Volkswagen Golf R32 (2005 – 2009) Review
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Volkswagen Golf R32 (2005 – 2009) At A Glance
Quick, surefooted and well equipped.
The Audi S3 is more satisfying to drive really quickly. Less efficient than the Golf GTI, Skoda Octavia vRS and SEAT Leon Cupra.
Reviews for Volkswagen Golf R32 (2005 – 2009)'s top 3 rivals
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Model History
March 2005
New R32, basically an A3 / TT 3.2 with 250PS and quattro/4MOTION drivetrain with Haldex clutch. Optional DSG transmission. Standard equipment includes: bi-xenon headlights; 2-Zone Climatronic air conditioning; ten-speaker audio system; rain sensor wipers with auto-dimming rear view mirror; sports suspension lowered by 20mm and 18-inch alloy wheels. Priced not much more than GTI, from £23,745.
What to watch out for
Problems with 08 model R32 disposed of in 2009 after 20k miles: Failed A/C the whole system had to be changed after 6 months the pump gave up the ghost. Then it was the turn of the power steering new pump and rack. Then the DSG box got loose and clunky and it was time to go. Only 20K on the clock.
22-01-2011:If ESP/ABS amber warning light comes on intermittently and will not re-set, you might not actually have the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP problem. First check circuits and start at the ABS fuse and holder (no 9 on a Golf, on scuttle edge by driver door). Pull it out, have a look and if okay replace it. The warning light may then go out. Sometimes they slip out a bit and become wobbly, which is enough to set off the warning.
27-10-2013:Both timing chains of 3.2 VR6 prone to stretching and jumping cogs, throwing out the timing. Due to the amount of dismantlung involved, replacing is a £3,000 job.
06-03-2014:Mk V Golf R32 not immune to Golf Mk V rusted front wing problem. Well known problem of the rubber sound proofing mat rubbing the inside of the wing. A TSB was issued in 2009 telling dealers to cut back the mat and replace the wing where rusting has occurred. Sometimes possible to get 50% goodwill payment towards the cost from Volkswagen Customer Care.
21-01-2016:Report that VW's free or dealer contributed fix of the ATE Teves Mk 60 ABS/ESP module failure has ended in August 2015 because the cars were all then more than 6 years old. Fault discovered by VW dealer on Golf GTI Edition 30 in November 2015 and reader forced to pay, since when the reader has been attempting to get a contribution to the fix. By 26-1-2016, VW agreed to meet this claim in full.
