Tiguan over the BRZ

[wb47]

Hey guys,

So I put in a deposit for a BRZ a few weeks back (expected delivery in August of 2013), however there seems to be many, many problems with the engine and the vehicle in general since it is a totally new model.

I was having a look at the 132TSI manual version and thought it was the best suited for me,

Firstly, what options do you guys recommend I get aftermarket? For example I know its much more cost effective to get the sat nav from ebay and get someone to install it (and its pretty much identical), could the same be said about any other options (equal or better quality for a lower price)?

Looking on carsales.com.au I have chosen the following options:
- Adaptive Chassis Control $1650
- 18" NY Alloy Wheels $2300
- Leather Seats $4000
- Bi-Xenon Headlamps $2100

Secondly my budget is around the 40 grand mark and was wondering with discounts I could get the car with these options.

Oh and if I want to get the 18" NY wheels aftermarket would there need to be a reprogramming of the computer to read the speedo right due to the change in diameter of the wheels?

Thank you so much and I appreciate all input!

[team_v]

Satnav and wheels should be sourced aftermarket imho.
I don't see the need for bi-xenon lights as the standard headlights with upgraded bulbs are more than suitable.
You would be best to get leather and ACC from the factory as it isn't possible to get them aftermarket with functionality.

No need to reprogram the speedo for different sized wheels as VW should give you tyres that are suitable.

My first reccomendation would be to get a stage 1 ecu remap for it to unlock the full potential of the engine.

[wb47]

Satnav and wheels should be sourced aftermarket imho.
I don't see the need for bi-xenon lights as the standard headlights with upgraded bulbs are more than suitable.
You would be best to get leather and ACC from the factory as it isn't possible to get them aftermarket with functionality.

No need to reprogram the speedo for different sized wheels as VW should give you tyres that are suitable.

My first reccomendation would be to get a stage 1 ecu remap for it to unlock the full potential of the engine.

Thanks for your reply!

I'm not sure I fully understood your comment about the aftermarket 18 wheels and the speedo, so if i get the aftermarket tyres there wont need to be system changes to match the real speed due to change in wheel size? (sorry this will be my first own car so I don't know much)

Also will chipping the engine void the warranty?

Thanks again!

[DoggieHowser]

I've got the 155TSI with leather, Adaptive Chassis and Bixenon, along with RVC+ and front/rear parking sensors.

It's comfortable ride and reasonably fun to drive but the steering isn't as communicative as a Golf.

The Adaptive worked really well when I was driving down to Sydney. Those roads are horrendous and having Comfort mode worked well with the standard 17" rims. I find the Sport does stiffen up a bit which makes it more fun to chuck into corners.

I doubt even with ACC, it would be as fun to drive as the BRZ tho

[team_v]

Thanks for your reply!

I'm not sure I fully understood your comment about the aftermarket 18 wheels and the speedo, so if i get the aftermarket tyres there wont need to be system changes to match the real speed due to change in wheel size? (sorry this will be my first own car so I don't know much)

Also will chipping the engine void the warranty?

Thanks again!

When you upgrade the wheels to 18" from the factory they come with smaller profile tyres so that the rolling diameter stays the same as the standard 16" wheels and higher profile tyre package.
No need to change anything.

Chipping and warranties is well covered in the following thread:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f20/guide-consumers-about-modifying-vehicle-their-rights-79907.html

If you do some research and go with a reputable brand you are less likely to have issues.

[wb47]

Thanks guys,

What do you feel about manual transmission on the Tiguan, do many people have it and what does the general consensus think of it?

EDIT: just confirming the tiguans sold in Aus are assembled in Germany right?

[Creniac]

wb47, I have a manual Tiguan and love it to bits! I tow an 1100kg boat around often so the manual is just perfect for this giving me ultimate control.....
I have had a DSG before (albeit the DQ200 in my old Jetta) but I was bitten too many times so got rid of it ........ remember the newer 4motion Tiguans do run the new 7 speed 550NM torque rated gearboxes which more up to the play.
A manual is great if you want control but some would say can be a pain in heavier traffic....... it depends what you want to do with it mate...... for me it's perfect having been bought up in NZ with manuals since I was a kid so all I can say to those that moan about manuals in traffic is "harden the f*ck up!"
Your choice mate!

[team_v]

I have the 6 speed manual and it is a very nice gearbox to use.

If you are after super fast gear shifts then the DSG is the way to go but the manual has served my purposes flawlessly.



Also, the Tiguan is only made in Wolfsburg

[wb47]

haha thanks, I think I will go with the manual but have seen a review on youtube complaining on it's notchy gearbox for the TDI model, are the gearbox same on the TDI and TSI models?

