MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: Boothy on April 30, 2009, 03:39:16 pm
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Whats the crack with DSG? Is it any good and is it easy to get used to after driving a manual for 12 years? I've read loads of confusing stuff about sitting on the brake at traffic lights and clutches wearing out etc etc. Seems a bit of a mixed bag so was hoping somebody could shed some light on it.
Am I right in thinking that the paddles on the wheel don't come as standard with the DSG box too? :confused:
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The short bit of answering your question is that it's only the early GTI's that didn't have paddles - They all do now that VW have realised that most of us will drive DSG exactly as if a Manual and not an Automatic.
I'll come back to you on the other part of your question shortly..............
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It's like an advanced auto with a number of different ways to drive. Normal 'auto', 'sport' and manually via either the gear lever or the flappy paddles.
It is supposedly quicker than driving a manual and certainly no slower .... I have DSG on my Ed 30 and love it - but I live in London; a world of speed humps and traffic jams! If I lived in a nice quiet area with good B roads I would favour a manual.....
It is true you have to sit at lights with your foot on the brake otherwise it will just go forward .... but just pop it into neutral and use the handbrake if necessary. A normal auto (torque converter type as opposed to twin clutch as DSG) can be held on the handbrake to prevent it creeping forwards .... but the DSG is too strong for that so has to be held on the foot brake or out of gear in neutral.
FWIW I think many more people prefer DSG to manual once they have tried it but it is a bit 'marmite' .... love it or hate it.
I love it - and wouldn't swap it due to the type of driving I do and where I live .... but on a 'spirited' drive I always want a manual for the control.
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1st slushbox I've ever owned and only the DSG was good enough to sway me.
D = lazy auto driving for traffic and cruising, knock it in N and use the handbrake when stopped BTW.
S = well, I haven't actually found a use for it yet, it's D but more frantic.
M = full manual control, so long as you don't hit the limiter, it'll stay in the gear you choose giving total control. There's remaps in the pipeline to fine tune it further to your requirements.
I haven't heard of clutches wearing either.
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Some blogs I've read state that whilst holding it on the brake the clutch is at constant biting point? Is this right and won't that shorten clutch life considerably?
Its 2006 car so is it likely to have paddles?
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DSG is the best of both worlds. The trick is not to think of it as an automatic. You can drive it solely like an automatic if you want and just pop into S-mode for fast overtakes or twisties, or drive it totally as a manual (as I now do) and only pop into D-mode just for traffic queues or urban.
Whichever mode you are in you can temporarily override it and also you can mix and combine use of modes to suit the dynamics of the driving conditions and environment.
There is a learning curve but only in becoming familiar with the many optional combinations. I've now done 66k miles with DSG and would never have anything else. I'm being given a 7-speed DSG supercharged car to play with soon - I can't see the point of 7-speed yet - 6-speed is plenty.
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7 speed if for the smaller engines to get more out of them - increase efficiency bla bla bla
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That seems to have cleared up a few things.
Cheers peeps! :happy2:
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D = knock it in N and use the handbrake when stopped BTW.
....That's the subject of much debate. I never use the handbrake unless parking. P or N for me.
S = well, I haven't actually found a use for it yet, it's D but more frantic.
....I don't find it frantic at all but others seem to think it is. Try using it when you approach a very busy multi junctioned roundabout (Milton Keynes in the rush hour): Pop from M to S as you approach (also engine braking) > S will give you a fast green light on the opportunity > exit and pop back to M ready for the next.
:happy2:
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7 speed if for the smaller engines to get more out of them - increase efficiency bla bla bla
....The 7-speed toy I'll be playing with is a much bigger engine and a V.
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Last thing to be awkward.
Has anyone fitted a blow off/dump valve to a dsg and if so do they sound like they should? The gear change seems to be so fast with so little let off is there anything to er, blow out?
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I :love: DSG I use mine in "D" all the time, changing gear with the paddles and letting it slip into Auto ( 20 secs ) when in traffic / town. Flicking down from 6th to 3rd for an overtake is superb and seamless.
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Last thing to be awkward.
