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AdamChandler's 2016 Golf R "Bertha" Build Thread

214K views 668 replies 148 participants last post by  AdamChandler 
#1 · (Edited)
All Golf R Mods are posted to my YouTube Channel. Subscribe here.


August, 2015: (Purchase Date)


March, 2016:









May 2016:









July 2017:







November 2017:


December 2018:






Spring 2019:



Thanks for checking out my build thread. I'll be updating this first post periodically along with build-photos along the way. I'll reserve 'placeholder' posts for updated photo/video-shoots after more serious changes (springs,wheels, ECU tune, lighting, etc.)

Car Original Spec:
  • 2016 MKVII Volkswagen Golf R
  • Lapiz Blue
  • DSG (Dual Clutch Automatic Gearbox)
  • DCC / Nav
  • 19" Cadiz Wheels
Dealer: Noyes Volkswagen, Keen, NH. Salesman, Leo Barrell. Sales Manager, Spencer Noyes
Deal: Paid $38,550 (Invoice), $5,730 down. Financed $32,830 for 63 Months. It was nice to get 25,000 USD for my 2013 Volkswagen Golf R (Onyx White)
Thoughts on Dealer Experience: Superb! This dealership has moved 8 total Golf Rs (2015+2016) this year and they are no hassle, no fuss and exceptionally easy to work with. Deal was completed over email. Test drive performed the day I picked up the R. I had Mods shipped to the dealership that were installed before I picked it up. Getting the car for invoice was remarkable considering the demand.

I stole the template from ElephantTaco's Build Thread. Thanks man!


LAST UPDATED 7-8-2019
Mod (Interior)Timeline / Status
LED Glove Box Lighting ES#: 2863507Installed @ Dealer - 8-11-2015
LED Rear Cargo Lighting ES#: 2863506Installed @ Dealer - 8-11-2015 (Replaced w/ DeAutoKey Version)
APR Boost Gauge System + APR Boost TapbInstalled @ Dealer - 8-11-2015 (RMA Replacement 2 months later)
Weathertech MatsInstalled - 8-12-2015
ProClip Angled Mount #854854 + Adjustable Holder for Small to Medium Cases with Cable Attachment #514666Installed - 8-15-2015
Open ArmrestCompleted - 8-12-2015
Aluminum Paddle Shifter Set - Black Anodized ES#: 2952112Installed - 8-15-2015
THINKWARE Dash Cam F750Installed - 9-17-2015
BFI Heavy Weight Shift Knob - Blue AlcantaraInstalled - 5-22-2016 (Removed, Piece of crap)
DeAutoKey Entire Trunk HousingInstalled - 3-2-2016
Travall Boot-Liner (Muddy Buddy Replacement)Installed - 3-2-2016
Muddy Buddy - Trunk Liner ES#: 2818272Installed - 8-15-2015, Returned Doesn't Fit
Expansion Tank Cap - MachinedInstalled - 3-4-2016
Washer Fluid Reservoir Cap - MachinedInstalled - 3-4-2016
Billet Engine Oil Dipstick - PolishedInstalled - 3-4-2016 (Removed, too short, don't buy)
With Polished Billet Aluminum Oil Filter HousingInstalled - 3-4-2016
Oil Cap - MachinedInstalled - 3-4-2016
MINI Rechargeable LED FlashlightInstalled - 3-4-2016 (Removed, stopped working)
Audi A4 OEM Backseat Headrest SwapInstalled - 3-21-2016
ECS Automatic Hatch Pop KitReturned, AWFUL - 3-4-2016
XuJi Black Suede Steering Wheel Cover (Top Bottom Black Leather + Left Right Black Holes Leather + Blue Stitching Thread)Installed - 6-13-2016
LEYO Motorsport-Billet Aluminum KnobsInstalled - 4-3-2017
Center Console TrayInstalled - 6-18-2017
Noico 80 mil 36 sqft car Sound deadening matInstalled - 5-31-2017
Canvasback Liner for MK7 Golf RInstalled - 7-10-2019


