[shibujp]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Happy third!
And after the 1300 km odd drive to home and back, I must say I am a happy man! The B6s have transformed the ride completely. The immediate result was the ride comfort which had greatly improved. Reason? The front stock shocks were shot and I never knew it all this while! This was immediately evident when I drove the car back to the apartment’s parking lot from the Bosch garage after installing them and the driveway has a lot of those rubber speed breakers installed. The car was dead silent while I drove over them whereas it used to *bang* and *bang* when I used to cross them before. Ditto while driving over small potholes on the roads. The dampers are absorbing the undulations nicely. While cornering at high speeds, the car used to dip and bounce over bumps. Now the ride is a lot more firm, no more dipping while cornering, body roll has reduced substantially and stays absolutely F-L-A-T, planted on the road. It is a little stiff but I’ve got used to it already! The car is an absolute blast to drive now!

Wow that was a very busy update.

Great to see that you are enjoying the Bilstien suspension upgrade. Have they made the rear end feel stiffer having a kick when going into a dip in the road? My Konis' do, and I do sometimes miss the stock suspension feel on bad roads (not too much obviously). Might also have something to do with the fact that my rear shock buffer is shot to bits. Getting a replacement soon so lets see.

The new front suspension mount look much taller than the existing ones. Not sure if this may be due to the usage on the outgoing one but might also contribute to the improved ride comfort. Got a couple of mounts from Lemforder myself so your update tempts me to swap out the front mounts for my car too.

Regarding the limp mode behavior, the car does get upto 100 kmph with the glow plug engine malfunction light on, but as you said progress is slow. I do get the light one once in a while. I usually turn the engine off,pull out the key, wait for 10 seconds and turn the engine back on and things are back to normal. Of late this has been less and less frequent.

This is one Polo that VW should showcase as having trumped the Indian conditions and how!!

Drive on,
Shibu.

[Gannu_1]

Sorry for the late update! Been tied up with work off-lately.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Hey, check out my driving before you let me do that! Because I'm noticing that my skills and abilities are ageing.

Haha sure.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

But I'd be very very happy just to meet you and your star car!

Looking forward!

Originally Posted by rageshgr

Bilstein B6 is something I am mouth wateringly looking forward to in my GT TSI.

Please get it by all means. Transforms the handling of the car completely. Highway jaunts to Palakkad every month couldn’t get any better!

Originally Posted by rageshgr

How do you find the PS3 ST in handling department? I have heard they are comfort oriented and a bit houncy with 195/60 profile

They are indeed comfort oriented. Bouncy? I am not sure. If you’re in Chennai, feel free to come over and take a drive sometime. I also roam around Chennai after 1-2 AM during weekends to get familiarized with the place. In case you’re awake, we can meet up!

Originally Posted by rageshgr

Also, ECR is now double lane with high median and with very few median brakes. It is a hoot to drive!

Will check it out some time. But the last time I was there during 2007, I was very scared after a short drive to Mahabs and back.

Originally Posted by avinash_clt

I am not sure how it would be the B6s, but 16" wheels/tyres with the stock suspension takes a hit on the ride quality, while not significantly reducing body roll.

You know what, I think I’ll stick to the stock wheels for now. While 16” rims do look better, I’m not sure how the ride quality would take a hit especially considering I do Chennai-Palakkad and Chennai-Madurai drives twice a month these days.

Originally Posted by avinash_clt

If your objective is for better grip levels primarily, I suggest look for good tyres in 205/55 R15. Also there aren't particularly great tyre choices 205/50 R16.

I’m sold on these Primacy 3 STs man. I don’t have to look for another replacement now. I just hope availability isn’t going to be an issue.

Originally Posted by avinash_clt

Combine that with a simple Brembo OE replacement pads+rotors (better than the stock TVS Brakes-India units), you will complement those B6s even better.

I am looking at something better than that. Will keep you posted.

Originally Posted by arun_747

Request Your assistance for procuring Bilstein B6.

Hi Arun, I am really not sure what is the equivalent replacement for the Vento. Why don’t you ask Bilstein directly? I am sure they’d help.

Originally Posted by arun_747

Also request You to provide me Your contact number & confirm if I could call You sometime regarding the upgrade.

Drop me a PM.

Originally Posted by halfbytecode

Gannu_1, I have a suggestion for reducing the body roll.

