by "theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
Published 05/11/2017 at 19:10
by "theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
Published 05/11/2017 at 19:10
No Tags
STARS: 2
Now this POS’ clutch is starting to slip. Seriously?? I go to leave my work parking lot and I’m in second gear at 1700 rpm or so and the revs climb noticably faster than vehicle speed...
It’s a daily with 24K miles I’ve never taken to the track, clutch dumped, beat on, etc. Do I have fun while driving, sure, but this is insane. Now I get to “manage” it for another 24K miles because a clutch is a “wear item” for the warranty. I’ve driven sticks exclusively for going on 15 years and my Saabaru had 120K miles (all me) on it and the clutch was fine.
What’s worse is I gave into all the stupid press and didn’t trust myself after the test drive. The thing has ZERO charisma, soul, charm, whatever you want to call it. I never want to keep driving it and I can’t wait to get out. It has enough power for you to think it could be quick, but wait, it isn’t. It grips enough to think it’d be fun but it’s just sadly clinical. Then FWD... oh god don’t get me started, I swore I’d never go back so I guess I deserve this. The stick is horrible too, it’s a chore to row and just... well just bad in so many ways. I guess I was spoiled by two great transmissions (my E92's and my Integra GSR’s), but the Saabaru’s was faaarrr from amazing.
I’m too early for lease pull ahead, which sucks because lease residuals will tank by the time I’m close next July. I don’t really want to lease again because of situations like this where I’m just stuck anyways but it’s likely the one way to get out of it early as there’s not really a new car I want to buy at the moment. I was thinking a 2016 CPO B8.5 S4 for my next daily next year but I need to make sure it’s not as clinically boring as this damn GTI. The F30 is garbage, the Japanese don’t make them like they used to... so not really sure where else to go unless I decide I’ll take an automatic... ive got some time to think about it I suppose. I could throw away $3K and get out now but I’m not an idiot and there’s no way in hell im taking negative equity into my next car or getting rid of it now, the GTI I guess isn’t THAT bad.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/11/2017 at 19:21, STARS: 0
Ouch.....at least the transmission on these cars is fairly light....And I don’t think you need to drop the subframe to get to it so the jobs not that bad to do yourself....The big issue is the dual mass flywheel.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
05/11/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 0
So they won’t replace it under warranty?
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/11/2017 at 19:22, STARS: 0
Slipping at that low of an rpm is kinda strange, normally when I’ve had clutches slip the start giving out in top gears at Highway speed....if it was a Subaru I’d suggest maybe it’s just a cv shaft...but last time I broke one in my VW the car didn’t move at all unlike the subbies .
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
05/11/2017 at 19:33, STARS: 0
This is when you play dumb and say something is wrong with the transmission and when they say it’s the clutch and won’t fix it start calling VW USA and bitching.
"nermal" (nermal)
05/11/2017 at 19:36, STARS: 0
Clutch is a wear item, just like tires and brakes. Take an under-warranty car to a dealer with clutch slipping, and the response will be “Lol n00b learn to drive.”
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
05/11/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 0
Is it flashed? We’ve had to do a ton of clutches on flashed Mk6s. Although it should last longer than 24k, regardless of whether or not it’s stock or flashed.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
05/11/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 0
Ah, that makes sense.
"nermal" (nermal)
05/11/2017 at 19:44, STARS: 2
You’re comparing a GTI to an E92 335, of course the GTI will feel down on power. Not sure what tires are on the GTI, but if they’re the stock all-seasons @ 24k miles they are rubbish and need replaced.
Make sure the clutch is indeed toast, and find a good independent shop to replace it, should be about $1200. Add a good set of summer tires while you’re at it, and they will transform the car.
"Matsayz" (matsayz)
05/11/2017 at 19:46, STARS: 0
What’s the normal cost of replacement on a mk6? Just curious for a friend...who owns an R...who might maybe be starting to slip at 44k
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/11/2017 at 19:49, STARS: 1
Pretty sure most reviews state that the GTI is the more adult(ahem, boring) hot hatch. Sure, it’s faster, better on fuel, and on paper, better, but it’s an appliance of a hot hatch.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 19:55, STARS: 0
I admit I drank the “I’m turning 30 kool-aid”... never again. And appliance is a very good word for it.
