MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => How to Guides / Troubleshooting => Topic started by: illektronik on May 29, 2010, 01:14:02 am

Title: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: illektronik on May 29, 2010, 01:14:02 am
I know I've seem some Recaro Sport Buckets fitted into some Golf MK5s, but I haven't ever seen a write up which covered the process.

Is there anyone here that's tackled it? I'm looking at a set of front seats from an RS4 B7 and wanted to know if...

1. They will directly bolt on?
I know the S3 sport seats fit (which are essentially the same), but will I need new rails from the S3 to replace the RS4 rails?

2. Wiring looms. Is there a DIY on how these can be adapted?

Any leads or other thread links with useful info would be great.

Thanks guys.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: DaveB@Vagbremtechnic on May 29, 2010, 09:58:06 am
N8KOW is your man, just put them into his A3 sport back.

Very nice too by all accounts
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 29, 2010, 10:43:52 am
^^^^
If your car (GTI) wasn't delivered from the VW factory with the Recaro option, you'll see the airbag warning light on startup. It disappears after all the startup checks are completed - Nothing you can do about it, not even VCDS.

Do a Search for threads discussing it (one of mine IIRC).

Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: paulk on May 29, 2010, 10:44:44 am
my s3 seats needed recaro risistors but the heated parts just plugged in ...if you can get a pic of the runners etc ill see if there the same
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 29, 2010, 10:47:19 am
my s3 seats needed recaro risistors but the heated parts just plugged in ...if you can get a pic of the runners etc ill see if there the same

....I've forgotten why off the top of my head, but using resistors is not a good idea. But perhaps you're talking about different resistors. It's all discussed in the thread you guys will be searching for.. Gotta dash..........
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: paulk on May 29, 2010, 10:50:10 am
there are no air bags in the recaro buckets , some the resistors are the most comon way round the air bag lights when changing seats..many tunners recomended this option..
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 29, 2010, 10:58:13 am
there are no air bags in the recaro buckets , some the resistors are the most comon way round the air bag lights when changing seats..many tunners recomended this option..

....Indeed some tuners do. But tuners aren't gods who are right about absolutely everything. I remember there is a reason to avoid resistors - it's in that thread IIRC. Yep, no airbags in Recaro's.. hence the no airbag light discussion here.

I've got Recaro's and have been through this process myself.

F1 Quali..... Byeeeeeeeeeeee



Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: paulk on May 29, 2010, 11:00:57 am
ill take look bud.When i fitted my ones this was the best option.Interested in what you found out   :happy2:
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 29, 2010, 01:54:21 pm
^^^^
I've been searching and found I wrote this:

"On the subject of re-coding the air-bag controller etc, the latest is that it's not possible without some very major alterations involving looms and long-number codes.

However, I have established through my very helpful VW dealers and, independently, Volkswagen Racing, that all the initial airbag de-activated warning is at initial startup is the systems check flagging no connection to the front seats. It then disappears after the systems check is completed. Subsequently, if there is indeed a problem with the car's existing airbags, that system check warning will remain on. So it's all safe!"


Thread is as linky below, but not the one which included resistor info, so I'll continue searching.

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3742.0.html
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: illektronik on May 29, 2010, 03:24:52 pm
Wow. It's been a vusy thread while I've been away. Thanks guys.

The seats I'm referring to are these:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recaro.com%2Fuploads%2Fpics%2FAudi_S3_innen_02.jpg&hash=a9e9ac24ac2e2ae21ea0207d84ca0052b9681f74)

They're essentially the same as the R32 buckets, but with slightly different trim. I'm sure I've seen these particular seats retrofitted into a GTI. I'll have to take another look around.

I'll have a read of those thread provided (Thanks RR), but just had concerns about fitment as they're coming from an RS4 and not an S3.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 29, 2010, 03:58:44 pm
^^^^
Yep, I reckon they are the same Recaro design but a different cover. The floor runners might be different but hopefully will be the same. If not, I expect something can be modded but def worth checking before buying.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: WYTHIT on May 30, 2010, 08:47:38 am
Wow. It's been a vusy thread while I've been away. Thanks guys.

The seats I'm referring to are these:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recaro.com%2Fuploads%2Fpics%2FAudi_S3_innen_02.jpg&hash=a9e9ac24ac2e2ae21ea0207d84ca0052b9681f74)

They're essentially the same as the R32 buckets, but with slightly different trim. I'm sure I've seen these particular seats retrofitted into a GTI. I'll have to take another look around.

I'll have a read of those thread provided (Thanks RR), but just had concerns about fitment as they're coming from an RS4 and not an S3.