And what do you think about the "notchiness" of the gearbox?

[team_v]

I don't know if it is the same gearbox or not sorry.

I would say it is a bit notchy but the addition of redline fluid does seem to reduce it a bit apparently.

I guess it depends what you are coming from i.e. from my 20yo corolla it fealt like the best gearbox in the world.

Best bet would be to go and test drive one and see how it goes.

[wb47]

I will definitely go have a test drive, thank you all for your responses.

[ido09s]

When it comes to what gearbox is best i would simply test drive them all. everyone will have different opinions

As for specs, thats again up to you. I think you will struggle to get a car with those options for $40k. I got a 132TSI for $39k and all it had was comfort pack and DSG. You have added close to $10k worth of options above all this and i really dont believe a dealer will give you all that for nothing. We did however bargain a 155 down to $43k but i didnt feel the extra dollars were worth it at the time. In hindsight i probably should have spent the cash and got it

Wheels, get some aftermarket ones. $2300 in my eyes is damn expensive. The way i see it your spending more than that as they take your standard wheels off and then slug you $2300 for another set. Kind of a weird way to look at it i guess but its just my view. You would get a set of 18 inch wheels and tyres for $2300 from your local dealer and still have the standard wheels as spares by buying aftermarket

Satnav, aftermarket. I wouldnt mind upgrading mine but there are so many out there i really dont know who to trust which is why i havent done it yet.

ACC, try before you buy. I didnt think it was that great when i test drove the Golf R but i think it may be something that you would use more often if you had it. The standard ride is firm but not kidney jarring.

$4000 for leather is a rort. You cold buy some used RS4 seats for less than that and they would look muh nicer than the factory leather If your in Sydney contact Michael at Sewtime Interiors and ask him what he can do for you. It is not illegal to modify an airbag seat provided the correct thread has been used in the stitching. It has to be a special thread that allows the airbag to break free if it ever deploys. Mick knows what is required and could help you out with something

Redline oil, dont go using the blue stuff (its been ages since i used it and cant recall if its blue or red) as its way too thick for a synchro gearbox. We had lots of trouble shifting with our OS Gearset and as soon as we drained it, flushed it out with some cheap oil and replaced it with some Motul Gear300 it improved dramatically. The Redline stuff is great on dog boxes or diffs but not that great on synchro transmissions. If ever you have pulled down a snchro box you will see why i say what i say. The **** sticks to everything which sounds great in theory, but it also gums up the synchros which prevents them form operating properly

good luck with it all though, let us know how you go

[TSIfanboi]

Thanks guys,

What do you feel about manual transmission on the Tiguan

I went with 6mt as i wanted something reliable.
Coming from a golf, i find the gearbox notchy and being an suv 1st gear is very low.
All in all I am still happy with choice.

[tigger73]

I went with 6mt as i wanted something reliable.
Coming from a golf, i find the gearbox notchy and being an suv 1st gear is very low.
All in all I am still happy with choice.

I think that's the general consensus that in manual guise 1st gear needs a very quick shift and this becomes more evident if you put a tune on it.

Really depends if you want to drive a manual (all the time) or not.

I opted for DSG which gives best of both worlds. If I'm feeling lazy or have others in the car I'll drive in "D".

If I feel like having a bit more fun I'll drive in manual mode and change gears myself. Though like a few other Tig owners with DSG I've installed a flappy paddle steering wheel so I can change gears without having to take my hands off the wheel.

On the other hand the DSG is an expensive gearbox and probably not something you want to replace out of warranty. Also it is a potential liability in the resale stakes if you're car is out of warranty then a lot of car yards may shy away from it. Not that there's been many bad stories about the Tig 7 speed DSG but just hang-over from earlier Golfs. I think it will take some time for market perceptions to change on this one.

[ido09s]

Though like a few other Tig owners with DSG I've installed a flappy paddle steering wheel so I can change gears without having to take my hands off the wheel.

I think this was the biggest mistake that VW made with the DSG Tiguan, it should come with a flappy paddle steering wheel.

The 3 upgrades i want to do to mine, Satnav, flappy paddle steering wheel and a tune, hopefully incorporating a DSG tune.

The DSG tune is because it shifts ridiculously quickly into 2nd when in drive. Its about the only thing i could complain about.

I know its done for fuel consumption, but seriously, who the hell changes into second gear before they have even got their foot totally off the clutch in first lol

It actually forces you to change to sport or manual mode when turning right so you dont get caught out by it and end up being T boned by the oncoming car which you shouldnt have to do. My S3 had a beautiful DSG program from factory so i have no idea how VW, Audi's sister company obviously, could get it so wrong