MK5 Golf GTI
General => Product Reviews => Topic started by: RedRobin on April 10, 2009, 12:33:15 am
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As I have gradually modified the performance and handling of my GTI, I have found the standard seats more limiting. The standard seats are made by Recaro and are excellent and very supportive but if you get thrown about while spirited driving, you'll rein in as a natural reaction. Okay, wearing a full harness would help enormously but it's not so practical for everyday use and a hassle for most passengers. Another alternative would be to add CG seatbelt locks.
I'm not absolutely certain of this, but my understanding is that these Recaros are OEM specials, manufactured as a VW factory option for the Golf Mk5 GTI and R32. I don't know their correct name so I'll refer to them as 'Special Option' for now.
WHY?
- Because they give greater hugging support and also look uber-cool.
- Because you got very lucky and the opportunity to get some came up - It would be rude to say no!
- Because they improve your driver's feel and feedback. Taut and tactile as how I like it.
COMPARISON WITH OEM SEATS:
The standard Mk5 GTI/R32 seat, also made by Recaro, is considered to be one of the best stock car [No! Not NASCAR!] seats there is, and it's certainly extremely comfortable and supportive for 'normal' everyday, and long distance, driving. But the Recaro 'Special Option' seat is much more ergonomically shaped. You become aware of this in the way that your bum is in a deeper bucket and the upper sides cushion the backs of your shoulders.
I'm exactly 6ft and find that the difference in getting in and out of them is only very slight. However, being the driver I can use the steering wheel to assist me. The outer side bolsters are the most likely areas to recieve most wear in both stock and 'Special Option' seats, and being deeper it'll be potentially worse with the Specials.
SOURCING:
With great difficulty - They are as rare as rocking-horse sh!t. They were a VW factory option once upon a time but were over two thousand pounds in leather if I recall correctly. You can wait years to find some used ones for sale and then be in a race to succeed in buying them because so many people want them.
INSTALLATION:
To remove your oem standars seats : - Disconnect the pairs of small fiddly plastic plugs of the stock seats under the flap just to the front of each seat.
Then it's easy - Just 4 floor multi-star bolts. And just 4 floor bolts to fix your new Recaros. The trick is to slide the seat to the max on the runners to better expose and access the bolts and to push the back of the seat forward to help.
The trickier part is switching off the airbag deactivation warning - I'll add some info when I get it sorted. Basically, VW dealers are not allowed to change the airbag settings from how the car was supplied ex VW factory.
PLUS POINTS:
- You become much more 'at one' with your car and have increased road feedback. Being firmly planted in your seat helps you to better control your vehicle - Need I really say more!
- They are slightly lighter weight but I don't know the actual weight differences.
- It's easier (on a 5-door GTI) to access your seatbelt.
- Turning your head gives you better visibility over your shoulder, hence reducing the blind spot - Another added safety bonus.
- They look uber-cool.
- Your back seat passengers have more leg room and can also use the very shiny high gloss black seat backs as vanity mirrors.
- According to a fellow member (not called Wicked Willie): "They also are great if you have a woman with a short skirt sitting next to you...cos there is no way out of the seats without providing a glimpse or their asses". [Searches for suitable pic of a hot Babe climbing out of a Recaro]
MINUS POINTS:
- If you've got child-bearing size hips, they'll probably feel too tight. If your wifey/G'friend/partner has child-bearing size hips, aka a fat arse when female, they'll complain about the tight fit (for once!). You'll need to relearn how you get in and out of your car but try getting in and out of a Noble M12 and these will seem extremely easy by comparison.
- It's still possible to get lifted out of your seat for a second when going fast over a bridge or short rise and fall in the road, but CG Locks would economically solve this.
- They are an expensive mod.
- Some people may have difficulty getting in and out of these seats but I'm 62yo and don't, and neither does my teenage daughter in a skirt. Some passengers may have a resistance to them because they percieve them as being more difficult than they actually are to get in and out of. You quickly find your own technique.
- They don't have adjustable lumbar support but I find that the lumbar support is already in their design. But I'm lucky and don't have back problems as unfortunately some people do.
