TLud's Golf R Thread

[TLud]

Delivery

Got an e-mail from my dealer on Monday that my Golf R had arrived, but because we live in Houston and my dealer is in San Antonio, we couldn't pick it up until yesterday (Saturday). I'm sure most of you can relate; it was a long week.

My first thought upon seeing her was how great Rising Blue looks in person. I've seen a lot of great pics of RB on this forum, but nothing compares to seeing it in real life. I snapped a few pictures before even going inside to do the paperwork:











And a pic with my wife's new Tiguan SEL, which we picked up at the same time:



Before I say anything else, I have to give props to VW of Alamo Heights (formerly Rod East VW). Not only did they give us a great price on both cars, but it was the smoothest car buying experience I've ever had. And even though I previously negotiated a 2.49% rate with them for the R (matching PenFed), when we got into the finance office, they gave me a 1.9% rate out of the blue. I've never met a nicer and more professional group of sales people at a dealership, and couldn't recommend them more.

Interior and Driving Impressions

By way of background, this is my first VW, and I'm coming from a 2009 M3 coupe, so my perspective is probably a little different from that of a longtime VW enthusiast.

The interior of the R is a very sweet place to be. Everywhere the R meets your skin, from the seat to the steering wheel to the shifter, is perfect. For those of you complaining about not getting the Recaros, the car doesn't need them. The seat is well-bolstered, and holds me perfectly. We drove more than 3 hours back to Houston this afternoon, and it felt great. I think the seats strike the perfect balance of providing excellent support and snugness without creating any pressure points or hot spots. I really liked the seats in my M3, but these are even better. The leather isn't quite as soft as the seats in the M3, but still very good quality. The steering wheel has perforated leather, which provides a combination of grip and softness that is just right. I've driven a lot of cars, and this is the best steering wheel that I can recall.

The ergonomics of the car are also excellent. I was able to adjust the seat and steering wheel into just the right position for me. All of the instruments and gauges feel like they are where they should be. The steering wheel is a nice small size, but it doesn't block the view of any of the gauges like my M3 steering wheel did. All of the dash board controls are within easy reach and are laid out in a simple and organized way. The driver compartment feels compact, but not constricting. I'm 6'2" and 195 pounds, and it doesn't feel tight. It feels intimate and creates a nice connection with the car. On a related note, I was surprised at how much space the back seats have. A buddy who is 6'4" rode in the back seat and had plenty of room for his legs.

The Dynaudio sound system, once you get the settings sorted properly, is excellent. Nice clear, crisp sound, with good balance, even at high volume. Having heard it, I have no desire to change it. All the media options are great, and very simple to use. The RNS-315 is a solid little unit. Very, very user friendly with a responsive screen and no lag. It has lots of cool little features. I've got an RNS-510 sitting here at the house waiting to be swapped out, but honestly, it won't be necessary for most people.

Put all of these things together, and the interior impressed me a lot. The materials and fit and finish is very high quality, and it looks both classy and sporty at the same time. Aside from a couple missing features, you have just about everything you could want in a car. A couple of my friends, both of whom drive high end cars, rode in the R, and both of them were very impressed as well.

Now for the good part. Even though it is not blisteringly fast or have razor-sharp throttle response like my M3, the R is an absolute blast to drive. I was sure that I would miss all that power, but was surprised to find that I was having so much fun driving the R at any speed, that I barely gave it any thought. Don't get me wrong, the R is plenty quick (although I'll definitely be adding some go-fast mods). It's just that you don't have to be driving it balls to the wall to have a lot of fun. You can definitely feel the turbo kick in just over 3,000 rpm, but it's a nice smooth build in power, not an on/off switch. Coming from a series of naturally aspirated cars, this was very welcome, especially when applying a heavy dose of throttle in the twisties. It did not upset the R's balance.

VW hit a home run with this suspension. I understand the desire to lower the car from an aesthetic perspective, but driving this car confirmed that I will not be touching the suspension. The ride is extremely comfortable. It is firm, with surprisingly little body roll for a stock suspension, but supple with nice small-bump compliance. It's just a really great balance between sport and comfort. It transmits a good amount of road feel, but without ever feeling harsh or jarring. I was also surprised at how unflappable the R is while cornering on bad road surfaces.

The AWD is impressive in putting power to the ground, no matter what the road surface is like. Not much to say on that front. The traction control, in full-on baby sitter mode, definitely is overly interfering in hard cornering, which is a shame because it kicks in just when the car is starting to do what you want it to do. It won't allow any sliding whatsoever. I have not tried partially turning it off, so I will avoid further judgment until I do. And I can also confirm that the Dunlop all-seasons blow big chunks. They will not be on the car for long.

