New here, trying to decide on an R32

[ChrisBuer]

Hi guys (and gals),

My first post here and I'm looking for a bit of advice.

I'm trying to decide on whether or not to go for the new Golf R32 but I just can't decide. I'm currently running a slightly tuned Mini Cooper S Works which was dyno'd at 218bhp (not great, but fun in a little car) and a Caterham R300 (bonkers up to 100mph, but you'd be bonkers to drive it in the wet!)

Basically I'm trying to decide between the new BMW 130i or the R32. I'll be honest, the R32 for me looks the better car (I just can't get on with the 130i from the outside). However, inside the 130i is very plush and is quite a cabin to sit in (in terms of quality).

I've not test driven any of the cars yet (trying to find an R32 demo) but I'm booked in for a go in the 130i.

I know their have been a lot of magazine articles comparing the two, but even they can't seem to decide. Basically my main requirements from my new car will be:

1. Good handling

2. Good potential to tune

3. Something slightly unique

4. Useable power in all conditions

5. FUN, FUN, FUN!!!

I've got around 26k to play with but can go over that slightly. I'm not interested in Evo's or Scoobys as where I live (in Essex) they grow on trees and if I'm honest, I've never really liked them anyway.

So any thoughts / ideas? Kinda pulling my hair out here

Cheers lads!!

Chris.

[Mook]

Welcome to the nut-house Chris

BTW, there's lads and lasses here in the R32 forum - don't get GolfGirl and RachelH started

Golf every day - it ticks all of your boxes above. The 130 just doesn't do it at all, but that's just my opinion. Everyone else on Tyresmoke reckons they're so fugly they should be dropped off a cliff...

But drive both and decide for yourself.

[ChrisBuer]

Cheers mate!!

Yeah I'm really not keen on the looks of the 130i if I'm totally honest...looks well...ugly as you say. However the interior is very nice I have to say.

I will definately test drive them both but 80% sold on the R32 already. I know people say it's really heavy but I reckon it'll monster my Mini in terms of handling and outright speed.

I guess I'm just looking for the next step up and having missed out on the original R32, I don't really want to miss out again

[RedRobin]

The Mk5 Golf R32 and GTI are true all-rounders. Something you should definitely test drive is a DSG version. DSG not yet available for R32 but coming and new R32 not able to be re-mapped for a while (if at all). R32 has 4WD and good V6 but all BMW engines are good too. See how each feels to you before deciding.

[pomme]

Just to give you another option, what about a mkiv r32?

fills all the requirements of your list, and is going to be alot cheaper. That way you can use the left over money, getting it tuned, new exhaust, sway bars etc etc. (which you wont be able to do to the new r for a while) and this way you wont ruin your warranty.

And if you search through here and find the common faults of the mkiv r, get a car just still in warranty and get these things looked at.

hth

andrew

[jimbor32]

Hi there - i thought i would add a few comments - I currently have a mini cooper s, and have placed my order for the new R32.

The 130i was not even considered by me, partly because i have driven other versions of the 1 series when the Mini was being serviced, and to be frank the BMW is overpriced and exterior is horrible.

You are quite right that the interior on the BMW is good, but I am not buying the R32 because of the interior.

I would also hazard a guess that residuals of the R32 will remain fairly stable over the next year or two, whereas the BMW may not give you as much back.

In my opinion the choice is a no brainer, R32 all the way.

[Dan32]

I would say don't gamble on MKV R32 residuals being good for 2 years. Don't forget, its not as limited as the original and that was the main reason prices remained so high for so long. Also, if you listen to the rumour mills, the R32 is not going to be top of the range for long. A more focused version is supposedly in the works and that will take a bite out of any residuals you were planning on. But if I had to make a choice, MKV R as BMW is overpriced and ugly, but I agree with Andrew (pomme). MKIV still does it for me and the extra cash left over could fund an extremely well sorted car.

[ChrisBuer]

If I’m totally honest, I’d rather go for a new car as I’m in the position to do so at very little cost extra. I’m looking at holding onto this car for about 5 years or so as it will be a very low mileage car (the Mini was used as my daily commute to work, but since moving jobs, I now use the train).

I have to admit, the only thing that draws me to the 130i is the interior, but all said and done, I think the R32 is a package that you cannot fault in terms of value for money. Taking into consideration the package offered on the R32 and speccing a similar level of equipment in the 130i, you’re talking close on 30k. That’s a hell of a lot of money for a 1 Series!!

I’m really interested to see how the R32 compares to my Mini also. Yeah it’s got a lot more BHP but then my Mini is pretty light. On a recent track day my mates bluefinned Focus RS (dyno’d at 237bhp) couldn’t pull on me from low gears (supercharger vs turbo I guess) however his torque and power did show the faster we went.

The only other small problem is that I can’t find a dealer in Essex where I’ll be able to get my R32 from. I was hoping to get one delivered for the first of March, however, I’ve phoned about and their allocation is used up.

