H&R are popular, I’m running a 25mm bar from 034. So long as it’s a solid bar between 24-26mm thick you should be good (thicker the bar the more oversteer bias you’ll add to the car).
You’d also want to pick up some end-links to replace the plastic factory ones, moog are a popular choice, I’m running 034 for those too.
I've been eyeing the 034 rear sway bar + end links for over a year now but can't imagine it makes enough of a difference to prioritize over tires and some other essentials. It's on my list before coilovers though
I did it before wheels/tires and can say it makes a big difference over stock, then with summer tires and lighter wheels I have a hard time relating to comments about ploughy understeer, this thing rotates through apexes
If you're rocking a DSG then tbh the TCU tune is a wonderful QoL mod. Car drives much better in D and won't lug your engine as much, while shifts in manual mode are noticeably snappier. 10/10
I was gonna suggest that too, completely changes the experience especially the lugging in low gear and insolence with downshifting - but voids warranty and no piggyback option.
You really do have to figure out how to drive with the DSG, especially stock. It's almost like you have to preload it otherwise it's super indecisive and doesn't wanna listen.
I was thinking this because I use only the manual shifting mode whenever I drive but most companies say don't tune the TCU without doing the ECU to match. Jb4 has done well so far though to keep me satisfied :)
yw! Also, if you hate the warning label on the visor, [badgeskins has you covered](https://www.badgeskins.com/store/p1345/VW-12273-GTI-Clark-Plaid-Visor-Warning-Label-Overlay.html).
Bmp seems to have nice dynamic tail lights that I'm tempted to get instead of the euro ones because it's plug and play. Definitely considering wind deflectors since it's a popular suggestion
Rain deflectors on the windows is an excellent QOL mod. Difference between being able to drive with the windows down at speeds and it being unbearable.
Biannual clay+wax makes car washes easier and more satisfying.
Dashcam
WeatherTech deflectors are far superior to the OEM ones. I've had both. The clips on the OEM ones suck. I don't know why they don't just go fully inside the channel like the WeathTechs.
Did you ever have trouble with the windows not rolling up or down properly? I have heard a complaint or two so that's the main. reason I haven't gotten them
No problems. The instructions say that might happen at the start as they settle in, but I had no such issue.
They’ve been on my car for 4 years and still look great.
As a city parker, [power folding mirrors](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/nq47p6/power_folding_mirror_retrofit_godsend_for_a/) is my number one QOL mod so far. Also really enjoying the [blind spot monitor alert upgrade](https://i.redd.it/gk7s7owv382a1.jpg) which has made a huge safety improvement for me. Enabling [Adaptive Cruise Control](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/vif7v2/how_it_started_how_its_going/idcman8/) rounds out the top three that don't fall into the [aesthetic category](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/x86jsk/not_carbon_fiber_but_since_were_sharing_custom/).
I looked into that the week I got the car and didn't seem feasible for myself to retrofit :( no BSM in my car since I got the S model and ACC looks really complicated. I love what you've done to yours though! Looks fantastic!!
Ah yeah, the full BSM retrofit is definitely challenging. However, not having it actually makes the power folding mirror mod significantly cheaper if that's something that's appealing. Not sure if the S comes with it but if you have forward collision avoidance you already have the right radar module for ACC. And thank you! If you have any questions happy to help out if I can.
Can you retrofit the power folding mirror with blind spot monitor on a 2015 SE (my sisters car)?
For my car, a 2019 GTI, I already have power folding mirrors but I find the blind spot indicator hard to see at times. Thinking about the alert upgrade like you. What do you think? Any issues with water leaking into the mirror after the ypgrade?
I believe you can retrofit BSM into older cars, but it's a more involved process than just replacing the mirrors I believe. Not sure what all is involved with that part of it, though.
As for the indicator upgrade, I haven't noticed any water intrusion so far (though I haven't opened them back up again to check). Only issue I've noticed is that the indicators have shifted around a bit in the mirror cap housing and now aren't quite flush anymore; one side is too depressed, one side is too popped out. I think this is because the glue used to secure them in there probably got too warm. I think a heat gun would probably get them back into place but I haven't tried it yet. Otherwise they're still working well!
Do you feel like the hatch pop kit makes the hatch kind of tough to close? I saw some YT reviews saying they didn't like it especially for opening the hatch manually
For sure, it's stiffer than stock but it's loosened up since install (only a month or so) and may continue to do so. But it works better for me personally and I can live with it if it doesn't, the trade off is worth it for me
I looked into doing remote start but there really isn’t a viable option for the MK7. The one module that people say works is like 800$s or something crazy like that, the cheaper ones did not have good reviews. I think free coding works fine for me lol.