Has anyone fitted a blow off/dump valve to a dsg and if so do they sound like they should? The gear change seems to be so fast with so little let off is there anything to er, blow out?
....Ask as many questions as you want - We'll always try and answer them if we can.
I would advise against the extra blow-off pssshhh thingy. The Forge DV is more robust though the stock DV has been recently improved.
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D = knock it in N and use the handbrake when stopped BTW.
....That's the subject of much debate. I never use the handbrake unless parking. P or N for me.
S = well, I haven't actually found a use for it yet, it's D but more frantic.
....I don't find it frantic at all but others seem to think it is. Try using it when you approach a very busy multi junctioned roundabout (Milton Keynes in the rush hour): Pop from M to S as you approach (also engine braking) > S will give you a fast green light on the opportunity > exit and pop back to M ready for the next.
:happy2:
Handbrake & N = force of habit from when I was taught to drive. If you were to pass out or get hit by another car, it won't shoot off anywhere under its own steam.
S example, I just use manual for the same thing Robin.
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I :love: DSG I use mine in "D" all the time, changing gear with the paddles and letting it slip into Auto ( 20 secs ) when in traffic / town. Flicking down from 6th to 3rd for an overtake is superb and seamless.
^ The perfect example of how we can each adopt the combination using DSG which suits us individually. My use is opposite to yours, Mick - I'm always in Manual mode and always in the optimum gear - I'd be anticipating the need for 3rd well before needing to shift from 6th. If I'm in 6th I tend to shift to 5th as soon as I lift off the throttle a bit even if I'm almost immediately back to 6th as the future unfolds.
It's a great system for everybody but only if you can have an open mind to it.
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Would a blow off valve cause issues then?
This is great this.....its like a GTI online oracle!
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S example, I just use manual for the same thing Robin.
....So do I usually. It's just those big junction situations where everybody else is in a frantic hurry and going "after me you're first" (I'm used to London) - It's just another option which the DSG can help with.
Another great feature of DSG is that you can keep both hands on the wheel while shifting gear.
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Would a blow off valve cause issues then?
....Not that I know of but it does release air which changes the DV system as designed to work best.
This is great this.....its like a GTI online oracle!
^ Gotta be the quote of the day!
Most of us pride ourselves in helping others and our reward is being helped. I think it's correct to say that the site owners actively want this site to be a great resource for the Mk5 GTI. [I'm not one of the owners btw]
:happy2:
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Robin's not the owner but he IS the Oracle :grin:
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Robin's not the owner but he IS the Oracle :grin:
^ :signLOL:
Linky : - Consult The Oracle.... (http://www.buddhatrance.com/the-oracle) < Then click on the loaded image and enter full screen and activate.
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It's a great system for everybody but only if you can have an open mind to it.
YES! And double YES! That for me sums up why people tend to hate DSG. It's almost as if some people are reluctant to give it a chance. They ridicule the idea. This may well come from reputation and persona the more traditional automatics gained; of them being "lazy" and "boring".
My DSG ED30 is my first ever automatic. And it has made the choice of manual/auto very difficult for my next vehicle.
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Some blogs I've read state that whilst holding it on the brake the clutch is at constant biting point? Is this right and won't that shorten clutch life considerably?
The DSG box has two wet plate clutches and these are designed to last the lifetime of the car. Once you remap there will be extra wear and maybe even some clutch slip :innocent: at times, but overall the capability, lifespan and performance of the clutches will be much better than an equivalently modified manual.
If you are looking at an '06 model then you will need the DSG service in one year, which costs between £200-300 depending on where you have it done. At the same time the cambelt will need changing (manual or DSG), which again will cost. :smiley:
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DSG. It's the future :smiley:
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^ ^ ^ ^ +1 :happy2:
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I have just bought an 07 DSG GTi and it rocks and I love it to bits!!!! If your thinking about it go try one!!!!!
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Go out and try one - it's fantastic to drive and great for commuting in traffic. All the advantages of an auto with less of the downsides. Better 0-60 time and fuel economy too, and thats despite the extra weight!
On and Re: Neutral and Handbrake, I do the same - it's just good road craft to secure the vehicle when stationary.
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I think manuals much more fun to drive.. especially in a high performance car.