Any ideas of where I might be able to try? I’m willing to travel ANYWHERE in the country to get one!!

Cheers all!

[rs32]

dealer I've just ordered from has one in stock. don't like plugging them but if you're desperate try Caffyns Portslade in Brighton. Ask for Tim.

Silver, Manual, 150-ish miles, Recaro Leather

Drove it 15 miles last week on Dealer plates (waiting for my factory order) and it seemed fine.

good luck !

[ChrisBuer]

Cheers mate! I really wanted a new car though rather than an ex demo.

It's just that I don't know when their next allocation will come in. My dealer said "it's doubtful you'd get one from us for the first of March" but then if I get it a month or so later, then that's fine.

I just don't want to wait until this time next year to get the car as I'll be selling mine before the end of this year and I'm not sure if I could handle driving a Caterham for 12 months haha!!

[rs32]

no probs,

most dealers I've spoken to in South of England reckon their allocation for the whole of next year is sold already. but you could try putting down a deposit with one that has a 5+ allocation and hope for a cancellation.

Another option would be someone like Broadspeed, but no idea what their situation is with this car.

[JAYDR32]

Chris,

Citygate Watford has an R32 in at the moment and I believe its up for grabs, navy blue I think did look quite nice and was leather inside, although the standard seats I think but they looked good to me!

[McGee]

R32 not able to be re-mapped for a while (if at all).

Was at AmD on friday and the guys there were taking delivery and starting work on the new R today, Monday. New exhaust is ready and got the impression that a re-map would soon follow. They certainly don't waste their time. Not sure how long a re-map takes to work out though Red.

[Mook]

Give AmD a week or two and they'll have it sorted

[ChrisBuer]

If I can get my hands on an R32, then I'll be taking a nice drive down to see the AMD guys!

Any idea how much each stage of conversion would be (ball park) and what power / torque gains you'd be looking at?

I understand it's probably a tough one to call that, but judging on the upgrades of the previous R32 (MK4), perhaps it would be something similiar?

[Mook]

ST1 will probably not be worth bothering with - it takes the MK4 up to about the same level as the #6463 update (250 bhp). I would guess the Mk5 will go to about 255 bhp from the standard 247.

ST2 should give you about 270 bhp.

ST2.5 (including the sports cats) should give you 278 bhp.

ST3 will give you about 295 bhp.

ST4 will give you about 305 bhp.

These all depend on your car, as every engine is different.

You can check out the pricing at www.amdtechnik.com - from memory, ST2.5 on the Mk4 was £1800 inc VAT. Going to ST4 from there was another £1100 or so.

Have fun Chris - and don't forget to let us know how you get on

[pomme]

[ QUOTE ]

If I’m totally honest, I’d rather go for a new car as I’m in the position to do so at very little cost extra. I’m looking at holding onto this car for about 5 years or so as it will be a very low mileage car (the Mini was used as my daily commute to work, but since moving jobs, I now use the train).

[/ QUOTE ]

Hiya, i get your point about thew new car thing. I know its something special. But for me the new car thing is alot to do with the warranty, and if you go and get it remapped some garages will be very negative about the warranty work they do.

If it was me, i would def get the mkiv r32. Simply becayse you could get a good specced car, sooner then later. And then rn down to amd get the exhaust, roll bars, sway bars etc, and chuck in a supercharger and have a 360+ bhp beast. Compared to a 250 mkv r. Yeah the mkiv might have done a few miles, like 10,000 but is this really going to matter?

[RedRobin]

Surely if the Mk5 R32 gets re-mapped successfully it would be stupid to do so without modding the whole suspension and brakes....That nose is pretty heavy! Then if you have specced a few decent factory options, the overall cost will be well over £30K!! People who have driven the new R32 are saying it's not as sporty a drive as the GTI. I'm not convinced about such big engines in road hatchback cars.

[ChrisBuer]

Yeah I take your points pomme, but I've never had a second hand car in my life and seeing as I can get a new one at very little extra cost, I'd rather do that.

Also, I agree about the tuning / warranty side of things. However, I'd probably not do any upgrades (on a big scale) until the warranty had run out. For me, tuning is an extension of the enjoyment of the car. The standard R32 will blitz my current car and once I've got used to it, then I can start doing some mod's.

Also, voiding warranty is a grey area. I mean, putting on a different exhaust will not void my engine warranty for example unless they can prove that the fault has been caused as a result of the part I have installed. It's the same if I were to mod the suspension and my electrics started to have a problem. Unless they can prove that the suspension caused this, they cannot deny you warranty work on your car.

One of the guys on the Mini forum had a problem with his engine mis-firing. He took it into the dealers and they said "sorry sir, you've put different suspension on". So he said "so you're going to deny me my warranty? Well ok can you put that in writing for me" and the dealer soon changed his mind!!

Anyway, back to the subject, RedRobin, totally agree mate. If you're going to put a lot of power through the car, the brakes, suspension etc should also be considered!