Very nice seats indeed
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on May 30, 2010, 08:59:39 am

The seats I'm referring to are these:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recaro.com%2Fuploads%2Fpics%2FAudi_S3_innen_02.jpg&hash=a9e9ac24ac2e2ae21ea0207d84ca0052b9681f74)

They're essentially the same as the R32 buckets, but with slightly different trim. I'm sure I've seen these particular seats retrofitted into a GTI. I'll have to take another look around.

I'll have a read of those thread provided (Thanks RR), but just had concerns about fitment as they're coming from an RS4 and not an S3.


....Yep, that pic is the Recaro's in the S3 and spec listed on the Recaro site seems different from the GTI's Recaro CCCLS, though only in things like heating.

Recaro don't list RS4 but do list a RS6 and RS5 seat - Again all very similar.

https://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=5499&L=2.

Btw, my Recaro's in my GTI came from a Mk5 R32 and bolted straight in (I reupholstered them in GTI Interlagos):

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FMods%2FR32Interlagos.jpg&hash=ac973b943c8d879d075c73414f05883d9af0a59b)

^ Important you make sure that any seats you buy include the safety belt stalk.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: mortygttdi on June 05, 2010, 08:40:31 pm
This is Chris Lomax's GTI with RS4 seats in,  hope he doesn't mind me using this pic :happy2:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fu01msm3%2FRandom%2FDSC_0471.jpg&hash=64fe5ec26b536cb3b35cd43b72135fed2e6aa5a8)

Darren
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: paulk on June 05, 2010, 08:57:52 pm
i love these seats  :drool:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fff167%2Fp7ulk%2Fin3.jpg&hash=1c7e23e1f2d651de3aca0519c66bf953c35a2ee4)

thats why i have some :signLOL:
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: carlsson on June 25, 2010, 03:16:39 am
just buy lomax's whole interior dude

price is good too
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: illektronik on June 25, 2010, 03:29:49 am
I would love to, but that price is for a trade for stock seats. I'm based in Oz, so that's going to get tricky and double shipping costs.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: plush-automotive on June 25, 2010, 12:13:12 pm
can i play,

I have RS4 cabriolet seats UBER rare, as the normal rs4's come out of a 4 door so they don't tilt unlike the cabby ones.

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fv653%2FM444SSY%2FDSC_1917.jpg&hash=6fcd607f75db04d400c764c2b03da70f55df8101)



The rs4 seats have motorised bolsters and lumber supports and back supports none of the other models do this as well we also have these wired up so they are fully functional.

the only thing you need to modyfy on the runners is the audi fllor plan has a locating hole so the runner has a small metal stalk on that you need to shave off to make it sit flat on the vw floor as this doesnt have the locating hole in. Or drill the floor in your car but i know what i'd rather do ha ha.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: illektronik on June 25, 2010, 01:47:12 pm
You sure can.  :smiley: Thanks for the tip with the floor rail.  :happy2:

Did the plug for the airbags plug straight in, or did it require modification?


PS> Thanks for the input RR, Darren and Dave. Much appreciated.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: N8KOW on July 12, 2010, 08:26:37 pm
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fs10tyg%2FPhotoshoot%2FDSC07573.jpg&hash=57f7784687c8bee87391b1c11e7e0dbaad1d44e0)

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fs10tyg%2FPhotoshoot%2FDSC07571.jpg&hash=95798347ce39f4fae837762b79ed959d16a859c4)

Still working on gettin the heating/airbag working, but bolsters are all working.
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: big al on July 12, 2010, 10:04:32 pm
You damn elitists, you know I hate you ALL!!!!!
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: DaveB@Vagbremtechnic on July 12, 2010, 10:25:26 pm
N8 you lunatic, first time Ive seen them. Awesome!
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: N8KOW on July 12, 2010, 10:33:54 pm
Ur a good lad Dave, will call you during the week  :P
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: paulk on July 12, 2010, 10:41:49 pm
n8kow who did the carbon wrap on the front seat backs ?
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: illektronik on July 13, 2010, 02:01:37 am
Nice stuff N8KOW.  :congrats:

Look forward to some info on the heating/airbag. What model RS4 B7 did they originally come out of?

Didn't the B7 RS4 Cabriolet Recaro's come with side airbags, or is it just the wiring you're having looked at?

So many bloody variables between models with these seats. Does my head in.  :sad1:


Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: RedRobin on July 13, 2010, 11:07:47 am
.
@ N8KOW:
I wonder where you got the idea of carbon vinyl wrapping the seat backs  :wink: :wink:

All looks good  :happy2:
Title: Re: RS4 Recaro Sport Bucket Seat Retrofit
Post by: N8KOW on July 13, 2010, 02:29:08 pm
A signwriter from Manchester did mine, I can pass on his number if you like!

@ Red Robin. John told me about your seat backs, and I needed to sort out my door trims and something for the air ride controller. So 3M was the best option really, and as I was having the re-trim, perfect time for it to get done, yours inspired me for sure  :happy2: