Std spec on early cars?

[swgti]

I've read in various places now that there were a number of things that came as standard on the early Gti that VW removed as ways of cost cutting? Blue tinted glass and the reduction of speakers in the stereo sytsem are what I've heard of so far.

Does anyone know of any more and also what years did this kick in if true?

I'm possibly looking to replace my 3dr with a 5dr later in the year and age of car isn't really that important so I'd rather look for an older car if it is better equipped.

[Bradruss]

I have a 05.  Which has all those things you said above, plus electric mirrors, puddle lights and sunroof which may be optional extras. Not sure

[Nodz]

^^they was extras.

Vw changed as you say the glass from blue to green, less speakers, aerial moved from the rear window to the roof, foglights went from projectors with h11 lamps to reflectors with hb4 lamps, very early cars had open fog grills, the rear boot badge/handle changed to a 2 piece 3d badge (also the shape around this on the boot slightly changed), AXX engine changed to BWA, revised cam.

Other bits I'm not 100% sure if they was options or if they changed is the leather on later cars was black and not anthracite, the RNS was available on really late cars iirc. I think leather became standard on late cars like it did on the mk6

[swgti]

^^they was extras.

Vw changed as you say the glass from blue to green, less speakers, aerial moved from the rear window to the roof, foglights went from projectors with h11 lamps to reflectors with hb4 lamps, very early cars had open fog grills, the rear boot badge/handle changed to a 2 piece 3d badge (also the shape around this on the boot slightly changed), AXX engine changed to BWA, revised cam.

Other bits I'm not 100% sure if they was options or if they changed is the leather on later cars was black and not anthracite, the RNS was available on really late cars iirc. I think leather became standard on late cars like it did on the mk6

So some changes you could say were a step back others an improvement............

[Nodz]

Unfortunately the changes were viewed as a cost cutting exercise by VW especially with the roof aerial and less speakers. Personally I prefer the blue glass but it works better as I have a blue car.

Tbh most of what I mentioned wont be noticeable especially if you find a well spe'd car. The only thing that would be is the roof aerial

[rf860]

I've got an 08 ED30. I've got 8 speakers, did the early GTIs have more than this?

I don't think the late models have leather as standard tbh.

[winrya]

I've got an 08 ED30. I've got 8 speakers, did the early GTIs have more than this?

I don't think the late models have leather as standard tbh.

Yea originals had 10 speakers.

The last 12 months or so of gti's had leather only, I remember the annoyance of people who wanted cloth and couldn't have it.

Also, the later cars they dropped the rubber seals from around the rear windows.  I don't know if this resulted in more cabin noise but it certainly looks strange having a gap where you know there should be a seal.

Also the aluminium ashtray cover was replaced with a black plastic version

[Fletch..gti]

My roof aerial is in the roof but I have blue tints ? My car is a 06 reg .
Was the change over done all in one go or did vw change it bit by bit ?

[RedRobin]

.
In addition to the standard specification changes described already, Volkswagen usually modify their production line specs every June. As a result for example, I ordered my car in May 2005, she was built during the week beginning 11th July 2005 but to the 2006 specs. So she's an 05-plate, 06-build. [I make no apologies for loving my GTI so much that I remember her birthday]  

Mid-year spec revisions are usually relatively minor and address known issues and introduce manufacturing economies. The Recaro seats option was dropped in July 2007 for example.

[bacillus]

Auto-dimming passenger side mirror disappeared on MY06 cars.

[rf860]

I've got an 08 ED30. I've got 8 speakers, did the early GTIs have more than this?

I don't think the late models have leather as standard tbh.

Yea originals had 10 speakers.

The last 12 months or so of gti's had leather only, I remember the annoyance of people who wanted cloth and couldn't have it.

Also, the later cars they dropped the rubber seals from around the rear windows.  I don't know if this resulted in more cabin noise but it certainly looks strange having a gap where you know there should be a seal.

Also the aluminium ashtray cover was replaced with a black plastic version

Seems to be common for all manufacturers to make changes, especially at facelift time, to the features that the car comes with as standard.

My last car only had 4 speakers, so i'm liking having double the speakers lol.

My car has half leather, which i actually prefer the look of compared to full leather :)

As for the seals, perhaps they did cut down on wind noise, however, i don't find mine any worse for wind noise than my 120d - infact i'd say it's better tbh. Not many cars have seals round the rear quarter windows, so look ok to me tbh.

[trs888]

one thing i have noticed regarding the ash tray lid from aluminuim to black plastic is that the DSG surround is aluminium on mine (05) and my brothers car (05 but next build date up to mine) is aluminium LOOK together with his glove box handle


The door handles, glove box lid and hand brake button are all chrome on mine but i much prefer the brushed aluminium ones on his car (i hate chrome) thats something im going to change later     they match the dash aluminium trim better too!


pity they didnt do the aluminium glove box handle tho same as the trim....

I too think blue tint glass looks better than green. my car especially being blue!

[ripmateyy]

Hope this helps 

http://uk-mkivs.net/forums/t/255767.aspx

[jayboy]

I that that early MK5s also had 3 courtesy lights in the front and rear, as opposed to 2 lights each in later cars.

My 55plate Mk5 has 3 lights in the front and rear, but I think it has green tinted windows so perhaps there are some crossovers in spec.

[ripmateyy]

Mines 05 and has blue tints, 10 speakers, Ali ash tray, 3 lights front and back and no roof aerial (which I think is pretty cool!)

I noticed in mine that the old golf I had (56), had the option to turn heated mirrors off whereas mine now (05) I can only have it on or mirror select. The door lock/unlock button is different too!!