Mod (Exterior)Timeline / Status
Heated Blind Spot MirrorsInstalled @ Dealer - 8-11-2015 (Removed, peeling, awful quality)
VW Black Valve Caps TiresInstalled @ Home - 8-12-2015 (Removed, VW logo fell off on all 4 caps)
R Badgeskin BLUE Front + BackInstalled @ Home 8-18-2015
MK7 fender R blade badgeskin BLUE setInstalled @ Home 8-18-2015
Cornering Bulb Replacements - 2x Xtra Bright H7 55W 5000K Xenon Hyper White Headlight via eBayInstalled - 8-12-2015
Millworks Lightened + Quick Release License Plate HolderInstalled @ Home 8-18-2015 (Removed 07/2019)
Go Mini Go (GMG) MK7 Front mount license plate bracket (tow hook)Installed @ Home 7-1-2019
Ceramic 35% Window Tint - Tint King MAInstalled - 8-15-2015
Blue Vinyl VW Badge Replacement - 3M Scotchprint Series 1080 Satin Mystique Blue Vinyl Installed - 8-24-2015
Opti-Coat Pro (Windows, Wheels) + Paint correction + Interior / Leather DetailingInstalled - 8-28-2015
European LED Tail Light Set - Dark Cherry ES#: 2770826 + Harness Installed @ Home 8-20-2015
OEM MK7 Euro Mirror Caps (Brushed Aluminum Look)Installed, 8-27-2015
MK7 - Headunit power button blackout setInstalled, 10-8-2015
DeAutoKey Reverse LED Euro Taillight ReplacementInstalled - 3-2-2016
Custom License PlateInstalled, 12-7-2015
Steel Oil Pan MQB Mk7Installed - 3-11-2016 (One year later, huge rust issues, replaced with USP)
"Volkswagen" Metal License Plate FrameInstalled - 6-12-2016
Wolfsburg / Germany Badge EmblemsInstalled - 6-12-2016
VW OEM Heated Blind Spot MirrorInstalled - 4-11-2017 (ECS Fell apart)
VW OEM Hood Silencer BlanketInstalled - 8-3-2017 (Replacement as stock was sagging)


Mod (Performance)Timeline / Status
Volkswagen Racingline R600 2.0T TSI Intake SystemInstalled @ Dealer - 8-11-2015
ECS StanceEnhance Kit (VWR Springs + Spacers) ES#: 2951394Installed - 8-27-2015 (Springs Remain, Spacers taken off due to rubbing)
SPULEN MK7/A3/S3 Throttle PipeInstalled, October 4th
SPULEN MK7/A3/S3 Turbo Outlet PipeInstalled, October 4th
034 Billet Aluminum MQB Dogbone Mount InsertInstalled, October 8th
GFB DV+ T9359Removed, Issues with Stg II
Bull-X Volkswagen MK7 Golf R Cast Outlet Downpipe (w/ Cat)Installed, October 4th & Install Guide (Removed, July 2017)
United Motorsport Stage II High-Torque ECU + TCU Tune - $1299Started 10/2015. Completed 12/2015
Winter - Advanti HY Hybris Black Painted Wheels + Blizzak LM-32 Tires (225/45R-17)Installed, 11-21-2015, Removed 4-1-2016
Summer - HRE FlowForm FF15 18x8.5 et47 - Liquid Silver w/ Michelin Pilot Super Sport (235/40ZR-18)Installed, 3-28-2016, Tires Removed 4-13-2019
APR IntercoolerInstalled 4-9-2016
Magnetic Oil Drain Plug - With Copper WashersOn cap, change washers each oil change
Silicone Turbo Inlet HoseInstalled - 4-9-2016
APR Turbo Muffler DeleteInstalled - 5-17-2016
SuperPro Sway Bar - Rear 24mmInstalled - 5-17-2016
SuperPro Rear Swaybar link Kit [Heavy Duty]Installed - 5-17-2016
Audi S3/ MK7 Golf R Resonator Delete Kit 8V5-071-904Installed - 6-14-2016
LEYO Motorsport High Flow Turbo Inlet PipeInstalled - 5-16-2017
Performance Front Brake KitInstalled - 5-20-2017
Performance Rear Brake KitInstalled - 5-20-2017
USP Stainless Steel Brake Line KitInstalled - 5-20-2017
VAG OEM RS7 Spark PlugsInstalled - 5-20-2017
CTS MK7 MQB Crank Pulley KitInstalled - 9-17-2017
Replacement Bull-X Downpipe Out of warrantyInstalled - 9-17-2017
Forge Motorsport Turbo BlanketInstalled - 9-17-2017
USP Oil Pan - Painted Steel (Haus of Dub Rusted Through)Installed - 9-17-2017
Replaced OEM DV - 06H-145-710-CInstalled - 10-11-2017
United Motorsport Haldex Gen 5 TuneInstalled - 12-1-2018
Bilstein B16 Damptronic Suspension Kits 49-255874Installed - 4-13-2019
Ignition Coil Set (RS3)Installed - 7-8-2019 (41.5K Miles)

[tr]



Criticisms are welcome but please keep in mind this is my build. Maybe something I do isn't cool or accepted but this is a learning experience for me and this is my way to document the modifications in an organized way and share photos with the community without spamming other threads. You can follow my in-depth posts on my personal blog's "My Car" section. More links are in my signature. Thank you for joining me in this adventure.


-------


Last Dyno Run: November, 2015)


Since then, I've added:
  • CTS Crank Pulley Kit
  • RS7 Plugs
  • APR Intercooler
  • New VWR Air Filter Revision (more air flow)
  • ECS Silicone Turbo Inlet Hose
  • APR Turbo Muffler Delete
  • LEYO Motorsport High Flow Turbo Inlet Pipe
  • S3 Resonator Delete
  • Updated UM Stage II Software (programable boost & octane)
  • UM Haldex Tune, Gen 5 for 190 rear wheel torque versus 140 stock


Fastest quarter Mile Times: 12.086 Quarter Mile:
 
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21
#2 · (Edited)
August 27th, 2015 - Mod Status Photos

This update includes all Stage 1 enhancements that I had planned out (Mods #1-17 / Pages 1-5 of this thread). Basically, on first post, any Mod installed up to August 27th, 2015 is showing in this photo This is before Opti-Coat Pro install:


Side Mirrors, LED Tails, Lowering Springs, Spacers, Blue badge skins, Window Tinting, cornering Bulbs, Millworks tow-hook lightened license plate holder,






 
#4 · (Edited)
MAY 16TH, 2022

Bertha has been sold at 53,149 miles on May 14th, 2022 and I bought it 8-11-2015. A total of 6 years and 9 months or 2469 days :) The car actually sat for most of this time, averaging storage for 6 months out of the year from 2016 and beyond so for about 3 years of its life, it sat in storage waiting for me to drive it. Purchased for $38,550 and sold for $32,000.

here are a few final photos:
 
#6 ·
1st Mod: VW Racing R600 Intake - Installed @ Noyes Volkswagen:

Box:







Installed:





Install time was around 40 minutes. Not bad for techs who haven't installed something like this before. The R600 has a nice improvement over stock for one primary reason. The MK7 stock intake only has one side of the plastic open to air flow. The R600 replaces the plastic piece behind the grill and both holes are wide open and all air is pulled directly into the intake via a pre-oiled filter.

During Race Mode intense acceleration, the noise from the intake is noticeable over stock...considerably louder. I can't comment on any power gains but it sounds great, looks OEM and will improve air flow just by design alone. For now, I recommend it.
 
