NWHighlander

My wife's 8.5 R BE is 18 months old and we live in one of the worst areas in the UK for road debris, ie the NW Highlands. Initially after looking at the 'open' front and all the exposed delicate parts I too was inclined to want some protection. However all seems to be OK so far. I have to add that the car has done circa 6k miles, maybe less than average and is driven progressively. Therefore I am not going to add anything that may impair the cooling. Mike

Nice to see the 5cyl getting another "goodbye", I'll wait for the Golf, fingers crossed. Mike

I'd say these short distances are not good for a new engine, as it will not reach operating temperature, as above, new engine = poor consumption initially. Also I'm not sure about restraining a new, cold engine on ECO day in and day out will produce long term benefits for either your pocket or the life of the engine ! Modern engines need to be 'used' during the running-in period as well. A good investment for the longevity of the engine and your pocket is to drive it to the manufacturer's guidance, as well as a bit of occasional hard driving up and down the rev band (not to red line), will do it no harm. Most engines these days come ready to be driven progressively, with little bit of mechanical sympathy of course. Enjoy. Mike

I was in at my local Dealer yesterday and happened to mention the increasing interest, mine included, in the possibility. My comment was met with a non committal nod, several other enquiries had been made since the NY. It was explained that VW are exploring the possibility but nothing in stone yet. I got the impression that the Dealership were excited by the development but were under strict instructions to say nothing. My expectation is that it would be one helluva beast., a final last throw of dice before we are all electrocuted. Here's hoping. Mike

I was under the distinct impression that Warranty work goes to the front of the queue at least that's my experience, I maybe misremembering, perhaps it was with Audi. Mike

If said spider returns or persists, peppermint spray will encourage it to find somewhere else to live. Mike

I hope it is developed and brought to market, the Audi 5 cyl is a great engine, strong and powerful in its base form and has a large potential for tuning, plus the sound is second to none. Its the last hurrah for the ICE before we are forced into fancy milk floats. Mike

I'd like to know too, it never seems to move or have a useful function. Mike

That's sh*tty luck, sad to see on a new car. Our roads are just bad up here producing wheel/suspension/tyre damage. When such an event happens I always submit a claim, I presume you will do the same. It takes time for the wheels of local govt to respond but I have been paid out in full, most recently for a tyre on the RS4. I hope you have similar success in making a claim. Mike

In the 8R the Racingline strut did not go anywhere near the 'cap. I am intrigued about an oem strut, I asked my local VW parts and was informed that there is no strut in the VW inventory that will do the job on a 8.5 R. My racingline strut is ordered and on it's way. Mike

Only driven around 100 miles on our twisty roads up here, initial impressions are that the car feels tighter with more assertive cornering than the 8. I cannot say 100 % yet, but it feels there is a noticeable improvement in power delivery as well as pedal response. Mrs S is pleased too. Mike

No dipstick caught me by surprise (if all else fails read the instrs), I'll find the appropriate rabbit hole in the MMI to the 'how to check the oil level', I presume it requires a warm engine ? Mike

Same item w the ball bolt, circa £74. Mike

As per the previous R, another Racingline strut. VW should have fixed it for the 8.5. Mike

Hi, Anyone acquired a gas strut for the bonnet, if so is it the same as the mk8 ? Mike PS Rolf is still under 8" snow since Mon, so no chance for pics.