118TSI - General Discussion

[Ryan_R]

APR Stage 1 is on special until 24 Dec if you're tempted

[mythik]

At 6.5 seconds to 100kph from a 1.4L engine I'm already struggling with traction and have already destroyed one engine mount. I think I've got plenty of power.

So you need urethane mounts and Stage 2...

[Ryan_R]

I've had new clutch packs and mechatronics installed via warranty long after installing Stage 1 with no problems, just made use of the security lockout feature. I spent $50 on a replacement mount out of a salvaged car since it was easier.

If you find some for the 118TSI let me know.

[cktsi]

I've had new clutch packs and mechatronics installed via warranty long after installing Stage 1 with no problems, just made use of the security lockout feature. I spent $50 on a replacement mount out of a salvaged car since it was easier.

If you find some for the 118TSI let me know.

That's awesome! I like how APR have all these selectable modes.

Btw next time u r with an R could u do in gear acceleration from low speeds? I wager u will beat the R as u have no lag PLUS your top end is stronger than stock 118

[Ryan_R]

Plus I have an extra gear than the R. Can't see myself lining up next to one out where I am though, although Marty might be game one day. In this hot weather I lose a fair bit of power anyway.

[265coupe]

Well, I've been quietly 'enjoying' my Golf ownership for almost 3 years now.
It's a 2009 (MY2010) United Grey TSI118 manual with sports pack(cloth) and sunroof. Owned since new.
It was bought with great expectations. First VW (can't count a 1975 Kombi) amongst a gaggle of jap and australian new cars over the last 20years or so.
Bought on the basis of perceived quality, performance, dealer service and reliabilty. What a mistake that was.
It now has 85,000km and runs out of regular warranty in 2 months. Lucky I purchased the extended warranty, although this turns out to be a third party warranty and not 'factory' as sold by the salesman.
The car has generally been nice to drive.
But the ownership has been fraught.
The faults have been many. Some minor and some more serious. But all would have been expensive if they had occurred out of warranty.
Faults include:
Sunroof motor failure (2 dealer visits to diagnose, 1 more to repair) Initially used gaffer tape and plastic sheet to seal against weather.
Cloth frayed on drivers seat. Seems to have had too little overlap past the stitching. Just pulled out over about 20cm.
Engine idler failed.
Waterpump failed (diagnosed at same time as idler)
Indicator assembly failed (failed to self cancel)
Plastic pin supporting rear shelf broke. Required replacement of whole internal 1/4 panel on tailgate
Also has the strange cold start misfire. Unresolved by dealer. I am concerned because it developed at 75,000km. Was never there before. Anything that changes cannot be explained away as 'they all do that'.
I had high expectations with this car. But the failures have been regular and many.
I don't see that this car will be an economical proposition when out of warranty.
And I haven't had the dreaded engine failure or the common and regularly media reported DSG woes (must pat myself on the back for recognising they are ****e and ordering a manual) (anyone recall that the yanks ended up offering a 10year warranty against DSG failure, no such luck here).
VW have lost me a a future owner. I will not tolerate less that expected performance from a new car and please, don't give me old chestnut of 'many parts to a car, can't all be perfect' or 'that's why it has a warranty'.
All I can hope is that there are enough doe eyed potential secondhand VW buyers out there that I will be able to sell it, for a decent price.
Interesting that the 1.4 twin charge engine (multi awarded as it was) is headed for the scrapheap. I doubt that the designer will include it on his resume.
Thanks VW but no thanks.

[mythik]

I found one! An early golf 118 owner who's had zero issues. It should be noted he was smart and bought a manual (not knowing about DSG issues, but just because manual is better)

Vehicle was purchased in 2009 from a less reputable stealership. It went back for the 118-engine-explode fix at around 32,000km and after the **** experience with that process, went elsewhere for regular servicing. Nothing in any of the vehicle notes (all invoices in manual) show any problems or parts replacements outside of normal servicing.

Vehicle has a sunroof / still works perfectly. Looks like it's been cleaned / lubed each time when serviced as the channel looks mint and the drain works. I'd suggest a lot of dodgy stealerships ignore this.

Car drives nicely, has had wheel alignment and tire rotations every 8000km and no errors/issues reported via VAGCOM, no running issues.

Car is at 81,308km. I took it for a drive from dead cold. It works perfectly. THEY DO EXIST.

Here I was thinking they were all rubbish.

[265coupe]

I truly wish my ownership had been like that.
No doubt I would now be congratulating myself on a well researched, educated decision to buy VW. And probably looking at all the troublesome ownership as an anomaly.
I might even be lining up for a Mk7 replacement.
Funny how brand loyalty is so easily ruined. If you're reading this then perhaps you could take a lesson VW.

[Bel]

Problems and all (which when I look back with rose coloured glasses haven't been too big...touch wood) I do love my car. I smile every single time I get to drive it and I enjoy every moment it throws me back in my seat or surprises other cars/drivers.
Only issue now is with the new job, I am catching the train to work ( wonder how long that will last ) so rarely getting up to temp. on the drive to and from the station to really let loose.

[Ryan_R]

Mine is still driving great. I think I can attribute the odd clutch vibration to the torque arm insert that I fitted. The car (and me) don't like slow traffic jams where you keep shifting from 1st to 2nd and back to 1st. The trick is to keep a gap so when the car in front stops you keep crawling and hopefully they move up again before you have to stop (hopefully no-one jumps in front of you while leaving said gap otherwise people behind would get annoyed).