Tigger73's 125TSI Tiguan Build Thread

[team_v]

They look great, i noticed the same thing about my brakes when i got 19's but i didn't want to limit the car returning to stock easily.

Did you notice any difference in the steering feel?

[MGV]

Yeah, they do look great!! Bet you can't stop admiring them! Could be enhanced by some lows, though, IMO...

Those auto dipping mirrors will come in handy...

Enjoy!

[tigger73]

They look great, i noticed the same thing about my brakes when i got 19's but i didn't want to limit the car returning to stock easily.

Did you notice any difference in the steering feel?

Yes that's why I thought I'd paint the calipers as you do see a lot more of them. And also why I didn't paint them red as it would then draw attention to the size (or lack of it) in not filling in the wheels.

I haven't driven that much today (just a quick trip down to the shops) so I haven't really had much of a chance to try out the new tyres/wheels. However road noise/feel is definitely different - hard to say whether this is just the new rubber or due to wheels.

I've dropped from 50 to 45 profile going from 18 to 19 so it's not that big a difference. Also I had some mid-range Goodyears and gone to top of the range Bridgestones so not comparing apples with apples anyway. Plus I still need to get a wheel alignment.

[tigger73]

Yeah, they do look great!! Bet you can't stop admiring them! Could be enhanced by some lows, though, IMO...

Those auto dipping mirrors will come in handy...

Enjoy!

Yeah lowering springs is on the list. I've had so many issues with the set-up of my front sway bar that I'm a little reluctant to mess with my suspension in case it changes things again.

Yes and I've had to find a few excuses to go out the front and sneak a look at the car

The tyres actually have a decent rim guard on them, however I'll certainly be making us of my mirror dipping.

[Ramee]

They're a lot more open wheel than my old RS4's and going from 18 to 19's makes the brakes look small...... need a BBK now???

Yep they definitely need a BBK for sure ...
When I start changing mine I will remember to do it other way around (BBK first)

[tigger73]

H&R Lowering Springs - Do I have >1130kg front axle weight?

I'm currently looking at getting some H&R lowering springs for my Tig.

There's essentially 2 options:

1) Up to 1130kg front axle weight - H&R VW Tiguan 5N Sport Springs 35mm, from year 11/'07 ->, up to 1130Kg front axle weight

2) Above 1131kg front axle weight - H&R VW Tiguan 5N Sport Springs 35mm, from year 11/'07 ->, from 1131Kg front axle weight

So does anyone know which spring is suited to which vehicle? I am guessing the difference is going to be petrol vs diesel engine and auto vs DSG vs manual being the major weight difference.

I have a 125TSI DSG so anyone know which is the correct spring? or do I toss a coin?

[Guy_H]

Send them your VIN Number - let H&R work it out for you. The local agents normally do that.

[Sharkie]

Tigger, I'd seriously consider if you really need the H&R springs. IF you do I'd suggest the H&R Cup kit instead of just the springs.

The stock shocks and the H&R springs do not really combine very well IMO.

I ran H&R 35mm drop, 18" low profiles and stock shocks for over a year on my Tig and the ride was pretty uncomfortable. Handling was massively improved though as was power down ..... however, after a year I pulled the H&R springs out and reverted back to stock.

The combination of mismatched shocks and low profile rubber made the ride too uncomfortable for me in the long run. FRom what I've heard the Cup kits are much better at retaining compliance whilst still achieving the drop and the improved handling.

[tigger73]

Springs are for both cosmetic appearance and for improved handling but really don't want to make the ride harsh or uncomfortable.

I've heard varying reports on lowering springs and that a number have reverted back to stock.

So you would recommend replacing shocks at same time with something like this: H&R VW Tiguan 5N Cup-Kit Comfort Suspension-Kit 35mm

[Transporter]

...also everyone has a different degree of what he/she tolerates when it comes to noise while driving. I went by the forum's posts when I needed new tyres for my T5 and $1400 later and just after 10,000km I'll be replacing the GY Cargo Vector next months, I just can't put up with that noise and how hard these tyres are over the potholes.

Maybe, you should try someone else's Tiguan with the same springs you want to get. I don't know it's just an idea. If it come to worst you can always revert back and sell.

[DeFault]

Tigger you are more then welcome to take my car for a drive and see what the H&R Springs are like with standard shocks !! You know how low mine is with the race H&Rs in there.. My Jetta drives better and feels smoother than before(Stock)...

[tigger73]

Yes though I have to also remember that there's another driver for the car also and one that I don't want to upset

[Sharkie]

Springs are for both cosmetic appearance and for improved handling but really don't want to make the ride harsh or uncomfortable.

I've heard varying reports on lowering springs and that a number have reverted back to stock.

So you would recommend replacing shocks at same time with something like this: H&R VW Tiguan 5N Cup-Kit Comfort Suspension-Kit 35mm

I'm pretty used to hard suspensions but the ride on the tig with just the springs was way to jittery and nervous as well as unpleasantly bumpy where the shocks and springs just weren't working together.

Nothing wrong with the springs, just the shocks ..... And a cup kit is cheaper than (a lot) buying the springs and then later adding matched shocks.

I would use H & R again in a heart beat but will want a matched setup straight up .... Or good coilovers

PS these comments are purely aimed at Tigs, I've used just springs before on other cars with a much more pleasant outcome ...... So if you want to test it, don't bother with anything but a Tig ....

[Guy_H]

Facebook update on our Tiguan suspension upgrades done today. A bit more high end, but they feel awesome:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.628856507125187.1073741827.197439520266890&type=1

[Naresh]

I just fitted the Eibach Pro-Kit to my R Line and the looks and handling have improved 10 fold. I'm running 19" wheels and the ride feels OEM. I plan on changing up to 20" wheels later this year for even better looks.