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A further update on our imported Passat. No issues at all, everything is running spot on as it was when we purchased it. I have however managed to resolve a minor inconvenience with car insurance websites not finding our registration plate (it's due for renewal so I started searching around a week ago). It's worth stating that I don't know if this should have been done by the DVLA, or the dealership that imported our vehicle. First I contacted the DVLA, as I'd wrongly assumed this is where the insurance companies would pull the registration plate from. They told me they sell the data to various 'bulk data companies' but would not tell me which companies unless I submitted a freedom of information request (despite them admitting it was public information anyway). I contacted one company (MIB) who couldn't help me, but explained the process a bit. There is a DVLA Bulk Data Set document which lists all the data sharing companies at the bottom, these companies buy the data from the DVLA, and I gather then sell it to the various car insurance companies. I sent the same email to all of them requesting if our car could be added to the database. One of the companies advised me to contact Thatcham, as they are primarily responsible for linking all the vehicle data to an insurance ABI code (which is what the data sharing companies use and share with the insurance companies when you type your reg in on the insurance website) All of the replies I had wanted the details below, so probably best to add it in with your initial email. Make: Model: Transmission: Number of forward gears: Fuel Type: Engine size (CC): Body Shape (Saloon, convertible for example) Number of doors: Drive Type (FWD, RWD, AWD): Power (KW or BHP): Seating capacity: Email address for Thatcham, and the data sharing companies below that wanted the car details and ABI code (the others either didn't reply or told me they weren't relevant for insurance websites) Customer.enquiries@thatcham.org, businessuk@experian.com, enquiry@infopro-digital.com, help@ukvehicledata.co.uk DVLA Bulk Data.pdf

Hi All While I’m not any great audiophile, since purchasing my MK8 I’ve always been disappointed with the standard audio system. I came from a MK7, later fitted with the Helix DSP subwoofer upgrade, and tried to find a plug & play equivalent with no success. I then found that in the US and Canada there were many great reviews of a centre speaker upgrade, with a company based in Canada offering a modified replacement. The feedback across Facebook and other platforms seemed to be 100% positive, with reports of this single speaker upgrade “bringing the system alive”, “better balancing the overall system”, “providing amazing clarity and crisper sound”, “better vocals”, lifted bass at all levels”, “the missing element to make complete”, etc. Clearer phone calls have also been mentioned. I just had to try this for myself, so due postage costs and fees/duty, a few months ago I set about designing my own plug and play version. Being a former aircraft engineer I appreciate detail and wanted something truly OEM+ and which could be retrofitted easily. After much research I concluded that two stages of upgrades were possible for the MK8. The first using the Audison AV 3.0 using an inverted cotton fibre cone, has significantly more power and is an upgrade in all respects while maintaining the same impedance, which is important. Taking this a step further uses the Hertz Mille speaker with its V-cone, Neodymium magnet assembly and the threespoke anti-resonant aluminium alloy basket with vented holes. Only the Hertz is compatible with the MK8.5 (facelift). To make the speaker fit as a plug and play option I cut the original speaker about to create a template for an adapter plate, and had someone 3D print them, which was then riveted to the replacement speaker, picking up on the original dashboard mounting holes. Moving to the wiring, I wanted OEM quality, so created a conversion lead using new quality connectors and pins. The harness is plug and play. To say I’m pleased with the outcome of both would be an understatement. It’s hard to believe that this one speaker replacement can make such a difference, even at low volume levels. I have to agree with the feedback above. This is a true plug and play modification, and the best quality and most compatible solution to blend with the OEM set ups. No change to the existing loom necessary and swapped back in minutes. After a few months I refitted the OEM speaker to take the photos for a fitting guide, and what a difference - I’d clearly got used to the improved setup! I’ve since upgraded my door speakers and tweeters to Focal, and the centre speaker is still easily holding its own even with this set up. Anyway, just wanted to share my project. Far from the cheapest mid speakers available, but I wanted proven brands and after experimenting with two different cheaper speakers first, I decided that these easily provided the best improvement and therefore worth the extra. There does not appear to be any off the shelf plug and play solutions available in the UK. After making these for members of other forums I thought I'd offer them on here, as I've benefited from much information shared on here in the past. They are £149.00 (Audison) and £229 (Hertz) plus £6.95 postage (Royal Mail 24 Tracked Signed and Insured) in the UK (international post and customs extra). Fitting involves lifting out the grill (trim tool works well just clips hold in place), removing 3 x T20 speaker mounting screws, disconnecting the electrical connector, and fitting the replacement. Despite it being straight forward, I’ll provide a fitting guide with photos. No dash errors or issues. Any questions please ask/send a PM. Cheers.