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
05/11/2017 at 20:00, STARS: 0
There’s about $1200 there if it doesn’t need a flywheel.
"Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies" (jordanwphillips)
05/11/2017 at 20:02, STARS: 2
I went for the one that kills your spine and is held together with super glue. No regrets.
"Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo" (thetomselleck)
05/11/2017 at 20:03, STARS: 0
I think Jkm’s clutch failed on his Jetta within a year... VEE DUB KWALITTY
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:03, STARS: 0
I’m not comparing them at all. I’m comparing it to my previous 120K Mile Saabaru that was similarly price bracket new and realizing I’d take a rougher around the edges fun AWD car over a more “option” packed FWD hatch that’s overly clinical and dull.
The clutch is far from toast, there’s no way in hell im spending $1200 on a lease. I’ll find a way to do a lease trade in to get out of it before I do that. The grip is half the cars problem, it hold decently in corners, sure it’d spin power away less which would be nice, but it’d still be dull and clinical. I admit I never should have gone for the leather / sunroof / Fender audio over the differential. I’ve now experienced my 335is before and after Quaife and yep, I’m never making that mistake again.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:04, STARS: 1
In the immortal words of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade “you, have chosen wisely.”
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
05/11/2017 at 20:05, STARS: 2
Just...don’t go back to FWD really. It’s definitely fun but there will always be that on edge feel you miss. Perhaps something older and analog for your next car? I mean, you did have the GSR. You could get an s2000 or a Z, genesis coupe, one of the muscles. Many choices out there.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0
100%, like how the passenger front mirror will randomly stop one touch up or down for no reason? Or the sunroof squeaks like it’s a mouse being chased by a cat over every bump (and I live in Michigan...).
I’m seriously doubting another VAG product for my next car as a result, even if the B8.5 has been said to be fun and pretty damn bulletproof.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:11, STARS: 0
Ha, that is the truth. Comparing it to the E92 is a horrible thing but I can’t avoid it. At least the Saabaru was grin inducing for how chuckable it was, whereas the BMW was more precise. The problem is I love analog (dreams of E46 330i ZHP’s in my head), but it’s a daily and we have Michigan roads and road salt that ate away my Saab so it has to be newer. The S197 Mustang was laughably bad when I test drove it, but maybe I’d enjoy another one of the muscle cars. I am going to say I need 4 doors since kids are on the way during my next vehicles run. I’ll either lease a 340i/xi 6MT, go used B8.5 CPO S4 or I’m not sure what my next choice is for a manual sedan that’s fun.... A Chevy SS I can try I suppose for a test drive. Thoughts on other 4-doors?
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:15, STARS: 0
100% stock, that’s why I’m so annoyed. My EJ205 Saabaru had 120K on the clutch with a Cobb tune since 25K and never missed a beat.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 1
I should note I have no highway on my commute and the last road trip we went on we’ve taken either he fiancées Durango or my BMW. I tested it out by going to 2200-2400 rpm in 5th later on and giving it a healthy amount of gas on purpose and it started again.
I’ve had clutches slip before so I know the first signs of it and this is definitely that. It’s very early on so I’ll just have to watch it.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 1
That’s the plan, I’m going to see how it progresses over the next few weeks then make a service appointment. The car is completely stock, never been taken to anything but a touchless wash, always premium, garaged, not tracked, etc. they have no recourse to keep denying me if I make a stink.
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
05/11/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 0
If I didnt know better Id say Golf R but after being on test drive...really the impressive numbers on paper didnt translate to fun. It had buuunch of tech and apparently does 0-60 in 4.8 secs, but it sure didnt feel like it.