After the suspension upgrade, the body roll has reduced significantly.

Originally Posted by keeru

Hi Gannu, my 2014 GT TDI which is clocked at 52k kms has started behaving strange during cold start.

Did you resolve this issue finally?

Originally Posted by shibujp

Have they made the rear end feel stiffer having a kick when going into a dip in the road?

The stiffness has increased compared to the stock shocks but the rear passengers didn’t complain about it though. I did not replace the buffers on the rear shocks either.

Originally Posted by shibujp

Regarding the limp mode behavior, the car does get upto 100 kmph with the glow plug engine malfunction light on, but as you said progress is slow. I do get the light one once in a while. I usually turn the engine off,pull out the key, wait for 10 seconds and turn the engine back on and things are back to normal. Of late this has been less and less frequent.

A recent VCDS check revealed this error:

382 - Manifold Pressure / Boost Sensor (G31)
P0236 00 [096] - Implausible Signal

It hasn’t resurfaced though. *touchwood*

Also got my HU changed to the RCD 330G + MIB 2 unit. After the Skoda Rapid drive that happened last month, I was sold on this HU. The capacitive touch LED display is ridiculously smooth! More like a current gen. smartphone display. Plus no CD drive meant zero moving parts and a more compact unit. And the integrated Bluetooth (supports connections to two devices simultaneously so one can be for streaming music and the other can be for mobile network) and an onscreen dialer also helped. What I miss is the information on the MFD. It only displays who’s calling. For 105 USD inclusive of Aramex shipping to Chennai with zero duties, I have zero complaints!

Some snaps:

The Phone home screen which supports 4 quick dial contacts:


During an incoming call:


During an outgoing call:


Radio supports RDS:


Displays a clock during standby (the one on the Rapid looked better though):


The 8 sensor ParkPilot system works beautifully (supports the PLA 2.0 as well):


The splash screen which I rarely get to see since the unit boots almost instantly:


The only info relayed to the MFD (during an incoming/outgoing call):






As always, massive thanks to the Russian folks!

[halfbytecode]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

After the suspension upgrade, the body roll has reduced significantly.

It is meant to reduce it further. The "softer" stabilizer links have been discontinued by VW, at least internationally.

[drpudhi]

Hi ganesh,

Hope you are fine. Sorry to repeat the question as you seem to have missed my PM. After a really quite year, the upgrade itch started for me and have placed an order for the Bilstein B6. Planning to use them with stock springs. It's on transit as i type and might reach me in a week. I noticed that you had replaced the front strut mounts too. Do you think its a necessity. Is there a way i could source them in India. If not do you recommend replacing the mounts to locally available ones or persist with stock mounts ?

Thank you,
drpudhi.

[antardaksh]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Parts, part numbers and cost breakup:

• • Sensor - 1S0919275 GRU - Rs. 18000 (for 4 nos.)
  • O-ring - 1T0919133C 9B9 - Rs. 17 (for 4 nos.)
  • Sensor retainer - 6RU919491 (L), 6RU919491A (CL), 6R0919492 (CR), 6R0919492A (R) - Rs. 100 (for 4 nos.)

Hi Gannu,

Could you please help with couple of questions

1. Any reason you did not order entire OPS Kit from Aliexpress. Cost of sensor in VW workshop looks too much while sensor is available on Aliexpress for 15USD each.

2. Did you notice any difference in the parts marked for each side (L, , R, CL, CR) "Sensor retainer - 6RU919491 (L), 6RU919491A (CL), 6R0919492 (CR), 6R0919492A (R) - Rs. 100 (for 4 nos.)" and are these specific to Polo or common for Vento/Polo sold in India.

Regards.

[maglev]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Also got my HU changed to the RCD 330G + MIB 2 unit. After the Skoda Rapid drive......

........I have zero complaints!......

Hi Gannu,

Your love for your car, and the effort you've put in it is remarkable.

Taking inspiration from you, I wanted to know if the RCD 330G Plus would be a direct fit in my Jan-2015 Jetta Comfortline (the car was manufactured in Oct 2014 and currently has the RCD320). Or will I require any additional modules, cables, etc.

