What's the best way to drive a GTI with DSG gearbox?

[satz]

hi all

just bought a 2008 GTI with DSG gearbox (which is already playing up with very jerky shifts at low speed)

anyway, was wondering what the best ways to drive with this gearbox?

ie... if I leave it in "D" it behaves like a full-auto, but seems to be sluggish on takeoff, and it gets to 5th and 6th gear very quickly. Acceleration is okay when I floor it, but overall it's still somewhat dissappointing for a 'performance' car.

However if I put it in "S" then the gears seem to drop 2 or 3 gears and performance is great....BUT... even at 80kmh cruising (not accelerating), it seems to be in 3rd or 4th gear. Does it ever get to 5th and 6th?

What's the difference between S and the +/- mode?

I'd like it to be responsive, and yet don't want it to be sitting in 4th at high speed...

The manual doesn't seem to cover that much about this.

Please advise...
cheers

S

[STV4SYT]

Just keep it in D mode, it will eventually adapt to your style.

I find for me the most effective way of getting around is to just use D, and when i want some noise or a bit of engine braking shift into S (can do this on the move). S mode is pretty much unusable for normal driving conditions.

S is an aggressive sporty change, +/- is totally manual (except for auto up change on the limiter when you rick damaging the engine)

[Tux]

I've had my MkVI GTI for a little over a month and I use manual mode more than not. Over the weekend I've actually been using the stick to change gears more than the paddles and find it more enjoyable than just leaving it in D. I never use S mode as it doesn't match my driving style at all and I don't like the way it holds the revs.

[jb747]

3 year old R32....basically leave it in D, but use other modes, including the paddles as needed. I've found I flick between modes without any issues, and it all remains nice and smooth.

Low speed...if I'm crawling in traffic, or in a car park, I select manual and first, to stop it going into second. That's when it gets jerky.

[bwen]

Acceleration is okay when I floor it, but overall it's still somewhat dissappointing for a 'performance' car.

I don't think the GTI is a performance car... it's more of a 'hot hatch'. DSG in D should be bareable, it's a pretty smart gearbox and I haven't heard or read of many complaints besides for the fact that it's "too jerky upon takeoff" and "changes gears too fast". I guess S mode is there to help fix those problems.

[satz]

thanks guys

for the best acceleration, which mode would you use? Just "S" and floor it, or do you get better acceleration from putting it in Manual and using the paddles/stick?

Mine just seems more sluggish that the only other GTI DSG I drove before buying mine. Perhaps I was imaging it.

I've seen a few posts about 'resetting' the DSG memory. Does the ignition on/pressing the accelerator really reset?

cheers

Satz

[poli84]

For the best acceleration, put your foot on the brake, stick it in 'S', turn ESP off, build up the revs and let launch control do its thing!

[isaw]

change about 5000-5500 rpm as well. you get a higher trap and lower ET. the power from 5000-7000 rpm is flat without much torque, its better to shift early

[adzy]

change about 5000-5500 rpm as well. you get a higher trap and lower ET. the power from 5000-7000 rpm is flat without much torque, its better to shift early

Very true! My trap speed increased by shifting before the torque curve dived.

[NabzGTI]

For the best acceleration, put your foot on the brake, stick it in 'S', turn ESP off, build up the revs and let launch control do its thing!

lol that works one a standard GTI in the dry with good tyres. If I tried that, I would just sit in the spot for a while til I release the accelerator. I find using the manual mode is the best when taking off.

[adzy]

Nabz you would smoke second gear as well with a quick shift!
Launch control is ok for the initial start but then a suitable lift of the throttle must be used to gain a good balance of slip and grip I find.

[satz]

Would there be a difference in response/power/anything if I use the paddles in say, D mode compared to S mode or Manual mode?

[John Deere]

Well, the way I drive mine is mash.....brake....mashhhhh.....brake....MASHHHHHHH H...br...MASHHHHHHH.....

Not very fast...but fun as!

[STV4SYT]

Would there be a difference in response/power/anything if I use the paddles in say, D mode compared to S mode or Manual mode?

Stop analysing and go out and drive the thing. take to the hills and try all the modes and see which you like, it will come to you.

[NabzGTI]

haha.. i already smoke 1st, 2nd and start of 3rd :S running Good Year Asymmetrics..

satz, there is no difference. Leaving the car in D while using the paddles is the same as being in S or manual.. only difference is when you come to a complete stop, or cruise at the same low speeds/revs for a little while, the computer will change back to normal D automatically.