Ride quality advice sought

[captainsherlock]

Hello to you all,

Purchased a 58 plate GTI last week. All standard (apart from heated leather), showing 77,000 documented miles.

Delighted with the car yet the ride is somewhat harder than I anticipated. (standard 17 inch wheels with decent tyres).  Smooth's out bumps very well with little in the way of tyre noise - I am sure that with time I shall become accustomed to the ride yet just checking this is the norm...

All the best to you all.

[Shoduchi]

Check if the dampers are still from factory. If so, you should think about replacing them for new ones or to upgrade them (Bilstein B8 is a good option).

[ROH ECHT]

Assuming the springs and ARBs are stock...must be dampers. Both springs and ARBs will stiffen and harsh your ride...so if turns out your's were upgraded, you may opt for switching back to oem because the ride should be quite smooth when stock.

[AJP]

You say it's firm, but smooths out bumps well? That sounds about right to me.

What car did you own before the GTI?

[Gmaster]

Yeah I would agree with that with my standard set up .

[captainsherlock]

Previous cars Lexus IS200 and Toyota MK3 MR2.

I think it might be me yet would value someone local taking the car for a spin.

[pudding]

They are firmer than expected if you're new to a MK5.   The Edition 30 is even harsher because of the 18" lumps of pig iron in each corner, but it's bearable.  I wouldn't want it any stiffer personally.  I see tonnes of MK5s around my way that are slammed, have no suspension travel what so ever and look ridiculous bouncing over tiny bumps that every other car doesn't even register.

[captainsherlock]

Had a breakthrough of sorts. Tracked down a local VW GTI specialist garage who is happy to drive and advise - hopefully next week, will let you know how this goes.

[AJP]

They are firmer than expected if you're new to a MK5.   The Edition 30 is even harsher because of the 18" lumps of pig iron in each corner, but it's bearable.  I wouldn't want it any stiffer personally.  I see tonnes of MK5s around my way that are slammed, have no suspension travel what so ever and look ridiculous bouncing over tiny bumps that every other car doesn't even register.

Whole new debate that, but it depends what you want from the car in terms of comfort/looks/performance.

The more focus on one of those three factors the more one or both of the other two suffer.

Incidentally, the older I get the more I'm going for a mix of the three. Done the slammed thing with my old mk4 - looked great, handled ok, rode rather firm. Happy with my H&R 30mm on the mk5. For now.

[xjay1337]

Entirely depends on personal preference.
i find a nissan Gtr comfortable
others are like "ride hard as rock"

personally i prefer firmer bodymovements that are well controlled over a wallowy body. depending on what you prefer or are used to then this will effect how you determine ride quality .

[ROH ECHT]

Could be the dampers are worn if all bits are stock. I believe this has already been said. Agreed here, it is a sub-sport compact and will be somewhat firmer than common commuters. Perhaps you can get a look at the dampers and check for fluid leaks at the top of the damper cylinders.

[captainsherlock]

The GTI specialist chap has given the ride quality a clean bill of health. This is fantastic news.

Cheers.