It makes you have more control over the road.
DSG to me, is quicker, without a doubt, but NOT fun to drive. Its just put your foot down and your off.
The manual gives you that kick when you change gear - you dont get that from a DSG/automatic
My opinion anyway :innocent:
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It makes you have more control over the road.
DSG to me, is quicker, without a doubt, but NOT fun to drive. Its just put your foot down and your off.
The manual gives you that kick when you change gear - you dont get that from a DSG/automatic
....I'm sorry but that simply isn't true. Whereas I can totally accept that you get much more fun from driving a manual, you can easily get a kick when paddle shifting on DSG. You appear to be describing what DSG is like when staying in D-mode but you can stay in M-mode and think and shift exactly as you would in a conventional manual - The only difference being that you don't have to use a clutch pedal or wrist movements through a gate.
I'm not claiming that one is better than the other but just pointing out the differences and trying to dispel the prejudices and assumptions about DSG.
:happy2:
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Well put Robin, that would have been my reply. I’ve always maintained that anyone who criticises the DSG has not had long enough behind the wheel to fully appreciate its depths. A basic test drive is nowhere near long enough to get the best from it.
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RedRobin,
Yes i haven't tried DSG. :innocent:
Therefore, because i haven't, its very hard to get a DSG when you don't know what its like and you may then end up not liking it.
I'll think i'll get one in my next car ^^; - with paddles :happy2:
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Just found this thread, as I was unsure about shifting to N at the lights / in traffic etc etc. But it does seem to be the norm.
So far as DSG being the best, I have driven autos for most of my life, but I do love getting into the wifes 207GTi for a true driving experience.
Last car was a Cayenne TT with triptronic (DSG will still not handle the power of a twin turbo V8) and can say that the KN box still feels better than the DSG, much smoother and always in the right gear. Suppose the power and torque have a lot to do with this.
The porker never crept (backwards or forwards) the triptronic was immediate, but smooth.
DSG in the new Carrera is very similar to its little sister in the Golf but not a great improvement over the triptronic, well not as much as the sales guys would have you believe.
Well I hope that I grow to love the DSG only been two weeks and a few hundred miles so many months of learning to go.
But at the mo, DSG definitely not the best autobox out there. I think the fact that there are re-maps for the DSG qualify this.
Just my 2p
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Hi nc35,
Try using the DSG as a Manual and only using the D-mode as you might an automatic when crawling in traffic jams or perhaps around town. I think you may get more enjoyment out of the DSG that way.
:happy2:
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Must admit that's how I ran the porker when in the mood.
4th & 5th were the only gears needed really sooooo much low down grunt
in auto the car never used 1st. You always had to manually select it.
Triptrinic was very good. Similar to the golf you had 20 sec or so where you
were in complete control. It only changed up at the rev limiter or down to prevent a stall.
Easily enough time to drop a cog for the twisties or overtaking.
No sports mode at all.
Still the best car I have ever owned, but you can have 3 or 4 good spec Gtis for the same price and just as much fun.
lookng forward to getting "into" the Golf. 1st thing I have noticed not treated like a pric anymore
by strangers and other road users.
And this forum is awesome.
The kind sole that torched the kn may have done me a favour :grin:
feel like a 20 something with a new toy
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If you are looking at an '06 model then you will need the DSG service in one year, which costs between £200-300 depending on where you have it done. At the same time the cambelt will need changing (manual or DSG), which again will cost. :smiley:
so is this service due every 4years? or is it down to miles?
hi btw 1st post :D
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^^^^
I think it's years or mileage - Whichever is reached first.
Warm Welcome to the forum, edd :happy2:
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ahh, im about to buy a 06 dsg and this s handy to know! i will get the service pack so i dont have to fork out for that big service!
sorry to hijack the thread but is there anything else i should be checking on a 06 gti dsg?
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^^^^
I think it's years or mileage - Whichever is reached first.
Warm Welcome to the forum, edd :happy2:
Does this apply to an 09 DSG as well? Been driving a 6-speed DSG Gti for 5 weeks. :drool:
Using N and handbrakes at traffic lights, driving on 'D' but using the paddle shifts to initiate manual gear down for passing cars. :smiley:
*hic* my second post* :grin:
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Does this apply to an 09 DSG as well? Been driving a 6-speed DSG Gti for 5 weeks. :drool:
Using N and handbrakes at traffic lights, driving on 'D' but using the paddle shifts to initiate manual gear down for passing cars. :smiley:
*hic* my second post* :grin:
....And A Warm Welcome to this forum to you too! :happy2:
The downside of leaving the DSG in D but overriding with the paddles is that after about 30 seconds the gears will automatically revert back to D mode. That isn't always a problem but can catch you out in some circumstances - I find it much easier to pop the floor stick into M, but the paddles override can also be very helpful in other circumstances.
At first I used to always stay in D and pop in and out of S-mode for overtakes. But now I've been trained to always be in the optimum gear for instant power or braking rather than loll around relying on the engine's torque. The optimum gear will give you the revs to be able to quickly accelerate or for helpful engine braking, although you can also paddleshift more than one gear at a time (something which works particularly well on a remapped DSG box).
Nowadays I only use D for traffic jam crawls or going through 30 limit villages and towns and I'm otherwise constantly in M. I tried using both D and S on the Nurburgring and the fact is that M gives you much more control.
That's the thing about DSG and S-tronic (Audi version) - There are so many different combinations you can use and it's just a matter of experimenting and getting used to them. Some drivers only think of DSG as a latest-state-of-the-art automatic transmission but it's rather more than just that. I've done over 70,000 miles and wouldn't have another car without DSG or its equivalent - Not even a Ferrari!
Experiment - You won't break it.
Hope this helps :smiley:
P.S. - This applies to both 6-speed Mk5 and 7-speed DSG boxes of tricks.
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:happy2: I really liked it. First thing is that in the city you will never put with manual from one traffic light to another from 1st to 6st gear. DSG does that, so fuell consumption is better than in the manual. Acceleration is better than in manual. The sound from the exaust beetween shifting is avesome :laugh: I can do this all day long just listening the BOOOM boom boooom :grin:
:confused: Thing that I don't like (excluding cost of repair when got broken) is that when you let say turning right from main road to another road and slowing down. It is anoying feeling couse car don't know that you will brake and than give power back, in manual you just live it in same gear (3th), here DSG goes in 2nd and than not shifting back immidiatly on 3th and I really don't like this... Still I can switch in manual... Next thing is time which is needed to shift when you put your foot down to the grown. If you had in 6th before car is shifting in 4th, this is the same clutch as it for 6th and this can be slow... Still you can shift to S or manual...
It is great aftherall... I can't wait to try double clutch with S3 or the new Chayman. Someone done that already?
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Well advanced driving and motorcraft teaches
"gear for go brake for slow"
Not so much with modern & performance cars, using the engine to brake from a high speed unsettles the car.
So compromising steering, braking & traction.
Personally in most situations I would prefer the brakes to take the wear than an expensive DSG box.
Think I must be getting too old. :signLOL:
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Well advanced driving and motorcraft teaches
"gear for go brake for slow"
Not so much with modern & performance cars, using the engine to brake from a high speed unsettles the car.
So compromising steering, braking & traction.
Personally in most situations I would prefer the brakes to take the wear than an expensive DSG box.
Think I must be getting too old. :signLOL:
....Well, we each have our own driving styles and habits and as I've been driving for over 40 years I do tend to use the gears sometimes for slowing - Try slowing down in something like a 2-ton Rover with drum brakes! I nearly wiped out the population of a small hamlet once!
Though thinking about it more, I tend to shift down the gears after I'm off the throttle rather than while braking. My intention being to always arrive, say at a 30 limit sign, at 30mph and in a lower gear so I have more instant control if needed.
:happy2:
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1st slushbox I've ever owned and only the DSG was good enough to sway me.
DSG ain't a slushbox. There's no torque converter.
Technically it's a sequential manual gearbox but calling it a robotised manual is also correct.
@Red - To quote another driver of your vintage, Jackie Stewart - "brakes are for slowing, gears are for going" - i.e., in a road car one should use brakes to slow with preference over engine braking.
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@Red - To quote another driver of your vintage, Jackie Stewart - "brakes are for slowing, gears are for going" - i.e., in a road car one should use brakes to slow with preference over engine braking.
....I have in fact greatly reduced my 'bad' habit since having my DSG GTI.
What I was trying to get across is that it's good practice to be constantly in the optimum gear rather than use all the torque.
In general driving conditions I look far enough ahead to simply get off the throttle and often not need the brakes because I have anticipated what's going on.
:happy2:
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Yep that's how I drive too.
I did used to try to get from Leeds to London (M1) without touching the brakes :grin:
Think I only ever managed it once. Always some numpty filling the "safe gap" between you and the car in front. Or the horror of everyone's brake lights and emergency stops for no obvious reason.
Hate going out, with the wife driving. Never a constant throttle position, just on off on off, and then touch the brakes, for no reason.
Good job I don't get car sick, 'cos I feel like a nodding dog when sat in the passenger seat :grin:
And never ever try to suggest her driving could be smoother. Instant castration.
Perhaps a lower performance car for her next time.
Didn't know how old you were RR, but guessing ~ 55 to 60 (don't know if you started driving off road before your license)
In my mind you were at least 2 decades +++ younger :surprised:
I know I feel like an old(ish) man in a young mans car. Everyone else I see in one looks like there are in their 20's
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@Red & NC35 - I try to be easy and avoid using the brakes also :P There's all these stories of the old NASCAR drivers back in the sixties - their chief mechanics would get them to drive from Detroit to Chicago and back without using the brakes once!
And I know how you feel about the SO/other people driving, jeez, I find it terrifying sometimes. Worst was when I was in the US recently and my friends there drove with the American Waver - where they wobble about from one edge of their gigantic lane to the other like a ping-ping ball. I do not make a very good passenger.
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Didn't know how old you were RR, but guessing ~ 55 to 60 (don't know if you started driving off road before your license)
In my mind you were at least 2 decades +++ younger :surprised:
I know I feel like an old(ish) man in a young mans car. Everyone else I see in one looks like there are in their 20's
....I'm 62 but I don't mind growing old just as long as I don't have to grow up!
TC pointed out that my first ever track experience was this year on The Ring at 62 :laugh:
The downside is though that I'm now divorced and the only ladies I fancy seem to be in their 30's.
:drinking:
Anyway, back on the subject of DSG................
Just Think Manual and who cares if you aren't using your left foot.
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Hats off to you
in the nicest possible way, you act and sound like someone in their 20's. The way to go!!! isn't 60's the new 30's :wink:
Many of us on here could learn a lot from you.
BTW -
Advanced driving @ 25
Motorbike License @ 29
my first track session was @ 29 - Motorbike race school
Now I try to do a track day (on the bike or in the old KN) at least once a year.
The Ring was 2 years ago on the Ducati - not so enjoyable way to many other on the track doing all sorts of speeds and all sorts of abilities. Came away wanting to go again but thinking I was lucky to be in one piece.
Happy motoring, looking forward to the day I meet you. :happy2:
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^^^^
Ducati's and Harley's are my favourite bikes :notworthy:
Bikes seem to go off the road more often than cars on The Ring but there's all sorts of abilities driving the cars too - Hence the insurance difficulties. I'm actually much more concerned about other drivers (both bikes and cars) than the Nordschleife itself. Going there again in a few weeks.
Look forward to meeting you one day too :happy2:
Meanwhile Have Fun but Safe Journeys!
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Hate going out, with the wife driving. Never a constant throttle position, just on off on off, and then touch the brakes, for no reason.
Good job I don't get car sick, 'cos I feel like a nodding dog when sat in the passenger seat :grin:
And never ever try to suggest her driving could be smoother. Instant castration.
Perhaps a lower performance car for her next time.
@nc35
Wifeys don't take to driving like we do. We drive for the *rush* and *kick*, they drive as a utility. Concur on keeping my gap shut. Gotten chewed by her on more than one occasion, and felt it no different from a pitbull chew.
And my take is to continue to keep a high performance car for her. That way, folks who drive alongside her car and behind her car will stay back to enjoy the view, not knowing if and when the car will 'take off'. Reduces the risk of unwanted knocks.
