MK7 Golf R Estate - Family Wagon
Discussion
The E92 335i was sold last year after it's 5th oil leak, garage suspected within the cylinder block, potentially costing a lot ...
Shortly before this time I'd been embarrassed on a roll by a MK7.5 Golf R Estate, which I didn't realise even existed. It was a surprise to me as I had stage 1 mapped the beemer, although likely the Golf was mapped too.
After discovering this news of another oil leak, I started looking at the wagons. I'd decided my next car had to be red, with only 10 Red MK7 Wagons on auto trader it wasn't hard to narrow the search down. These come decently specced from factory, with adaptive cruise, auto lights and wipers etc, so I wasn't really after much, mainly focusing on something that had been looked after well, low ish mileage and was ... red.
Here she is! Complete with terrible fake carbon fibre badges, which were removed fairly quickly ...
The car is absolutely sensational, it simply excels in any area. Traction is unbeatable, it handles like a dream, I can still pack the car for a holiday, with the kids in the back, and achieve 40mpg when I need to.
First thing was a full service, then a drive to Paris, then NL. What a great trip!:
The focus of this car is to perform family duties ... quickly. I want it to be reliable but also fun.
Obviously I was going to mod it, I wanted to focus on suspension and limiting any understeer these cars may suffer from.
Plus a few other small changes here and there.
OEM badges back on:
Private plate:
In Wales:
Here is the car fully packed, I did remove the rear wiper, I know many won't agree but I've never had one on any of my cars (BMW coupes) so don't like them and don't think they're needed:
First set of mods, lowering springs, stiffer rear sway bar & OEM RS3 Brake ducts. Lowering springs instead of coils as I didn't need a whole lot of adjustability and just wanted a small drop. Stiffer rear sway bar to help understeer. Brake ducts as easy fit that helps brake cooling slightly.
I ended up adding adjustable rear sway bar links as the rear sway ended up super pre-loaded upon install:
Here it is lowered next to my brother's e46 330ci:
I later had some bushings installed, along with a "fast road" alignment. Front wishbone rear bushes for slightly sharper steering, front wishbone front bushes camber adjustable to add a small amount of negative camber and a lower engine mount to reduce engine movement under load - all made by powerflex and done at Regal Autosport:
Next was an impulse bought subwoofer as I have the stock sound system, very good for the price and completes the typical golf R owner mod haha:
I added a full set of splitter but only showing you the rear ones here as I don't like the side or front and I'm replacing them with better ones this weekend!:
Replaced the turbo inlet hose along with the turbo elbow, and a performance air filter for minor gains primarily just to tick it off:
Finally leaving you with a nice photo!
Absolutely love this car, front and side splitters going on saturday from TRC. Going to upgrade the brakes next I think!
Shortly before this time I'd been embarrassed on a roll by a MK7.5 Golf R Estate, which I didn't realise even existed. It was a surprise to me as I had stage 1 mapped the beemer, although likely the Golf was mapped too.
After discovering this news of another oil leak, I started looking at the wagons. I'd decided my next car had to be red, with only 10 Red MK7 Wagons on auto trader it wasn't hard to narrow the search down. These come decently specced from factory, with adaptive cruise, auto lights and wipers etc, so I wasn't really after much, mainly focusing on something that had been looked after well, low ish mileage and was ... red.
Here she is! Complete with terrible fake carbon fibre badges, which were removed fairly quickly ...
The car is absolutely sensational, it simply excels in any area. Traction is unbeatable, it handles like a dream, I can still pack the car for a holiday, with the kids in the back, and achieve 40mpg when I need to.
First thing was a full service, then a drive to Paris, then NL. What a great trip!:
The focus of this car is to perform family duties ... quickly. I want it to be reliable but also fun.
Obviously I was going to mod it, I wanted to focus on suspension and limiting any understeer these cars may suffer from.
Plus a few other small changes here and there.