Hi folks, just saying hello. I previously owned an older (2005) Passat that I had to sell years ago to trade down to a small engine car and assist my son (firstly) to get insurance and then my daughter after him when she also passed her test. However, they are experienced drivers these days and after owning a 3 series BMW for the last few years, I have decided to return to VW and since just before Christmas, I am now the proud owner of a 2016 Passat SE Business 2.0 TDI BMT. Its a lot more refined than my previous Passat but alas Android Auto hasn't been configured so I'll be digging into this forum to look for advice and pointers to get this set up as I really enjoyed it in my Bimmer. Needless to say, I'd prefer not to have to pay VW to do it as the price will be typically extortionate. So thanks for adding me as I know car forums can save me a lot of money by their invaluable advice and experience and whilst I'm no mechanic, I have a decent toolkit and I'm not afraid to have a go at basic stuff. I'm from Newry, Co. Down btw.

Hi .... welcome to the Club The older Passat was a great car although it did have its issues (namely the ECU under the passenger footwell that used to flood with water and a few other issues). The modern Passat seems miles away from its predecessor and hopefully you won't need to wield a spanner in anger during your ownership. Good to have you onboard!

my dad just sold his 2002 (think it was) passat, He had it 18 years, never a problem. Still pulls like a train. he had 2 cars and decided to keep the modern one and pass the passat on. They really were bullet proof. Yes now and again a puff of black smoke when giving it some but that adds to the charm.

Ah that's amazing! I'm really glad I got another glimpse of it at least. And what a trooper of a car. Moon mileage! Of course your mum has a very willing buyer in waiting if & when she wants to move it on.

Hello, sorry for the late reply. My mum happens to own that car and is happy to say it’s still going strong! It’s got about 246000 on the clock. My mums not looking to sell the car unfortunately but I thought I’d let you know that it’s still on the roads!

Sorry for the delay in replying. Thank you, i will take a look tomorrow 👍

There is a Memory Saver available to connect to a slave battery and into the cigar lighter socket or the OBD port It will keep everything in memory once you disconnect the vehicle battery

Hi many thanks for having me in you're club. No worries about the meetings its just nice to know there are people who are interested in the same cars Kind regards Gary

Hi Gary and welcome to the Club Unfortunately, we haven't as yet organised events for the club as it is more of an online rather than physically based club. However, if you wish to start up a local VW Owners Club gathering or event then feel free and we can help you promote it. Good to have you onboard

How can I install this kind of Roof on my 1991 Golf MK2? Any advice? Or where can i find it? Please share every info what you have.

thanks a lot for the info! 🙏 Yeah, I thought it might be something rare like a Webasto. You’re probably right – after all these years it’s tricky to find one in usable condition. Maybe I’ll keep an eye out at classic VW parts dealers or forums – sometimes you get lucky. Even if it’s not 100% watertight, it would still be a cool retro touch for the Mk2. 😅🚗

Thank you for your reply. It’s a difficult one. I’ve since had a test drive in two other Golf 1.5 TSI 150’s and both have similar characteristics to the problem I’m having. It looks like there is a fundamental problem with this engine when matched to the manual gearbox which VW have not totally resolved despite making claims they have over the years by releasing various engine management software updates. I’ve arranged a service appointment with the local VW Dealership early next week so hopefully they can come up with a solution. It’s a shame because I really do like the car and this issue is spoiling my enjoyment of it. It’s an approved used VW car which comes with the 30 day no quibble exchange guarantee. Hopefully a solution can be found and I won’t need to rely on this.

