(Part 2) Best products from r/Volkswagen

Very nice. I just got a Golf Alltrack SEL in Silk Blue Metallic (automatic) and have been mostly very happy so far. Everything just works as you think it would, the quality is rock solid, and the equipment level is astounding for the price you pay.

I had a rattle from the back that was pretty annoying: It turned out to be the rear cargo cover, so I took it out.

One small piece of advice: If you plan to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you'll need a good high quality USB cable. I use this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07213D35X [update: I forgot iPhones use a proprietary connection; this will only work for Android phones.]

Oh, and if you're in the U.S., I'm not sure if you know, but 2019 is the last model year for the 72 months/60,000 mile warranty. With 2020 models it is dropping to 48 months/50,000 miles (but including two years of free, factory-covered maintenance). I work from home and only drive 8,000 miles a year, so the old warranty is perfect for me.

If you’re going to put in on a key ring with other keys and want easy access to the buttons, the silicone cover is great. I have one and love it. If you are keeping it solo, a zippered case works well and helps avoid accidental button presses. I had one of these for a while and it worked well considering I never really had to use the buttons.

After upgrading to the new iPhone 6 Plus I found it doesn't fit in the conveniently sized triangle next to the cup holder in my CC. I knew I didn't want a window suction mount, so I considered vent mounts.. but nothing really stood out to me.

Then I found out a few companies make CD slot mounts!

I love it! Its right in the center, doesn't block anything in our cars, and its right at arm lengths reach. It's perfect!

This is the one I ordered: http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Universal-Smartphone-Slot-Mount/dp/B00D4ABOZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=wireless&ie=UTF8&qid=1411435667&sr=1-1&keywords=satechi+cd+slot+mount

Yeah! And they're easy to work with. You can look up how to do it on YouTube. I also recommend you order some weatherproof/waterproof clear rtv silicone such as this because I don't like the black silicone that comes with the lenses. Lastly, a LPT: if you aren't comfortable or don't own a heat gun, use a standard hair dryer. They produce a lot of heat to help you work with plastics and silicone without the dangers of melting parts and paint on your car.
Hope this all helps!

ECS have the OEM bulbs for your model for $163 each (and two choices of non-OEM for about half that). It seems they're made by Philips (more pictures here), so it's quite possible this $52 Philips bulb is exactly the same item. Searching for "9285 141 294" that's printed on the ones in the photo in that second link finds this suspiciously cheap set claimed to be OEMs.

I've not had to replace mine - the OEM HIDs for the Mk4 are D2Ss so I'm not shopping in the same section anyway - but I can't see buying a brand like Philips being an unsafe choice, even if they aren't specifically the OEM part.

Forum posts suggest that there's some futzing around required with the plastic retaining ring that holds them into the light fixture (swapping from the old bulb to the new), you'd maybe think that a new set of OEM bulbs would come with those but from all the pictures it doesn't seem to be the case.

If you are going aftermarket I think you need to watch the colour temperature. Stock HID bulbs always seem to be 4000-4500K, I've seen various places selling 6000K+ replacements which don't appear to be road-legal in a lot of places.

Hope this helps, there's a fair bit of speculation there sorry but good luck.

It's an older one and they are quite expensive when not on sale, but the Kensington PowerBolt Micro fits nice and snug in my Corrado and doesn't pop out or wiggle around. Pretty sure the Corrado and MK2 share the same slightly larger diameter cigarette lighter port.

Model numbers that have this charger are K39224US
and K39552US.

I have Motegi R118s and love them. Amazon has them for much less btw.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003BYQUEM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here they are on my R: http://imgur.com/Ua20Uqx

Blizzaks are great, but just decide whether you want performance snow tires versus normal snow tires. One allows you to retain a bit more feel of the car. I wanted to get Michelin Alpine PA4s, but no one had them in stock. I went with Pirelli Sottozero 3s which are rated almost as well.

I bought 'performance' snow tires, because they are supposed to retain a stiffer feel to them so you don't get that spongy feel when you turn. Blizaks come in performance and non-performance versions. The difference lies in what they specialize in. Performance snow tires do better on dry/wet (water) pavement in colder temperatures. Regular snow tires do better on snow/ice (cold temps are implied here).