OEM badges back on:
Private plate:
In Wales:
Here is the car fully packed, I did remove the rear wiper, I know many won't agree but I've never had one on any of my cars (BMW coupes) so don't like them and don't think they're needed:
First set of mods, lowering springs, stiffer rear sway bar & OEM RS3 Brake ducts. Lowering springs instead of coils as I didn't need a whole lot of adjustability and just wanted a small drop. Stiffer rear sway bar to help understeer. Brake ducts as easy fit that helps brake cooling slightly.
I ended up adding adjustable rear sway bar links as the rear sway ended up super pre-loaded upon install:
Here it is lowered next to my brother's e46 330ci:
I later had some bushings installed, along with a "fast road" alignment. Front wishbone rear bushes for slightly sharper steering, front wishbone front bushes camber adjustable to add a small amount of negative camber and a lower engine mount to reduce engine movement under load - all made by powerflex and done at Regal Autosport:
Next was an impulse bought subwoofer as I have the stock sound system, very good for the price and completes the typical golf R owner mod haha:
I added a full set of splitter but only showing you the rear ones here as I don't like the side or front and I'm replacing them with better ones this weekend!:
Replaced the turbo inlet hose along with the turbo elbow, and a performance air filter for minor gains primarily just to tick it off:
Finally leaving you with a nice photo!
Absolutely love this car, front and side splitters going on saturday from TRC. Going to upgrade the brakes next I think!
Put a couple of cable ties on the bonnet release cable to prevent it coming apart and preventing the bonnet opening.
https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/2...
https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/2...
Removed rear wiper on an estate! I assume you don't drive when it's raining or the roads are wet or perhaps you don't need to see behind the car in your rear view mirror.
My Leon hatchback definitely needs a rear wiper as did many previous hatchbacks & estates.
Removing a rear wiper is, in my opinion, just perceived style over function.
My Leon hatchback definitely needs a rear wiper as did many previous hatchbacks & estates.
Removing a rear wiper is, in my opinion, just perceived style over function.
Glosphil said:
Removed rear wiper on an estate! I assume you don't drive when it's raining or the roads are wet or perhaps you don't need to see behind the car in your rear view mirror.
My Leon hatchback definitely needs a rear wiper as did many previous hatchbacks & estates.
Removing a rear wiper is, in my opinion, just perceived style over function.
To each their own, fair enough if you like yours. I've never had an issues seeing out the rear, it's never required wiping for me to see and I've had it that way for almost a year now! I have friends who don't agree!My Leon hatchback definitely needs a rear wiper as did many previous hatchbacks & estates.
Removing a rear wiper is, in my opinion, just perceived style over function.
Great looking car
I never liked red cars and often avoided them, probably due to growing up in a period where red used to become racing pink... However I now own a red focus ST and love the colour
In terms of rear wiper is very careful dependent, BMWs tend to have a raked screen so never needed one, my old mini though, couldn't see out of the back after a run on a damp motorway
I never liked red cars and often avoided them, probably due to growing up in a period where red used to become racing pink... However I now own a red focus ST and love the colour
In terms of rear wiper is very careful dependent, BMWs tend to have a raked screen so never needed one, my old mini though, couldn't see out of the back after a run on a damp motorway
Congrats on the new whip.
I had the pleasure of running one for 12 months or so up until recently, but company car meant it had to go.
Perfect all-rounder imho.
Tip runs, holidays, kids, dog, 4wd (ok its not going to get me down the green lanes), more than quick enough for daily use (stage 1).
Enjoy
I had the pleasure of running one for 12 months or so up until recently, but company car meant it had to go.
Perfect all-rounder imho.
Tip runs, holidays, kids, dog, 4wd (ok its not going to get me down the green lanes), more than quick enough for daily use (stage 1).
Enjoy
Roboticarm said:
Great looking car
I never liked red cars and often avoided them, probably due to growing up in a period where red used to become racing pink... However I now own a red focus ST and love the colour
In terms of rear wiper is very careful dependent, BMWs tend to have a raked screen so never needed one, my old mini though, couldn't see out of the back after a run on a damp motorway
Thanks mate! My love for red came from my mum's old red e46 330 coupe!I never liked red cars and often avoided them, probably due to growing up in a period where red used to become racing pink... However I now own a red focus ST and love the colour
In terms of rear wiper is very careful dependent, BMWs tend to have a raked screen so never needed one, my old mini though, couldn't see out of the back after a run on a damp motorway
Alzy said:
Congrats on the new whip.
I had the pleasure of running one for 12 months or so up until recently, but company car meant it had to go.
Perfect all-rounder imho.
Tip runs, holidays, kids, dog, 4wd (ok its not going to get me down the green lanes), more than quick enough for daily use (stage 1).
Enjoy
Thanks mate, I agree fully, what a great spec there man! I had the pleasure of running one for 12 months or so up until recently, but company car meant it had to go.
Perfect all-rounder imho.
Tip runs, holidays, kids, dog, 4wd (ok its not going to get me down the green lanes), more than quick enough for daily use (stage 1).
Enjoy
Stage 1 - who did you go with? Would you recommend? Any issues?
Been holding off on a tune, but everyone seems to think its the go to mod on these cars, just want to make sure I go with a safe one - considering Revo's!
Yea i got lucky with this one. Fell into my lap and only a few mins up the road too.
I did absolutely nothing to it. It came as is. Well apart from removing the Firestones it had on there. Quickly replaced with Goodyear Asym's.
Spec from what i can remember:
Revo Stage 1
Revo TCU (shifting was a pleasure)
RacingLine R600 Cold Air Intake
90 degree turbo elbow
Dogbone mount
Turbo blanket
Eibach springs all round
Maxton bits and bobs
Rear ARB (cant remember brand).
Res delete.
GTI Clubsport front discs
in 14 months of having it i took it to Lake Como and back and a Disneyland Paris trip and back. Just shy of 15000 miles and the only thing i had to sort was a N/S/R wheel speed sensor.
Pulled like a train and didn't miss a beat.
I miss it dearly. Im trying to get the OH to sell her Abarth 595 and get another one.
Im probably going to get shot for this, but i never got the itch for more power.
I did absolutely nothing to it. It came as is. Well apart from removing the Firestones it had on there. Quickly replaced with Goodyear Asym's.
Spec from what i can remember:
Revo Stage 1
Revo TCU (shifting was a pleasure)
RacingLine R600 Cold Air Intake
90 degree turbo elbow
Dogbone mount
Turbo blanket
Eibach springs all round
Maxton bits and bobs
Rear ARB (cant remember brand).
Res delete.
GTI Clubsport front discs
in 14 months of having it i took it to Lake Como and back and a Disneyland Paris trip and back. Just shy of 15000 miles and the only thing i had to sort was a N/S/R wheel speed sensor.
Pulled like a train and didn't miss a beat.
I miss it dearly. Im trying to get the OH to sell her Abarth 595 and get another one.
Im probably going to get shot for this, but i never got the itch for more power.
Alzy said:
Yea i got lucky with this one. Fell into my lap and only a few mins up the road too.
I did absolutely nothing to it. It came as is. Well apart from removing the Firestones it had on there. Quickly replaced with Goodyear Asym's.
Spec from what i can remember:
Revo Stage 1
Revo TCU (shifting was a pleasure)
RacingLine R600 Cold Air Intake
90 degree turbo elbow
Dogbone mount
Turbo blanket
Eibach springs all round
Maxton bits and bobs
Rear ARB (cant remember brand).
Res delete.
GTI Clubsport front discs
in 14 months of having it i took it to Lake Como and back and a Disneyland Paris trip and back. Just shy of 15000 miles and the only thing i had to sort was a N/S/R wheel speed sensor.
Pulled like a train and didn't miss a beat.
I miss it dearly. Im trying to get the OH to sell her Abarth 595 and get another one.
Im probably going to get shot for this, but i never got the itch for more power.
Lovely mods! haha we went to DL Paris in it too!I did absolutely nothing to it. It came as is. Well apart from removing the Firestones it had on there. Quickly replaced with Goodyear Asym's.
Spec from what i can remember:
Revo Stage 1
Revo TCU (shifting was a pleasure)
RacingLine R600 Cold Air Intake
90 degree turbo elbow
Dogbone mount
Turbo blanket
Eibach springs all round
Maxton bits and bobs
Rear ARB (cant remember brand).
Res delete.
GTI Clubsport front discs
in 14 months of having it i took it to Lake Como and back and a Disneyland Paris trip and back. Just shy of 15000 miles and the only thing i had to sort was a N/S/R wheel speed sensor.
Pulled like a train and didn't miss a beat.
I miss it dearly. Im trying to get the OH to sell her Abarth 595 and get another one.
Im probably going to get shot for this, but i never got the itch for more power.
Another tick towards a REVO map then! I only have a small want for power as currently its stock.
Interesting thread! Looks like your car will be perfect for your needs.
I sold my E92 335i in November last year after purchasing a red Mk7 Golf GTI PP. I sat in a red Golf R estate from a dealer outside Winchester before doing so.
I had one eye on the future, as the 5 door Golf will be much more practical than a very long 2 door coupe, but I was getting really tired of, and frustrated with, my 335i. I ruined it with an exhaust that droned horrificly over much of my commute and it also didn't run perfectly despite shelling out for lots of parts and work. All signs pointed toward the Valvetronic shaft being the issue.
I have found the Golf to be the definition of competent so far. It doesn't have the character of my last hatchback, a nicely modified BMW E81 130i, but has much better suspension, a much better stereo (the Dynaudio upgrade) and I like the cabin with the exception of the dials. BMW did much better physical dials and I find the digital speedo is a necessity to understand speed accurately in the Golf. Having Carplay is a massive quality of life improvement and the Golf feels and sounds solid with no cabin creaks or rattles.
I have had the Golf serviced to replace all fluids and a defective heating element in one wing mirror so I have a solid base to work with. There is one small oil leak to address next service, but hopefully it will be reliable and cheap to run. When necessary I will replace the brake pads with low dust pads like EBC Red. I would like to explore moving the balance of the suspension more toward reactiveness and having a bit more support, and quite fancy a change of wheels to a set that is more motorsport inspired. However, I am content to (hopefully) enjoy the lower running cost of the Golf for another year, as there are some large life costs coming up imminently.
I sold my E92 335i in November last year after purchasing a red Mk7 Golf GTI PP. I sat in a red Golf R estate from a dealer outside Winchester before doing so.
I had one eye on the future, as the 5 door Golf will be much more practical than a very long 2 door coupe, but I was getting really tired of, and frustrated with, my 335i. I ruined it with an exhaust that droned horrificly over much of my commute and it also didn't run perfectly despite shelling out for lots of parts and work. All signs pointed toward the Valvetronic shaft being the issue.
I have found the Golf to be the definition of competent so far. It doesn't have the character of my last hatchback, a nicely modified BMW E81 130i, but has much better suspension, a much better stereo (the Dynaudio upgrade) and I like the cabin with the exception of the dials. BMW did much better physical dials and I find the digital speedo is a necessity to understand speed accurately in the Golf. Having Carplay is a massive quality of life improvement and the Golf feels and sounds solid with no cabin creaks or rattles.
I have had the Golf serviced to replace all fluids and a defective heating element in one wing mirror so I have a solid base to work with. There is one small oil leak to address next service, but hopefully it will be reliable and cheap to run. When necessary I will replace the brake pads with low dust pads like EBC Red. I would like to explore moving the balance of the suspension more toward reactiveness and having a bit more support, and quite fancy a change of wheels to a set that is more motorsport inspired. However, I am content to (hopefully) enjoy the lower running cost of the Golf for another year, as there are some large life costs coming up imminently.
roadie said:
Interesting thread! Looks like your car will be perfect for your needs.
I sold my E92 335i in November last year after purchasing a red Mk7 Golf GTI PP. I sat in a red Golf R estate from a dealer outside Winchester before doing so.