BTW, keep the windows on high tint if its only the car that you want folks to admire, stay clear, and dream about. :grin:
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Well it there is a bit more to think about :-(
Idiots cut her up want to race her etc etc
We have actually taken the GTi badge off - still looks like one though.
Sad I know but we take keys to bed incase the house is broken into.
Started when we got the Porsche.
So in reality the thing is a bit of a liability. You can't have anything nice anymore 'cos someone will make you pay.
Well million miles away from original thread sorry everyone
Going up to the Lakes today, will put DSG in M and try go fall in love with the box.
Sorry for the rant
Well rear windows are tinted as standard
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Well it there is a bit more to think about :-(
Idiots cut her up want to race her etc etc
We have actually taken the GTi badge off - still looks like one though.
Sad I know but we take keys to bed incase the house is broken into.
Started when we got the Porsche.
So in reality the thing is a bit of a liability. You can't have anything nice anymore 'cos someone will make you pay.
Well million miles away from original thread sorry everyone
Going up to the Lakes today, will put DSG in M and try go fall in love with the box.
Sorry for the rant
Well rear windows are tinted as standard
this isn't too good of a idea, one of my clients scared away people that broke into their house twice (they were after keys to the 911 turbo and r8) they came back next time with a shot gun. They decided to just leave the keys in view this time as it was getting dangerous (they have kids) and its a good job too!, they had trackers on the car anyway and they were found.
bit of a downer of a reply i know!
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Sh1t world we live in, well think England has gone to the dogs.
Australia looks more & more promising.
Really off topic now, local police said unlikely underirables will venture upstairs.
Soft dog barking will put most off. Little does anyone know all she wants is a tummy rub :signLOL:
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Hi ppl. You may have seen my first posts on the wanted section - i'm looking for an Ed 30. Up until today it had to be a manual. However, I've just driven a red Ed 30 at my local VW garage this aft wit a DSG box. It was different, fun and I liked it...alot.
Questions:-
1) Does the novelty wear off?
2) Have any owners who have had DSG gone back to manual and why?
3) Apparently i've just on here that the clutch(es) last the lifetime of the car - can anything else go wrong with DSG? Someone has mentioned to me £600 for a control unit?
4) Are there any additional servicing costs with DSG?
5) Is remapping an aftermarket jobbie or something VW do/did?
6) Does the Edition 30 have the latest technology DSG box?
7) In the real world, is fuel consumption really better than a manual?
8) I assume the DSG box was an optional extra, if so how much?
Cheers - Phil
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All except question 4, the answers no. :signLOL:
There is a 7 speed dsg box out, but as yet not fitted to the GTi in any mark.
DSG was about £1500 extra approx
Service cost of dsg isnt very big, every 40k or 4 years IFAIK.(i could be wrong ( more then likely ) £80 ish for servicing.
:popcornsoda:
Love DSG, and would not go back to manual.
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I've just been lucky enough to have a manual and a DSG at the same time and although this will upset the Auto boys it's manual all the way for me! :happy2:
Can't be beaten in traffic etc but for sheer driving pleasure it has to be manual for me! :smiley:
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....
As with just about everything to do with cars, we're each going to have our own preferences.
What I immediately noticed in your post was: "It was different, fun and I liked it...alot" - That tells me that you naturally took to it and are likely to grow to like it more and more.
Don't think of it as an 'Auto' box but think of it as a Manual with some very clever and useful features - It's the best of both worlds - You can drive totally in Manual and pop into Auto for traffic jam queues or villages/towns etc. To answer your questions : -
1) Does the novelty wear off?
- Not if you enjoy it. It gets better and better as it all becomes fluid and natural.
2) Have any owners who have had DSG gone back to manual and why?
- I know of a couple but they started off not being prepared to learn all its different combinations and benefits.
3) Apparently i've just on here that the clutch(es) last the lifetime of the car - can anything else go wrong with DSG? Someone has mentioned to me £600 for a control unit?
- Things can go wrong whether Manual or DSG. The clutches are better protected from driver misuse in the DSG.
4) Are there any additional servicing costs with DSG?