#9 ·
2nd Mod: APR Boost Tap + Boost Gauge - Installed @ Noyes Volkswagen:

Unboxing:







Installed:




Initial Thoughts:

Purely aesthetics, this is a great looking gauge. It looks very OEM, completely integrated in the AC vent and the vent itself is perfectly molded and colored. It looks as if it came from VW directly. The blue needle color is close enough to my tach/speedometer and the gauge has a white backlight. Install took nearly 45 minutes since one of the connections included with the Boost Gauge was completely torn and had to be cut and re-seated in the connector.

Accuracy, precision and response time of the needle is great. It's not jerky but also not sluggish. As soon as the DSG clutch activates to change gears, pressure drops..let off the gas and pressure drops. It looks great, backlight isn't too bright to distract other car gauges backlights and it just looks really great.
 
#10 · (Edited)
Mod #3:



UPDATE: I've replaced this with a version from DeAutoKey


LED Glove Box Lighting
&
LED Rear Cargo Lighting


Installation: Quite easy. Takes just a few minutes. You can't install LED replacements in the Dome lights but these are easy to do and you get a bright white light instead of a yellowish low intensity light. I wish there was an LED light on the left side of the cargo area and not only the right.

After Photos:

Cargo:


Glove Box:


These were cheap and easy and almost an obvious addition to your shopping cart if you're already making a purchase on ECS Tuning.


I'm up @ 2AM installing mods and decided to take a photo. Aside from a street light 75 yards away, it's pitch black. Not a bad low-light shot!




I went for a drive with the OEM lights so I can video-tape cornering lights. I'll install the Xtra Bright H7 55W 5000K Xenon Hyper White Headlight tomorrow and do another video tomorrow night comparing the two light installations.


=======


Final Off-topic note - the report about condensation inside of the headlights affected mine. The passenger side had condensation after a rain storm. Left side did not. I'll keep an eye on it: You can see it at the bottom of the housing





2AM. Gotta get some sleep so I can get up for work in 4 hours. I hope this is the right format and that these posts are beneficial. It takes a lot of time to edit photos and such and I hope it's helpful for people.
 
#63 ·
Mod #3:

Installation: Quite easy. Takes just a few minutes. You can't install LED replacements in the Dome lights but these are easy to do and you get a bright white light instead of a yellowish low intensity light. I wish there was an LED light on the left side of the cargo area and not only the right.
I've been looking into dome light LED replacement options. I've seen people in GolfMk7 say they have replaced them but haven't really found anything on vwvortex. Just curious as to where you came up with the info that they aren't replaceable.
 
#20 · (Edited)
Thank you for checking on this. so I'll carefully open the liner box, serif it fits and if not, setup an RMA with ECS. That'll be good as well since they should probably update the 'does it fit' tab. Guess I played guinea pig this time around. Would really love a proper liner because the carpet needs protecting. In the winter time, I'm hauling split logs, dirt snow-shoes, boots and other hiking equipment. I want that area to stay clean.


Awesome post Adam, I just e-mailed Leo and let him know I was referred to him by you. Hopefully we can make something happen.
Leo was fantastic. He has zero pressure, didn't even mention Maintenance or Insurance or Clear-Coat Plans. He went over the PDI a few times and even moved my EZPass and license plates off the old car for me. We chatted about England and his family and he was very personable. I'd buy a car form him again, for sure!

Just an FYI, Noyes said their 4 allocated 2016 Golf Rs already have deposits down but they'd take more orders but no guarantee they'd be filled.
 
#19 ·
Awesome post Adam, I just e-mailed Leo and let him know I was referred to him by you. Hopefully we can make something happen.
 
#22 ·
Mod #4 - Heated Blind Spot Mirror - Set
ES#: 2862774, ECS Tuning


This is a $100 mod. Pricey and worth considering but make sure it's something you want before ordering and I hope this small 24 hour test will help you decide:

Installation: Very easy. It works with the heated mirrors, plugs in quite easy and the fit is a perfect fit. The edges are good, no cracks, blemishes or off colors.