I had one eye on the future, as the 5 door Golf will be much more practical than a very long 2 door coupe, but I was getting really tired of, and frustrated with, my 335i. I ruined it with an exhaust that droned horrificly over much of my commute and it also didn't run perfectly despite shelling out for lots of parts and work. All signs pointed toward the Valvetronic shaft being the issue.
I have found the Golf to be the definition of competent so far. It doesn't have the character of my last hatchback, a nicely modified BMW E81 130i, but has much better suspension, a much better stereo (the Dynaudio upgrade) and I like the cabin with the exception of the dials. BMW did much better physical dials and I find the digital speedo is a necessity to understand speed accurately in the Golf. Having Carplay is a massive quality of life improvement and the Golf feels and sounds solid with no cabin creaks or rattles.
I have had the Golf serviced to replace all fluids and a defective heating element in one wing mirror so I have a solid base to work with. There is one small oil leak to address next service, but hopefully it will be reliable and cheap to run. When necessary I will replace the brake pads with low dust pads like EBC Red. I would like to explore moving the balance of the suspension more toward reactiveness and having a bit more support, and quite fancy a change of wheels to a set that is more motorsport inspired. However, I am content to (hopefully) enjoy the lower running cost of the Golf for another year, as there are some large life costs coming up imminently.
Thanks mate, sounds like we came from a similar scenario. I'd also had enough of the 335i! Sounds like you have a lovely spec there, and are looking after it well!I sold my E92 335i in November last year after purchasing a red Mk7 Golf GTI PP. I sat in a red Golf R estate from a dealer outside Winchester before doing so.
I had one eye on the future, as the 5 door Golf will be much more practical than a very long 2 door coupe, but I was getting really tired of, and frustrated with, my 335i. I ruined it with an exhaust that droned horrificly over much of my commute and it also didn't run perfectly despite shelling out for lots of parts and work. All signs pointed toward the Valvetronic shaft being the issue.
I have found the Golf to be the definition of competent so far. It doesn't have the character of my last hatchback, a nicely modified BMW E81 130i, but has much better suspension, a much better stereo (the Dynaudio upgrade) and I like the cabin with the exception of the dials. BMW did much better physical dials and I find the digital speedo is a necessity to understand speed accurately in the Golf. Having Carplay is a massive quality of life improvement and the Golf feels and sounds solid with no cabin creaks or rattles.
I have had the Golf serviced to replace all fluids and a defective heating element in one wing mirror so I have a solid base to work with. There is one small oil leak to address next service, but hopefully it will be reliable and cheap to run. When necessary I will replace the brake pads with low dust pads like EBC Red. I would like to explore moving the balance of the suspension more toward reactiveness and having a bit more support, and quite fancy a change of wheels to a set that is more motorsport inspired. However, I am content to (hopefully) enjoy the lower running cost of the Golf for another year, as there are some large life costs coming up imminently.
Lovely colour choice.. although I'm biased, having had a MK7R hatch in red. They are fantastic all rounders and the estate version even more so with it's boot capacity.
Couple of things I'd do if I was to buy one; Stage 1 engine and TCU map from Unicorn, basic handling upgrades (like you have done) and make sure the bonnet release cable tie mod has been done too. Sadly, I'd also look into additional physical security measures (CCTV, Bollard, Disklok, etc) because unfortunately scumbags really like these cars as well.
Couple of things I'd do if I was to buy one; Stage 1 engine and TCU map from Unicorn, basic handling upgrades (like you have done) and make sure the bonnet release cable tie mod has been done too. Sadly, I'd also look into additional physical security measures (CCTV, Bollard, Disklok, etc) because unfortunately scumbags really like these cars as well.
toughmat88 said:
Following this with interest.
Im looking to get back into another estate but move from diesel to petrol as i mostly wfh, was looking at Audi S4 Avant but looking at the R are swaying me, newer and more eco.
Keep us updated
Good plan! I also love the S4 Avant, but yeah as your said the Rs are cheaper to runIm looking to get back into another estate but move from diesel to petrol as i mostly wfh, was looking at Audi S4 Avant but looking at the R are swaying me, newer and more eco.
