Possible New R36 Wagon Owner - Pros - Cons

[Blacky]

Howdy All!

I am thinking of picking up an R36 Wagon from my current ride a BMW 130.
I love my 130 but I am looking for something a little bigger and it is time for a change.

For all those people who already have their R36's I would love to hear your love and hates for the beast.


All help is appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

[Lance B]

Howdy All!

I am thinking of picking up an R36 Wagon from my current ride a BMW 130.
I love my 130 but I am looking for something a little bigger and it is time for a change.

For all those people who already have their R36's I would love to hear your love and hates for the beast.


All help is appreciated.


Thanks in advance.

I have had the R36 for about 2 weeks now and so far there are no "Hates" whatsoever and plenty of "Loves". Previously, I had the Passat wagon 3.2lt V6 version 4 Motion and the only real "hate" with it was the flat seats, but the R36 addresses this issue most admirably.

The R36 is a STUNNING vehicle and so far I cannot really fault it. Points to ponder under the "Loves" column:
a) Extreme power/grunt
b) DSG seems better sorted than with the 3.2lt version for some reason
c) Smooth seemless power
d) Seats are awesome
e) the handling is very well sorted
f) Everything just seems to work so well.

Points to ponder under the "Hates" column:
a) 0
b) 0
c) 0
d) 0
e) 0
f) 0

[Steve]

Negatives for me are the bloody rattles that can't seem to be fixed. There's one constantly from the the centre console and it's infuriating. I think it's where the console joins the non console bit. It's been in to be fixed twice in the past year but hasn't been fixed yet.

Another negative is... um... well, good Bluetooth is $expensive$ and the RNS-510 is a bit stupid, even though it has some great features.

Oh, and the automatic tailgate can't be closed remotely (from the key fob or the button on the drivers door) but must instead be closed by a button on the tailgate itself. Not sure if a VAG-COM switch can fix this.

[Blacky]

Negatives for me are the bloody rattles that can't seem to be fixed. There's one constantly from the the centre console and it's infuriating. I think it's where the console joins the non console bit. It's been in to be fixed twice in the past year but hasn't been fixed yet.

Another negative is... um... well, good Bluetooth is $expensive$ and the RNS-510 is a bit stupid, even though it has some great features.

Oh, and the automatic tailgate can't be closed remotely (from the key fob or the button on the drivers door) but must instead be closed by a button on the tailgate itself. Not sure if a VAG-COM switch can fix this.

Rattles that is something I am familiar with the 1er

[GHW]

Hey Steve, just wondering why you would need to close the tailgate by remote???? I've optioned this as I'll be loading the back a bit because of my work but, once loaded, you're right there so it makes more sense to me to simply hit a button rather than fiddle around with the key fob?

[reverseworm]

I have had the wagon for about 2 months now and offer the following impressions:

Pros

Power - delivery is seamless and effortless. Loads of grunt when you need it and a wonderful smooth drive when you want to take it easy.

Sound - I think the V6 sounds wonderful and is nice and throaty under load. Have had lots of comments about the exhaust note.

DSG - simply superb. Instant gear changes, and an uncanny way of anticipating your driving style. Paddle shifters are good fun too.

Styling - apart from the Audi, I think this is the best looking wagon on the road. A great combination of prestige and real road presence.

Handling - compared to your bimmer, the R36 will at first seem quite big and bulky i think, however after a few days you will really appreciate the handling and grip of this size vehicle. I have pushed mine pretty hard and in the tighter stuff it really hangs on - the grip is quite incredible - and the V6 just punches you out of corners.

Seats - awesome.

Directional lighting - not a gimmick at all.

Build quality - materials are first class.

Value - For around $70k fully loaded, what else is there? Nothing.

The little things - seat warmers, umbrella in the door, multi function display, the hard drive in the stereo is a better option than an ipod, autohold, auto tailgate, cooled glovebox etc etc. The list goes on.

Cons

Sunroof - the dial for operating the sunroof is difficult to use. Rather than an on-off switch, there is a dial that allows you to determine how far you want to open the roof. It is hard to see fromt he driver's position and it is not illuminated, so you can't really use it at night. I know I know - thats why it is a sunroof and not a moonroof.

Heater/A/C switch gear - made of cheap feeling plastic. Should have been aluminium.

Tailgate - as previously said you should be able to close it with the remote.

Paddle shift - the paddles turn with the wheel so if you are in a decent corner and want to use the paddles, this can be quite difficult.

That's a pretty petty list of cons, but it really is a helluva car. I say go for it.

[Steve]

Hey Steve, just wondering why you would need to close the tailgate by remote???? I've optioned this as I'll be loading the back a bit because of my work but, once loaded, you're right there so it makes more sense to me to simply hit a button rather than fiddle around with the key fob?

I'd find it useful when other people are putting stuff in the back (I often give various mates lifts to various golf courses) when I'm not around. They all try to pull the tailgate shut and that's not so cool.

I've also accidentally opened the tailgate whilst attempting to open the fuel filler lid, and whilst digging my keys out of my pocket or even putting them in another bag or something. I reckon it makes sense for the same button to both open and close.