335d XD Touring to Golf GTD DSG

[55NF]

Tine to change & think I'm going to go from the 335d XD Touring  to a  Golf GTD DSG.    Golf won't be as quick but I can't think of a single time I've used the 335 potential.  For the first time there's nothing that I actually want.   

Anyone moved from to a GTD Golf?     

[graemeX5]

Hi

I have looked at the spec of them for a 2015 GTD model and pretty rapid about 170bhp and a lot of torque. They do hold their residual values well even in the current market.

I would try and go for one with leather and heated seats I think they call it the winter pack, you could also on the 2015 get a sunroof but was rarely specked. The dsg should be smooth in operation as I had this on a TT and it was a good unit. You can get them in a 3 and 5 door whichever suits. I think 18" wheels were an option.

Graeme

[RichM50d]

Good luck. We’ve had a couple of Golf GTD’s and a 335d, and if you’re thinking of going from the BMW, you’re in for a bit of a let down.

[55NF]

[quote="graemeX5"]
Hi

I have looked at the spec of them for a 2015 GTD model and pretty rapid about 170bhp and a lot of torque. They do hold their residual values well even in the current market.

I would try and go for one with leather and heated seats I think they call it the winter pack, you could also on the 2015 get a sunroof but was rarely specked. The dsg should be smooth in operation as I had this on a TT and it was a good unit. You can get them in a 3 and 5 door whichever suits. I think 18" wheels were an option.

Graeme
[/quote]

It'll be bus contract hire so just a standard car. If you add any options on BCH it gets very expensive.  The only option IO'll be adding is black paint.  Apparently only red & white are standard.  My 335d Touring has the performance pack which includes leather & 19 wheels, not so on the golf though

[55NF]

[quote="RichM50d"]
Good luck. We’ve had a couple of Golf GTD’s and a 335d, and if you’re thinking of going from the BMW, you’re in for a bit of a let down.
[/quote]

I drove the manual GTD 2017 model & it seemed ok.  Not so keen on the clunky manual box though, hence looking at the GTD.  They do seem expensive for what they are.

[RichM50d]

[quote="55NF"]
[quote="RichM50d"]
Good luck. We’ve had a couple of Golf GTD’s and a 335d, and if you’re thinking of going from the BMW, you’re in for a bit of a let down.
[/quote]

I drove the manual GTD 2017 model & it seemed ok.  Not so keen on the clunky manual box though, hence looking at the GTD.  They do seem expensive for what they are.
[/quote]

That's the thing with the Golf. It is OK. That's it.

[X5Sport]

If you can, drive the DSG version then commit. 

There are two versions of the box, dry clutch and wet clutch.  The dry clutch version is still proving unreliable but the wet is fine.  If it is the 7-speed wet it’s much better. 

Hopefully VW have put better software in their version because the one I have in my Superb 3 (6-speed wet) is all about economy so is constantly striving to change gear at 1,000 rpm - well below the Turbo sweet spot - meaning no go when you need it, and a lot of driver intervention with the paddles or driving in Sport all the time.  The 190 economy is also well short of stated in the Škoda implementation (mid 40s max). 

There is an option to code the ‘Audi’ throttle mode as on (instead of Škoda/Seat or VW).  All options are on the ECU, but that may break the warranty!  Some have done it and the throttle response is far better.

You will need all transmission fluids changing at 40,000 miles.....which is a lot cheaper than a BMW equivalent 

[55NF]

[quote="X5Sport"]
If you can, drive the DSG version then commit. 

There are two versions of the box, dry clutch and wet clutch.  The dry clutch version is still proving unreliable but the wet is fine.  If it is the 7-speed wet it’s much better. 

Hopefully VW have put better software in their version because the one I have in my Superb 3 (6-speed wet) is all about economy so is constantly striving to change gear at 1,000 rpm - well below the Turbo sweet spot - meaning no go when you need it, and a lot of driver intervention with the paddles or driving in Sport all the time.  The 190 economy is also well short of stated in the Škoda implementation (mid 40s max). 

There is an option to code the ‘Audi’ throttle mode as on (instead of Škoda/Seat or VW).  All options are on the ECU, but that may break the warranty!  Some have done it and the throttle response is far better.

You will need all transmission fluids changing at 40,000 miles.....which is a lot cheaper than a BMW equivalent 
[/quote]


Yes I'll take a DSG out & then decide, as mentioned it's an 'ok' car but won't be that exciting.      I'll be doing a 3+23 & will hit around 32K miles in 2 years, so won't need the transmission fluids service.  The servicing on my 335d is quite expensive I found.    First service was 320 & the next major service will be double I would say.    Thankfully as it's a 2 year lease it'll be going back before it;s due.

With the regards to the ECU. I'm curious if this would cause major wheel spin in a FWD car, so I don't think I'd bother with it.  I fitted a Tuning Box to a 63 plate A4 Avant Black Edition and it was awful.    Heavy car, wet roads & FWD....  worst car I've owned in a long while the Avant.   

Thanks for the info on the wet & dry also

[Horizon]

I'm sure I've read somewhere that the GTD has the trick diff that was first available on the GTI, which is aparantly very good and stops the front loosing grip under acceleration and stops it understeering too.
I was at a customers this morning who had a black GTD in for repair ( Body shop ) and it does look nice in the black.
I had a MK6 Golf GT 140 with the 6 speed DSG and thought the gear ratio changes were spot on, but as X5 Sport has experienced with his Skoda, some say the later 7 speed is too eager to change up too early..
It seems CO2 emissions and MPG are more important to manufacturers than driving satisfaction.

[Bmwobsessed]

The GTD is full of plastic, has poor drivability because of the torque, are the second most often stolen golf after the Golf R, dreadful dull steering coupled with very fragile gearboxes oh and did I mention loads of plastic. 

Don’t bet on VW servicing being cheaper than BMW’s either it’s German.........

I would strongly consider a 2 series diesel or a 1 series diesel Sytner have some fantastic deals on at the moment and very very flexible PCP bargains are available if you are a stone faced haggler.

You will also be plagued by boy racers at the lights not saying that you have to participate in such antics but you know.......

Good luck!!!

[X5Sport]

I certainly don’t want another Škoda.  BMW 2-series Active or Gran Tourers are almost the same money (Škoda prices are being forced up by VW Trade Unions) and better equipped.

[RichM50d]

With all the crap going on with VW at the moment, you’re braver than I am if you’re buying a diesel VW! )

[55NF]

[quote="RichM50d"]
With all the crap going on with VW at the moment, you’re braver than I am if you’re buying a diesel VW! )
[/quote]

Business Contract Hire, I wouldn't put my own cash into a diesel, at present.

[55NF]

[quote="Bmwobsessed"]
The GTD is full of plastic, has poor drivability because of the torque, are the second most often stolen golf after the Golf R, dreadful dull steering coupled with very fragile gearboxes oh and did I mention loads of plastic. 

Don’t bet on VW servicing being cheaper than BMW’s either it’s German.........

I would strongly consider a 2 series diesel or a 1 series diesel Sytner have some fantastic deals on at the moment and very very flexible PCP bargains are available if you are a stone faced haggler.

You will also be plagued by boy racers at the lights not saying that you have to participate in such antics but you know.......

Good luck!!!
[/quote]

Wife has a 120d M Sport.    Very very good car, very hard ride though but very economical.    It averages 58mpg.  I stuck 20K on it & it'll now average out by the time it's returned Feb 19.  Haven't seen the 2 Series yet but will take a look.    Also need to find out when the new A Class is available.  The  A Class prices aren't far off the the C220 AMG Line Saloon.