blowing the ass out of it by chipping it to 300+ hp. Your choice of course and if it goes bang then best make sure your well insured to pay for it, and if i was looking to buy a good 2nd hand GTi, i wouldnt even bother if its been re-mapped, would you part with 15-20k on a car that the only thing you do to a chipped car is drive it hard.Gone would be the words of "1 careful owner"

[RedRobin]

Live of a GTi is not just for blowing the ass out of it by chipping it to 300+ hp. Your choice of course and if it goes bang then best make sure your well insured to pay for it, and if i was looking to buy a good 2nd hand GTi, i wouldnt even bother if its been re-mapped, would you part with 15-20k on a car that the only thing you do to a chipped car is drive it hard.Gone would be the words of "1 careful owner"

....Whereas I mostly agree with you Phil about 2nd-hand remapped cars, I think a buyer should take the overall picture into consideration and make an individual judgement. Using myself as an example, mine is only remapped Stage1 and she has oil changed every 10,000 miles and plugs every 20,000 and she is regularly serviced and any hiccups immediately dealt with. Perhaps the fact that I'm a 60yo youngster might help people realise that although I sometimes drive hard, I never thrash her. The 2.0T FSI engine is designed to be driven enthusiastically but not necessarily constantly.

Doubtless I'll lose an awful lot of money when I eventually sell my GTI, but with no regrets whatsoever, and I would do my utmost to find a loving home for her with another caring enthusiast .