Russellj

I hit a pothole with the nearside front wheel of my 16 plate estate recently and am now musing over a perception of a possible change in driving characteristics since then. The car still steers and brakes fine, and there’s no steering wheel shake (as I’ve had with previous cars when a wheel needs balancing). And on (rare perfectly) smooth motorway surfaces, the car is fine and feels as smooth as it used to (e.g. feels nicely damped over longer undulations). However, what I’m noticing is that when driving over the usual surface imperfections (expansion gaps in motorway sections, ripples, bumps, etc) is that the car feels more "jiggly" or unsettled. It feels like the car takes a bit longer to recover from encountering minor imperfections than it used to. The closest analogy is that when you poke a jelly it wobbles, and continues to, for a while afterwards. It feels like the car is no longer damping these wobbles after hitting a bump as quickly as it used to (or maybe it’s started to wobble when it didn’t used to?). Ultimately, the car just feel more "fidgety" and unsettled than it used to when driving over less than perfect surfaces. It’s not a major thing. The car doesn’t feel unsafe. And it may just entirely be in my imagination!! The car has adaptive suspension (DCC). I pretty much leave it in Comfort mode most of the time, and haven’t changed mode or the roads I’m driving recently, so that won’t be the cause. The car has been for a 20k service since the pothole and I asked them to take a look. They couldn't see anything untoward and the guy who collected/returned the vehicle (20 min drive each way) didn't think there was anything unusual. (Suspect he was too busy enjoying the drive 😀). Maybe it's just one of those things that once you notice it (or *think* you notice it) you can't stop picking up on? Alternatively, are there any suspension components that might be out after a pothole encounter? I've only done approx 1,000 miles since, so there's not been enough mileage to show up different tyre wear pattern (e.g. if alignment was out). I did take it to a tyre place that does 4 wheel alignment, but after asking some questions re: symptoms, the guy didn't want to take my money, and told me not to worry. To make it worse, I went for a drive in my neighbour's M135i a couple of days ago and it seemed as smooth as mine over good surfaces, but without the jiggle over imperfections as I'm reporting here 😒 Would be grateful for any thoughts or previous experience on the above (besides "just ignore it") 😀 Thanks!

I wonder if it's the difference between the "new car" sales guys vs "used cars"? New car guys maybe get incentivised to shift "units" whereas perhaps for the used car guys it's all about the margin per vehicle? But they kinda shoot themselves in the foot, as I discussed with the guy I spoke with I was left with the impression that the vast majority of people who turn up looking for an ex-demo haven't done their (broker price) homework. So when you turn up you're supposed to be mega-impressed with the huge discount (off list) available by buying ex-demo. Except in my case it was "um, I don't understand why you want me to pay MORE for your ex-demo (admittedly with lots of toys but tbh most of which I wouldn't personally spec) compared to a new one via a broker?". The delicious irony was when I waved the Orangewheels quote at him as proof of the broker price, only to be told "that vehicle would be supplied by us!". He seemed unable to understand my logic or unable/unwilling to negotiate what I would consider a reasonable price taking the ex-demo status & miles into account. I had no need of a car right then, so left. (I guess he saw the "but you could drive this car away today!" line as key... but it made no difference to me). I went in to purchase an almost identical Estate (feat even more toys) a few weeks later for what I considered a reasonable price. Very happy man. The vehicle at Inchcape I was looking at seemed to have shifted when I checked back a few weeks later. So their game worked for them too. So I guess everyone was happy in the end

I was led to believe (by a salesperson there) that Inchcape Swindon are an Orangewheels supplier. That was when I turned up with an Orangewheels quote in my hand to try to negotiate a deal on an ex-demo vehicle they had . Couldn't reach an agreement with them, so ended uo buying elsewhere.

No problem Christian! Glad to hear you had a good experience too.

Ahhh... the sweet anti...........cipation! Time to get back to scouring the forums & reviews for all the background info you can get your hands on Still besotted with my estate 6 months on. Love it! Am sure you won't be disappointed.

Have a black estate myself. Looks great for about 30 seconds after a wash. If I'd had the choice I would have gone for Indium grey - you lucky chap! Am sure you'll be delighted with it

Pinalloy extensions arrived on Fri (marked as gift with a value of 5 USD). Really easy fitting - just tighten up three grub screws per paddle (screws and allen key provided) - only takes a few mins. They look nice, don't obscure the dials, and don't touch my knees (I'm 6 foot tall). Only been out for a couple of short journeys since fitting, but first impressions are very favourable. They do seem to make the paddles usable, simply by virtue of having a larger surface area to grasp, especially when driving with hands in the 10 to 2 position. I had defaulted to using the DSG in auto mode, partly because of the difficulty in (literally) getting to grips with the small OEM paddles. However, I think these will encourage me to do more manual intervention, if not more fully manual mode. For £30, they definitely feel like good value (just couldn't justify £200+ for alternatives).

{Runs to own car to check for odd legs...}

Thanks for the initial feedback discolegend73. Not interested in dyno numbers but would be keen to hear more of your thoughts once you've had the chance to play a bit more... Cheers

Don't say remap... Don't say remap... Don't say remap...!

Gah! All this talk of paddle shift extensions has just made me drop £30 on a set of the Pinalloy ones

No! The exact opposite! Think you've misread my genuine excitement for sarcasm (maybe I used the wrong smiley?). Like I said, had a Bluefin on my Octy and really enjoyed it. Keen to hear feedback on the R to see if it gives the added boost to mid range torque that's missing. Just a bit wary of maps from other tuners who seem to want to max out the power. I've got a 16 Estate at the moment so Bluefin isn't an option. Hence why I was pleased to hear that they seem close to making this available for 04/2015 models and later.

