R36 Driving Impressions

[Cro]

They look fantastic, but hold off before you buy them..
The owners manual states that cars with factory fitted 18's can not be upgraded to 19", and vice versa.
I can't remember the reasoning behind it, and I don't have access to my manual right now but I remember the above information.

I'd assume it has something to do with ESP calibration.

[Lance B]

They look fantastic, but hold off before you buy them..
The owners manual states that cars with factory fitted 18's can not be upgraded to 19", and vice versa.
I can't remember the reasoning behind it, and I don't have access to my manual right now but I remember the above information.

I'd assume it has something to do with ESP calibration.

I am not sure that the ESP would be affected as long as the rolling circumference of the tyre/wheel package is the same, the offset is similar and the wheels are a similar width, ie 8". The tyres would need to be 235/35 x 19" on a 19" x 8" rim with an offset about ET44 or there abouts. A 235/35 x 19" tyre is approx the same as a 235/40 x 18 which are standard. A 235/35 x 19 rim/tyre package would take up no more room under the guard as the overall diameter and width of the package is the same, so there shouldn't be a suspension scrub issue. Unless someone can point out some other reason for not using 19" rims.

The R32 V6 Passat comes standard with 235/45 x 17 rims and you can upspec them to 235/40 x 18, albeit with the lowered suspension, and this doesn't affect the ESP. Again, the 235/45 x 17 rim/wheel package has the same width and diameter as the 235/40 x 18 package.

[Mattblack]

the only other thing worth considering is comfort. I know i sound like an old fart but there you go.

Saying that i did change my last car from 215/55/17 to 245/35/19 and lowered her 3 inches.

[Macka]

Thanks for the info guys, I will follow it through with Volkswagen Australia and let you know outcome.

[ozlegacy]

Out of interest how do you engage the launch control any special buttons or do you just hold brakes mash the accelerator and come off the brakes?

[Steve]

I haven't tried it in the R36 (yet!) but in the GTI... put the gear box in "S" or "manual" mode, turn off ESP, foot on the brakes... then hold the accelerator and build up revs. Lift off the brake at around 4000rpm and away you go

[ozlegacy]

ok does the DSG deal with clutch slip? you do this in a normal manual and get it wrong in a 4wd and it can bog down etc.

sorry DSG newbie here but R36 on order

[Cro]

No clutch slip, just revs to ~3100rpm and takes off as soon as you release the brake pedal

[R36]

Cro.
Great pictures and synopsis.
What's with the snatch strap and the 4wd ?
Did you bottom out in the snow ?
I was just wondering how that missing 20mm affects general ground clearance.
Laurie

The combination of 20mm reduction in ride height and the lower bumper is a bit much for my steep driveway. I am looking for a solution to maintain the sporty ride, while still being practical. A standard V6 4motion with the optional sports suspension (lowered 15mm) and 18" wheels is ok, but the bumper doesn't hang as low as the R36's.

I am exploring custom springs (cheapest solution @ about $800 fitted) and adjustable height coilovers (most expensive at about $3-5k). Any suggestions?

[DiMmY]

I haven't tried it in the R36 (yet!) but in the GTI... put the gear box in "S" or "manual" mode, turn off ESP, foot on the brakes... then hold the accelerator and build up revs. Lift off the brake at around 4000rpm and away you go

Just another Q, wouldn't this technically be wearing the clutches out?

Trying my hardest to get my dad to buy an R36 to replace his aging Volvo S60 T5, but he finds the interior too simple. Crazy man, considering he will get the highest corporate discount + lease discounts.