Hi,
I've been doing pretty much everything myself apart from the engine oil change (get that done by my local VW specialist for the stamp and because he only charges me a tenner in labour!)
i don't know what its like on the GTI's, but with the PD diesels, there was a bit of a palava over the oil so just to stay on the safe side of things i've used the exact same oil which was on the invoices i got with the car - Shell Helix Ultra VX 5W-30 Fully Synthetic.
for all your filters etc you've got two options, the first is to visit your local motor factors/euro car parts/ andrew page (Andrew Page are WAY better than euro's) and get MANN filters etc, unless your going for the performance stuff...or, pop over to your local Trade Parts Specialist and get the genuine VW ones from them - make sure you ask them if theres any discount available - there always is. for example.... i had my windscreen smashed in recently, and ended up needing a new set of wiper blades.....Dealer quoted me £37 for the front pair.....TPS sold me a pair of genuine VW front aero wipers for £18.77 incl vat...
i was always told by both my vw specialist and a relative who's been a mechanic for the past 30 years or so that engine cleaners are wicked in older style engines but a big no-no in newer engines... wasnt really explained to me why, but apparently there really is no need for them as the oils that are used are much 'cleaner' than in the past and engines sort of 'clean themselves' if that makes sense
Coolant: DO NOT MIX G12++ (PINK) with other types of coolants!!! it will sludge and cause all sorts of problems - buy the G12++ concentrate from TPS or from your VW parts counter and use that works out cheaper than using the eurocarparts own brand nonsense.
Bulbs - all the bulbs can be changed at home/DIY except for the rear 'High' brake light - i think that involves removing the spoiler
just remember to have a clean pair of gloves on when you pop the new bulb in so you dont leave any oily residues from your fingers on the new bulbs as this will significantly shorten bulb life
spark plugs as i understand it can be changed at home - i've got glow plugs on mine which dont really need changing but when i did have a fault and had the lot changed i left it to the mechanic to deal with for a tenner in labour - glowplugs/spark plugs are made out of steel, your cylinder head is made out of aluminium..... if you strip the spark plug thread in the head....many many problems will ensue!
Brakes are by far the EASIEST thing to do at home, invest in a trolley jack and axle stands - DO NOT ATTEMPT A BRAKE CHANGE ON THE WIDOWMAKER IN THE BOOT! way to risky! for the front brakes i think you may also need a 7mm allen key
invest in a socket set, a set of star keys (like allen keys but star's on the end - for all those hard to reach places), a trolley jack, and your good to go
good luck!
