MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: CocoPops on June 14, 2009, 05:50:40 pm
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Guys,
Currently in France, due back tomorrow.
I've got a strange issue...
I can select all gears no problem...
But...
It's as if the "gate" for the lower 2,4,6 gears is missing....
ie I can select 1st, 3rd, 5th and the stick does not wobble.
However, if I select 2nd, 4th, 6th then the stick moves side to side and I can only leave the gear if I remember what gear I'm in...
Make sense?
A poor diagram......
#1#3#5#
######
#2 4 6#
Any one have any ideas?
Not sure if it's the Quick Shift causing it?
It's a VW Racing one, fitted by VW Racing last weekend.
I've done plenty of gear changes and miles over the last week since fitting, but it's the only thing thats changed.
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Sounds like your Bargain short shifter from vwr has come loose mate, maybe slipped a spline on the shaft causing the problem.
Seems a tad coincidental that they fitted it just last week and you now have gear shaft alignment issues.
Hope the Trip has gone well to Le mans. Hope youve taken lots of piccies to show all when you get back mate. :happy2:
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I've had experience with this, it sounds like the connection where the front-back and side-side shifter is coming a little loose...should be an easy fix, but i don't have experience of the VWR product - only the Forge. Have a look at it and look at the connector block where the two shifters connect.
Sorry I cannot be more helpful :happy2:
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Is there some sort of pinch bolt that tightens to stop the shaft from slipping off a spline do you know chris? perhaps its that ,thats come loose.?
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Chris,
That sounds about, will take a look.
If anyone else has any thoughts, do shout.
I'm hoping it's nothing serious and I can get back to UK ok.
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Also, does anyone (Robin?) have a mobile contact for Mark?
I really don't wanna need to call him on a Sunday, but stuck in France isn't the best thing....
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hope you get it sorted, i wouldnt be to impressed if it was mine
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Also, does anyone (Robin?) have a mobile contact for Mark?
I really don't wanna need to call him on a Sunday, but stuck in France isn't the best thing....
I am not sure you will be able to raise him as he's up in Scotland racing this weekend :chicken:
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Is there some sort of pinch bolt that tightens to stop the shaft from slipping off a spline do you know chris? perhaps its that ,thats come loose.?
On the Forge item, the two shifters pivot with eachother in a white plastic block. They connect to eachother slightly differently..there is what looks like a thick screwhead that slides into a hollow shaft, which is held together with a washer on the end. Only the front-back shifter sits on the main spline that goes into the gearbox.
I've just tried to have a look at mine but can't see too much because the Carbonio is in the way, but if you look where the two shifters pivot with eachother (just play with the shifter with your hands and you'll soon see this) you should be able to see if one is loose, or not pivoting correctly.
If this is the case, it may be a simple fix of just needing more grease, or maybe (as what happened in my case), the plastic block where they pivot has changed position, and just needs re-alligning.
EDIT:: Another thing to look for is check that the springs (it has square shaped ruffled-type plastic around it) that connects the gear lever to the actual shifters is still in place. This is probably not the reason, but maybe one of the securing clips has fallen off and has caused them to be a bit loose. But I don't think this is your problem...
This is the fitting instructions for the Forge part, it may give you an indication as to what to look for:
http://www.forgemotorsport.co.uk/media/Short%20Shifter%20Install(1).pdf
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Also, does anyone (Robin?) have a mobile contact for Mark?
I really don't wanna need to call him on a Sunday, but stuck in France isn't the best thing....
....I sent you a PM with his moby # :smiley:
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its the side to side action just push it back in as it might have popped out
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(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fd122%2Fmat138l%2Fshifterprobs005.jpg&hash=a625d7f3b1bc70d2d3e30bd01244a17ad32ba04f)
:happy2: just push it back on
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make sure u have a little slider on the side to side part
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fd122%2Fmat138l%2Fshifterprobs002.jpg&hash=1aae042c6029529a4d404c0ba610a7bf35f8342c)
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fd122%2Fmat138l%2Fshifterprobs001.jpg&hash=ba1d1105e9f24d4a22e8df4101335d6712ca2176)
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^^^^
x2
:happy2:
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Not heard from mark yet...
It is the side side action that is screwed for some reason.
The black bracket doesnt sit in the channel it should do.
Have tried to relocate, no joy.
Currently limping through france towards calais.
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Good luck. I'd just use 1st, 3rd and 5th till you get home and can get it sorted. :happy2:
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Managed to get to tunnel.