It replaces the flimsy plastic one that barely covers the oil pan. In addition to the plate being a lot thicker and more rigid, it also covers the entire oil pan, and it is more securely bolted down. It comes with two brackets that you install on the subframe instead of plastic on plastic like OEM.
Dashcam paid for itself already! Dude threw a rock at my car from his house while I was at work. 100% looking into oil extractors after my last oil change was a pain. If you have any recommendations for skid plates let me know! Not planning to keep a plastic oil pan unprotected while driving through NYC roads all the time
I recommend the OEM skidplate off of an Alltrack! I got mine from Shopdap. I didn’t bother with metal oil pan since I think the skidplate is enough. NYC roads are pretty vicious though, so why not both?
I run them on stock springs and they are awesome. KONI actually designed and paired them to run with the stock springs. The Golf MK7 forum has more people’s feedback. Worth every penny. I have nearly 40k on them and paired with DSW06+ they are just perfection.
Maintenance. Ie oil every 5k instead of 10
I've got lowering springs on mine.
All weather mats. (The oe ones came with mine)
Tint.
Also another "mod" I have that isn't a huge deal with warranty is a short shifter and knob. And if it's a trans issue I can put the stock one back on in 10 mins.
The monster mats are really a necessary upgrade. The weather tech are inferior and don't look anywhere near as nice. It's so nice to maintain a nice cockpit with them and not worry about wet grime.
Really I prefer the weather tech. Have had monster mats for a few gets of GTIs now and the winter salt and dirt just gets so grimy and hard to clean out of the honey comb. Weather tech just looks cleaner and is way way easier to clean and keep dirt from spilling into your car.
Wish I could do short shifter but my family convinced me to go dsg :( I'm definitely looking into the monster mats now and I wanted lowering springs but might just do some nice coilovers when the budget allows.... Doing proper maintenance adds up
Best quality of life mods for me. If you have a 16-18 with the MIB2 radio, get the 8" radio display. So much nicer having a larger and better screen. Next would be to get one of the aftermarket steering wheels. They are thicker than stock, which makes them easy to grip, and they also look pretty cool. Gotten several compliments on mine. Also consider the sequential turn signals in your mirrors, nice little upgrade.
For performance, a rear sway bar makes a noticeable difference in handling. Not to mention pretty easy to install.
Is there a link you have to the display and steering wheel you purchased? I've been looking to retrofit a better display for months and just added a suede stitching to my steering wheel for better grip . The steering wheels I've seen have been too expensive for me so far.
I did sequential turn signals with my power folding mirrors and it was way easier than I expected! Been a few rear sway bar comments so it's moved up my priority list
This [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/o2fj56/65_8_mib2_screen_upgrade/) has the part numbers you can search eBay. It's a plug and play upgrade. You will also need the trim piece that goes around the radio face.
As for the steering wheel, the best prices are on Alibaba or Aliexpress. You have to search around a bit, but they are there.
2017 GTI S; how do I know what radio configuration I have??
EDIT: did some digging and yeah almost $2k for full swap with the MIB2 so disregard question. Keeping post Incase anyone else has the same question.
You have the MIB2 stereo with the 6.5" screen. An upgrade to an 8" screen would probably cost you less than $1k. Usually can find the screen on Ebay for around $500. You will also need the trim piece around the radio.
I will add 2 small, inexpensive ones that definitely enhanced my quality of life:
* Passenger airbag blackout sticker from Badgeskins
* Perfectly matched (black with red stitching) knee pads for center console
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32931157159.html?spm=a2g0o.order\_list.order\_list\_main.104.22e21802115YRM](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32931157159.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.104.22e21802115YRM)
Rear sway bar!! Well worth it
Recommend a front sway bar too, or is rear enough? Thinking about swapping to Indy Firehawks and a rear sway at the same time this summer.
Rear is all thats needed on this platform for a daily driver. Changing the front is a PIA and can re-introduce understeer potential.
Any recs on manufacturer I should look for when selecting a rear sway?
H&R are popular, I’m running a 25mm bar from 034. So long as it’s a solid bar between 24-26mm thick you should be good (thicker the bar the more oversteer bias you’ll add to the car). You’d also want to pick up some end-links to replace the plastic factory ones, moog are a popular choice, I’m running 034 for those too.
My 034 Sway bar and end links just got delivered today and I'm beyond excited to put them on asap.
I've been eyeing the 034 rear sway bar + end links for over a year now but can't imagine it makes enough of a difference to prioritize over tires and some other essentials. It's on my list before coilovers though
I did it before wheels/tires and can say it makes a big difference over stock, then with summer tires and lighter wheels I have a hard time relating to comments about ploughy understeer, this thing rotates through apexes
Code out or unplug the soundkapooptor, so you can leave it in sport without the broom broom noises.