- If your car is modified, it's good practice to change the DSG oil and filter more regularly.
5) Is remapping an aftermarket jobbie or something VW do/did?
- Aftermarket. Makes it even more like a Manual to use.
6) Does the Edition 30 have the latest technology DSG box?
- No, the Mk6 and bigger Audi's now have 7-speed. I've driven both Mk6 GTI and latest S4 and honestly didn't notice any difference - You still shift a gear whenever you want/need to.
7) In the real world, is fuel consumption really better than a manual?
- I don't think so. It's all down to your driving style - I use the gears a lot and never get over 30 mpg.
Hope This Helps :happy2:
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Eeek
RR is correct, we all have our preferences.
But, not sure I would buy another DSG. Really tempted to get the box remapped to see if it's any better.
A DSG in auto feels like a very lazy GTI always being a gear higher that you would normally be in or a normal auto would be in. The box changes down under acceleration. This is probably how it gets better fuel consumption.
In S mode the car is a gear lower than you would normally be in. Red lines under any acceleration.
In manual, a manual box is more engaging.
Don't get me wrong. Test drove a few DSGs and manuals and manual was my car of choice.
But I said I wouldn't let a DSG put me of the right car (and it didn't). Huge contradiction but that's how close they are.
BTW had auto boxes for soooo many years, hence a difficult decision for me at the time.
if you want an auto it won't dissapoint. If you want to drive it like a manual (as I think RR does) I would get a manual.
Hope this helps a little. Just my 2p :smiley:
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^^^^
Yes, nc35 is right - I now drive it like a Manual as soon as I'm out of a 30 or 40 mph zone. But I'll sometimes use S to negotiate a very busy roundabout or to accelerate very fast from a lay-by back onto a fast A-road or dual carriageway (for example).
The great thing is being able to mix and match whichever mode you think best suits the circumstances of the moment.
If you stay in D all the time you'll find it won't necessarily shift exactly when you want. It's pretty good but not as good as manually selecting the gear you want. Very nice to pop down 2 gears at once too!
I wish that the company I'm testing their DSG remap for would launch it so I can talk more freely about it. But I'll dare to say that it works even better on a K04 car.
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DSG rulez! no seriously i never ever thought that i would even consider an automatic but i love it. yes the feul consumption is better and it changes gear in a split second much faster than manual and you can drive at good speeds while changing gears and still holing the steering wheel with two hands, its a very comfortable , quick and safe way to change gears :happy2:
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I've driven a few DSG cars, awesomes demo, toms S3 and me dads TDi and do think its a brilliant bit of kit, its deffo quicker of the line, would I buy 1 before a manual, we'll see next time I get a new motor :laugh:
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Thanks for all your comments chaps and time taken to reply. :happy2:
I've spent nearly two weeks solid trawling through the internet looking for a Ed 30 in white, 3dr and manual with no success. I've just today driven a dsg version and like it. So i'm thinking go for a dsg instead as there's more around.
Two hours after my dsg test drive i've now found a manual version what i've been looking for....aaaargh!
I hear what everyone is saying on here and understand the comments, so, do i now turn down the manual and wait for a white dsg or go with my original plan????????
I guess i need to drive the manual and then decide!
Btw, as an aside - SUNROOF in an Ed 30 - excellant extra or does it make the car look naff and will cause problems down the line??
Thanks as ever - Phil
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Only you can decide, Phil, but I find a sunroof useful for ventilation and often just have the back lifted up a fraction.
Full sunshine roof open on a Summer's night cruising the towns of Northern Italy with the stars above :notworthy:
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Cheers RR. From your sig I notice yours has a sunroof. Any problems with seals, mechanism, rattles etc?
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Cheers RR. From your sig I notice yours has a sunroof. Any problems with seals, mechanism, rattles etc?
....No problems whatsoever since new 4 years ago.
Once you go over a certain speed with the roof fully open you need to drop all the windows an inch so that air pressure is released, otherwise it zaps your ears in waves.
The GTI dashboard generally gets rattles 'n squeaks which come and go. They seem to be temperature related but once you're focussed on driving you don't hear them. I'm not fussed about such things but some people are.