1st gear or 2nd is now very hard to get now.
Can someone post the vw racing number as ive not heard from mark yet.
Cheers,
Lee
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I will call him now
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they are on there way back from knockhill so no hands free hence y his phone is off but I have spoken to nigel and told him to tell mark to turn his phone on.
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Perfect, thanks Matt.
Now back on english soil.
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....
If it helps, VWR base # is 01908 210088
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Right,
We've temporarily put the standard shift bracket back on and it's working for now.
The channel in which the side side bracket fits into is shorter on the quick shift and so the side side bracket drops out of the end of it.
I'm sure there's a reason for this? but I can't see it at the moment and so my car cannot currently be fitted with the VW Racing Kit.
Still not heard from VWR, and have left a message with their HQ admin lady/receptionist/telephone answerer :) at 1pm.
Photo's to follow....
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What model year is your car Lee?
VW changed the design of the shifters very slightly for MY08 vehicles, resulting in any short-shifters designed for the VW 6-speed box up until this date to not work properly. Perhaps VWR are unaware of this? The only explanation that I can think of...
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Well I for one hope there isn't a problem with it as were off to the Ring in a few days! :scared:
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Well I for one hope there isn't a problem with it as were off to the Ring in a few days! :scared:
I think you best add this to the essential items list for the ring! :chicken:
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Well I for one hope there isn't a problem with it as were off to the Ring in a few days! :scared:
I think you best add this to the essential items list for the ring! :chicken:
Yep was thinking that! :wink:
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^^^ Defo bring the original with you just in case :happy2:
I did ask Mark @ VWR about this difference in the shifters and he wasn't aware of anything, we compaired the ones taken off of MarkyMark's car (an 07 model I believe) and Greenouse's car and they where exactly the same. :confused:
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What model year is your car Lee?
VW changed the design of the shifters very slightly for MY08 vehicles, resulting in any short-shifters designed for the VW 6-speed box up until this date to not work properly. Perhaps VWR are unaware of this? The only explanation that I can think of...
It's an 08 Ed30 Chris.
I did raise this with Mark @ VWR and he said it was fine?
It now looks like it isn't :(
I think I'm missing a small plastic cap of of the sideside bracket now too...
Like the little white piece in Matt's pics. I think the Chamfered edges of the channel cause it to pop free.
On the standard shift bracket, the edges are squared, not triangulated.
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So in Matt's pic...
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.skitch.com%2F20090615-niww84wkj1qnkgysf15qbidmtb.jpg&hash=7ed5aa6da285b1471fed75dba74e6cdffb6b04b9)
I've drawn (badly) the standard length channel.... you can see that the new channel is shorter...
Thus the sideside bracket pin drops out of the end of the channel!!!
The white plastic piece (now missing) would have prevented it slightly... but now it's gone it consistently fell out of the channel.
So...
I am summising that the channel is too short, which put undue load on the plastic clip which then fell out and compounded the problem.
Make sense?
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What model year is your car Lee?
VW changed the design of the shifters very slightly for MY08 vehicles, resulting in any short-shifters designed for the VW 6-speed box up until this date to not work properly. Perhaps VWR are unaware of this? The only explanation that I can think of...
It's an 08 Ed30 Chris.
I did raise this with Mark @ VWR and he said it was fine?
It now looks like it isn't :(
I think I'm missing a small plastic cap of of the sideside bracket now too...
Like the little white piece in Matt's pics. I think the Chamfered edges of the channel cause it to pop free.
On the standard shift bracket, the edges are squared, not triangulated.
Exactly the same happened with me. Also on mine, the side-side arm managed to jump above the front-back arm and was sat on-top of it (dont ask how!). After speaking to Forge about it, they said it is because of the VW redesign. It has taken them the best part of 1 year to re-design a new short-shifter, and it should be available in about two weeks. Not meaning for this to be a plug for Forge, but I just wanted to demonstrate the action that they have taken in this situation.
I don't know if VWR have managed to design a shifter that works with both 08MY and older MY cars, but it is strange to hear from Steve that there were no visible differences between the two shifters. :confused: :confused:
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So does anyone know where to get a replacement white clip?
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fd122%2Fmat138l%2Fshifterprobs002.jpg&hash=1aae042c6029529a4d404c0ba610a7bf35f8342c)
Still no news from VWR.