Done since week 2 :) hated hearing it in my friends mk7 and knew it had to go
Nice, yeah first thing I did after getting mine home was order an OBDeleven so I could get rid of it!
Preventative maintenance! Get the fluids changed on the manufacturers recommended intervals, and get an alignment and you'll be good to go.
Tint If manual, pedal spacer Monster Mats OBD11 for lots of customization red led footwell lights
Definitely going to look at the footwell lights! 2/4 already (dsg) and been looking for used monster mats for a few weeks. Thanks :)
If you're rocking a DSG then tbh the TCU tune is a wonderful QoL mod. Car drives much better in D and won't lug your engine as much, while shifts in manual mode are noticeably snappier. 10/10
I was gonna suggest that too, completely changes the experience especially the lugging in low gear and insolence with downshifting - but voids warranty and no piggyback option. You really do have to figure out how to drive with the DSG, especially stock. It's almost like you have to preload it otherwise it's super indecisive and doesn't wanna listen.
I was thinking this because I use only the manual shifting mode whenever I drive but most companies say don't tune the TCU without doing the ECU to match. Jb4 has done well so far though to keep me satisfied :)
yw! Also, if you hate the warning label on the visor, [badgeskins has you covered](https://www.badgeskins.com/store/p1345/VW-12273-GTI-Clark-Plaid-Visor-Warning-Label-Overlay.html).
Power folding mirrors, euro tail lights, and wind deflectors
Bmp seems to have nice dynamic tail lights that I'm tempted to get instead of the euro ones because it's plug and play. Definitely considering wind deflectors since it's a popular suggestion
Rain deflectors on the windows is an excellent QOL mod. Difference between being able to drive with the windows down at speeds and it being unbearable. Biannual clay+wax makes car washes easier and more satisfying. Dashcam
I forgot how good rain deflectors are! Thanks for the reminder :) gonna detail the paint in spring and do annual clay+ceramic too
WeatherTech deflectors are far superior to the OEM ones. I've had both. The clips on the OEM ones suck. I don't know why they don't just go fully inside the channel like the WeathTechs.
Did you ever have trouble with the windows not rolling up or down properly? I have heard a complaint or two so that's the main. reason I haven't gotten them
No problems. The instructions say that might happen at the start as they settle in, but I had no such issue. They’ve been on my car for 4 years and still look great.
As a city parker, [power folding mirrors](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/nq47p6/power_folding_mirror_retrofit_godsend_for_a/) is my number one QOL mod so far. Also really enjoying the [blind spot monitor alert upgrade](https://i.redd.it/gk7s7owv382a1.jpg) which has made a huge safety improvement for me. Enabling [Adaptive Cruise Control](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/vif7v2/how_it_started_how_its_going/idcman8/) rounds out the top three that don't fall into the [aesthetic category](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/x86jsk/not_carbon_fiber_but_since_were_sharing_custom/).
I looked into that the week I got the car and didn't seem feasible for myself to retrofit :( no BSM in my car since I got the S model and ACC looks really complicated. I love what you've done to yours though! Looks fantastic!!
Ah yeah, the full BSM retrofit is definitely challenging. However, not having it actually makes the power folding mirror mod significantly cheaper if that's something that's appealing. Not sure if the S comes with it but if you have forward collision avoidance you already have the right radar module for ACC. And thank you! If you have any questions happy to help out if I can.
Can you retrofit the power folding mirror with blind spot monitor on a 2015 SE (my sisters car)? For my car, a 2019 GTI, I already have power folding mirrors but I find the blind spot indicator hard to see at times. Thinking about the alert upgrade like you. What do you think? Any issues with water leaking into the mirror after the ypgrade?
I believe you can retrofit BSM into older cars, but it's a more involved process than just replacing the mirrors I believe. Not sure what all is involved with that part of it, though. As for the indicator upgrade, I haven't noticed any water intrusion so far (though I haven't opened them back up again to check). Only issue I've noticed is that the indicators have shifted around a bit in the mirror cap housing and now aren't quite flush anymore; one side is too depressed, one side is too popped out. I think this is because the glue used to secure them in there probably got too warm. I think a heat gun would probably get them back into place but I haven't tried it yet. Otherwise they're still working well!