Seriously though, take a look at the new kia stinger. The deals Korean cars have will blow you away. I’m talking 7-8k off msrp. The charger is getting reallyyy long in the tooth. Im heavily biased towards Japanese and Korean for reliability and cost of maintenance so...I’d look at what Lexus has for like an IS-F but honestly that will have even more tech than your GTI. It’s very hard to try for a modern model year without modern tech getting in the way.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:20, STARS: 0
I’m still going to give them hell if this progresses at anything other than an extremely slow rate since I turned a car in for this one with 120K miles on a stock clutch that didn’t slip. If they try to tell me it was me and I don’t know how to drive a stick I’m raising hell until I’m free from this lease.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
05/11/2017 at 20:21, STARS: 0
That’s why if you buy an unreliable car get a Subaru because their customer service is fantastic.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 20:24, STARS: 1
I’ve done many large car projects (engine swaps, dropping rear ends, rebuilding, etc) so I know I can do it. This is just objection on principle for a lease and a car that has only 24K miles that hasn’t been abused at all.
"RallyWrench" (rndlitebmw)
05/11/2017 at 20:39, STARS: 1
That is BS. My Mk4 GTI is now past 200k in its next owner’s hands on its original clutch, and I tracked and autocrossed its nuts off for about 160k of that. Don’t know why these Mk6s are so weak, but it’s a common problem for them to slip well before 100k.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
05/11/2017 at 20:46, STARS: 0
It’s funny how polarizing this car is. I hear either, POS or infinitely reliable, SO fun to drive or super boring and souless...
When I was buying a couple years ago I had a lot of fun in the couple of GTIs I drove. They put huge smiles on my face. I felt they had more personality that the Focus STs I drove. I didn’t buy one but I would’ve if the WRX didn’t work out.
So if you don’t mind me asking what changed after the test drive? I’m asking cause I have a buddy who is really interested in one and I’ve been pushing him towards it based on my experiences.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
05/11/2017 at 21:09, STARS: 0
So why not hit up craigslist for a lease takeover and DD the 3 series?
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 21:31, STARS: 0
The other problem is that sadly every car you mentioned besides the Golf R (which I am happy to hear your opinion of) only comes in automatic. Maybe I’ll accept that fate but I really would like not to if I can find a good stick again.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 21:31, STARS: 0
Double post.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 21:36, STARS: 0
Haha, well I was at least fortunate with my Subaru that it was pretty damn reliable.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 21:39, STARS: 0
Yeah it’s ridiculous. Granted This is a Mk7 but yeah from all I’m reading it’s a common problem with the Mk6/7. I’m sorry but if there’s one area you shouldn’t cost down to the lowest penny it’s a clutch.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/11/2017 at 21:52, STARS: 2
I’ve heard the same thing. I can sum it up completely by my test drive. On twisty on ramps or back roads it was tossable and fun. If your commute and most of your roads are like ours in Michigan, however, it’s a terrible car. The roads are mostly straight with lights and hard 90 degrees. My Saabaru / WRX was perfect because in our inclimate weather it always hooked (a HUGE complaint of mine about the GTI / FWD), it could be thrown into and hard corner and was a hoot while the GTI tires just scrub out and can’t put any power down well on a really tight corner (you get power or handling, not both). All that being said, on my test drive I thought the car has no soul but approached it purely analytically and am kicking myself for not trusting how I felt. The GTI may be far better than the FoST, I never test drove one because it was way too boy racer for me.
In the end, even my very well modified Integra GSR with coil overs, full poly bushings, brakes, etc was a disappointment to me and the Integra has been called the best handling FWD car of all time. If FWD doesnt irk you, you may love it, but if you can tell those dynamic limits and that power and handling are mutually exclusive I’d look elsewhere than FWD period.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/11/2017 at 22:00, STARS: 2
The S4 is a great car. I had a 2012 6mt for three years until I outgrew it. Went to an S8. You won’t be disappointed.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/11/2017 at 22:02, STARS: 0
Could need a clutch bleed? Maybe dragging and overheating?
"Bytemite" (bytemite)
05/11/2017 at 22:05, STARS: 0
Ah! I completely forgot about the lack of stick shift. I would not get the Golf R, personally. It’s a good, tech laden car with “fun” features like adjustable modes and damper settings and G-force readouts and a quick snappy DSG, but not what you’re going for. What’s stopping you from getting the newer STi?