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just get one from vw or get a new arm for a few £ or take it into vw and say the clip has gone (free) :laugh:
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that clip is mine and its from a mk4 car but the mk5 looks about the same its just a little smaller
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So does anyone know where to get a replacement white clip?
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fd122%2Fmat138l%2Fshifterprobs002.jpg&hash=1aae042c6029529a4d404c0ba610a7bf35f8342c)
Still no news from VWR.
All day and still no responce??
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That is shocking Lee. Not even a phonecall from VWR hq?.If Matt's spoken to someone, why havent they at least called?
Not good aftersales, considering acouple of cars might need to be sorted out if its a Part issue.
Phil dont start jumping the gun the race cars come first pure and simple hence the name of the company and as the whole team are on there way back from knockhill today i am 100% sure Mark will call Lee the second he is back :smiley:
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Mark and the workshop team aren't available today - After a full race weekend they do need time off.
The cutie girls in the office don't deal with the workshop side of things other than as secretarial - They say Mark will be in tomorrow (Tuesday).
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I've just spoken to Mark - He's had a very intensive and long weekend - The Caddy rolled and a race engine expired plus huge mileages driven, so he's naturally been pretty knackered.
He'll be catching up on things from today onwards. He's aware of your problem, Lee.
[Hmm, so we lost the pics of cute girls in overalls :sad1:]
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ok so what happened Lee?? , any news?
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Spoke to Mark on Tuesday.
He is arranging for a replacement sideside bracket and a new "larger" white clip.
Should be calling me when they are in stock.
Will report back.
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Well ive just had the same problem with mine tonight, I could only select either 1 & 2, 3 & 4 or 5 & 6, only two at a time. It was not good and I have had to put my standard linkage back on for now. Looks like ive had the same problem in that the bush is getting caught and eventually making it impossible to get a gear.
Im not best pleased but im hoping that VWR have a resolution but from what I can see where the bush slides the lip just isnt long enough as per the original one.
I will be in contact with them tomorrow to see what they can do, ideally I would prefer my money back as ive lost faith in it!
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Gutted about this! :sad1:
I hope there's a fix as I love mine! Keep us updated Mark.
Any news from Coco? :chicken:
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Well ive just had the same problem with mine tonight, I could only select either 1 & 2, 3 & 4 or 5 & 6, only two at a time. It was not good and I have had to put my standard linkage back on for now. Looks like ive had the same problem in that the bush is getting caught and eventually making it impossible to get a gear.
Im not best pleased but im hoping that VWR have a resolution but from what I can see where the bush slides the lip just isnt long enough as per the original one.
I will be in contact with them tomorrow to see what they can do, ideally I would prefer my money back as ive lost faith in it!
Not good Yim Yam! The special Buzzz did not have this problem! Although it did have a few screws loose!
:grin: :laugh: :laugh: :chicken: :jumping:
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Not good Yim Yam! The special Buzzz did not have this problem! Although it did have a few screws loose!
:grin: :laugh: :laugh: :chicken: :jumping:
That is very true Dave, I think we could all learn a thing or two from those crazy Germans! Who said the Germans dont have a sense of humour! :laugh:
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Please dont spam this thread cocopops will get upset :grin:
knut buzz for the win :laugh:
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....
Making a brief return appearance by popular demand and until she is asked to leave again : -
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.vidilife.com%2Fimage%2F2007%2F1%2F31%2F994014%2F1316582L.jpg&hash=2549e68dd675009adbb5c7820e40eace7a87b1c1)
:drool: :love: :evilgrin: :love: :evilgrin: :love: :evilgrin: :love: :evilgrin: :drool:
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Any news from Coco? :chicken:
Still no parts arrived.
I was promised they'd been sent Friday....
So we've had Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday post......
Nothing thus far.
I am a bit disappointed, much the same as Mark...
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Mark thinks he has solved the problem and will be bringing some bits with them to inters to get the problem sorted
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Mark thinks he has solved the problem and will be bringing some bits with them to inters to get the problem sorted
Not gonna be at Inters (Endurance Karting)... and being as I was promised the parts were posted Friday afternoon..... :(
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Mark thinks he has solved the problem and will be bringing some bits with them to inters to get the problem sorted
I have just emailed them and said I will be there Saturday so if they have a permanent resolution I am happy for them to put it right if it cures the problem. :happy2:
Cheers Mat! :happy2:
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Good news then! :happy2:
Make sure you bring one for me to Mark! :wink:
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am speaking to mark in the morning so will let him about the others so that he brings parts for u all.