Hi all. As a long time Discovery 2 owner I am now seriously considering a Touareg. The story goes like this... I am sick to death of LandRovers! I considered going to an X5 as I don't really go off road much, if at all really (not including flat grass fields occasionally), but I was told X5's are basically a car and no better off road than a two wheel drive estate. I had barely even heard of the Touareg until an X5 owner recommended them to me. He said something like 'They are every bit as capable as a Discovery2 off road, far nicer to drive, but probably worse on fuel'. So my main question is that - fuel economy. I gave up trusting 'book numbers' years ago, it's a lottery. So I wondered if any real world owners without any motives could give me an idea of the sort of MPG figures you get out of a Touareg. I know driving styles, speeds etc vary, that's fine. Just looking for some real world figures from real world owners,maybe accompanied by the type of driving you do. And please don't say 'Don't get one if you can't afford the fuel economy'. It's silly. I can afford to drive one, but considerations of how much it will cost to do so is perfectly logical and reasonable! I've been led to believe 18-20MPG 'around town' and 22-25 on a long run. That sounds very heavy for such a modern engine but if it's true, that's fine. If it's likely to be more than that it's even better, and may mean I don't bother considering an X5 any more at all (as they are a bit better i think). Thanks, and grateful for any other comments/experiences/thoughts on moving from a Disco2 to a Touareg. :)

Morning, thanks for the reply. I ended up taking it to an auto electricians who determined it was a loose/faulty main relay (R5) under the engine fuse box. This was replaced and its been fine since this. Hoping this has solved the issue!

Good to be here. Have owned a 2012 Up for the last 3 years and have just bought a 2009 Sharan 1.9tdi

Update for anyone searching for same issue. It was simple. Spent weeks getting quotes to fix, days trying to work out how to do it myself wondering and worrying if I had to prise off the central dashboard to remove the fan switch and replace the whole fan switch unit. Then I got a Haynes manual and watched a video on how to do it. Ordered a new resister and pollen filter on line. Spent about an hour setting everything out.. tools I might need (didn't need any), torch, padded mat to lay on by car and looking up in the passenger footwell contemplating the task. Then I went for its and it took me five minutes! One video from an 'old hand' suggested that the resisters usually go for a reason. That might be a worn fan motor/fan bearing or a blocked up air filter and that you should drop the fan to check it spins OK etc and change the pollen filter as a matter of course. The two plastic screws holding the flock covered flexible panel in the footwell unscrewed by hand and that pulled out easily. Also removed the plastic panel on the inner (gearbox) side of the footwell. That is just held by two press in studs. I would recommend marking the location of this before removal with pencil crosses across the joint with rest of housing so that it's easier to line up the studs when refitting as you cant see them. That exposes the whole fan system. The Motor/fan is to the left and it dropped down easily, just release catch and anticlockwise twist. Spun fan round and it sounded pretty smooth..reinstall. Pollen filter is held by a front panel that you just slide to the left and it drops out.. watch for dust.. I put an old towel in the footwell to catch anything. It had a lot of dust. Note the orientation removing. Reinstall new one. Put flat panel front back on inserting lugs through the slots in the filter face and slide firmly to right. Thats done. Fan resister slots into front of pollen filter housing. It's right infant of you when you look in there. Take the new one with you. Push toggle up and it slides up and then out. Check orientation and angle as you remove it. remove wire connector (has some tiny clips each end of the black wire plug lift these at same time as trying to pull plug away from resister block. Reinstall into new resistor right way round then reinstall resistor into slot at correct angle and then slide down to secure. Reinstall footwell panels, Job done.