The steering response is not as sharp as in the M3, which was borderline telepathic, but the variable assist is set up far better in the R. The steering is nicely boosted for low speed maneuvering, but very nicely weighted at speed. I always wished that the M3 had a little heavier steering feel at higher speeds, but the R gets it just right. The R also feels very nimble and tossable without being at all twitchy.

The shifting in the R is glorious. The clutch has a quick engagement low to the floor and a good consistent release. The shifter, despite sitting a little tall for my tastes and having very long throws, is buttery smooth. So much better than the notchy Getrag box in the M3.

The R really is a situation where the sum of its parts is greater than the whole. No one thing about the R will blow you away; but put all the pieces together, and you have a very, very fun car that will put a huge smile on your face. I absolutely love it.

Modifications

Performance

• APR Intercooler - INSTALLED
• APR/VWR intake - INSTALLED
• Modshack intake bracket - INSTALLED (Details at Post 686)
• APR Stage 1 (93 Octane) flash - INSTALLED (Driving impressions at Post 29)
• APR HPFP and Stage 1+ flash - INSTALLED (Driving impressions at Post 352)
• 42 Draft Designs downpipe (resonated w/ cat) and APR Stage 2+ flash - INSTALLED
• APR RSC catback exhaust - COMING SOON

Transmission and Shifter

• Sachs SRE Performance Clutch Kit - ARRIVED
• HPA short shifter - ORDERED
• Tyrol Sport solid shifter bracket bushings - ORDERED
• 42DD shifter cable bushings - ARRIVED
• VW metal relay lever (1J0711202J) - ARRIVED

Wheels, Suspension, and Braking

• HRE P43S wheels in gloss charcoal (19x8.5" ET47) wrapped in 235/35 Continental ContiSportContact 5P rubber - INSTALLED
• Euro Golf R springs from OEMplus - INSTALLED (See this post for all details)
• RacingBrake two-piece rotors from here - INSTALLED
• StopTech stainless steel braided brake lines from ACHTUN!NG - INSTALLED
• Carbotech 1521 brake pads ordered directly from Carbotech - INSTALLED
• ATE Super Blue brake fluid - INSTALLED
• Tyrol Sport DeadSet Rigid Subframe Collar Kit (front) - ORDERED

Interior

• RNS-510 navi, Video-In-Motion, and 9W7 bluetooth, and harnesses/wiring from Peteski / Peter_Chicago at vwnavi.com - INSTALLED (Post 105)
• OEM flip-out badge reverse camera (from here) - INSTALLED (Post 105)
• iPod/Media-In cable replaced with OEM cable that allows song tagging - INSTALLED (Post 569)
• OEM Euro cupholder and bottle opener from OEMPlus - INSTALLED (Post 116)
• Stainless steel R seat handle inserts from Bold Sport - INSTALLED (Post 116)
• Stainless steel R tread plates for rear door sills from Bold Sport - INSTALLED (Post 241)
• Podi blue needle boost gauge w/ steering column mount from here - INSTALLED (Post 678)
• Gentex GENK45A homelink and auto-dimming rearview mirror with VW mount adapter from here - INSTALLED (Post 100)
• Hardwired Escort Passport 9500ix with Blendmount - INSTALLED (hardwire details at Post 100 and Blendmount details at Post 470)
• Automatic headlights - INSTALLED (Details and demonstration video at Post 376)
• OEM underseat drawers from ECS - INSTALLED (Details and pics at Post 439)
• LED interior light replacement - INSTALLED (Details and pics at Post 572)
• VW first aid kit from ECS - INSTALLED (Details and pics at Post 440)
• Soundaktor removed (instructions and impressions at Post 529)
• VAGCOM coding with VCDS and micro-CAN cable from Ross-Tech - DONE (Coding directions at Post 175)

Exterior

• Tinted Euro-LED tails (without fogs) and harnesses from here - INSTALLED
• Color-matched Rising Blue side-markers painted by John@FTC5 - INSTALLED (Pics at Post 155)
• XPel Ultimate clear bra - INSTALLED (Pics and details at Post 149)
• Formula One Pinnacle ceramic tint (35% on sides/20% on back window) - INSTALLED (Pics at Post 110)
• OEM heated aspherical side mirrors from BKS Tuning - INSTALLED (Pic and details at Post 408)
• R valve stem caps from Bold Sport - INSTALLED (Pics at Post 501)
• Custom engine cover - IN PROGRESS

I'd like to give a shout out and thanks to European Legacy Motors here in Houston for all the fine work they've done on this car.

