VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 012
5000 miles and counting! The engine is now noticeably more responsive and the exhaust note has a greater rasp to it at lower revs. It’s only subtle but I can tell. I’ve temporarily had to return to the stock alloys with 225/40/18 Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres as I’m still searching for the right aftermarket set. This is a shame as it’s now even more obvious how much extra grip the 235/35/19 Michelin PS2’s provided. Understeer is undoubtedly more abundant at the moment and I’m looking forward to getting the new rubber back on. I’m genuinely surprised by this because if anyone had asked me about the grip a couple of months ago I would have said it’s unbelievable. I guess it just goes to show how you “acclimatise” to any particular situation.
Last weekend I drove down south to check out a few alloys. I did find a rather stunning set of Porsche wheels by HRE called P40’s but after finding out they cost £3,600 I’ve decided to give them a miss. Whichever way I look at it, I simply can’t justify that kind of money on alloys for a 25k car, even if it is my pride and joy.
On the way home from the wheel place, I was unfortunately stopped by the police who had me on radar and video doing 91mph on the M5. It was a sunny, dry day with very few cars on the road but really I have no defence for my actions as I was doing 20mph over the limit. They were friendly and commented that I hadn’t committed a “dangerous offence” but I was going too fast. I even joked that if I’d known their Merc was a standard diesel and not an AMG, I would have sped off! They dealt with me at the side of the road with 3 points and a £60 fine. On the ticket it just states that I was travelling above the posted limit so I’m not sure if they did me a “favour” or not. This is the first time I’ve ever had points and I’m a bit annoyed at myself. Oh well, back to the motorway rule I followed in my Pug 206…”never be the fastest car” which was a lot easier to abide by before.
My wheel search is driving me crazy, I’ve gone through hundreds of pictures and I still can’t make my mind up. I am however hopeful that my next entry won’t be far away and it’ll be about a purchase.
Thanks for reading.
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 011
Over the last week or so I’ve had chance to get used to life with the new wheels. Once the Michelins had a few hundred miles under their belt, I pushed them hard and I can honestly say I’m amazed by how much grip they provide. I’m not sure whether this is due to the extra half inch of road contact, the lower profile, the tyre design or a combination of all three but the cornering capability has risen significantly. I can carry between 5 and 10 mph more speed through corners before understeer occurs which is astonishing in my opinion. However, it’s not all good news. In fact, it’s mostly bad. The more I’ve driven the car at pace, the more rubbing has occurred (front and rear). Having passengers amplifies the problem.
I took a couple of days off work this week to get the problem sorted. First stop was a drive down to APS in Brackley for a routine wheel alignment and the aim of curing the rubbing. Andy, one of their technicians examined the car and it soon became apparent that the wheels were “wrong for the car”. This was not what I expected nor wanted to hear. It turns out that the ET45 offset does not allow for the tyres to fully clear the outside of the arches. Consequently, the rubber was actually getting shaved bit by bit which would have become dangerous if allowed to continue. I decided a wheel alignment would be pointless and after helping a gentleman reverse his newly purchased APS R300 I got back in my car and drove home completely deflated.
Tuesday morning I sent Tyremen (the alloy wheel company), the following email:
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Dear Tyremen
I am writing to you regarding the recent purchase of a set of four 19×8 CMS C8 alloys for my Golf MkV R32.
Regrettably, I have recently been made aware that the rubbing in the arches (front and back) can not be cured and that the wheels are “unsuitable for the car and should be removed” by a company called APS (www.autops.co.uk). They are a trustworthy company (as are you) who have extensive knowledge/experience with the Golf R32.
I drove to their HQ in Brackley yesterday for a wheel alignment and for them to stop the rubbing. Andy, one of their technicians examined the car and came to the conclusion that the offset is wrong. He pointed out to me where the rubbing is occurring which is on the outside of the arches. One wheel has slightly bent a fixing used to secure the body panels in place. They are also protruding from the arches which in his opinion could fail a particularly stringent MOT test. I am on original suspension but Andy showed me another MkV R32 they had there with 19” wheels on a lowered suspension and it still wasn’t rubbing.
I have been advised to remove the wheels ASAP as the outside tyre wall is currently being shaved each time it rubs (I can confirm this after seeing rubber strips). This is quite a dangerous situation.
Andy said he would be quite happy to speak with you about this to confirm the situation. If required, he can be reached on 01280 840491.
I am for want of a better word “gutted”. I love the wheels, they look fantastic and I’ve had nothing but praise from various VW internet forum members (including quite a few asking me where to purchase from). Obviously though, I’m not prepared to carry on with the current situation. The way I see things there are two possible avenues:
1. The offset is completely wrong (despite the box saying ET45) and I can get the wheels exchanged for the correct offset (ideal scenario).
2. The offset of ET45 is “correct” but it is wrong for 19×8 on a Golf MkV R32. In which case I will require a full refund.
I am really frustrated about this. I spent a long time researching and choosing my wheels and to find out that they are wrong for my car is a real kick in the teeth. The wheels are in mint condition (not a mark on them) and I would be prepared to drive up to Hull to return/exchange them.
I will give you a call to discuss the above later this morning.
Yours Sincerely
David
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Well, after speaking with Phill, a friendly, honest salesman (yes really); I was in the car for a four hour drive up to Hull. Upon inspecting the car they agreed to provide a full refund and took the tyres off and re-fitted my stock wheels (which thankfully I hadn’t sold) free of charge. They were genuinely shocked and I think, were as disappointed as me. I would like to say that Tyremen are one of those rare companies you can really trust. They’re a friendly, honest bunch and I would have no hesitation in using them again. I would also like to say that my problem is likely to be unique to the MkV R32. Tyremen have fitted CMS C8 alloys on plenty of Audi and VW cars without issue. I put it down to the wheels being 19 inches and the R32 having an already lowered suspension. 19’s may well be fine on a GTI as it has more suspension/arch clearance and I’m sure 18’s would be problem free on the GTI, R32 and most other Golf models. To see the full CMS range visit www.tyremen.co.uk. I know that’s a bit of a plug but I feel they deserve it and I wouldn’t write anything I didn’t believe.
Anyway, I’m back at the beginning but with four very good tyres waiting for some alloys. It took me a long time to find the previous set and I won’t be rushing into anything this time around either.
Has this put me off modding? Not a chance! As a Wolverhampton Wanderers FC supporter I’m used to trials and tribulation. To fully appreciate success, you must first experience failure 
Stay tuned!
VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 010
The wheels are on! A chap from Event Mobile Tyres turned up at 8am this morning (30 minutes early) and promptly fitted everything in a friendly and professional manner. Great service!
The newly fitted 19×8 CMS C8 alloys are stunning when the light catches them. They can look a little grey when in the shade but I’m very happy and I think they really suit the car. The 235/35 profile of the Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres looks perfect. They’re not too “rubber band” and not too chunky either. I’ve only driven 130 miles on them so far but even at this stage they offer good levels of grip. The ride is a little firmer but that’s a good thing as there’s now more information coming through the steering wheel. Road noise is up ever so slightly but it’s not intrusive.
I have however had the rears rub a couple of times. On both occasions, it happened when the car squatted after coming down from a hump at higher speed. I’d obviously hoped this wouldn’t happen but I’m sure it can be remedied.
Overall, I’m delighted with my first mod! I’ll provide more info once I’ve had chance to run everything in.
Here are a few pics:
Finally, I decided to tape the chrome bits of my front grill this morning. I’m pretty happy with the look so I’ll probably get it sprayed soon. I’ve taken a few pics:
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