Totally Stock Golf R - EPA Notice

[mythik]

Wow,

Just wow.

Received an EPA notice for 'loud exhaust' in the mail today after going through an RBT 2 weeks ago. Seems someone on the RBT line filled in a spotters form citing the vehicle was too loud and now the EPA are citing it needs testing.

I took it to Burwin VW where it was purchased from as it's only done 1900km and was received in December.

The service manager was floored. He's never heard of this. Before anyone asks. I drove like nanna in and out of the lineup.

EPA informed the service manager for him to have it tested as there was no other way to acertain it was okay even though it was a new car and the dealership said it checked out.

Had it tested, it passed. 88db was the maximum. 90db is the legal limit. It's awfully close.

Burwin VW verified the exhaust/flapper/ all car systems are working as normal so I guess that's the real value.

Following this I wanted the notice revoked and the EPA have turned around and informed me that as a result of complying with the notice they can't revoke it anymore. ****S SAKE.

So yes. Don't buy a Golf R. You will have issues with being labelled as having a loud car.

The booby prize for 3 of these notices in a year is the car is taken under hoon legislation for 28 days. <- incorrect. See below post.

Anyone interesting in buying a Golf R? I suddenly have one I'd like to offload.

I'm pushing it within the EPA and seeking legal advice. This is ridiculous.

[Dutch77]

So you're saying that even if you get hit with these notices and comply each time you're facing the hoon legislation?

That is bizarre, that's got the 6.30 tabloid TV shows written all over it.

What is interesting is that the Golf R is running so close to the legal limit.. I didn't think in stock form it was particularly loud.

[mythik]

So you're saying that even if you get hit with these notices and comply each time you're facing the hoon legislation?

This is what I'm told. If anyone else can shed any light on the matter it would be appreciated.

[Lucas_R]

Is your a DSG? If so, it was probably the "DSG fart" that got their attention as you drove off and changed gears.

But either way, ridiculous.

[John2204]

Similar thing happened to me, EPA/Defect referral rant

I wrote a formal complaint to the NSW Police, NSW Ombudsman. The technicality I based my argument on was more towards the wording on the EPA notice. It clearly stated a Senior Constable pulled me over and inspected the car, when in reality he did not pull me over, he just sighted my car from 100m away as I was driving.

[mythik]

I just got off the phone with the senior member at the EPA vehicles team and she was extremely polite and helpful.

To clarify a point I made: There is no process whereby after 3 notices the vehicle will be impounded via the EPA. That's via Victoria police and that's via defect notices for illegal modifications.

Unfortunately as the notice has been complied with, she can't do squat about it. It will stay there as citing there was a spotters report from a snr vic pol member and the vehicle was submitted for testing and passed.

Balls.

She explained how this is a common problem with vehicles being incorrectly reported by VicPol for 'loud exhausts' - specifically euro/exotic cars. Apparently it's 50/50 with some people just complying and others complaing.

IN SHORT.

IF YOU GET A NOTICE
IF YOUR CAR IS STOCK

COMPLAIN!

They will request evidence the car is stock standard. If you can show it is, notice withdrawn.

LEARN FROM MY HEADACHE.

[gavs]

88dB is pretty good, that's why the flapper is in the exhaust to begin with so that at test conditions the car meets EPA noise regs, but as we all know, once that bad boy opens, it's past the compliance testing limit and they can't do squat

Just like the AMG Benzes out there that sound like a NASCAR

[Lucas_R]

Fast forward to about 23 seconds and you hear the flapper open up on my car on the dyno. Very noticeable difference in noise:

[Dutch77]

Haha.. dyno.. dyno.. dyno.. exhaust!

Never realised how pronounced it was.

[Tigger]

Are you kidding me??

They cant be that stupid to cite an 'infraction' for a stock standard car!!!!

That has to be something to write to wheels, motor and topgear about!

Surely, you can just cite the importer Volkswagen for not complying with ADR regs or whatever!

Amazing! This has got me heated up on an "old Man Fart Rage"...

So sorry to hear that you have gone through all of these troubles!

(Yes..there are a lot of !!! marks in the above rant)