"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
05/11/2017 at 22:30, STARS: 1
I almost fell into that, but then did a 180 and got an STi with a wing. It is not a “grown up” car.
"DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back" (karsonkinja)
05/11/2017 at 23:15, STARS: 3
Ah, okay that makes a lot of sense. I remember I spun tires making a hard u-turn under power on a test drive for the GTI. I thought it was cool in the moment but I can see how it would get old. But I really liked how easy it was to drive and its interior quality.
I guess that makes the GTI a good choice for someone who wants something that CAN be fun to drive, but above all a good DD. Not for someone who wants maximum performance out of their car.
"TahoeSTi" (tahoesti)
05/11/2017 at 23:18, STARS: 0
I agree it totally sucks....but not worth losing money over trading it in.
"PWRandSPD" (Pwrandspd)
05/11/2017 at 23:53, STARS: 1
I had a MKV GTI and loved it. It had 120,000 + when I sold it and only had to replace a driverside drive shaft at around 90k. Never had any other issues and I enjoyed driving it. The build quality was far superior to my STI and it was a much more pleasant place to be as a daily. It is one of the few cars out of 25ish that I have had that I would buy again. Sorry to hear you have had such a bad experience with it.
"PWRandSPD" (Pwrandspd)
05/11/2017 at 23:55, STARS: 1
I will add in that the stock tires in my opinion sucked, I had better tires after the stock and it changed the driving behavior quite a bit. What I changed to I don’t remember, but I remember distinctly hating the Continentals it had.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:23, STARS: 1
That I can agree with, so I’ll just have to see how the clutch does.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:28, STARS: 0
I truly think this is a car that depends on your commute and drive. If I had twisty B-roads on a daily basis or even just highways with on and off ramps I think it would be much more enjoyable. For my straight street 45mph limit commute is where it falls apart. It spins them in slick and snow a ton but isn’t fun enough when it’s dry to make up for it. It’s got some “pep” but not enough on the commute I have to call it quick. If it’s cold it makes more power but can’t put it down if it’s hot it hooks but sucks it’s only decent power... I realize I made a big mistake and should’ve gone with something with more power and likely AWD. I’ve got a fun RWD car for all the summer days anyways, so I should’ve thought more that this would be an inclement weather car (ie all winter and rain) and got something that would A hook and B be fun in those conditions.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:32, STARS: 0
Yeah the stock tires aren’t the best, but my problem is that it wouldn’t make a hint of difference since most of the days you want summer tires I drive the BMW anyways. So, in hindsight, I was stupid and should’ve gotten better something suited for rain / snow. My old Saabaru was absolutely perfect, it corrected almost all the complaints I have about the WRX (crap interior, boy racer, etc.) at only a modest premium (and I actually got mine $5500 off sticker because GM didn’t know how to market it worth a damn) but was a riot in the snow and rain. I WISH they made a current equivalent.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:33, STARS: 0
The 3-series is my “baby”, I admit it’s stupid but it is. I drive it and drive it hard whenever I do, but I plan to keep it for a looonnnggg time so no Winter for her. Though I may still look for a swap-a-lease for the GTI.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:36, STARS: 0
That makes me very happy to hear since it is my leading contender. We’re building a really nice custom home on our property and demolishing the existing home so I am being steadfast about my price points and at $40-$45K for a lightly used CPO it’s perfect. Was it “fun” and not just “wow this is impressive so why aren’t I smiling” kind of performance?