How she currently looks (updated 4/20/2012):

[.:R Driven]

Congratulations on your GOLF R from all the info since it's arrival it seems to be very positive, I can't wait for mine to arrive early April.

[JLCVDUB]

Great review! Congrats!

I can't believe I'm leaving this place and picking my car in a little less than two weeks!! Also, can't wait to meet up with you in Austin or Houston for a little R gathering and some


Cheers!

[johannes]

Nice write-up

[lovecarsDrV]

Thanks for the nice write-up, enjoyed reading. Love the mods!

[hussdog426]

Congrats

[johnnyR32]

Congrats man.

[slidemx5]

Congrats dude!

[mtbscoTT]

Think I'm going to go to Cars and Coffee next Saturday early, got time to meet up there?

[Dutchmastr9]

looking fresh

[specialkk43]

Nice!

[TLud]

I forgot to add to my original post that I showed my R to a friend who has owned 17 VWs, including the MkIV and MkV R32s. He took it for a test drive and loved it. He thought this R is the best one yet because it combines the tossability and dynamics of a GTI with the solid stability of the previous R's. So, those of you current or former R32 owners should definitely give it a look.

[TLud]

Congratulations on your GOLF R from all the info since it's arrival it seems to be very positive, I can't wait for mine to arrive early April.

I understand how tough that wait is, especially when seeing everyone else take delivery of their cars, but it will definitely be worth the wait. The R has a few weaknesses (like any car), but overall it's an incredible package and a lot of fun. Let's just say this. It would take a heck of a car to keep me from missing my beloved M3. I have NO regrets whatsoever.

Great review! Congrats!

I can't believe I'm leaving this place and picking my car in a little less than two weeks!! Also, can't wait to meet up with you in Austin or Houston for a little R gathering and some


Cheers!

Definitely. You're going to love it. Looking forward to seeing it. I know you've got a lot going on, so I'll PM you my cell number if some time frees up to meet. Also, I've got VCDS with the micro-CAN cable, so if you need any coding done, I can help you with that. In the meantime, stay safe.

Think I'm going to go to Cars and Coffee next Saturday early, got time to meet up there?

Sure do. I'm really looking forward to seeing your TT-RS in person. Do you want to meet up somewhere else first and drive over together?

Nice write-up

Thanks for the nice write-up, enjoyed reading. Love the mods!

Congrats

Congrats man.

Congrats dude!

looking fresh

Nice!

Thanks, everyone!

More pics to come, probably this weekend, when I install the rest of my mods.

[pierovw]

Congrats!!! Now we are two Golf R's Rising Blue in houston

[TLud]

Congrats!!! Now we are two Golf R's Rising Blue in houston

Awesome! I'll keep an eye out for you. I work downtown, but am typically all over central and west Houston.

It was a little sad because my R was the first and only one in San Antonio, and I promptly took it back here to Houston, where we already have a handful.

[PedroPat130]

This is the best review of a Golf R that I have seen on this forum. I just sold my M3 and have a Golf R ordered for a May delivery. Although the M3 was great this review confirms to me that the Golf R is going to have more fun factor. It's going to be along wait until May but I think it will be worth it.

[Angina]

jelly

[mtbscoTT]

Sure do. I'm really looking forward to seeing your TT-RS in person. Do you want to meet up somewhere else first and drive over together?

Don't know if you've been to C and C since it moved up north, but it's gotten HUGE and people get there crazy early. We could meet at the Starbucks on 610 between Shepherd and Yale and drive out. I know it sounds nuts, but how's about 6:45? I got there around 7:30AM last time I went (October) and it was already filling up. We could just drive straight there, park, then get some coffee at the meet.

[TLud]

Don't know if you've been to C and C since it moved up north, but it's gotten HUGE and people get there crazy early. We could meet at the Starbucks on 610 between Shepherd and Yale and drive out. I know it sounds nuts, but how's about 6:45? I got there around 7:30AM last time I went (October) and it was already filling up. We could just drive straight there, park, then get some coffee at the meet.

I haven't been to the new location, but the timing actually works out great for me, because I need to take the R to get the windows tinted between 9:00 and 9:30 that morning. Unless I hear different between now and then, I'll plan on seeing you at 6:45 at that Starbucks.

