Mk7 Golf GTI Discussion Thread

[Brendan_A]

Cheers for the info Guy!

I seen those links last night and checked the part number on the turbo and mine has the second version of turbo.

8k km so far and going strong.

[donweather]

You do realise this simply constitutes an uninstallation of the product (tune), right? The checksum is restored because the original ECU software is restored, and the checksum goes hand in hand with the original software (the two are not separable). Think of it as analogous to erasing your hard drive and installing a new operating system. So prior to service you would take your car to the tuner (eg APR dealer) and have the tune removed and the original ECU programming restored. Then, once the service has been conducted, you'd need to go back to your tuner to have the tune reinstalled (replacing the factory tune).

Adam, my understanding previously (for non APR tunes anyway) was that by removing the tune you may be able to reset the checksum but the flash counter continues counting.

[AdamD]

From my friends in the dealerships, there certainly has been several cases of dead Audi S3 turbochargers.

I have heard a rumour from my VW contacts that there have been at least 2 x GTI's with failed turbo's.

In the US, they have taken the Audi A3 2.0T off the market & recalled all owners for turbo replacement. Even though the GTI has the exact same engine & turbo part number, Volkswagen have not recalled the cars.

Well, that's worrying. Hopefully this issue is fully resolved by revisions to the turbo in later build cars, and that a voluntary recall is done by VWA on the older units!

MY15 cars (GTI and R/S3) should be on the road now, so we should find out soon enough if the modifications stem the flow of failed turbochargers.

Adam, my understanding previously (for non APR tunes anyway) was that by removing the tune you may be able to reset the checksum but the flash counter continues counting.

Don, several tuners can (and have been able to for some time) overwrite the flash counter, although some can not. As discussed above any tuned car can now be detected as such (due to the checksum of the ECU software), but if you plan on concealing your tune from VW (not something I would recommend personally), then you will need to have your factory ECU tune restored prior to each service, and you will want to go with a tuner that can set the flash counter as well (such as APR).

Note that the above is for port-flashable ECUs only. Any ECUs that require bench flashing (ie removal from the car) will leave physical traces of the ECU having been removed from the car, so concealing that may simply not be possible. I'm not sure if any Mk7s require bench flashing (some, but not all, Mk6s did) - Guy, do you know about this?

[GTInewgirl]

Suggestions please on a good deal for a GTI, drive away (NSW) mk7 dsg, with metallic paint and bi-xenons? Been to 2 dealers and so far having a lot of trouble getting them off their beloved list price. It's my first time buying without a guy accompanying me and it is very different: they seem to love treating me as a fool (case in point: booked a test drive: when I arrived, learnt I had to stay at a max 60kph on a set route "for insurance reasons", despite having the dealer in the car and a clean driving record). Same rep acted as if I was interrupting his busy schedule when I tried to talk price. A different dealer this weekend was more helpful, but now I'm less trusting! Any and all help appreciated!!!

[Transporter]

Consider also the car broker to get you a better price.

[Dutch77]

Suggestions please on a good deal for a GTI, drive away (NSW) mk7 dsg, with metallic paint and bi-xenons? Been to 2 dealers and so far having a lot of trouble getting them off their beloved list price..

Sounds like some of the Sydney dealers just don't want to play ball on pricing based on this thread's history. That test drive is a joke - I know any time I want to test drive here I just get chucked the keys and get a 'see you in an hour or two'.

I'd be offering to sign on at around $48k for the vehicle described, but must admit I am not familiar with any variances in NSW on-roads and also assume you aren't able to access any corporate discount.

Most importantly though keep in mind that any new MY15 GTIs will not be optioned with bi-xenons - you will either need to find an MY14 model in the system (unlikely?) or consider the PP variant (which is good value if you want xenons and the diff but means you get stuck with those Santiago 19s).

The stock halogens are admittedly woeful, but a bulb upgrade is sufficient (and a lot cheaper) to get a workable light beam; the xenons are really only going to be of any use if you do a lot of night driving in unlit areas which most people don't.

[The Bone Ranger]

Suggestions please on a good deal for a GTI, drive away (NSW) mk7 dsg, with metallic paint and bi-xenons? Been to 2 dealers and so far having a lot of trouble getting them off their beloved list price. It's my first time buying without a guy accompanying me and it is very different: they seem to love treating me as a fool (case in point: booked a test drive: when I arrived, learnt I had to stay at a max 60kph on a set route "for insurance reasons", despite having the dealer in the car and a clean driving record). Same rep acted as if I was interrupting his busy schedule when I tried to talk price. A different dealer this weekend was more helpful, but now I'm less trusting! Any and all help appreciated!!!