I rarely find myself driving in snow because they just salt the roads and it turns to slush and water. The stop times on wet roads is what concerned me the most for this reason, and performance snow tires are better in that realm. Plus I wanted it still feel like I was driving a sports car.

Awesome man! I'm doing that to my Mk6 Golf TDI once the weather breaks. (The car is currently plastidipped, so I'm waiting for nice weather to peel it.)

I'm also getting These headlights, (although not from this link) These taillights, and these wheels, as well as the windows tinted. It's going to be a fun spring!

The hood latches tend to seize up over time, especially if you don't lubricate them occasionally. Had the same problem on my Mk5 Jetta. If it's seized and not a broken cable, you can generally fix it pretty easily.

You need three things: a small screwdriver, a can of lightweight break-free lube like Liquid Wrench or PB Blaster penetrating oil, and a can of spray lithium lube.

Pop the safety latch and prop the hood. Locate the hood latch assembly. Using the precision tube on the spray lube, saturate the inside of the latch and latch plate with the penetrating oil (try to keep overspray from rubber parts). Let sit for 30 seconds or so, and then press on the open side of the latch with the screwdriver until the latch plate releases and locks. Pull the hood release in the cabin to reset. Repeat several times until the latch snaps closed freely when you press on it with the screwdriver. Respray with penetrator if necessary.

Use a shop towel to mop up as much penetrating oil as you can and spray the entire inside of the latch assembly with as much spray lithium as it will hold. Work the mechanism a few more times to get it into the pivot and latch plate as much as possible. Re-saturate with lithium grease and button up.

Every time you change your oil, you should relubricate the hood latch with spray lithium to keep this from happening.

EDIT: Linkies.

if the filter doesn't fix it all, or even as a proactive measure before installing the new filter, some cleaner for the whole system would help alot. It goes in the intake behind the glovebox and outside the car as per directions on the can, just don't breathe much air from the cabin until you are done spraying, then breathe peacefully.

edit: didn't look at that product as closely as I should have (sorry for that,) seems far more complicated than my actual favorite, whose process is a bit easier

Thanks! And not at all, all they are are red "bulbs" that I put instead of the stock Amber ones. Pretty much this kit but I bought the specific floor ones in red.

Also fun fact: The aftermarket floor bulbs still have the ability to have their intensity adjusted in the car menu. Mine are at 30% so as to not blind myself lol

I wouldn't go crazy modifying a lease, but that's my personal opinion. Others will probably agree, but not everyone. A GLI spoiler, that's a simple mod that is easy to reverse. I say go for it but I would not mess with headlights. Aftermarket tail lights, side markers, fine, but imagine driving through the rain in an 80s rabbit with bulbs that are 30 years old. That's what those headlights will look like, and I know this from experience.

These reviews on Amazon even claim they have low light output. You're putting yourself at risk by installing them.

https://www.amazon.com/Spec-D-Tuning-2LHP-JET11JM-TM-Projector-Headlights/dp/B016RXD0PA

How about a little trash can for the door. https://www.amazon.com/Skoda-small-garbage-panel-5JA0611079B9/dp/B0773V4CQN/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=skoda+trash+can&qid=1557460774&s=gateway&sprefix=skoda+trash&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

It’s made by Skoda and takes a while to get here. Make sure it fits your car. It fits the black doors of my 2016 Passat. It’s not big but it’s nice for little bits of trash and it looks oem-ish. I also got the swervy looking coat hanger unit that installs on the headrest posts. Kinda nice to be able to hang up my coat, especially if it’s wet do it has a chance to dry. I think those are VW made.

I have the OEM bars on my MK5 GTi. I like them. I'd recommend them. I believe Amazon had them for around ~$250

I like the look of OEM bars, they're flush in that the bars don't extend beyond the roof and hit you.

http://www.amazon.com/1K0-071-126-Original-Volkswagen-Racks-06-14/dp/B0063KI3V4