[AsianDude]

I forgot to add to my original post that I showed my R to a friend who has owned 17 VWs, including the MkIV and MkV R32s. He took it for a test drive and loved it. He thought this R is the best one yet because it combines the tossability and dynamics of a GTI with the solid stability of the previous R's. So, those of you current or former R32 owners should definitely give it a look.

Congrats on both cars!
I was one of those mkV R32 owners and believe that you are probably right about the improvement in the current Golf R from the last R32.

[JLCVDUB]

Definitely. You're going to love it. Looking forward to seeing it. I know you've got a lot going on, so I'll PM you my cell number if some time frees up to meet. Also, I've got VCDS with the micro-CAN cable, so if you need any coding done, I can help you with that. In the meantime, stay safe.

Thanks! I appreciate it a lot. I'll probably be getting a Ross-Tech myself, but if you know anything about coding I'd gladly take your help on the matter. I've always known about it, but I have never actually got around to it on my own. Yea, I'll def let you know what's up! I'm going to be leaving here a little earlier than I thought and I will have quite a bit of time on my hands once I get back so I will definitely be good to hang out and I'll let you know when I am free.

[TLud]

Congrats on both cars!
I was one of those mkV R32 owners and believe that you are probably right about the improvement in the current Golf R from the last R32.

Thank you, sir. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to meet up and check out the R to help you make up your mind.

Thanks! I appreciate it a lot. I'll probably be getting a Ross-Tech myself, but if you know anything about coding I'd gladly take your help on the matter. I've always known about it, but I have never actually got around to it on my own. Yea, I'll def let you know what's up! I'm going to be leaving here a little earlier than I thought and I will have quite a bit of time on my hands once I get back so I will definitely be good to hang out and I'll let you know when I am free.

I'm no guru (this is my first VW), but I recoded my tail lights in 5 minutes without any problems yesterday. I plan to play around with it a little more this weekend once I install the RNS-510 and 9W7. Keep me posted.

[EZ]

[*]Gentex GENK45A homelink and auto-dimming rearview mirror with VW mount adapter (from here) - ARRIVED

Very interested to hear how you like this. The only thing the R is missing that I desperately want is homelink.

[JLCVDUB]

I'm no guru (this is my first VW), but I recoded my tail lights in 5 minutes without any problems yesterday. I plan to play around with it a little more this weekend once I install the RNS-510 and 9W7. Keep me posted.

Really? I mean, it doesn't look to technical, but I've never messed with any of it. This will be my fourth VW in seven years. Glad to be back to the awesome. How much did you fork out for the RNS-510? Aren't they like 1,200 bucks? I've thought about switching, but I'm not sure on it...

[pierovw]

Awesome! I'll keep an eye out for you. I work downtown, but am typically all over central and west Houston.

It was a little sad because my R was the first and only one in San Antonio, and I promptly took it back here to Houston, where we already have a handful.

Nice!! I drive all over Houston... Galleria area, rice village, University of Houston. Funny that you mention that you stole the first Golf R from San antonio because I did the same thing but in Dallas hahaha and drove it back to Houston.

[TLud]

Very interested to hear how you like this. The only thing the R is missing that I desperately want is homelink.

I'll be installing it this weekend and will keep you posted. It looks like a very easy install. It's a must-have for us. Years back, when we lived at our previous house, my wife parked her car on the street one night and had her car broken into. They used the remote to break into our house while we were home. At our current house, our cars are always in the garage, but we still don't leave remotes in the car.

Really? I mean, it doesn't look to technical, but I've never messed with any of it. This will be my fourth VW in seven years. Glad to be back to the awesome. How much did you fork out for the RNS-510? Aren't they like 1,200 bucks? I've thought about switching, but I'm not sure on it...

The coding was very straightforward, especially since there's so much info available online.

I bought the RNS-510 new, and with the latest hardware (Version E) and firmware, and also had to get the 9W7 bluetooth module, so it was more than that (I can PM you the price), but you can find them lightly used for a lot cheaper. You can check it out (and the rear view camera) when we meet up.

Nice!! I drive all over Houston... Galleria area, rice village, University of Houston. Funny that you mention that you stole the first Golf R from San antonio because I did the same thing but in Dallas hahaha and drove it back to Houston.

I remember that. I was very jealous at the time.

[JLCVDUB]

The coding was very straightforward, especially since there's so much info available online.

I bought the RNS-510 new, and with the latest hardware (Version E) and firmware, and also had to get the 9W7 bluetooth module, so it was more than that (I can PM you the price), but you can find them lightly used for a lot cheaper. You can check it out (and the rear view camera) when we meet up.