Sorry to hear about your troubles.

In your position, I'd be inclined to call the dealer in question (or drop in if you're more comfortable), and ask for either the manager or dealer principal. Explain who you are and the troubles you've been having. Let them know that you are a serious buyer, and expect to be treated as such. Tell them you have been disappointed with their service thus far, and that you will give them one more chance for your business before happily taking your nearly $50k somewhere else.

I had to do this with my last purchase, unfortunately, albeit for a different reason. It got their attention, and I was handled very differently from then on.

Good luck!

Andrew

[nma]

Seems a common trait amoungst VW dealers I experienced the same lack of service when I was purchasing.i did what the bone ranger said and contacted the dealer principle by e mail and expressed my anger at the lack of endeavour his sales reps showed to a cash buyer. I was contacted the next day and a deal was completed. Seems strange that in this economic climate they are not hungry enough to negotiate deals on cars . Suffice to say the rep was severely reprimanded and I got a apology from him don't give up there are still some good ones out there

[Mikey1]

That test drive is a joke - I know any time I want to test drive here I just get chucked the keys and get a 'see you in an hour or two'.

I wish I could have had been afforded the same privilege. My test drive of the R only occurred weeks after I had placed my order (no true demo, just the sales manager's company car), and I had to have the sales rep with me at all times, and as his time was valuable, I was always conscience of this. But I'm not complaining, since he didn't go through the driver's license and indemnity process, perhaps because they already had my $2K deposit!

[readerr0r]

Audi Brisbane wouldn't let me test drive their A3 Quattro unless I was buying it on the day.

Is the VWA sales training handbook just one page with "TREAT EM MEAN, KEEP EM KEEN!" in 72 point font?

[KWS]

In my book, any dealer that won't allow a prospective buyer to unconditionally Test Drive a vehicle will NOT get my business. End of story. I've been hearing more and more of this garbage recently. What do others think?

[Dutch77]

I wish I could have had been afforded the same privilege...

In my book, any dealer that won't allow a prospective buyer to unconditionally Test Drive a vehicle will NOT get my business. End of story. I've been hearing more and more of this garbage recently. What do others think?

100% agree KWS.

And Mikey1: ..I wonder whether my reputation for changing cars over way too often and assisting friends and clients with vehicle purchases means my reputation precedes me. It certainly does at least at VW..

I'll have to test the theory on my next purchase which is likely to come from outside Adelaide!

[SilvrFoxX]

Suggestions please on a good deal for a GTI, drive away (NSW) mk7 dsg, with metallic paint and bi-xenons? Been to 2 dealers and so far having a lot of trouble getting them off their beloved list price. It's my first time buying without a guy accompanying me and it is very different: they seem to love treating me as a fool (case in point: booked a test drive: when I arrived, learnt I had to stay at a max 60kph on a set route "for insurance reasons", despite having the dealer in the car and a clean driving record). Same rep acted as if I was interrupting his busy schedule when I tried to talk price. A different dealer this weekend was more helpful, but now I'm less trusting! Any and all help appreciated!!!

Sent you a PM of a dealer that has helped my friend into a new GTI.. they talked turkey and I hope you get treated right as it was a female sales rep

[irossiter]

It's simple really. If a dealer doesn't let you test drive a car, walk away. If a dealer tells you to not drive over 60, ie on a highway/ freeway or a bumpy road, walk away. It's ok if they come with you but they shouldn't be telling you how to drive (unless you're a lunatic and you don't sound like it!). I have a low tolerance for poor service. There are MANY dealers in your area so go elsewhere and YES , tell the new dealer about your troubles and what model you are interested in. I've walked out of 2 BMW and 2 Audi dealers as they couldn't even get off their backsides to ask me if I would like any assistance after being in there for 5-10 min in an empty showroom. If you were down in Victoria I'd recommend Rex Gorrel in Geelong! Ring around even country NSW dealers. Don't let them upset you. Don't let have your money either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[BASH]

Anyone managed to the rattle at 2500 rpm fixed?

I had the rattle on my MK7 R at around 2500rpm sounded like the door but turned out to be a loose fuel line, well that's what they told me, anyway all good now