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 07:37, STARS: 0
I’ll check that out, it could help. From what I’ve read (for what it’s worth from forums...) the Mk6 and Mk7 GTI clutch is really weak. It doesn’t surprise me by the minute amount of force the clutch pedal takes, though obviously that’s only one side of the coin on pressure and the material itself could have a good amount of friction.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/12/2017 at 08:10, STARS: 1
There were many instances of smile inducing antics with it. I truely looked forward to driving my car when I had it. Coming back from family vacations was the best/worst. I was always jonesing to go for a drive once we got home. I miss that car sometimes, but I also really enjoy the S8, but it’s a different beast. I had a cold air intake so I could hear the supercharger whine, and I loved it. That car would go from 0-ohshitibetterslowdownihopenocopssawthat In a hurry. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I know I wasn’t.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/12/2017 at 08:15, STARS: 1
Gotcha. I’m surprised they would put a sub par clutch in there, but I guess they all answer to the wan counters at some point. I know the S4 clutch would get a little slippy if I was launching it like an ape. But normal spirited driving it was no issue. And the car had 80k on it when I sold it off and the clutch was still doing fine. I figured I’d replace it at the 100k mark, but that was going to be more to eliminate the dual mass flywheel than to replace the friction material.
"PWRandSPD" (Pwrandspd)
05/12/2017 at 08:43, STARS: 0
I live in New England, so basically nothing is straight, it all hills and curves which made the car shine more. As per weather, snow shoes made the car like a tank, but I also stepped it down a bit wheel size and steelies which helped. The stock wheels and snows just did not perform quite as well for some reason, too little sidewall I guess and they were still too hard. I do however understand the drive and commute making all the difference. My STI was awesome to drive here in New England, however I spent a year with it in NC. It went from awesome sporty performance rally car to what the hell am I driving this for. Same type of road I am getting from your description, 45 mph straight and flat. The roads ruined the car for me. Driving became more of a chore than enjoyment. There was only 1 road I enjoyed it on down south, and it was 10 miles of unpaved game lands road. Hilly, twisty, and a bit rough in spots, and guaranteed no cops. That road the car truely showed its rally spirit.
"PWRandSPD" (Pwrandspd)
05/12/2017 at 08:58, STARS: 0
I really enjoyed my BMW 3 series as well. I would almost suggest getting either a 3 series with the X drive or even look at the Subaru Legacy GT. Definitely better than the WRX and I am sure it could offer some of the fizz you aren’t looking for. It sounds like you just need a fun off season vehicle, so I would suggest used, save premium price and depreciation by getting a slightly used fun AWD car. My niece just bought a 2014 X drive 3 series for $12k because she goes to college in northern NY near the Canadian border and needed the AWD for the mountains of snow they get from the lakes. BMW always has loads of cars coming off lease. All the cars have maintenance records and are usually lower mileage. I have a buddy that all he does is specialize in buy/selling cars off lease. He goes to the dealer only auctions being held by BMW/Mercedes/Porsche and the likes. You can get great deals on off lease cars.
"PWRandSPD" (Pwrandspd)
05/12/2017 at 09:11, STARS: 0
These all had the 6 spd proper transmission for fun. This was just a 30 second search. Granted, this is my area, but fun and quality can be found. I am sure I could find a wagon if I tried, for the true Jalop.
"JQJ213- Now With An Extra Cylinder!" (jqj213)
05/12/2017 at 11:17, STARS: 1
It’s funny, I almost bought a 2012 GTI (I had an 08 volvo c30) and was also very dissapointed. My friends thought I was crazy. It just felt very.... bland. The C30 felt way peppier and more fun. Yes, the GTI handled a it better, but overall it was seriously lacking something.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/12/2017 at 12:14, STARS: 0
I really appreciate the feedback, that’s great to know about the Golf R. For the STI I admit I’m a bit past the phase in life. I could a limited without the wing, but my buddy has one and it is TERRIBLE on Michigan roads, I test drove a 2013 and they handled it much better as they were still half focused off the tarmac still with suspension calibration I suppose. My fiancée absolutely hates them, not that I’d let that decide for me completely, but I get veto rights on a car of hers I am completely against so I’ll honor that agreement. I’d also like some more torque in my daily like I have in my 335is. So a 340i lease or CPO S4 seem as they both come in 6MT. I’ve flirted with an SRT 392 Daytona lease since I get insane deals in automotive in metro Detroit but old and probably way too big and heavy... maybe a used Chevy SS? Unfortunately other than the STI there aren’t but really any good Japanese options sadly.