Keep us updated
RS Grant said:
Lovely colour choice.. although I'm biased, having had a MK7R hatch in red. They are fantastic all rounders and the estate version even more so with it's boot capacity.
Couple of things I'd do if I was to buy one; Stage 1 engine and TCU map from Unicorn, basic handling upgrades (like you have done) and make sure the bonnet release cable tie mod has been done too. Sadly, I'd also look into additional physical security measures (CCTV, Bollard, Disklok, etc) because unfortunately scumbags really like these cars as well.
Thanks mate! Couple of things I'd do if I was to buy one; Stage 1 engine and TCU map from Unicorn, basic handling upgrades (like you have done) and make sure the bonnet release cable tie mod has been done too. Sadly, I'd also look into additional physical security measures (CCTV, Bollard, Disklok, etc) because unfortunately scumbags really like these cars as well.
I've heard unicorn can sometimes push a car too hard? Although could be only one person's experience. Do you rate them? I did do some digging and he only maps them along with the TCU these days costing upwards of 1k... Happy to pay for something quality but reticent to map the TCU and put it under extra strain - at least with an ECU map you can spend most of the time not utilising full boost, with a TCU map they're forcing faster shifts constantly!
What's this bonnet cable tie thing a few have mentioned? I did read a thread but confused as to what the issue is and also how to fix it?
84Reasons said:
toughmat88 said:
Following this with interest.
Im looking to get back into another estate but move from diesel to petrol as i mostly wfh, was looking at Audi S4 Avant but looking at the R are swaying me, newer and more eco.
Keep us updated
Good plan! I also love the S4 Avant, but yeah as your said the Rs are cheaper to runIm looking to get back into another estate but move from diesel to petrol as i mostly wfh, was looking at Audi S4 Avant but looking at the R are swaying me, newer and more eco.
Keep us updated
84Reasons said:
Thanks mate!
I've heard unicorn can sometimes push a car too hard? Although could be only one person's experience. Do you rate them? I did do some digging and he only maps them along with the TCU these days costing upwards of 1k... Happy to pay for something quality but reticent to map the TCU and put it under extra strain - at least with an ECU map you can spend most of the time not utilising full boost, with a TCU map they're forcing faster shifts constantly!
What's this bonnet cable tie thing a few have mentioned? I did read a thread but confused as to what the issue is and also how to fix it?
There's a clip holding two ends of the bonnet release cable together just behind the drivers side headlight, if it comes undone for whatever reason (it's quiet common) it means the lever end of the cable is not connected to the bonnet catch end of the cable so when you pull the lever nothing happens and you can't open the bonnet. The clip that holds the two bits of the cable together is located under the bonnet that you now can't open so it's a major PITA to fix that involves removing a wheel and wheel arch liner.I've heard unicorn can sometimes push a car too hard? Although could be only one person's experience. Do you rate them? I did do some digging and he only maps them along with the TCU these days costing upwards of 1k... Happy to pay for something quality but reticent to map the TCU and put it under extra strain - at least with an ECU map you can spend most of the time not utilising full boost, with a TCU map they're forcing faster shifts constantly!
What's this bonnet cable tie thing a few have mentioned? I did read a thread but confused as to what the issue is and also how to fix it?
The ball on the end of this cable is supposed to be held in the white plastic socket in the next photo
You can see the white socket is broken on one side and let the ball out.
Internet folklore says you can force the bonnet slightly open with a pry-bar enough to allow access to undo the bolts holding the catch to the underside of the bonnet using a double jointed 10mm wrentch/socket. I bought one especialy but my fingers were too fat and not double jointed enough so I couldn't manage it this way.
Before it comes apart or breaks you can just put a couple of cable ties around the white plastic bit to prevent it coming apart. Open the bonnet and follow the release cable back from the catch, it's easy to find and fix before it breaks. VW charged me £280 to fix it after I gave up trying to fix it myself.
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