Also I've not driven a GTI or R32 yet (due for a test drive this Saturday) but I can't see it not being a sporty drive. All of the motoring magazines are raving about it. It might not be as nimble as the GTI, but this is to be expected in a heavier car. However in the wet I'd imagine it will monster the GTI, the Mini, probably even things like the Focus RS as well (my mates got one and it's lively in the wet!).

[RedRobin]

[ QUOTE ]

For me, tuning is an extension of the enjoyment of the car. The standard R32 will blitz my current car and once I've got used to it, then I can start doing some mod's.

[/ QUOTE ]

....That's exactly how I feel too (current car being a GTI). You cannot really know what each stage of mods does if you do it all at once.

[ChrisBuer]

My sentiments exactly!! It’s the best way to extend the enjoyment of a car and each time you appreciate the mod that goes on.

By the way, do you have any pictures of your car? It sounds very nice from your profile!! Also what’s a “Milltek Turbo-back Non-Res Quads & Abt”? I have a Milltek 4-2-1 manifold on the Mini and it’s a great quality piece of kit!!

I’m also looking to get Sat Nav in the Golf when it comes. I currently have it in the Mini but made the mistake of going for the BMW fitted Sat Nav, so I can’t take it out when I sell the car. I’ve decided that it would be more sensible to spend the money on a removable Sat Nav system that I could just transport from car to car. Either Alpine or Pioneer would be my brand choice also. How does it fit into your dash? Did you have to get a dash replacement kit in order to get it to fit? What does it look like?

Oh and the Road Angels are great aren’t they!! I picked one up at MPH 05 last weekend and am really pleased with it. The display is very good indeed and if anything, I drive slower because of it (constantly being reminded of my speed).

Cheers!

[RedRobin]

Hi ChrisB,

The answers to all these quezzies are in the GTI forum. Inevitably, discussion and questions and pics get scattered around the whole forum and not just tidily under defined and titled topics!! However, most of what you ask also relates to the new R32 or any Mk5 body. Please remember that all I describe is primarily relevant to the Mk5 GTI....

PIONEER: (Alpine and Kenwood make similar units)

The standard OEM sound system (in the GTI) is very mundane - okay for radio talk but not full range music. So, I got my usual professional car audio guy to install a Pioneer SatNav DVD with fully adjustable touch screen plus Audio head 50Wx4 and also iPod Shuffle connectivity (big dual processor Apple Mac at home). I haven't found it necessary to upgrade the car's speakers but some would wish to. I positioned it higher so that the screen is more within the field of vision while driving and I also got my guy to bypass the 'handbrake has to be on before you can set the SatNav's standard feature (spelt 'nuisance'). It may interest you to know that I hardwired my Road Angel and have made it totally vibration free with a customised support. Mk5 dash replacements are easily available.

MILLTEK:

I know that Milltek are working on an exhaust for the New R32. As the GTI is turbocharged they have developed a Hi-flow aka Turbo-back and the Non-Resonated means straight through. The Quad pipe exits are a special and I had to fit an Abt rear valance to accommodate them. I personally thought that the GTI rear treatment looked unfinished and too standard plus I have always preferred cars having the engine sound as a driving aid....The Mk5 cabin is far too well sound insulated. V6 on Millteks should sound glorious!

[ChrisBuer]

That...is...FANTASTIC!!!

I can honestly say that your GTI is the best looking one I've seen, especially those quad exhausts!!! Wow, I just hope that I can get something similar for the R32!!

Also how did you get the Roadangel hardwired in? Was that something your audio fitter did for you? I don’t like the leads hanging out in my current car, but I’ll have to make do with them until I get the R32. Is it a reasonably easy job? Did you have to purchase an addition usb cable in order to carry out updates?

Also your headunit is exactly the type I’d look for. Fits in nicely, but has a great display for when you need the Sat Nav! Which model is that? I was going to look on the net for a good deal on one as my local audio dealer was trying to sell me a very expensive Alpine unit for over £2000 (I can’t remember the model number).

Also the compartment for storing the CD’s underneath is an excellent idea! I’ve seen some of these “blanking plates” that just cover the whole area over, which can look a bit out of place and also, wastes space.

Although I’ll probably not get my car for a while yet, I might invest in a headunit like yours so that I can have it all ready to be fitted!!

Thanks for your help so far….I just can’t stop looking at those exhaust pipes though! Absolutely fantastic!!

[Dan32]

Headunit looks similar to Pioneer AVIC-X1R (i think their top of the range). About a £1000 from the internet. I was quoted nearly £1800 to have one fitted to my R as the 6disc in dash changer is not compatible with this headunit (or any other for that matter) and so I would have needed a boot mounted changer.

[ChrisBuer]

Just had a look on Ebay and there's some guy from Spain selling 7 of these, starting bid - £99?!?!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PIONEER-AVIC-X1R-B...1QQcmdZViewItem

Seems a bit dodgy to me, but this is the unit I looked at originally.