Sweet. I'm sure we'll end up linking up for a little meet sooner or later.


And I'm interested in switching although I don't know when I'll switch. I'm about to dump quite a bit of money on wheels, coils and maybe some stage 1 or 2 action.. Haven't officially decided how I'll do it. I've gotta keep some chips in the bank and keep adding to the pot of ther the next year because I'll be out of the Army Summer of 2013!!

I might just do wheels, coils, LEDs and maybe just a flash to start... Once I start work for Austin PD, then the whole car is getting ripped apart.

[VDubStyle]

I forgot to add to my original post that I showed my R to a friend who has owned 17 VWs, including the MkIV and MkV R32s. He took it for a test drive and loved it. He thought this R is the best one yet because it combines the tossability and dynamics of a GTI with the solid stability of the previous R's. So, those of you current or former R32 owners should definitely give it a look.

Congratulations!

As a current original owner of (2) MKIV R32s, one HPA & NA and anxiously waiting for the TR's to arrive, your overall review & driving impressions esp. coming from an M3 is greatly appreciated.

Subscribed to your thread and all your listed modifications.

[TLud]

Just came back from getting the APR Stage 1 flash installed during lunch. Unfortunately, I had to come back to the office, so I didn't get to spend as much time with the new tune as I would have liked, but I took the long way back and got to play with her for about 20 minutes. Here are my impressions.

Let me first say that this was money well spent in improving an already great car. Before getting the R flashed, I found it fun to drive in spite of, not because of, its power and acceleration. Following my initial test drive at delivery, I didn't really engage in many gratuitous straight line WOT acceleration because it left me feeling a little flat after coming from the M3. Acceleration from a stop and during passing-type situations at speed was fairly underwhelming. That said, the handling, balance and tossability of the R are so enjoyable, that the relative (at least compared to the M3) lack of power, didn't really bother me much. In fact, I loved how much fun the R was to drive at any speed, whereas the M3 didn't really shine unless you were driving it balls to the wall, which was impractical and/or unsafe much of the time.

The stage 1 flash really brings the R's power more in line with the other strengths of the car. A few differences really stood out to me immediately. First, the initial torque surge from the turbo arrives noticeably earlier in the rev range. With the stock tune, you feel the initial torque surge at around 3300 rpm. Now, I feel it kick in closer to 2800 rpm. This really helps to bridge the gap between initial throttle application and the "meaty" part of the torque curve. To put it another way, there is less lag. Second, speaking of the "meaty" part of the torque curve, it is now much "meatier." Where I really feel this is at highway speeds when dropping down a gear or two to pass. It's still not a holy-crap-throw-you-in-the-back-of-your-seat feeling, but it is a very obvious improvement and far more satisfying. The improvement can really be felt right in the middle of the rev range (3000 - 5000 rpm). Third, the throttle response appears to be a little sharper, but certainly not jumpy. This was a big difference coming from the M3, which has a very hair-trigger on/off throttle response, especially in sport mode. The throttle response for the stage 1 R strikes a nice balance that fits well with the R's overall driving dynamics. Fourth, as important as what the flash changes is what it does not change. Power delivery is still smooth and fairly linear. The flash does not change this aspect of the stock tune, which is a huge plus in my book.

To sum it up, even though I'll be adding some other APR goodies shortly, I could be very happy driving the R with just the flash. The perma-grin I've been wearing since I bought the R just got a little wider.

ADD: I got my flash done at European Legacy Motors, located at I-10 and Blalock. They have a great shop that is very clean and well set-up. They know and love their VWs. They got me in and out in under 30 minutes. I will definitely be going back to them to install the intercooler, HPFP and intake. They said that when I do, they will not charge me for the re-flash.

[Dutchmastr9]

[TLud]

Congratulations!

As a current original owner of (2) MKIV R32s, one HPA & NA and anxiously waiting for the TR's to arrive, your overall review & driving impressions esp. coming from an M3 is greatly appreciated.

Subscribed to your thread and all your listed modifications.

Thanks, I hope my impressions and experiences can be of help to you and others.


Sent from my iPhone 4S using Tapatalk

[12vdubber]

Ha! I was at ELM yesterday during lunch.
We're keeping them busy!

What are you doing with the RNS-315? Does anyone know if it's plug and play in a car with no navi?

[wolfsburgnative]

Thanks for the great write-up. Definitely very informative, especially your take on the APR tune. I have the same model on order and can't wait to do the same to it. Congrats and enjoy.