Oh... now this I *need* to hear Really looking forward to your feedback...

Their website seems to suggest you can use a Bluefin for models up to 03/2015. They also have a non-Bluefin (standard Superchips offering) remap available for all model years of the Mk7 R. The power and torque curves look the same for both varieties of remap, so I assume it's the same product, but they just haven't worked out how to apply it via the OBD port using the Bluefin handset as yet. Info on the standard non-Bluefin remap is here - http://www.superchips.co.uk/search?make=38&fueltype=3&model=580&variant=3270 I'd be interested if they do manage to deliver the remap via the Bluefin unit. I also had one for a few years (and 65k trouble free miles) on my Mk2 Octy VRS TDi and it made a real difference - torque city! Although I only removed/reapplied the map using the unit a few times, the comfort factor of knowing you *could* do so, without a return visit (and cost) of going gack to the tuning company was reassuring. I'm sure every other remap company is better, ya da ya da, but my car's a keeper, so I don't want the last ounce of performance, just a little more torque in the mid-range I like the shape of the power & torque curves in the link, seem to follow the standard ones nicely and doesn't pile on the torque too soon at low rpm.

Sounds like a result! Well earned too. You'd like to think that insurance would pay out without hassle seeing as you pay out each year, but it always seemed to require a real struggle to get justice on the couple of occasions I had to claim in the past. I'd say drop it and move on. Suspect the claims handler was probably only doing what would be perceived as a "good" job (from their perspective) - minimising the payout If you're looking for (financial) compensation as a result of a complaint I suspect that's unlikely. The best you might get is an apology. If that's worth your time, then maybe pursue it. Personally, I'd sit back, count my hard won £2k and be pleased with that result. And then get cracking on finding a replacement! Best of luck with the search...!

Heated seat memory can be enabled via VCDS - see https://sites.google.com/a/naturalnetworks.ca/vw-golf-mk7-vcds-how-to/comfort/retain-heated-seat-setting

Create a portfolio of similar cars, comprised of PDF "print outs" of Autotrader adverts (not just links, as they expire when the car is sold). That's your evidence base. Insurance is designed to pay out to replace like for like. Collect the "like". Submit to insurance assessor. And remember they won't be an R fan, but will just go by arbitrary book value.

FYI the sticking petrol flap on the Estate is a known issue. Dealer just fixed mine as a warranty issue fix when in for a service yesterday.

Congrats! I'm sure you'll love it

Never mind the look... feel the space! But I can understand the estate might not be to all tastes (I'm now at an age when the grown up look suits me ). I have the standard 18" Cadiz - deliberately wanted these for the cheaper tyres, and anticipated lower road noise (major bugbear for me and key reason for changing cars) as well as possibly better ride comfort. But I can't offer a direct comparison, having never tried the 19s myself for a prolonged period of time. I did have a brief test drive of a 5 door with DCC and the 19s (before I bought my estate) and don't recall being bothered by the ride. I was too busy enjoying the drive - that car had a Revo remap - zikes! My perception from browsing the forum is that 19s + DCC seems a good combination and help counteract any reduction in ride comfort from going up a size. But again, I'd wait for someone more knowledgeable to show up

Hi Tom, and welcome to the forum! Just a thought... Have you considered the estate? If you're thinking 5 door DSG anyway, it's only a little more, but the boot is much more family friendly, and there are roof rails for when you want extra storage in a roof box. Most reviews say there's little difference between hatch and estate (I only had a quick test in a couple of 5 doors, so can't really comment on a direct comparison, but am sure others would be happy to chip in if you wanted other opinions...). You may just find the look off the estate a turn off and/or too "family man", personally I love the exta Q car factor

Difficult question - really do love my R estate. Fuel consumption (vs published combined figure of 40 mpg) is the only gripe. I reckon I'm on a long term average of 32 mpg with lots of motorway miles. On my ex-demo I have the pano roof and love the lighter cabin as a result. Also have DCC and find the ride remarkably smooth for the car's capabilities (but haven't driven one without for comparison). If you have an Android/iPhone and "App Connect" is now standard, I wouldn't personally pay more for the slightly bigger screen on the pro nav. Note "Car Net" is different from "App Connect". App Connect is what lets you use your phone's sat nav. I have leather, and it's quite nice, but wouldn't have paid more for it, and would have been very happy with the cloth. Don't have keyless, and wouldn't want it for the same reason. Seems like a technology solution to a problem I don't have.

I've turned off the enhanced sound (soundaktor) via OBDEleven (a phone app + dongle that you plug in the car) - a quick search on the forum will tell you more (and it's got its own forum section too now). I've also used it to turn off stop/start and make a few other tweaks, so very handy. I find my (estate) R nice and quiet when cruising at 70mph (and sometimes a little more ) and I'm quite fussy about noise.

I'd also change all 4 for safety - hardly any tread left anyway. Can't comment on the Michelin Pilot Sport 4's (too mean to pay the extra ). I recently changed my first set of Potenzas @ 16k miles to 4 x Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 (18" Cadiz on the Estate). Very happy with noise reduction (and I'm Mr Picky on this). Where are you getting them from? Blackcircles are quoting £92 a corner fitted at the moment, making £368.

Awww, cmon. Let the man savour his chosen spec. For one hour, at least!