fendervg

Pre-ordered. Will join my Audi Quattro and Nugget G60 models on the shelf! Now just looking for a nice MKII big bumper GTI 8v model.

Would I need the top spring plates and the fiddly bits as well, or would I be ok with just the mounts and bearings.? I see Lemforder do a keenly priced "rear suspension repair kit" - http://www.ottocarparts.com/shop/parts/53872-lemforder-repair-kit-suspension-strut-31093-01.html - that includes both upper and lower mounts for the rear. It's not VAG, but you could always use one of the mounts from the kit with the other VAG parts.

Hmmm - must have a look at the new one I got from VW a while back - must have been appreciating quietly in value - I'll be damned if I can find it though! Will have to do my injectors then.

Ross-Tech and VCDS is an expensive option, but will work on all VW/Audi/Seat cars and does generic OBD as well. I have it and use it all the time on my C with the 2x2 adapter, and then on my wife's Golf V and father in law's 06 Passat taxi. It's probably the Gold standard bar VW's own stuff. You can also use generic leads with the "lite" version of VCDS - but not as useful.

@rado20vt - good tip there and I reckon that's exactly what is wrong with mine after seeing the state of the PCB on the show. My only problem is its a daily driver, so will probably go down the route of getting a spare unit to refurb.

Right - Got in touch with Thursdave and I now have the following shopping list then for a VR6: Front strut mount 357412331A x 2 Front strut top mount bearing 1J0412249 x 2 Rear strut mount upper 191512335 x2 Rear strut mount lower 191512333 x 2 (may only be available from Classic Parts) Rear beam bush 1H0501541A x2 Rear ARB bush 871511423 x 1 Does this make sense? Do I need two rear ARB bushes? I can't even recall seeing a rear ARB on the VR?

Has anyone priced up all four top mounts and rear beam bushes for a VR from the dealer recently? Need to do mine as I failed our national car test on rear imbalance, but the shocks and springs are fine.

But was it heated leather? Didn't see a loom being fitted.

Stop trying to cause trouble @dougie [emoji41]

Actually that doesn't make sense. But it would stop more leaking out after the initial dump of coolant. Was definitely a recall item though.

Shiny! The non-return valve was a dealer recall item to stop people suing after the heater matrix dumped all its hot coolant on the passenger's legs. I think. Also often seen on MkII Golfs.

ABS is just a pita - mine has a temp related fault and a couple of errors on the pump valves. Could be the wiring, pump itself, or the PCB heating up due to a cracked case (that's my idea now after seeing the program), so will be on the look out for a pump that I can get reconditioned if anyone has one. I did like the vinyl stickers for refurbishing the front red VR6 badge - I wonder did they get them from Trimsport?

My controls - later type - have a tilt and a slide button. There's no real fix for these sunroofs - even if you rebuild them completely they will go again after a few years I'd say. And it's a full day's labour to take it out, repair and refit. If you can get a suitable moonroof that's probably the best option, but not original.

My wife works in TV as a director/producer - don't believe anything you see on screen - all needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. That was a lot of free labour that went into that car. No suspension work, clutch or chains done either - and no mention of the mileage, but by the condition of the gear knob and steering wheel it was pretty high. it may also have had some paint. Still great to see such positive coverage on a mainstream show, and a fair price at the end.

It's always the left-hand passenger side cable guide that snaps. Just seems to be the way. not sure who to thank for the attached, but it's a very good doc and is floating about on here. If someone wants to PM me I may have a "German" version as well.

The guide measurement is about the height of a credit card - 1-2 mm, below the hatch at the front, and above the hatch at the back. front --/--rear. apologies for crap ASCII art.

Do a search on here - it's been covered plenty of times. VW sell a special grease for sunroofs. I'd say any broken bit is going to cause problems. I had my whole mechanism rebuilt about a year ago.

I keep all receipts and car related paperwork. I used to stamp the VAG service book myself when I did an oil/filter/plug service about twice a year but that has run out now. I'm unlikely to be selling so not too bothered. It's mainly useful to have them if you are looking for an old part number.

Ha ha - "These are not the mirrors you are looking for..." ;)

Replaced my driver's side electric window regulator - now I don't have to get out of the car at a car parks and security gates anymore! (only been doing that for about a year) :)

Any decent 10w40 should do it.

Mine varies a lot - the scale on the gauge is not linear anyway. Coolant temp gauges on newer VAGs are calibrated to sit in the middle, bang on, unless warming up or cooling down, for peace of mind. I think people were getting worried when they were seeing the needle move as conditions varied. My VR6 will vary a lot, depending on fans running, moving on open road, or sitting in traffic. I'd only get worried if it shoots up or consistently reads high, and would not consider the older senders and gauges to be a particularly accurate combination - I'd consider them a guideline indication of coolant temperature only. You can always double-check by looking at the oil temperature on the MAF for re-assurance.

Does the hose from the thermostat to the radiator get warm straight away after starting the car?

There's always some condensation in an exhaust in the morning, so no need to worry about that. You probably just have a slight leak somewhere. Congrats on the MOT.

Blue is coolant temp for ECU. Yellow is coolant temp for gauge, fan and aux cooling. Radiator is the coolant fan control temp sender. Other sensor in the thermostat housing is for cars with A/C or secondary fans.