- You lose the seat airbag protection. If an incident involves whiplash, your head is possibly marginally less protected but I'd have to chat to some crash-dummies to learn more to then be sure of this.
SUMMARY:
If the standard seats are a favourite comfortable dressing gown, the Recaro Specials are a figure hugging skin-tight Lycra suit (You now know I used to be an amateur racing cyclist). You feel as if you are wearing your car.
So far, I've driven several sessions each of a couple of hundred miles without stopping, and have felt absolutely no discomfort at any time.
They are an effective halfway house between the excellent oem seats and full-on race bucket seats. For even more body movement restriction I may add a CG Lock to my driver's seatbelt.
I'm already wondering what it would be like driving without Recaro 'Special Option' seats. I get the same physical pleasure with these Recaros as I did when I upgraded my suspension with VWR-KW-V3's. It's not all about how fast you can go but how much you can enjoy taut and tactile driving.
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FMods%2FFrontSeats.jpg&hash=430c01ecac18d6bbac4835b7c7a36db2b3c1f9ff)
^ These are the R32 Recaros in my GTI. I'll be posting new pics in due course when I have revised their upholstery.
SEAT COVERINGS:
Linky : - Recaro 'Special Option' Seat Coverings (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3533.0)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FRedRobin_05%2FMods%2FRecaroBacks_oem.jpg&hash=be2833822961ab843776b3424b2d7e614ba9dd94)
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YES YES YES (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FverycherryR32%2Fsmilies%2Fcongrats.gif&hash=dc379136d4c58ca9ff6f352024507bc212ef7e7e)
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Very cool, where did you find them? :wink:
Glad your happy with them Robin! :laugh: :happy2:
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Very cool, where did you find them? :wink:
Glad your happy with them Robin! :laugh: :happy2:
....All thanks to you, Jonny! :happy2: And encouraged by wild hordes of other forum members, all keen to spend all my money.
If this site awarded points for being an exemplary seller, then I'd be giving you points, mate. Others please take note: If you're buying from jonnyc, he's very very informative, helpful, and fair [/end of jonnyc advert]
:happy2:
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maybe time to activate the forum karma option?
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Very cool, where did you find them? :wink:
Glad your happy with them Robin! :laugh: :happy2:
....All thanks to you, Jonny! :happy2: And encouraged by wild hordes of other forum members, all keen to spend all my money.
If this site awarded points for being an exemplary seller, then I'd be giving you points, mate. Others please take note: If you're buying from jonnyc, he's very very informative, helpful, and fair [/end of jonnyc advert]
:happy2:
Haha.. Think I should start up my own forum shop! JC's tuning :wink:
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Good write up RR :happy2: Not jealous in the slightest (well maybe a little :wink:)
Jonny....you missed your chance in the last post to plug your TD alloys :signLOL:
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Good write up RR :happy2: Not jealous in the slightest (well maybe a little :wink:)
Jonny....you missed your chance in the last post to plug your TD alloys :signLOL:
Already gone I think mate.. :wink:
Robin, any news on the Carbon trim that your planning for with these seats!? That will look great!!
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Good write up RR :happy2: Not jealous in the slightest (well maybe a little :wink:)
.... :drinking: Thanks :smiley:
So you won't be slightly jealous either when I post pics with the Recaro seat backs carbonskin wrapped :evilgrin:
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Good write up RR :happy2: Not jealous in the slightest (well maybe a little :wink:)
.... :drinking: Thanks :smiley:
So you won't be slightly jealous either when I post pics with the Recaro seat backs carbonskin wrapped :evilgrin:
MfmbrdmfmRRmfblsdn.....no! :angry015: :signLOL:
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Robin, any news on the Carbon trim that your planning for with these seats!? That will look great!!
....Yes, I've had phone chats with 2 companies and today sent them emails with pics for pricing etc.
Would you like me to email you with the details when I've got full info?
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Robin, any news on the Carbon trim that your planning for with these seats!? That will look great!!
....Yes, I've had phone chats with 2 companies and today sent them emails with pics for pricing etc.
Would you like me to email you with the details when I've got full info?