"Schaef_Camaero Z/28" (schaefz28)
05/12/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
You mentioned the Saabaru’s transmission was far from amazing.. Specifically the 1-2 shift? That’s the only one that bothers me, along with getting it into 1st while rolling in the winter. Did you ever do any mods that made it feel better?
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 07:46, STARS: 0
I just meant compared to the rifle bolt in the DC2 Integra and E9X 335i’s buttery smooth snick-snick action between gears. That said, no it didn’t bother me at all like the GTI and I could speed shift the hell out of that thing. Fun fact about that 1-2 shift, I actually used to miss shift the BMW every once in a while because the 1-2 is so weird in the WRX I would pull rearward and hard to the left like I’d become conditioned to with the WRX which will grind any other manual I know of... still loved that car though.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 07:51, STARS: 1
That is truly fantastic to hear, how’s the manual? I wish I could get out of the GTI now but I’m not going to flush several thousand down the drain whether I can afford it or not... but it sure is tempting.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 07:55, STARS: 0
I’d do anything for roads like you describe and it’s why the Americans are at their best when they stop fighting the Germans and build land yachts with power that eat up miles and potholes since that’s the only thing we get to experience day to day it feel like. I do what I can with the roads I know about, but whenever I go to Germany for work it’s painfully obvious all I’m missing.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 07:59, STARS: 0
I am beyond tempted to get a second E9X. I LOVE that chassis. I wish they were a bit newer since I do drive a good amount through tons of salt and the one benefit of the B8.5 S4 is I can get a CPO 2016 that has still seen 20K in depreciation by next summer but with no german repair concerns (I can do all my own work and do on my 335is, but I admit it’s different when you can finish the job on your schedule vs the car you need fixed to get to work).
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 08:02, STARS: 0
You hit the nail on the head.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/21/2017 at 10:51, STARS: 0
The trans was great, I wouldn’t call it notchy tight, but it was still very direct and not sloppy. Similar to my tremec 6 speed in my old cts-v. That was a remote mounted shifter, but it was on rod linkages, not cables. I believe the S4 is a similar setup. Very nice, direct feel. I did want to swap out the shifter to the ECS tuning short throw, but never did it, but didn’t regret it either. I’m assuming the GTI shifter is a cable actuated one? Is it possible to replace bushings in the shifter with urethane? I did that on my neon acr way back in the day and it made a world of difference. That one was also a cable actuated setup, but a couple bushings in the shifter mechanism, and it tightened right up. Might be an option for you?
Also, is the clutch slipping after the pedal is fully released? Or as you’re releasing the pedal? Reason I ask is that the S4 has a valve inline on the hydraulic line between the master and slave clutch cylinders that was there to slow the release of the clutch engagement as well as provide a break for the fluid between the two cylinders to keep the feedback limited between the clutch and the clutch pedal. NVH type stuff. But that valve goes bad over time and let’s the clutch slip for too long after the pedal is released. I needed up removing that valve with a replacement line and it made the clutch feel a bit more direct. But that was after 65-70k miles too, so probably not your issue, but maybe something.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/21/2017 at 17:15, STARS: 0
That’s great to hear about the 6MT and I know exactly what you mean about the way the Tremec shifts. Yes, the GTI is cable with the sensation of no actual linkages like the hydraulic / rod actuated I’m used to. There are solid bushing options that improve feel I’d thought about diving into, but with it being a lease I just wanted to get rid of I keep telling myself it’s not worth it. That said, at only $25 if the bushings now that I’ve looked it up I may just do that (thanks for the recommendation). Fantastic vehicle history by the way (Neon ACR, CTS-V, S4, and S8), any others?