Impressions: The Blue color is beautiful! Looks great, reminds me of that tint S550 Mercedes has from the factory when the sun is facing. It also appears to make headlights less bright at night especially when jerks forget to turn off their high-beams as they approach.

The blind spot bit is a bit overrated / over sold. yes, there's this definite line between the standard mirror and the blind spot (aspherical) portion but the glass is not high quality, you get blue at the edge and my eye has a huge problem focusing on near and wide so quickly. I've driven Fords (2014+ model year) and their integrated blind spot mirror is very good. High quality, no refraction and you can give it a glance and no without a doubt no one is beside you. This thing, I don't trust it one bit. The angle itself is not wide enough to be useful. Only about half of your blind spot is actually showing in the mirror.

Pros:
Blue
reduces headlight glare from behind
Great fit
Looks manufacturer made from first glance
Works with heating element

Cons:
blind spot aspect is oversold and useless especially in spirited highway driving when you need to pass someone quickly and want to trust what you see is what you get without having to turn your head. i'd expect this glass quality from a $50 mirror but for $100, it seems like the mirror would be 'better'

Unboxed:


Installed:







The last image shows just how good this glass looks on the blue. For that alone and native heater support, I'm keeping them. I just wish they could have saved me a couple of head turnings.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Mod #5 - Floor mats


FloorLiner™ DigitalFit® - Laser Measured
Part #: 44496-1-2
Volkswagen 2015 Golf / GTI / Rabbit / R32
Set: 1st & 2nd Row (2-pc. Rear Liner)
Color: Black
Vehicle Options:
Bodystyle: 5-Door Hatchback
$169.90


I live way up north. Our nearest ski mountain opens a week before thanksgiving and people are on the mountain until the end of April. that means a lot of ice, dirt and salt. Salt ruins floor mats especially in long winters where it's nearly impossible to shampoo them without going to a detailing place.

So I am getting these to protect the car. The fit was a huge selling point.

Photos:






My only disappointment on these is that on the drivers side, you'll see half of the 'leg-rest' for your left leg is covered by the mat and the other half is not. I guess it was a stability / slide proof feature to keep the mat straight but it looks weird to be half covered.

From a driving / comfort standpoint, I can't notice the mat being on half of the foot rest.

Everything else is great. These are rocking cool mats!!!
 
#25 ·
Mod #7, Replacing OEM Corning Bulbs (Xtra Bright H7 55W 5000K Xenon Hyper White Headlight Bulbs).

Here's where I bought mine. $15 for bulbs + shipping.



Pictures don't really do it justice since these are cornering bulbs so I put together a video. I am not a professional editor or actor so this probably won't look great but I'm doing my best.


(try to play in 2K or 4K for best color)


Overall: It's hard, even in 4K to see a huge difference between OEM and Aftermarket. For $15 + 5 minutes, I don't feel at a huge loss here. I am still confused because the bulbs in my car are 55W 5000K H7s and I replaced them with those just with a blue glass instead of clear. Maybe these are more white than yellow? I didn't really want brighter, just a more consistent color gamut. Maybe I'm blind but the improvement is only marginal.

Either way, I'll keep these installed. it's not a lot of sweat off my back.
 
#28 ·
It has been a tough time trying to find MIB II / CarPlay / 2016 VW Infotainment videos on YouTube so I made one. It is a 4K video from my GoPro but I cropped it down so it's a bit easier to see the actual screen content. I also made this for some colleagues since I'm the only guy @ the office (TomTom) that has a 2016 VW. A lot of people at work have been asking about the navigation portion.

Here you go.





If there are features I missed, I can make additional videos to show those off. One thing I forgot to do is show the equalizer or get in-depth with the settings but there are so many settings, it would have taken a while.

PS: this is posted in another thread I created but like before, I'm saving it here for posterity related directly to my vehicle.
 