Yeah that would be great, cheers..
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Good write up Red and I can confirm that they are indeed as you describe.
I feel better for having the std seat in my car now as I was starting to have a few issues getting in and out easily. I also find the slightly softer ride more to my taste, again due to my dodgy back.
Nathan and I spent about 3 hours today swapping interiors and we're both as happy as could be. All's good :happy2:
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Good write up Red and I can confirm that they are indeed as you describe.
I feel better for having the std seat in my car now as I was starting to have a few issues getting in and out easily. I also find the slightly softer ride more to my taste, again due to my dodgy back.
Nathan and I spent about 3 hours today swapping interiors and we're both as happy as could be. All's good :happy2:
....That's very good to hear. I was privately a bit worried that you may not have found the standard seat sufficiently easier.
You've confirmed what I was wondering - The std seat does feel a little softer, as if the cushions were thicker, because my ride feels a tiny bit harder and I wondered if it was placebo effect but you are finding a difference.
Good news! :happy2:
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jdm-imports.com%2Fimportfest%2F06importfest24.jpg&hash=7a546a5e695c2d04f3f03be1c2dd5a9ddc336424)
^ Somehow I don't think the Recaro side bolsters were meant to withstand this kind of use. But, sometimes, who cares!?
[Actually, I'd rather not have my Recaros damaged]
Packing some serious meat for a 'lady'
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Packing some serious meat for a 'lady'
....Thanks, Jonny! You've just totally spoilt the attraction of that image for me!
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Robin, any news on the Carbon trim that your planning for with these seats!? That will look great!!
....Yes, I've had phone chats with 2 companies and today sent them emails with pics for pricing etc.
Would you like me to email you with the details when I've got full info?
carbon skin is the one mate , they ve done loads of bits on my mates bikes and you can t tell its not the real thing :happy2:
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^^^^
Carbonskin is one of the two companies I'm in contact with to possibly do this. Agreed - their 'carbon' vinyl product is awesome!
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jdm-imports.com%2Fimportfest%2F06importfest24.jpg&hash=7a546a5e695c2d04f3f03be1c2dd5a9ddc336424)
^ Somehow I don't think the Recaro side bolsters were meant to withstand this kind of use. But, sometimes, who cares!?
[Actually, I'd rather not have my Recaros damaged]
Packing some serious meat for a 'lady'
It's a Shim..........................Love you loooooonnnnnnngggggggg time RR
:signLOL:
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Great write-up RR.
As mentioned elsewhere, I wouldn't go for it because of loss of adjustable lumbar support, but they do really suit the GTI.
Look forward to the reupholstered version!
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Great write-up RR.
As mentioned elsewhere, I wouldn't go for it because of loss of adjustable lumbar support, but they do really suit the GTI.
Look forward to the reupholstered version!
Have you ever sat in one Stealth? :confused:
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RR, I don't want to be a pain and split hairs - but are you sure that they are CS seats? I was of the understanding the the GTi/R32/S3 (et al) seats are OEM specials from Recaro and arent commercially available. The Sportster CS are similar but the harness cut-outs are different, the bolsters are contoured differently and the head restraint is a different shape too. The OEM ones appear to be a hybrid of the CS Sportster and Sport models.
I hope I'm not out of line posting this in your otherwise excellent review...
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^^^^
Thanks for this info, animal :happy2: - It's very helpful and I'm not at all sure about if "CS". I'll revise my original post accordingly.
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In the price lists i have the price varied slightly also VW call them
"Recaro Sports seats"
-including drivers and passengers seat height adjustment *8 *10
Cost in Nov 2006 as an example was £945
'Recaro sports seats in leather'
-including leather, heated front 'recaro' sports seats with drivers and front passengers seat height adjustment.*4 *10
Cost in nov 2006 as an example was £2345
notes:
*4 Some parts of leather interior will contain artificial leather
*8 not in conjunction with winter pack
*10 Please note front seat back storae pockets, drivers and front passengers whiplash-optimised head restraintes, lumber adjustment and seat belt warning light are not available with 'recaro' sport seats.