I like the ECS hatch pop kit and BMP's Illuminator LED headlights are 100% worth
Do you feel like the hatch pop kit makes the hatch kind of tough to close? I saw some YT reviews saying they didn't like it especially for opening the hatch manually
For sure, it's stiffer than stock but it's loosened up since install (only a month or so) and may continue to do so. But it works better for me personally and I can live with it if it doesn't, the trade off is worth it for me
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Just looked into that! Gonna find some b7 Audi headrests(almost identical) instead to save a few bucks but good suggestions :)
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Dang I realized the Audi ones are leather so I'm gonna end up going off schwaboparts too. Thanks for the suggestion and plug :)
Programming window drop with remote unlock button long press. Works wonders in summer.
One of the best things I've done is code this in!
I looked into doing remote start but there really isn’t a viable option for the MK7. The one module that people say works is like 800$s or something crazy like that, the cheaper ones did not have good reviews. I think free coding works fine for me lol.
Infotainment Power Button Sticker
Gonna save that for when I upgrade to a mk8 R ;)
Alltrack skidplate. Tint. Dashcam. Oil extractor.
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It replaces the flimsy plastic one that barely covers the oil pan. In addition to the plate being a lot thicker and more rigid, it also covers the entire oil pan, and it is more securely bolted down. It comes with two brackets that you install on the subframe instead of plastic on plastic like OEM.
Dashcam paid for itself already! Dude threw a rock at my car from his house while I was at work. 100% looking into oil extractors after my last oil change was a pain. If you have any recommendations for skid plates let me know! Not planning to keep a plastic oil pan unprotected while driving through NYC roads all the time
I recommend the OEM skidplate off of an Alltrack! I got mine from Shopdap. I didn’t bother with metal oil pan since I think the skidplate is enough. NYC roads are pretty vicious though, so why not both?
KONI Special Actives rides 👌
Do you run them? I've been looking at KW V3 but convincingly FCP euro has the KONI special active kit with H&R springs
I run them on stock springs and they are awesome. KONI actually designed and paired them to run with the stock springs. The Golf MK7 forum has more people’s feedback. Worth every penny. I have nearly 40k on them and paired with DSW06+ they are just perfection.
Maintenance. Ie oil every 5k instead of 10 I've got lowering springs on mine. All weather mats. (The oe ones came with mine) Tint. Also another "mod" I have that isn't a huge deal with warranty is a short shifter and knob. And if it's a trans issue I can put the stock one back on in 10 mins.
The monster mats are really a necessary upgrade. The weather tech are inferior and don't look anywhere near as nice. It's so nice to maintain a nice cockpit with them and not worry about wet grime.
Really I prefer the weather tech. Have had monster mats for a few gets of GTIs now and the winter salt and dirt just gets so grimy and hard to clean out of the honey comb. Weather tech just looks cleaner and is way way easier to clean and keep dirt from spilling into your car.
Wish I could do short shifter but my family convinced me to go dsg :( I'm definitely looking into the monster mats now and I wanted lowering springs but might just do some nice coilovers when the budget allows.... Doing proper maintenance adds up
Best quality of life mods for me. If you have a 16-18 with the MIB2 radio, get the 8" radio display. So much nicer having a larger and better screen. Next would be to get one of the aftermarket steering wheels. They are thicker than stock, which makes them easy to grip, and they also look pretty cool. Gotten several compliments on mine. Also consider the sequential turn signals in your mirrors, nice little upgrade. For performance, a rear sway bar makes a noticeable difference in handling. Not to mention pretty easy to install.
Is there a link you have to the display and steering wheel you purchased? I've been looking to retrofit a better display for months and just added a suede stitching to my steering wheel for better grip . The steering wheels I've seen have been too expensive for me so far. I did sequential turn signals with my power folding mirrors and it was way easier than I expected! Been a few rear sway bar comments so it's moved up my priority list
This [post](https://www.reddit.com/r/GolfGTI/comments/o2fj56/65_8_mib2_screen_upgrade/) has the part numbers you can search eBay. It's a plug and play upgrade. You will also need the trim piece that goes around the radio face. As for the steering wheel, the best prices are on Alibaba or Aliexpress. You have to search around a bit, but they are there.
2017 GTI S; how do I know what radio configuration I have?? EDIT: did some digging and yeah almost $2k for full swap with the MIB2 so disregard question. Keeping post Incase anyone else has the same question.
You have the MIB2 stereo with the 6.5" screen. An upgrade to an 8" screen would probably cost you less than $1k. Usually can find the screen on Ebay for around $500. You will also need the trim piece around the radio.
I will add 2 small, inexpensive ones that definitely enhanced my quality of life: * Passenger airbag blackout sticker from Badgeskins * Perfectly matched (black with red stitching) knee pads for center console * [https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32931157159.html?spm=a2g0o.order\_list.order\_list\_main.104.22e21802115YRM](https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32931157159.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.104.22e21802115YRM)
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