Retrofitting DSG Paddle Shift Multifunction Steering Wheel to 118TSI?

[vwlovr]

Hi there,
I have always dreamed of getting a DSG gearbox with steering wheel paddle shifters. However, it looks like the 118TSI (the only one I can afford) does not offer this as an option...
I have never tried driving with steering wheel paddle shifters and was wondering if anyone could give their opinion whether shifters were better/worse than the gearshift?

Also, is it possible to install shifters on the 118TSI ?

Thanks again !

[MariusGT]

I find the paddle shifting more accessible as both hands stay on the wheel- however coming out of a tight bend the paddles are awkward- and those are the times I use the gear leaver to shift up.

A friend who drives an R36 w DSG doesn't like or use the paddles at all. He uses the gear leaver only if he is in manual mode.

The other big plus on the paddles is you don't have to shift the leaver accross to manual for down/up shifting. Tapping the paddles engages manual until it feels you start coasting along again- at which point auto "D" or "S" is re-engaged. OR you can press and hold the UP + paddle on the right and that will turn off manual mode.

ie: you can do it all without lifting your left hand off the wheel to push across to manual and back again.

As for installing on the 118tsi I have no idea. It may be an option but I've not heard anyone mention it.

Hope that helps.

[hoi polloi]

Also, is it possible to install shifters on the 118TSI ?

When taking a GTI on a test drive I lamented to the salesman that the paddle shifters weren't on offer on garden variety Golfs with DSG... He said that yes, they are available but they're not cheap - he said "around $2000"...

Regards,
- Anthony.

[ozgti]

Anything further to retrofitting paddles to the 118?

[nau]

if u makes u feel better on my GTI I tried to use the paddles and its highly uncomfortable they just a little bit to small for anything but the straight road...
still use the gear stick a lot more

maybe just me but thats how it is...
on the other hand driving my GF car (honda jazz) always use the paddles coz they just a bit bigger and if you move yr hands around the wheel u still can easily find them... to bad Jazz sux : )

[cameron4290]

When i ordered my 118TSI (Manual, but test drove a DSG version as its all they had) i asked why it didnt have any and the dealer said its a ~$1100 option to have them fitted. Im guessing its a factory option, but never asked so its only guess.

[Corey_R]

When i ordered my 118TSI (Manual, but test drove a DSG version as its all they had) i asked why it didnt have any and the dealer said its a ~$1100 option to have them fitted. Im guessing its a factory option, but never asked so its only guess.

I've you're talking about the paddles - they'd be a dealer fit accessory (or maybe just done via spare parts from the GTI etc). It's definitely not a factory option.

[mr gee]

paddles are available in some markets I think UK and singapore where they are sold as golf sports.

I myself don't use them much ( I have a TT and previously, a Civic Sport). when I need to change down like in tight corners, I just use the "s" mode.

[prise]

Do they move with the steering wheel or are they fixed? Fixed ones would be a pain.

[MkVIGTI]

The paddle shifters on the GTI will move with the steering wheel