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am speaking to mark in the morning so will let him about the others so that he brings parts for u all.
Nice one Mat! :happy2:
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am speaking to mark in the morning so will let him about the others so that he brings parts for u all.
Nice one Mat! :happy2:
+ 1 cheers fella! :drinking:
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Just received a reply from VWRacing:
Hi Mark,
Sorry to hear about the problems with the quickshift. We have actually seen this happen a couple of times now, only on the Ed30s – is that what you have? It seems to have a slightly different throw which has put the nylon bushes out in some cases.
So we have come up with a revised bush for it which seems to have fixed it once and for all. We’ll be at GTI at the weekend, Mark will happily put the new bush onto yours for you if you like? Or more than happy to offer a refund if you’d prefer, but we’re confident this mod will sort it out.
Hope that’s OK, come and find us on Saturday at the VWR awning and we’ll get it fixed.
Sam
Sam Roach
VOLKSWAGEN Racing
:happy2:
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^^^^
VWR always come right in the end [cocopops take note]. Not so many Ed30's getting raced.
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^^^^
VWR always come right in the end [cocopops take note]. Not so many Ed30's getting raced.
Not wishing to knock anyone or open a can of worms, but the email above says the fault is down to the longer throw of a ED 30
But Marky Mark does not own a ED 30 he has a GTI. :happy2:
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I have emailed them back stating just that! :happy2:
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Sounds fair to me! :happy2:
As stated, doesn't really help Flora though! :confused:
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i've been on the phone to mark this morning (about some other bits) and we mentioned this giving i'm running it on the roc, VWR have the bushes and Mark and Sam are at Inters Sat and Sunday, we're going to have a look at mine first think saturday
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Having seen what has happened to the standard bush im not convinced having a bigger bush will solve my problem. I will wait and see what they say on Saturday, as if im not happy they have offered me a refund :happy2:
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As per my nice drawing earlier in the thread, the channel in which the white clip/bush sits, appears too short in the quickshift bracket, hence it drops out at the end.
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As per my nice drawing earlier in the thread, the channel in which the white clip/bush sits, appears too short in the quickshift bracket, hence it drops out at the end.
Bingo! Thats what I was trying to say, the standard VW item hasnt had the corners chamfered off hence the bush isnt able to drop out!
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It's all sorted now I am now running one and they Are perfect so give vwr a call or see them at inters
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Just got home....
Still no parts here :(
So, hence the gear change is still sloppy and the sideside bracket is probably still wearing itself down :(
Not overly happy, too late to call VWR tonight, but a week on from when they promised and almost 2weeks on from the original problem.
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Just got home....
Still no parts here :(
So, hence the gear change is still sloppy and the sideside bracket is probably still wearing itself down :(
Not overly happy, too late to call VWR tonight, but a week on from when they promised and almost 2weeks on from the original problem.
You not going to Inters Lee? :chicken:
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Just got home....
Still no parts here :(
So, hence the gear change is still sloppy and the sideside bracket is probably still wearing itself down :(
Not overly happy, too late to call VWR tonight, but a week on from when they promised and almost 2weeks on from the original problem.
Try them, you never know..................
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Just called them with a subject of my own, they are there..............
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its been more of a case they needed to see what would fix it as they were waiting for shifters to come in from the states but as they have taken ages to come Mark had to see if he could sort it so it was not until yesterday when we had it fixed on mine so now i am 100% sure your parts can be given to Nath if its easier for u if Nath asks Mark for the parts for u
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Thing is Mat, I was told last week that they knew what needed fixing and thats why they were going to post out a replacement sideside bracket and a replacement white clip.
If it differed from that, then they had my number and could have called to explain?
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Sorry to get involved, but why is everyone hearing news from VWR from Mat? I wasn't aware that he was their spokesperson? :confused: :confused:
Surely they should be getting in contact directly with Lee to provide updates etc?
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Thing is Mat, I was told last week that they knew what needed fixing and thats why they were going to post out a replacement sideside bracket and a replacement white clip.
If it differed from that, then they had my number and could have called to explain?
so true mate they should have called and it would pee me off too but now its fixed and is on my car all i can say is its awesome :evilgrin:
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Thing is Mat, I was told last week that they knew what needed fixing and thats why they were going to post out a replacement sideside bracket and a replacement white clip.
If it differed from that, then they had my number and could have called to explain?
so true mate they should have called and it would pee me off too but now its fixed and is on my car all i can say is its awesome :evilgrin:
at least its positive feedback from you Mat given you'd been having issues :happy2:
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i have even tried to make it come out again and its having non of it :laugh: it is good
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So is everyone now fixed?
Still no parts in post, will have to try and give em a call (and hope they didn't give all bits out at Inters)
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Yep, gotta thank Mark @ VWR for refitting my shortshift on Saturday, looks like the new bush will solve any problems but you Ed30 boys will need a metal bracket too. I would get back in touch with them and let them know again. On Saturday they said they are aware of there short comings and are looking to do something about it. I know it doesnt help your situation Lee and I would be equally pissed if I were you!
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There's absolutely no point or justification in getting pissed of with VWR over this - They are doing all they can in the circumstances - Mat knows they are and I know they are. These things happen and they invariably get put right.
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^^^ Sorry Robin but especially Lee (Cocopop's) has every right to feel let down by VWR as he has received substandard customer service to date IMHO.
While I agree VWR are now working to rectify the issues (and have also offered refunds) the point is that being promised something will happen on on a certain date (i.e. the replacement parts being posted) which then doesn't happen it takes 30 seconds to pick-up the phone and explain, but instead he's left waiting or having to constantly chase them for updates.
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^^ +1, and hear the updates along the grapevine from another forum member (no disrespect to Mat at all), which quite frankly is appauling service IMO...
I'm happy that the problem now seems to have been rectified for most of the involved parties, but it seems that of everyone involved Lee's is the car that is still broken....not great when you consider that he was the one that first reported the problem!!!!
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There's absolutely no point or justification in getting pissed of with VWR over this - They are doing all they can in the circumstances - Mat knows they are and I know they are. These things happen and they invariably get put right.
Robin,
Whilst I appreciate your loyalty and support towards VWR, they have left me in a not particularly nice situation.
I was told that the parts would be here, they knew what the problem was and how to fix it.
A week came and went, no parts, no phone call, not even a PM through here.
Someone from VWR even came on yesterday and posted servicing costs, so I can only assume they didn't see this thread else they'd have posted surely?
I called them yesterday and was told they are again waiting parts and that they will be posted out to me today, so in theory they should be here tomorrow?
So far I am less than happy with the situation, I'm still driving round with a sloppy gearchange. Presumably its getting worse as the black bracket is wearing away against the metal bracket as the white bush is missing?
Whilst I appreciate Mat's updates, it shouldn't be left to a fellow forum member to post these, however close to VWR he is.
Sadly I couldn't make Inters, otherwise I'm sure VWR would have explained this, but thats hardly customer service is it? What does it take to pick up the phone (having my number) to say "Sorry Lee, we're experiencing delays" or "Sorry Lee, we've now changed our mind on the problem and we think it's this and that... and we need to wait for a new part".
Perhaps expectations were a little high, but I'm still annoyed at the fact the issue happened in France on a Sunday, I limped home and only on the Tuesday did they call, and here we are now 2weeks from their call to me, with no change.
Tell me, you wouldn't be ever so slightly pissed off?
I don't think I've said anything out of turn here? Please explain if I have and I'll retract, but I think I've given fair comments all the way through this thread.
Thanks,
Lee.
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Lee give them a call and speak to sam and say mat said to call you about the shifters. He will sort it very quick
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Hi Mat,
I spoke to Mark yesterday when I called and he said they were awaiting new parts, due today. So I assume Sam will just say the same?
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Ok fella u should get a new metal side to side with a bigger White slider on it. Nathan tried mine mine at inters and said it was spot on
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Hmmm :confused:
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I had a really good chat with VWR at Inters, what i am about to say is not going to help you much Lee i am afraid.
It has not only been Cocpops who has suffered with poor service over the last couple of weeks. The problem has not so much been about the failed parts more about the lack of communication around the works.
VWR know they have not been up to scratch recently in regards to dealing with us, and i also know first hand that they are making every effort to rectify this problem.
I feel we need to wait and see how things are over the next month or two. If it gets no better then it would be their loss and their reputation.
As i have already mentioned they know where there short comings have been, and they are now actively making a big effort to rectify this.
I also feel that when they do sort out these problems, they will be a great company for us to be associated with. :smiley:
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There's absolutely no point or justification in getting pissed of with VWR over this - They are doing all they can in the circumstances - Mat knows they are and I know they are. These things happen and they invariably get put right.
Robin,
Whilst I appreciate your loyalty and support towards VWR, they have left me in a not particularly nice situation.
...it shouldn't be left to a fellow forum member to post these, however close to VWR he is.
[I've just read TC's post and we are both independently saying exactly the same!]
Sadly I couldn't make Inters, otherwise I'm sure VWR would have explained this, but thats hardly customer service is it? What does it take to pick up the phone (having my number) to say "Sorry Lee, we're experiencing delays" or "Sorry Lee, we've now changed our mind on the problem and we think it's this and that... and we need to wait for a new part".
Perhaps expectations were a little high, but I'm still annoyed at the fact the issue happened in France on a Sunday, I limped home and only on the Tuesday did they call, and here we are now 2weeks from their call to me, with no change.
Tell me, you wouldn't be ever so slightly pissed off?
I don't think I've said anything out of turn here? Please explain if I have and I'll retract, but I think I've given fair comments all the way through this thread.
Thanks,
Lee.
....I suppose that because I'm up at VWR quite a lot I see their situation more first hand and see what pressures they work under (Ooops! someone rolled the Caddy and it needs to be race-ready next weekend, sort of problem). So, in other words, I see their point of view. This isn't meant to excuse VWR and I do appreciate the customer pov. Basically they have only recently started to offer products outside their racing clients and personally I think they need to expand their staff to deal with it better. I'm up there again this week and will share my views with Sam (the boss) and the rest is up to him of course.
The problem stems from people's expectations - Customers are used to good 'retail' service and expect the same as from people like JKM and Awesome. It's very early days for VWR/RL's offerings outside racing and hopefully they will learn from this unfortunate gearshifter case.
I think the main fault here is not keeping up to date with customers. Mark is very overloaded and it's a wonder he achieves as much as he does.
VWR/RL urgently need to make some improvements to their communications but let's not all condemn the standard of their work over the lack of a few phone calls.
I think it's actually very constructive in the longer term that you have expressed your feelings, Coco. :happy2:
P.S.- I've just read TC's post and see that we are both independently saying the same!
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^^^ Sorry Robin but especially Lee (Cocopop's) has every right to feel let down by VWR as he has received substandard customer service to date IMHO.
While I agree VWR are now working to rectify the issues (and have also offered refunds) the point is that being promised something will happen on on a certain date (i.e. the replacement parts being posted) which then doesn't happen it takes 30 seconds to pick-up the phone and explain, but instead he's left waiting or having to constantly chase them for updates.
....Indeed it does only take 30 seconds etc. However, the problem that VWR/RL need to address (and as TC also confirms, they are aware of) is that they aren't currently structured to give that degree of service but are working on it.
Didn't anyone take any notice of me banging on about their race priorities over the last few months?
I have every faith in this being resolved if they remain serious about expanding into the more 'public' market.
:happy2:
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^^^ Sorry Robin but especially Lee (Cocopop's) has every right to feel let down by VWR as he has received substandard customer service to date IMHO.
While I agree VWR are now working to rectify the issues (and have also offered refunds) the point is that being promised something will happen on on a certain date (i.e. the replacement parts being posted) which then doesn't happen it takes 30 seconds to pick-up the phone and explain, but instead he's left waiting or having to constantly chase them for updates.
....Indeed it does only take 30 seconds etc. However, the problem that VWR/RL need to address (and as TC also confirms, they are aware of) is that they aren't currently structured to give that degree of service but are working on it.
Didn't anyone take any notice of me banging on about their race priorities over the last few months?
I have every faith in this being resolved if they remain serious about expanding into the more 'public' market.
:happy2:
I am not sure what you are trying to achieve on behalf of VWR/RL Robin?
We are all aware of your high regard for them and from your comment above -“banging on about their race priorities over the last few months†that racing is their core business.
These issues are not related to just an isolated case on a couple of short shift gear linkages. Both TC and I have also experienced some issues in our dealing with VWR to date but we choose to speak directly to Matt and Sam at Inters about this.
However no one has forced them to go into the retail market and if anything they should be more aware than most about the importance of getting things done right and on time.
Like TC has said we really hope this is just a teething issue and if everything works out look forward, as a forum, to being involved with them in the future.
:happy2:
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i cant be bothered reading the whole thred, but my forge shifter grinds on the top row i.e 1st 3rd 5th, i spoke to forge at inters and the were happy to replace it. the nut on the bottom of the shufter comes loose and so doesnt select the gears very well, :smiley:
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....
Steve(P) - I think it's all been said and summed up particularly well by TC. That's both in detail about the shortshifters and in general about VWR/RL customer service.
So I ain't gonna go around anymore in circles on this subject - VWR/RL are aware and it's up to them how they want to run things beyond their core racing business. Personally I take a longer term view and understand their ethos and am confident - I'm suggesting others do the same but it's up to the individual and their expectations [/end of!]
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Hi All,
This is Sam, hope you don't mind me coming directly onto here to respond to these points?
All of the above comments have been taken by us as useful constructive feedback, there isn't one word in this thread that is unfair here. And we take all the comments seriously. To the guys who haven't been contacted we do apologise, it's not how we want to operate and we're working right now to sort out the issues once and for all, i hope you'll notice the difference.
As a few of you have said, we are quite new to the 'retail' side of this! What started with supplying Mk5 race parts turned into a bit of a 'toe in the water' with a few UK GTI owners that we know, and that has almost unexpectedly turned into something a bit bigger quite quickly, much of it thanks to this forum. So we've recently taken on Matt Walker in response to that level of interest, so we can make sure that the right level of service is covered in future. We've loved working with those of you that we've met so far, some really knowledgeable and enthusiastic people. We’ve had some great feedback over the last few months, so we take it 100% seriously (and personally) to respond to any criticisms. GTI Inters at the weekend was a really useful chace for us to get opinions good and bad from many of you, a big help to us.
It's worth saying that we don't have any ambitions to be a big retail operation, there are enough companies doing a fine job of that out there, and their style may well suit some customers better. The race programme is of course a priority, but that should not, and will not be an excuse to let anyone else down in future through poor communication. Matt will be our front man to you guys, which I believe will work well.
If any of you do ever want to get in touch with me, or ever feel you aren't getting what you want from us, please do contact me directly on s.roach@volkswagenracing.co.uk or on my mobile 07866 737343 anytime. We really do welcome your comments, and appreciate your patience if we have any teething troubles.
Thanks for reading,
Sam
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Thanks Sam.
Having literally just got in, I was about to post! :)
I had a call from Matt this afternoon. Very much appreciated, and I did thank him for that.
Matt has promised to take my concerns thus far and deal with them.
I did ask if anything I'd said here was unfair, as the last thing I wanted to do was cause trouble and that if any comment was unjust then I'd remove it. He seemed happy enough with what was said.
We've covered off the customer service bits, so thats all good. I'm feeling a lot more confident.
Matt is going to keep me informed about the progress of the replacement bits.
I said I'd keep this thread updated with progress, so I will.
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^^^^
Nice one, Sam! Straight from the horse's mouth! 465 horses and 1 donkey?
Have a great weekend racing at Snetterton and try not to roll anything this time! I'll be in to VWR tomorrow to entertain your girlies :wink:
:happy2: 8) :happy2:
P.S. - Can a Mod separate Sam's emaill address so it doesn't result in robot spiders spamming his emailer, please.
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^^^^
Pleased for you Coco but I always believed it would come right eventually.
Sometimes problems/issues can result in better and stronger relationships and results.
:drinking: :grouphug:
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^^^^
Pleased for you Coco but I always believed it would come right eventually.
Sometimes problems/issues can result in better and stronger relationships and results.
:drinking: :grouphug:
Appreciate that Robin, but.....
I never doubted they would eventually be sorted, it was the lack of contact, lack of information etc that I had doubts about.
Your views do sometimes come across as blinkered. Whilst I appreciate your loyalty to something you like, you sometimes come across a little too strong in not accepting that there could be issues or other ideas. Be this with your views on VWRacing, your views on your DRLs (for another example) or something else. You're not always willing to accept that someone else may be right, or even more simply, have a different opinion to yours. This isn't meant as a criticism, more something I've noticed, whether you want to take it on board, shout me down or laugh over a beer about it, thats up to you :)
I hope that makes sense and taken as an observation rather than a red flag to a bull :grin:
Anyway, for now VWR are on the right track. :happy2: :happy2:
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^^^^
I know I can come across like that sometimes, Coco, but although I do express strong opinions I am always willing to admit when I'm wrong. My close friends will tell you that about me and how I can sometimes appear as blinkered but in fact I'm far from.
I accept what you are saying in the good spirit that you are saying it. :drinking:
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Mark asked me to e-mail him on Monday (which I did) regarding my SS but still no reply! :chicken:
Mine hasn't failed as yet but if Im left stranded with a faulty unit that has a known fault I will not be a happy bunny..........