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jdm-imports.com%2Fimportfest%2F06importfest24.jpg&hash=7a546a5e695c2d04f3f03be1c2dd5a9ddc336424)
^ Somehow I don't think the Recaro side bolsters were meant to withstand this kind of use. But, sometimes, who cares!?
[Actually, I'd rather not have my Recaros damaged]
Packing some serious meat for a 'lady'
It's a Shim..........................Love you loooooonnnnnnngggggggg time RR
:signLOL:
After careful and diligent scrutiny - I can confirm that she is the genuine article - and that is a scrumptous camel toe lads :drinking:
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Robin - good to speak to you today (Gary,Claire's other half) - seems it is possible to re-code the air bag controller, will let you know when I have more info :happy2:
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On the subject of re-coding the air-bag controller etc, the latest is that it's not possible without some very major alterations involving looms and long-number codes.
However, I have established through my very helpful VW dealers and, independently, Volkswagen Racing, that all the initial airbag de-activated warning is at initial startup is the systems check flagging no connection to the front seats. It then disappears after the systems check is completed. Subsequently, if there is indeed a problem with the car's existing airbags, that system check warning will remain on. So it's all safe!
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Gary for his willingness and efforts to help. :drinking:
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You sure your last post wasn't just an excuse to resurect something Robin :wink:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jdm-imports.com%2Fimportfest%2F06importfest24.jpg&hash=7a546a5e695c2d04f3f03be1c2dd5a9ddc336424)
:grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin: :grin:
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You sure your last post wasn't just an excuse to resurect something Robin :wink:
....Absolutely not! In fact I removed that post with pic which I originally posted. Just trying to keep a Review thread on topic (sort of) - Or at least in imagery. I know - I posted it originally!
Bumped into a mate while I was out this morning and said I'd got a vid to email him (the Nimik 2CV because he's got a Citroen Blingo and is an enthusiast - ex biker but 'disabled') - He feigned looking worried so I told him it wasn't rude and he then grinned and said: "Are you feeling alright, Robin?"
:happy2:
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Ha Haaa ! :laugh:
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As I have gradually modified the performance and handling of my GTI, I have found the standard seats more limiting. The standard seats are made by Recaro and are excellent and very supportive but if you get thrown about while spirited driving, you'll rein in as a natural reaction.
Just minor, but very important correction - the standard seats are not made by Recaro, they are designed and made by 'Sitech Sitztechnik GmbH' - a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.
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As I have gradually modified the performance and handling of my GTI, I have found the standard seats more limiting. The standard seats are made by Recaro and are excellent and very supportive but if you get thrown about while spirited driving, you'll rein in as a natural reaction.
Just minor, but very important correction - the standard seats are not made by Recaro, they are designed and made by 'Sitech Sitztechnik GmbH' - a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.
....Aha! I could swear that I read they were made by Recaro in sales literature. But of course that doesn't mean that you're not correct.
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As I have gradually modified the performance and handling of my GTI, I have found the standard seats more limiting. The standard seats are made by Recaro and are excellent and very supportive but if you get thrown about while spirited driving, you'll rein in as a natural reaction.
Just minor, but very important correction - the standard seats are not made by Recaro, they are designed and made by 'Sitech Sitztechnik GmbH' - a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG.
....Aha! I could swear that I read they were made by Recaro in sales literature. But of course that doesn't mean that you're not correct.
The standard GTI seats may have some Recaro 'technology' (as will ALL VW seats) - but the 'overall' seat design isn't Recaro, and they ain't made by Recaro either.
The vast majority of genuine Recaro seats will have 'Recaro' on them - either embossed into the leather, or have another type of identification label. There are a few exceptions, very few, where Recaro will design and make seats for others without their own branding - but not very often, and not usually on German cars.
Look at www.VolkswagenAG.com - hunt out some of their official company subsidiary publications, and it will list about 600 companies which VW own - including airports, an airline, a train service, components companies, and this Sitech seat company (who are actually based at Wolfsburg :wink:).
And don't worry, there seems to be loads of people who think that Recaro make all VW seats - Ed38 and ClubGTI spring to mind. :sad1: