E90 335i to Golf R???

[MikeE90NC]

Hey everyone, I have been looking at a Golf R that has recently put up on a lot nearby. I do not know much about them but there seems to be some decent potential there. Anything I should know? Thing I wonder about is would the mod power be comparable to the N54? The AWD is alluring for the winter months and my n54 has 91k miles on it.

[fcman]

I've toyed with the idea. It seems like a great all around car, I'm not into modding really but it seems like you can get some nice gains with APR's kits https://www.goapr.com/products/ecu_u...en3_mqb_r.html

Stage 1 (tune only) on 93 octance showing 338whp, 80whp gain from stock and nearly 100ftlbs, that's pretty damn good.

[pukicabuki]

We went from an F30 335i (JB4) to a MK7 Golf R and both my wife and I enjoy the R far more even though it is stock. The tuned 335i was faster obviously but not having to worry about traction is a big plus. Looking at a GIAC tune right now for the R.

[FriskyDingo]

I went from an E90 335i to an Mk7 GTi w/ DSG and Perf Pkg (R brakes & E-LSD). I love the car. Absolutely no regrets. Not as fast as my E90, but in all honesty, just as enjoyable to drive. The R is even better.

[mojobmw_e90]

I smoked a big turbo golf r 6x in one night. He ran a 11.5

[tawheed]

I just came from a 2016 Golf R w/DAP to a 2014 M235i. The tech is about on par, the VW had BLIS which was nice, but no park assist, sunroof, or power folding mirrors.

The hatchback / four door practicality of the Golf R is very handy. The car is very fun to drive, I had a manual transmission, the DSG is much faster in a straight line. In the corners, there was was mild understeer, however the thing was so stable at speed, long sweeping corners felt like you could do go in at any speed and it was just grip and go.

The M235i, in comparison, seems much looser and wallowy, I'd probably be slower on a track in this car, but it's much more fun on the street - for me.

Feel free to PM me if you have any specific questions about the R.

[KingOfJericho]

The Golf R is a phenomenal car. You will get pulled over more in that vehicle than in your BMW but the practicality of the Golf platform is second to none. It sips gas, has AWD, offers hatch back functionality, and hauls ass. It's a winner of a car. They also hold their value EXTREMELY well.

[TSM330i]

If you're looking to compare the Golf R and an F30, I'd go with the Golf R.
It appears that you're looking to replace your 335. Not sure what else you're looking at.

I too was VERY interested in a new F30 3-series, but I just didn't feel it was as sharp as the E90. This led me to look at the 2-series, but the coupe only wasn't practical enough for me and my family.

In the end, I didn't feel the price of the BMW was worth it nor was the sedan as practical as the GTI I ended up with.
The Golf R has a ton of potential if you're interested in tuning. AWD as you said is an added bonus if you're worried about traction.

APR Stage 2 with an intake and downpipe is 379HP & 387TQ and you can get into the high 11's in the quarter mile. Not too shabby for $2,200 plus install.

If BMW made a 2-series sedan (not the FWD thing they have) I would have been much more interested in BMW, but they don't. The M2 sedan would have been ideal for me, but that's a pipe dream.

If you don't "need" the practicality of hatch, I'd seriously look at a 996 Porsche twin-turbo. You can get them for around $48K with less than 40K miles on them. Stage 1 tune takes it to almost 500hp. They are a performance bargain at the moment.

[Kief]

I love the Golf R! OP, you should definitely get it.

Just curious about the various APR Stages and warranty issues. I know a warranty cannot be denied b/c of mods, so long as the modification had no influence on the claim, but is it too much of a risk? I would love a Stage 2 Golf R

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

If you're looking to compare the Golf R and an F30, I'd go with the Golf R.
It appears that you're looking to replace your 335. Not sure what else you're looking at.

I too was VERY interested in a new F30 3-series, but I just didn't feel it was as sharp as the E90. This led me to look at the 2-series, but the coupe only wasn't practical enough for me and my family.

In the end, I didn't feel the price of the BMW was worth it nor was the sedan as practical as the GTI I ended up with.
The Golf R has a ton of potential if you're interested in tuning. AWD as you said is an added bonus if you're worried about traction.

APR Stage 2 with an intake and downpipe is 379HP & 387TQ and you can get into the high 11's in the quarter mile. Not too shabby for $2,200 plus install.

If BMW made a 2-series sedan (not the FWD thing they have) I would have been much more interested in BMW, but they don't. The M2 sedan would have been ideal for me, but that's a pipe dream.

If you don't "need" the practicality of hatch, I'd seriously look at a 996 Porsche twin-turbo. You can get them for around $48K with less than 40K miles on them. Stage 1 tune takes it to almost 500hp. They are a performance bargain at the moment.

I think we've covered this before, but my story is the mirror of yours.


Had an E90, loved it. Love the BMW brand. Wanted another BMW. Drove the F30, was disappointed. Thought I'd buy a coupe since I already had two 4DR vehicles in the household. But nothing was fun enough to justify the price or diminished drivability and practicality. Branched out to fun 4DR's- STI, ST, Cooper S, etc. Drove a GTI and it was game over. Way, way better car than it has any right to be.

[FriskyDingo]

Originally Posted by Kief

I love the Golf R! OP, you should definitely get it.

Just curious about the various APR Stages and warranty issues. I know a warranty cannot be denied b/c of mods, so long as the modification had no influence on the claim, but is it too much of a risk? I would love a Stage 2 Golf R

For those concerned with warranty issues, there is the JB1. It's a piggyback you that you changes maps on the fly like our JB4. But APR's tunes turn these cars into beasts.

[davis449]

Came from two Audi's. 2006 Stage II+ APR A4 Quattro and my car before this was an APR K04 kitted 2011 A3 Quattro Ti Package. Both cars FBO. Can confirm that the AWD makes long sweepers feel like you can just plant your foot and keep accelerating endlessly. Also, in the rain, the cars were just laughing road water at high speed. I do miss that. Also, I can vouch for the fuel mileage, even at high speed. I can't fault you for buying a Golf R. My buddy had a APR Stage 3 MK6 Golf R. That thing was Porsche Turbo fast. I am shooting for a P car next, but if the funds aren't there, I will end up back in an Audi.

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Kief

I love the Golf R! OP, you should definitely get it.

Just curious about the various APR Stages and warranty issues. I know a warranty cannot be denied b/c of mods, so long as the modification had no influence on the claim, but is it too much of a risk? I would love a Stage 2 Golf R

I have a VERY mod friendly dealership that is actually an APR dealer very close to me. Whenever it comes in for service, they hook the car up to their computer and not the VW one. If something happens that would necessitate a warranty claim, they'll work with you to make it right.
They have a thriving aftermarket business that is actually taking up much of their shop time. So it's a win-win for this dealership, plus you get the added bonus of a VW certified tech working on your car.

I had a new transmission installed under warranty. This dealer was willing to take all my mods off the car in case the regional rep wanted to physically see the car. The rep never came in, so no problem. I had them install a Peloquin LSD and new high performance clutch while they had it out of the car.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

I have a VERY mod friendly dealership that is actually an APR dealer very close to me. Whenever it comes in for service, they hook the car up to their computer and not the VW one. If something happens that would necessitate a warranty claim, they'll work with you to make it right.
They have a thriving aftermarket business that is actually taking up much of their shop time. So it's a win-win for this dealership, plus you get the added bonus of a VW certified tech working on your car.

I had a new transmission installed under warranty. This dealer was willing to take all my mods off the car in case the regional rep wanted to physically see the car. The rep never came in, so no problem. I had them install a Peloquin LSD and new high performance clutch while they had it out of the car.

I see you are in Chester Springs, I'm in south east PA. Which dealership?

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Kief

I see you are in Chester Springs, I'm in south east PA. Which dealership?

Nice!

Smith VW in Newark, DE. If you want anything aftermarket, hit them up first. Usually the best price, free shipping and no tax.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

Nice!

Smith VW in Newark, DE. If you want anything aftermarket, hit them up first. Usually the best price, free shipping and no tax.

I wasn't aware a VW dealer could also be an APR approved dealer (if I'm understanding it correct)

[mojobmw_e90]

Originally Posted by Kief

I wasn't aware a VW dealer could also be an APR approved dealer (if I'm understanding it correct)

There are 3 dealers in the Chicagoland area who are apr certified. They sell and install apr parts and still keep warranty. Even Includes the S3 turbo upgrades from apr

[Kief]

Originally Posted by mojobmw_e90

There are 3 dealers in the Chicagoland area who are apr certified. They sell and install apr parts and still keep warranty. Even Includes the S3 turbo upgrades from apr

That's great to hear! Learn something everyday

[to_riffic]

I had a Golf R before I got rid of it, and it's a blast to drive. Haldex isn't a dealbreaker as some like to say as it's pseudo AWD but it does well in corners/sweepers and it has plenty of power to boot.

Good luck!

[TSM330i]

Originally Posted by Kief

I wasn't aware a VW dealer could also be an APR approved dealer (if I'm understanding it correct)

Yes, they are a certified APR dealer and carry a ton of other aftermarket companies as well. Just as for Arno if you ever go.

[Kief]

Originally Posted by TSM330i

Yes, they are a certified APR dealer and carry a ton of other aftermarket companies as well. Just as for Arno if you ever go.

Thanks man. Appreciate the info

Next summer I plan to take a serious look at the TTRS. I imagine APR has some surprises up their sleeve for that and the RS3

[P1]

Absolutely love the Golf R. A good friend bought the GTI, then a few months later traded it in for the Golf R. It's Lapiz Blue Metallic and simply stunning.

Very jealous!