118TSI - General Discussion

[Brendan_A]

redhot, tell me more about this APR update, any difference?

[Ryan_R]

Had version 1.1 installed July '12, tbh I don't notice any difference. You'd need to ask Guy I suppose. There's another version for newer 118TSI's that come with a better fuel pump giving extra performance, but I don't have that new fuel pump so would have to get the newer one... don't think it's worth it in the long run.

Latest version of Bluetooth available here from recommended supplier: VW Bluetooth KIT 7P6035730L - Retrofit - Newest Version

[redhot]

redhot, tell me more about this APR update, any difference?

No increase re power,
just (AFAIK) streamlining. Idle does seem smoother to me.

[Pramki]

I am looking at buying a 118TSI. I have paid $1000 deposit for the car to be delivered in 2 weeks.
After reading the issues, I am really worried. Should I be worried with the MY13 version. Should I change the order to a 103TDI.(not sure if the dealership would agree.

[Ryan_R]

Think you'll be fine, just us pioneers with the first batch of new DSG7 gearboxes had a few problems. Car is fantastic besides that.

[Pramki]

Thanks Ryan. If anyone has come across issues with the more recent versions, please do share.
Cheers

[RosscoMK3]

Well my warranty runs out this week so maybe I'll have to start slowing down a bit more

I'll be ffffed if I know how you get the wheels to stick with the tune?
A straight line aint so bad but once you start throwing them around tight corners it's hard to tell if the ESC is doing anything at all(unless you turn it off of course).
My biggest complaint so far would be the massive slap fest that goes on when dumping it up a steep incline. AKA the express ramp at broadway. I know this is a front wheel drive thing but it's bad enough with a standard tune.
How bad are these problems with the tune and what can be done to minimise the negative effects?

I'm sure the manual vs DSG plays a big part in things also. My user error is probably more pronounced in the manual.

[logger]

I'll be ffffed if I know how you get the wheels to stick with the tune?
A straight line aint so bad but once you start throwing them around tight corners it's hard to tell if the ESC is doing anything at all(unless you turn it off of course).

Must be a Manual GB thing (& perhaps tyres as well). On mine (DSG7) ESP/ESC works very well when I floor it from stop and no slip. With the traction control OFF I get noticeable axle tramp though. OTOH I would never find my self under full acceleration from a stop going around tight corners.
You do realise dont you Rossco that you cannot really turn the ESC off. Only the traction control part thereoff. So it will still try and keep you upright around the twisty bits.

My car has a new lease of life nowadays with updated DSG7 software and APR v1.1 prog. Love having a bog standard looking car that actually goes like the clappers.

Without the tune though it is a bit of dog though - VW have hobbled stock tune on the 118 back to around 106 from what I have been told. Or another way to look it is that tune makes more of a difference now than it did in the past

[RosscoMK3]

Axle tramp. That's the term I was looking for.

The tyres are the Potenza's so I don't think that's the issue. I'm pretty sure it's the user being able to play with the clutch more aggressively coming out of bends at lower speeds.
You can overpower the front wheels during tight turns while doing 20-30kms(at a guess) and still get tramp to a degree. on a steep incline it's a pain but it really helps to overcome the horrible understeer I was suffering before.
The 118 reminds me of my old 2 stroke bike.

[Ryan_R]

Axle tramp/wheel hop is only an issue if I floor it from stand-still and rely on traction control. I just take it easy until the revs are up, then give it some more, then once I'm in second the foot hits the floor. If it's wet I'll get the TC light on in 2nd and sometimes 3rd gear, but that's to be expected since weight is shifting to the rear and it's a FWD car. I spent over $200 per corner for tyres and I do sim racing at home so I don't experience any cornering issues. Only twice have I felt ESP kick in when on a spirited drive (you should be able to feel individual wheels braking).

Can't accelerate out of sharp turns (i.e. intersections) too quickly since we don't have XDL, either wait til the tyres are straight or feather the throttle better to manage the grip levels.