VIC Hello! Leaving the BMW camp (for now) and about to purchase a mk5 GTI

[dan_1337]

Hi all,

I currently have a manual BMW E46 330ci convertible which I listed for sale yesterday (2000 BMW 330Ci E46 Convertible Private Cars For Sale in VIC - carsales.com.au). Been looking at unmodified five door mk5 GTIs with the DSG box as a daily driver as it has a bit more room, a little more comfortable, practical and the gf can drive it as she can't drive manual.

Some of the mandatory options we're looking for are sunroof, DSG and five doors. The really nice to haves are leather and xenons. The least important to have is navigation.

I know the GTI is a great car and I've read some good things about the DSG box too, although some of the failures and associated costs do scare me.

It's a bit of a change to go from a RWD, manual, coupe to a FWD, DSG, hatch, but I think I'll get used to it pretty quickly.

I've been lurking on these forums as a guest for a while and I really like the info and friendliness that I've seen so far!

Here's a recent pic of my current car:

[dan_1337]

Picked up the new (old) GTI about 1.5 weeks ago. It's a 5 door '06 with DSG, xenons and hufeisen wheels. It's also been slightly lowered with unknown suspension.

Here's the pic from Carsales:

[Dutch77]

Welcome.. nice ride. The DSG issues are probably overblown but they obviously do exist. With mods like navigation you can browse here as well - both OEM stuff or alternatives (if it's a want later).

That 330i would have had some decent get up and go? Although the GTI isnt lacking there either.

[dan_1337]

I think you're right on the money about the DSG. It's probably a case of a small minority of boxes breaking, and that small minority have (obviously) quite vocal complaints from owners. It's a little like the subframe issues that the E46's suffered from!

The cars are both around the same in terms of acceleration. The 330ci has a more torque down low, and it feels like this helps it move around on the street with a bit more ease. I haven't had a good chance to push the GTI around corners yet, but I don't imagine that it would be lacking after reading so many good reviews.

[Dutch77]

Definitely vocal, so you end up hearing about it more. As others have pointed out all cars have their issues - I've heard anecdotal evidence that a lot of Holden Cruze's are now running into all kinds of issues (using this as an example of a volume selling car perceived to be ok reliability wise).

The GTIs are definitely good handlers, good all rounders which is why they're so popular, although coming from the 330 you may not pick up on it as much as other people coming from lesser vehicles. Good luck with it, and plenty of cheap mods you can do to up the ante performance/handling wise if and when it is desired.

[Sunnyc]

Hey mate, nice ride!

I too transferred from a BMW to a golf - specifically speaking: e46 318i to a MK6 1.4 TSI (brand new).

I miss the rear wheel drive-ness of the BMW and overall driver position. However, the power and comfort of the golf are at a higher level. How are you finding the shift?

[dan_1337]

Thanks!

I also do prefer the BMW driving position. It seems a bit more driver oriented. I can't say that the comfort level of the GTI is higher, as my 330ci came with heaps of stuff as standard - xenons, parking sensors, leather, heated seats, + more. Then again, it was a $110k car new as opposed to $50k with the GTI.

Having said all of the above, I do like the GTI. It attracts less attention (I've been publicly criticised by complete randoms) while driving the 330ci, and the GTI steering is more focused. The steering wheel also feels much nicer in your hand as it is a fair bit thicker than the E46.