I want to upgrade as I need:

1. Better Bluetooth telephony experience
2. OPS, although my car has factory fit front & rear parking sensors, but they only beep, there's no screen.
3. Album Artwork while playing songs from my iPhone

Cheers
Maglev

[csr9]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Also got my HU changed to the RCD 330G + MIB 2 unit. After the Skoda Rapid drive that happened last month, I was sold on this HU. The capacitive touch LED display is ridiculously smooth! More like a current gen. smartphone display. Plus no CD drive meant zero moving parts and a more compact unit. And the integrated Bluetooth (supports connections to two devices simultaneously so one can be for streaming music and the other can be for mobile network) and an onscreen dialer also helped. What I miss is the information on the MFD. It only displays who’s calling. For 105 USD inclusive of Aramex shipping to Chennai with zero duties, I have zero complaints!

Hi Gannu_1
I am looking to upgrade from RCD 510 on my 2012 Skoda Superb as it feels slow and outdated when compared to present day systems. I am considering the RCD 330G + as well. Is it a direct fit (in place of RCD 510) or do I need to get any additional components? There are many RCD 330G + on aliexpress, but Skoda specific ones are rare and expensive (over 150 USD). Not sure if the VW version would go with the green backlight interior theme on the Skoda. Would the audio information, phone information be available on the MFD? Considering a bluetooth unit (9w7) already in place, would the phone MFSW buttons work?

Thanks in advance!

[Gannu_1]

Somewhere on the Vellore flyover yesterday while returning from home:

Originally Posted by drpudhi

Hi ganesh,

Hope you are fine. Sorry to repeat the question as you seem to have missed my PM. After a really quite year, the upgrade itch started for me and have placed an order for the Bilstein B6. Planning to use them with stock springs. It's on transit as i type and might reach me in a week. I noticed that you had replaced the front strut mounts too. Do you think its a necessity. Is there a way i could source them in India. If not do you recommend replacing the mounts to locally available ones or persist with stock mounts ?

Thank you,
drpudhi.

Doc, replied to the PM.

Originally Posted by antardaksh

1. Any reason you did not order entire OPS Kit from Aliexpress. Cost of sensor in VW workshop looks too much while sensor is available on Aliexpress for 15USD each.

Did not want to end up getting a sensor which is incompatible with the front bumper. While they are a lot more expensive if you get them from the VW service center, they are a flush fit with the washer. The ones from Aliexpress are a hit or miss when I came across the reviews.

Originally Posted by antardaksh

2. Did you notice any difference in the parts marked for each side (L, , R, CL, CR) "Sensor retainer - 6RU919491 (L), 6RU919491A (CL), 6R0919492 (CR), 6R0919492A (R) - Rs. 100 (for 4 nos.)" and are these specific to Polo or common for Vento/Polo sold in India

They look the same but didn't want to take a chance. They are made in India and hardly cost anything IIRC. Have a look:

Originally Posted by maglev

I wanted to know if the RCD 330G Plus would be a direct fit in my Jan-2015 Jetta Comfortline (the car was manufactured in Oct 2014 and currently has the RCD320).

It won't be a direct fit.

Originally Posted by maglev

Or will I require any additional modules, cables, etc.

You will need a female quadlock to male ISO connector. Looks like this:

Originally Posted by maglev

Better Bluetooth telephony experience

Works well.

Originally Posted by maglev

OPS, although my car has factory fit front & rear parking sensors, but they only beep, there's no screen.

Works well as indicated in the snap above.

Originally Posted by maglev

Album Artwork while playing songs from my iPhone

Won't work. So far no one has been able to figure out why the album art doesn't show up. Not a format error either. Won't be a deal breaker for sure.

Originally Posted by csr9

Is it a direct fit (in place of RCD 510) or do I need to get any additional components?

It will be a plug-n-play replacement.

Originally Posted by csr9

There are many RCD 330G + on aliexpress, but Skoda specific ones are rare and expensive (over 150 USD).

Please exercise caution before committing to a deal as there were issues with this unit when paired with Skoda cars. The steering controls won't work nor will the unit power off when you take the key off the slot. You should perhaps hold on a bit longer or read the reviews from Skoda users (esp. pics) before buying one.

Originally Posted by csr9

Not sure if the VW version would go with the green backlight interior theme on the Skoda.

Won't blend well IMO. There are units with green backlighting though.

Originally Posted by csr9

Would the audio information, phone information be available on the MFD?

The only info it relays to the MFD is the caller's name during an incoming or outgoing call. Nothing else. The unit will not display the climatronic info when you change the blower speed or temperature.

Originally Posted by csr9

Considering a bluetooth unit (9w7) already in place, would the phone MFSW buttons work?

The external BT unit no longer works when you have this HU. It is deemed redundant.

Please go through this thread as well - http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/car-en...ion-guide.html

[csr9]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Please exercise caution before committing to a deal as there were issues with this unit when paired with Skoda cars. The steering controls won't work nor will the unit power off when you take the.....

Won't blend well IMO. There are units with green backlighting though.

The only info it relays to the MFD is the caller's name during an incoming or outgoing call. Nothing else. The unit will not di...

Thanks a lot for answering my queries. As suggested by you, I would rather wait for further reviews as there are issues with the unit on Skoda cars. Non-display of climatronic info is a major minus.

[Dr.Naren]

Great mods and detailed DIY stuff buddy!!

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Planned upgrades and replacements:

• OEM rain-light sensor
• Front parking sensors to the OPS system
• Bilstein B6 shocks with stock coil springs
• ECU remap

I couldn't read all the pages though. Have you remapped your Polo GT TDI? . If not, I believe that should be the very next thing you would love to do.

[21Archer84]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Also got my HU changed to the RCD 330G + MIB 2 unit.

For 105 USD inclusive of Aramex shipping to Chennai with zero duties, I have zero complaints!


As always, massive thanks to the Russian folks!

Bro. Would it be possible to share the part number or the link / contact from the place you sourced the HU?
As posted in the Rapid thread, I'm looking to upgrade to a headunit with Navigation support and this with Mirrorlink will help in a way, especially being an inexpensive unit.
I wonder if Skoda will be interested to sell one through its Accessories department for my Fabia.

[halfbytecode]

Originally Posted by shibujp

...

Regarding the limp mode behavior, the car does get upto 100 kmph with the glow plug engine malfunction light on, but as you said progress is slow. I do get the light one once in a while. I usually turn the engine off,pull out the key, wait for 10 seconds and turn the engine back on and things are back to normal. Of late this has been less and less frequent.

...

I had an issue with the glow plug warning sign coming on, a few years ago, in my 2010 Vento 1.6 TDI. The service centre guys said rats chewed up a couple of wires. I am not sure what wires they were, since I was away, but they said the wires were replaced.

[shibujp]

Originally Posted by halfbytecode

I had an issue with the glow plug warning sign coming on, a few years ago, in my 2010 Vento 1.6 TDI. The service centre guys said rats chewed up a couple of wires. I am not sure what wires they were, since I was away, but they said the wires were replaced.

In your case the light was continuously on right? The glow plug light in my GT comes on once in a blue moon. Been quite a few months since I saw the little blighter....


Drive on,
Shibu.

[halfbytecode]

Originally Posted by shibujp

In your case the light was continuously on right? The glow plug light in my GT comes on once in a blue moon. Been quite a few months since I saw the little blighter....


Drive on,
Shibu.

The warning light went away after turning off the engine, and cranking it back on. However, it used to show up again after driving for a while, almost every day. Loss of power was the major effect, like in your case.

[rageshgr]

Originally Posted by Gannu_1

Please get it by all means. Transforms the handling of the car completely. Highway jaunts to Palakkad every month couldn’t get any better!

They are indeed comfort oriented. Bouncy? I am not sure. If you’re in Chennai, feel free to come over and take a drive sometime. I also roam around Chennai after 1-2 AM during weekends to get familiarized with the place. In case you’re awake, we can meet up!

Will check it out some time. But the last time I was there during 2007, I was very scared after a short drive to Mahabs and back.

Thanks for the detailed replies and very sweet of you to offer to let me see/drive your car. Yes I am in Chennai. Would love and be honoured to meet you and the famous car of yours one day. I used to be awake till 5:00 AM on weekends, as a bachelor. But now, with a new born baby etc, not anymore But now you are tempting me to go on Solo midnight drives

Once you get used to the pulse of ECR, it is a pretty nice drive actually. I used to commute from Kalpakkam (near Mahabs) to Siruseri IT Park via ECR everyday to office for 4 years (That is 45 km + 45 km to and fro). Was a great drive, but yes, you need to be careful, as it is a high speed single carriage-way. But now it is almost like an express way, being a high median-ed dual carriage-way