Ahhh yes, the CDV (in BMW parlance), I’m not sure if the GTI has one, but I know what you mean. I have a CDV delete I just purchased for the E92 I need to install next time I have her in the air. Unfortunately the GTI is slipping at the times you’d expect, such as 6th gear freeway at 60moh then you give it a good deal of throttle. It’s just the initial slip to be sure, but I know I’ll need to watch it until I can trade it in next spring. I might say forget it and go for the S4 now, but with the house plans I want to limit our debt service until we close on the construction loan toward the end of this year.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/21/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 0
Good luck with the loan, best to stay away from any big spends till then, been there before. The only other vehicle of note is my Dakota R/T. I still have that one though. Sold off the ACR to help pay for my wife’s engagement ring many moons ago. I like to remind her of that fact, but then she reminds me that it hasn’t been so bad since that sale. Had the Dakota before we were married, but the rest of the list was post marriage... I’ve got a great wife. I’m hoping to keep the S8 for a long time, but history tells me that in three or four years, all bets are off ;). The S4 would’ve lasted longer, but with three boys now, we kind of outgrew it. Good luck again with the loan, and construction. That can be a stressful deal, but should be well worth it.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/22/2017 at 15:55, STARS: 1
Thanks on the house, as soon as the BMW is paid off this fall we’re in the optimal net income percent for after build P+I+HOI and auto payments, so I don’t want to alter that until after the loan is approved. My wedding is actually on Saturday and we’ve had enough of a drain on the account with that alone, ha (and that’s after help from both our folks). Here’s hoping my marriage goes as well as yours has. She doesn't like spirited driving unless we're specifically out for a drive, but I guess I can't complain about that and she said no way I was selling the BMW because she'd never forgive herself if she made me, so that's a great start. I can imagine you'd outgrow it like I'm sure I will in time to come, hopefully I'll have the good fortune of an S8 or similar. What's next on the list? Fast SUV of some sort? Thanks for the well wishes, I'm sure it will be but I'm looking forward to it.
I loved the Dakota R/T, a good friend of mine had one back in high school with a cam, long tubes, rockers, etc.
"merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc" (merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc)
05/22/2017 at 17:07, STARS: 1
Next on the list.... hmm. By the time I will be looking for something, the trackhawk might be out, but I really like my Audis. They’ve spoiled me. We started down that road with a 2007 Q7 as our first family vehicle. That was a great family hauler, and it handled great for being an SUV. We outgrew that one with number 3 son, so now we have a Pacifica minivan. Not nearly as much fun, but functional and not as souls sucking as the odyssey. Wife wasn’t hip to go the Yukon/Escalade route, so we went minivan. Once the boys get out of car seats, the options are pretty wide open. I’m hoping to keep the R/T till they can drive.... maybe make a father and sons project out of it for a power train swap? Should be fun no matter what.
Sounds like you have yourself a good soon to be wife as well. Just don’t get too stressed out about the wedding stuff, it’s just a day, and at the end of it, the results are the same, you end up married, so no worries. Just get some good photos and you’re all good. good luck.
"theloudmouth" (theloudmouth)
05/22/2017 at 19:44, STARS: 0
I completely understand the German appeal. I admit the VW made me a bit worried about VAG products fun quotient but I’m curious to try an Audi. I’m a self proclaimed BMW fan, well when it comes to E-chassis’. Ahh the Pacifica, I’ve heard great things and my fiancée keeps saying she’ll never get a minivan and wants an Tahoe or Yukon after her Durango but just watch us have kids and her want a minivan. How many years until they’re out of car seats? I have to say I’ve been a fan of my fiancées Durango and would be interested in the upcoming SRT for a few year try out if you need 3 rows. Though I’d also push back for a sedan, or long roof if they sold them in this country. That’s great you still have the Dakota, and within the FCA family I can only imagine the swaps they’ll have for the 6.4 or even the hellcat 6.2 SC.
Thanks for the words of wisdom, she’s been pretty even keel about it, until she’s not of course. That said definitely doing my best to keep her calm and just looking forward to 9 days on a beach with how hectic life has been with work, the house, and the wedding. Cheers.
"Spasoje" (Spasoje)
09/16/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 0
Interesting. My MkIV Jetta 1.8T’s clutch is starting to show some wear now at only 60k mi... Mainly city driven, though, but I’m pretty damn skilled with a manual – would have expected it to last much longer.