[pierovw]

Just came back from getting the APR Stage 1 flash installed during lunch. Unfortunately, I had to come back to the office, so I didn't get to spend as much time with the new tune as I would have liked, but I took the long way back and got to play with her for about 20 minutes. Here are my impressions.

Let me first say that this was money well spent in improving an already great car. Before getting the R flashed, I found it fun to drive in spite of, not because of, its power and acceleration. Following my initial test drive at delivery, I didn't really engage in many gratuitous straight line WOT acceleration because it left me feeling a little flat after coming from the M3. Acceleration from a stop and during passing-type situations at speed was fairly underwhelming. That said, the handling, balance and tossability of the R are so enjoyable, that the relative (at least compared to the M3) lack of power, didn't really bother me much. In fact, I loved how much fun the R was to drive at any speed, whereas the M3 didn't really shine unless you were driving it balls to the wall, which was impractical and/or unsafe much of the time.

The stage 1 flash really brings the R's power more in line with the other strengths of the car. A few differences really stood out to me immediately. First, the initial torque surge from the turbo arrives noticeably earlier in the rev range. With the stock tune, you feel the initial torque surge at around 3300 rpm. Now, I feel it kick in closer to 2800 rpm. This really helps to bridge the gap between initial throttle application and the "meaty" part of the torque curve. To put it another way, there is less lag. Second, speaking of the "meaty" part of the torque curve, it is now much "meatier." Where I really feel this is at highway speeds when dropping down a gear or two to pass. It's still not a holy-crap-throw-you-in-the-back-of-your-seat feeling, but it is a very obvious improvement and far more satisfying. The improvement can really be felt right in the middle of the rev range (3000 - 5000 rpm). Third, the throttle response appears to be a little sharper, but certainly not jumpy. This was a big difference coming from the M3, which has a very hair-trigger on/off throttle response, especially in sport mode. The throttle response for the stage 1 R strikes a nice balance that fits well with the R's overall driving dynamics. Fourth, as important as what the flash changes is what it does not change. Power delivery is still smooth and fairly linear. The flash does not change this aspect of the stock tune, which is a huge plus in my book.

To sum it up, even though I'll be adding some other APR goodies shortly, I could be very happy driving the R with just the flash. The perma-grin I've been wearing since I bought the R just got a little wider.

ADD: I got my flash done at European Legacy Motors, located at I-10 and Blalock. They have a great shop that is very clean and well set-up. They know and love their VWs. They got me in and out in under 30 minutes. I will definitely be going back to them to install the intercooler, HPFP and intake. They said that when I do, they will not charge me for the re-flash.

Awesome man!!!! I can't wait to save some money and go flash my car! I think I will end up going with either ELM or Bartuning. Nice review of stage 1 by the way! It gave me the last little push to be convinced about getting the ECU flashed ASAP. Also do you think when it comes to the point that I get LED tails you can help me getting rid of the error code? I dont think buying VAG-COM is a good investment for me since I never work on my cars I am not very mechanical/engine wise haha

[TLud]

Ha! I was at ELM yesterday during lunch.
We're keeping them busy!

What are you doing with the RNS-315? Does anyone know if it's plug and play in a car with no navi?

They mentioned you came in. They said I was the 3rd or 4th R to come in for the tune (but the first RB).

I will probably sell the RNS-315 on the cheap (preferably to someone local. There are DIY for this. As I recall, it is pretty much plug and play, but you need to add a GPS antenna and obviously have to do recoding.

Thanks for the great write-up. Definitely very informative, especially your take on the APR tune. I have the same model on order and can't wait to do the same to it. Congrats and enjoy.

Thanks. It'll definitely be worth the wait.

Awesome man!!!! I can't wait to save some money and go flash my car! I think I will end up going with either ELM or Bartuning. Nice review of stage 1 by the way! It gave me the last little push to be convinced about getting the ECU flashed ASAP. Also do you think when it comes to the point that I get LED tails you can help me getting rid of the error code? I dont think buying VAG-COM is a good investment for me since I never work on my cars I am not very mechanical/engine wise haha

The stage 1 flash is WELL worth it. I put some more miles on it tonight and now that the car has had more time to adjust, it's gotten even better. I am really liking it. I know nothing about Bar, but I had a really good experience with ELM. I'd highly recommend them.

I can definitely re-code to get rid of that error. It'll take 2 minutes. If you have other changes you're interested in, I can help with that as well.