#31 ·
Mod #8 - Aluminum Paddle Shifter Set - Black Anodized ES#: 2952112 - Buy here

This installation was insanely fast! No need to disconnect the battery. I flipped my steering wheel 90 degrees to the right, turned off the car, grabbed some needle nose plier and pulled the plastic piece out holding the DSG paddles in under the steering wheel.

I put these on. It took about 2 minutes.

I drove for 36 hours without paddles and hated that I couldn't do 10+2 hand position and reach the shifters. Now I can comfortably shift in sport mode manually without having to adjust my hands. These should have come on the car by default.. the price is steep and I wish I could have afforded the titanium paddles because these are a bit too light and springy for my liking but they get the job done.

Photos:





You can see in the photo below the tiny circle plastic pin. You need a plier small enough to pull this out. wasn't hard to pull out or push in







 
#93 ·
And sent it back, they are under the impression it fits Golf R and as shown in your pics, mine didn't either. So I wait.......let's see how soon before one is made, I consider it a must have.
The Muddy Buddy that is being advertised as fitting the '16 R is designed to go underneath the sub woofer / spare tire contents as a base layer. Removal of cargo tray, removal of sub woofer to place the muddy buddy??? I don't think so and promptly returned mine to Smith VW that was running the july / August accessory thread and deal.

They are sending me the carpeted VW cargo mat with cargo blocks instead, but it's not really what I wanted. I am as bummed as you are. I wanted the cargo tray / protector to be the same quality as my WeatherTech digifit floor mats, for obvious reasons = quality and carpet protection that is the best!
 
#33 ·
Mod #10 - ProClip Angled Mount #854854 + Adjustable Holder for Small to Medium Cases with Cable Attachment #514666 for iPhone 6 w/ small case

Packaging was okay, installation took all of 5 minutes. When a passenger gets in the car, they can't fall in like a rhino. there's less knee room for them and they will hit the dock and rip if off the front (like I did when I got in last night and a friend wanted to drive). just warn people that there's an obstruction.

Taking the phone in and out of the case and clicking around on it is very easy. docking is good, no movement over bumps and no movement of the clip when I undock. it stays put perfectly. The cable looks great since it has only a small visible area before it goes into the cubby. I'd buy this again despite the high price. it gets the job done.



 
#34 · (Edited)
Mod #11 - Window tinting!!!!!

Location: Tint King in Billerica MA. It's about 2.25 hours south of me but the place was highly recommended and I was going to be on the NH / MA border this weekend anyway. I showed up at 2PM, they got started at 2:30 and I was out by 3:40 after talking about cars and answering all of my questions. A guy with a 2011 Audi A6 came in after me. Beautiful car.

I did FormulaOne Auto Tint Pinnacle® series at 50% on the windows "behind driver" I could have gone 35% but I actually don't want a dark look. In NH, we are only allowed 35% max behind driver. I want to reduce UV and light since I have some sensitivity to light even with sunglasses. It's with that said that I also did a Pinnacle Air Blue 80 on my front and small corner windows. This is not allowed in New Hampshire but the contrast between 50 and 80 blue is so much that it looks like the front is only OEM blued instead of being tinted. The guys did awesome work. you can't even see the seams of these tints. the film goes glass to glass!

For me, the biggest thing was they were the only shop I could find that would do film on those small corner windows

I paid $380 and it's all Ceramic film, 2 guys working for 1.5 hours on the car and I'm really happy with the work. I could have saved $100 to go Pinnacle non-ceramic but the benefits were great and the FormulaOne Tints are lifetime warrantied and transferrable if I ever sell my car, just give the tint receipt to the guy that buys the car next. Here are some photos of the install:







































After Photos: I'll take more when you can really see the side by side. It was very bright out and hard to photograph where you could see a huge difference.










When i walked up to the car a few hours later at the grocery store, I'm a huge fan of 50%. Not too dark or too light, cops can still see in if they want as i have nothing to hide but it does look good alongside the darker blue car.



An another note, this place is called "Tint King"

It's a missed opportunity that they didn't call this


"King Tint" with an egyptian theme.
 
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