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Mark asked me to e-mail him on Monday (which I did) regarding my SS but still no reply! :chicken:
Mine hasn't failed as yet but if Im left stranded with a faulty unit that has a known fault I will not be a happy bunny..........
....Perhaps not a justification but Mark has been up to his ears all of these last two days (I know because I've been with him). They are all off to Snetterton now until next week AFAIK and Mark won't be back to VWR. So, as Sam (VWR's MD) posted earlier, contact Matt. I'm up at VWR tomorrow (Wednesday) so I'll get Matt's email for you if you like, so he can deal with it on his return from the weekend's racing.
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Mark asked me to e-mail him on Monday (which I did) regarding my SS but still no reply! :chicken:
Mine hasn't failed as yet but if Im left stranded with a faulty unit that has a known fault I will not be a happy bunny..........
....Perhaps not a justification but Mark has been up to his ears all of these last two days (I know because I've been with him). They are all off to Snetterton now until next week AFAIK and Mark won't be back to VWR. So, as Sam (VWR's MD) posted earlier, contact Matt. I'm up at VWR tomorrow (Wednesday) so I'll get Matt's email for you if you like, so he can deal with it on his return from the weekend's racing.
Thanks Robin! :happy2:
Unfortunatly I didn't expect a call............... :sad1:
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^^^ You have a PM with Matt's contact details. :happy2:
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Hey Lee, any progress with this yet? :chicken:
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Hey Lee, any progress with this yet? :chicken:
Was this prompted by another thread I have been reading :laugh:
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It may well have reminded me that Lee hasn't said if he is all fixed up now.
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It may well have reminded me that Lee hasn't said if he is all fixed up now.
:happy2:
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Not yet.
Matt was gonna call me when the metal replacement sideside bracket is in stock.
Ed30 is parked up at the moment.... using the Roadster.
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Hopefully it will be resolved real soon then! :happy2:
At least you are having some Smart fun anyway! :happy2:
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I could not handle my car being out of action for three and a half days let alone weeks. You've shown remarkable paitence, well done. Though personally I would have given up on the SS by now and returned to stock (was that not an option)?
I think vwr need to consider their Market again and stick to their core competence, unless of course, they fully resource and put the infrastructure in place to handle people who need their cars for say a daily commute.
I was considering their brakes or getting their suspension mods but on reading this post, I realise that despite their undoubted genius in
many areas I have to admit sadly that I definately fall into the category of customer who this company wouldn't suit. :sad:
But that's good ..... At least I know now.
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....
In response to : -
I think vwr need to consider their Market again and stick to their core competence, unless of course, they fully resource and put the infrastructure in place to handle people who need their cars for say a daily commute.
I was considering their brakes or getting their suspension mods but on reading this post, I realise that despite their undoubted genius in
many areas I have to admit sadly that I definately fall into the category of customer who this company wouldn't suit. :sad:
But that's good ..... At least I know now.
....In reality, these sort of stock issues are no different in large established 'retail' businesses. How many weeks have I sometimes had to wait for a component from Awesome? (I'm not complaining but just pointing out only one example). Every garage/workshop/retailer makes mistakes or has delays from time to time. However, if a customer's expectations do not accept this, then the working relationship probably is never going to be a good match.
Horses for courses. Personally, VWR's racing priorities don't interfere with my expectations and when it's my turn they always give me 100% attention.
I quote from VWR's MD Sam's earlier post in this thread : -
It's worth saying that we don't have any ambitions to be a big retail operation, there are enough companies doing a fine job of that out there, and their style may well suit some customers better. The race programme is of course a priority, but that should not, and will not be an excuse to let anyone else down in future through poor communication. Matt will be our front man to you guys, which I believe will work well.
If any of you do ever want to get in touch with me, or ever feel you aren't getting what you want from us, please do contact me directly on s.roach@volkswagenracing.co.uk or on my mobile 07866 737343 anytime. We really do welcome your comments, and appreciate your patience if we have any teething troubles.
Thanks for reading,
Sam
I expect that some of you will chirp in and post that I'm always defending VWR. Well yes, I have had plenty of experience of them and although not perfect (no-one ever is) I don't hesitate to drive a 340-mile round trip to Milton Keynes. Engine mounts on Friday, all being well!
Whichever workshop/supplier we choose to go to, it's all about relationship and matching your individual expectations as a customer. As individuals, we each have differing expectations.
:happy2: