Bucks/Herts Newbie but Oldie

[Bennybear]

Hi All,

I've been running ///M cars and Alpina's for years (most recently E46 M3, E39 M5 and ALPINA B10) but some change in lifestyle, moving out to the country, getting married in June and needing to insure my fiancé on the car left me in a bit of a predicament. To insure my other half on my Alpina was an extra £5k so
I found myself in a position where I needed something relatively insurance friendly for both of us, but still good fun to drive, my thoughts immediately turned to the MkV.

My first ever car was a German spec Mk1 Power Rabbit, and I had a MK2 8 valve in my early 20's so I like to think I've just completed my ownership of the best golfs VW built with the Black 07 GTI I've just bought.

I did some research and as I understand it, spec is all important for resale value, so I bought the best specced example I could find, and one that's had a few choice mods done that I probably would have had done myself anyway to give me a head start on the modifying.

The spec of the car is as follows

Black with colour coded bumpers and kit
18" Monza 2s
High line computer bug screen sat nav
Coming/leaving home lights
Puddle lighting
6 disc changer
iPod connectivity
MFSW
xenon lights
Sunroof
Black Vienna Leather
Electric lumbar
Privacy glass from b pillar
10 speaker hifi upgrade

Mods include
Coil overs (unsure which)
Carbon badge
Remap (unsure which but it's definitely had one)

I just bought it a couple of weeks ago, gave it a good polish and wax then took it to a local VW Audi specialist to have the cam belt, water pump, tensioner done, and a full service. I wasn't aware of any problems but wanted it done for piece of mind.

Initial mods I plan on doing include debadged carbon front grill, number plate relocate (suggestions welcome) an engine bay valet and I'm also looking for a detailer local to me to come and get the paintwork up to scratch. I'm in a place called Chorleywood near the Bucks /Herts border if anyone knows of a detailer in that area please forward some details. I'll be going for a OEM+ look so would also welcome any suggestions on rear lights, as I think I'm going to go for R32's/ED30 smoked ones unless there are some better suggestions?

I'm now going to go and read the "how to post a picture" thread so I can get the obligatory photos up.

All the best!

[championv6]

Welcome pal
Impressive lineup of cars u have owned ;)

[Bennybear]

Thanks mate, happy to post some pics if anyone is interested.

Trying to find a "how to post a picture" thread now but not succeeding. Can you upload photos or is this a forum where the image needs to be hosted elsewhere like photo bucket etc.?

[championv6]

Thanks mate, happy to post some pics if anyone is interested.

Trying to find a "how to post a picture" thread now but not succeeding. Can you upload photos or is this a forum where the image needs to be hosted elsewhere like photo bucket etc.?

I always use photobucket on all forums
Get some pics up anyway im interested

[prp74]

Welcome, get some pics up 

[rich83]

Chorleywood is lovely... ive driven through there loads of times.

Welcome to the forum. 

[Wardy91-ed30]

Welcome along mate. Nice cars in the past and moved to another good one

[Bennybear]

Here's the old motors, we'll the m3 and the Alpina, I'll get some of the m5 shortly:

[Bennybear]

And here's the mkv

[Bennybear]

I know each forum has its own etiquette, so apologies if this comes across as asking too much but I'm after help guidance or recommendations for the following:

1. A good detailer willing to travel to me ( I have a covered car port with lots of room, power and water where I live)
 
2. I've had the cam belt, water pump, tensioners done but would be grateful for any other recommendations of preventative maintenance, or a link to a thread if this nature

3.  Recommendations methods for number plate relocation other than front window ( I'm going to stick a square plate and debadged carbon grill on shortly)

4. Also, I've just had someone come out to cut and programme a spare key for me, but the technician was unable to do it today and needs to return with some different software. Has anyone had this issue trying to programme a key after a remap? Does this effect it?

Thanks all, look forward to contributing more as I become more familiar with the car/site

Cheers!

[Bennybear]

Chorleywood is lovely... ive driven through there loads of times.

Welcome to the forum. 

Yes been living in London for a fair few years but moved back out to the sticks.

You local then?

[Shoy1980]

[Bennybear]

That's possibly the best thing I've ever seen please tell me it's possible to buy that?

[Wardy91-ed30]

I want one! 

[Bennybear]

Found em, £53 from http://www.tarmacsportz.co.uk/SHOW_N_GO_Retractable_Number_Plates/Evo-8--and--9-Show-n-Go.aspx

Show & Go retractable plate, wonder about the wiring, be good to have it on a switch on the dash for front on speed cameras!