Recent Posts

91

Mk5 General Area / Re: Known Issues

« Last post by rxpx69 on December 07, 2025, 11:54:33 pm »

Stuff i've come across coming from a MK3:
Balance shaft - mine seized up
If the Thermostat fails its a long job to replace
ABS pump can fail with ESP light stuck on
AC pump and AC pressure switch fail
AC condenser probably wants changing due to age
Door locks fail (a lot) i'll be replacing the passenger side front and both rears this weekend 
Seems like pretty much every bolt in one time use, including interior fixings.
Headliner and door cards sag
The red speedo display may be dimmer on one side or lose pixels in summer.
Rear control arm bolts will/are seized
Boost hoses properly need seals replacing if dripping oil
Yellowing of headlights
Bonnet lock can seize open or closed
CV boots don't seem to last too long
Oil dip stick needs to be changed from orange to the newer yellow design so the plastic parts dont fail into the sump
Steering rack can fail (clunk at low speeds)
Steering columns can fail (inch of play in steering wheel, most noticeable on the motor way)
VW airbag logo can show micro cracks
Rear passenger vents, the knob to change air flow fall off
Dog mount bushing needs an expensive tool to replace

92

Mk5 General Area / Re: Mot nightmare of the decade...

« Last post by rxpx69 on December 07, 2025, 11:28:07 pm »

Amber steering light should go out after 20-30 seconds, all the way left all the way right, steering wheel straight and drive a couple of meters in a straight line no more than 20MPH.
I had an issue when my ABS pump needed to be replaced the ESP light was stuck on amber yellow and after disconnecting the battery no matter what I tried the amber steering light would not clear! Maybe the same is happening to you if the ESP light is stuck on?

On MK5 all racks are gen1 or 2 unless upgraded to MK6 and the steering angle sensor is behind the steering wheel and have 4 bolts attaching the steering rack to the subframe, in gen 3 the steering racks steering angle sensor is in the rack and has only 3 bolts holding it to the subframe.

93

Mk5 General Area / Re: Help please for cooling issues

« Last post by jonnd on December 06, 2025, 07:09:17 pm »

Check the plugs i had mine broken by the gearbox (auto) wires break easy as there really thin

94

Mk5 General Area / Re: Breaking

« Last post by jonnd on December 06, 2025, 07:07:52 pm »

You have any photos ?

95

Mk5 General Area / Need someone to fix leak in car

« Last post by Simonsach on December 06, 2025, 03:04:36 pm »

I’ve a soaking wet drivers floor. Watched countless videos. Had roof lining off and checked all pipes. Had rubber hoses out, cut, cleaned and replaced. Had windscreen wipers off and checked for blockages. Still leaking. Need a local garage to fix. Any recommendations near Portsmouth/Southampton

96

MK6 General Area / Re: Edition 35 reflex silver rare?

« Last post by richardbarryrichard on December 04, 2025, 02:59:48 pm »

hi
assume its this car : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/225135679969?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=2wXr6F1CQDO&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

not really sure its possible to verify the claims.
anecdotally im sad and track the ed35 market on ebay and silver are pretty rare (compared to white, red and darkgrey) , ive seen some blue japanese imports (which also get the cool seat options!).

unless you really love silver , shouldnt really be a value thing to any great extent (well it wouldnt be for me)
more on condition of the car etc
id want to see the area above the gearlever to see the installed options. (reverse sensors (doesnt look like it has it) , DDC , autopark etc)
of note the wheels are 18 inch watkins glen , not 19 inch glendales .....

 

Did you ever manage to check those extra options in person? And did the seller confirm anything about the car’s condition or history?

97

Mk5 General Area / Re: Ignition stuck

« Last post by skkane on December 04, 2025, 12:55:12 pm »

Yup, it's know to happen on VW's, many broken keys and ppl getting stuck in some remote area. Just had mine changed a few days ago, aftermarket one, guy came home, 130 GBP and 40mins later fixed and smooth as butter (this is EEU prices so expect more in the UK I guess). You'll need a new barrel and keys recoded if you don't have Immo off I think.

Cheers, I rang a local auto locksmith and they were saying I need to have the door locks changed aswell, do you know if this is needed?

Not needed for mine. They're probably thinking you'll get new keys and they won't match the door locks or something of that nature. I just replaced the barrel and am using my existing keys.

98

Mk5 General Area / Re: Heating.

« Last post by mjmallia on December 04, 2025, 10:45:12 am »

Alternator out helps loads with access.........I am just happy to see the back of those inline stats

99

Mk5 General Area / Chirping sound at low RPM - what could it be?

« Last post by hcmzah on December 03, 2025, 06:14:05 pm »

Hi all,

I'm getting a bird chirping sound when I accelerate very slowly up to 2k rpm. It sounds like it's coming from the right hand side of the car when in the cabin.
It only happens when I have my foot on the accelerator pedal, as soon as I let go, it stops. Doesn't happen if it's just rolling.

The sound is a lot more consistent when turning sharply.
I've jacked the front of the car up and tried driving, but no sound. So it seems like it only happens under load.

I've replaced both lower control arms, alternator belt and the dog bone mount but the sound is still there.
Could it possibly be the tensioner/pulley?

100

Mk5 General Area / Re: Heating.

« Last post by matius344 on December 03, 2025, 01:10:56 pm »

The problem is I cant find it.

I though they were only been fitted in DSG version of GTIs

I found it now. Just hoping for a better weather to get it changed.