CAR NINJA! Another Day at the Office. VW GTI and R57 Mini

[@purehardstyles]

This is exactly what I’m here for! Perfect editing, seamless transitions, no cheesy music so we can hear the Ninja struggle and the shop phone going off to remind us all that this is a legitimate business not just KZbin channel! You’re a legend Ninja! Bravo sir!

[@admranger]

Hats off to the Mini Cooper owner! Clean engine compartment. Love to see it!

[@bigleaguechew55]

This is what I came to say. 2011 too 🤯

[@jondiaz3475]

You know you’ve become a VW nut when watching the video, the first thing you notice when the intake is removed is how easy it is to clean the intake valves. 😊

[@kawzx777]

Wondering why the owner didn't do the job?

[@Sandkei]

What a nightmare! Hats off to the Ninja for keeping everything straight 👍

[@blaketindle4703]

I’ve always liked the Golf GTI. Definitely would enjoy seeing more work on them!

[@Mike-ie4dy]

"Five bolts, two at the top and two at the bottom" Time for a well earned coffee😂

[@realcarninja]

Two on top, two on bottom and the one that took 10 minutes to get out. That makes 5.

[@ronnymb67]

A Ford emblem on a S500 airbag connector. That's some confusion too 😂

[@lurpygeek]

You made that Mk7 GTI thermostat / water pump job look easy. Most guides online for that job recommend removing the bumper, intercooler, heat exchanger, subframe, axles, etc.

[@webfreakz]

Axles?!

[@wernerdanler2742]

Don't forget the seats. 😂😅😂😅😂

[@davidgalinat4257]

@@wernerdanler2742 firewall, windshield, fenders...

[@mikeprada1677]

At the dealer they also tell you to remove the inlet manifold to do that GTi waterpump but no one does. We all swing the entire rad pack over to he left and access it that way...loads more room, similar amount of time and you can see everything easily

[@mrcogginsgarage7062]

One of the benefits of having experience,is hat you are more than allowed to be cranky at times Jonny,and on that note having had the pleasure of doing more than my fair share of mini thermostat housing replacements it is possible to fit the clip to the housing when you put it on the car and keep it held out of the locking position by using a cable tie so that The greased seal just slips past when you put it all together makes life a great deal less awkward Good luck with the next one.

[@eppyz]

Owning a MK7 GTI myself this video was difficult to watch. People like to bash on VW on things like this, but honestly all these modern Turbo charged cars are a PITA to work on. Not sure how many miles were on this GTI but I am guessing over 100k miles and I bet it still runs and drives Great😎👍

[@johnstone7697]

I had various Beetles and Golfs, and now own a Mk7 myself. I wouldn't work on it myself for anything. I used to service my own cars back in the day, but there was nothing difficult in servicing a Beetle compared to a GTI. I was surprised at his comment that the BMW's are "much easier". BMW's serviceability reputation is nothing to write home about, so this VWmust have been a real PITA for him to say that. Having owned an early BMW E92 335, I can speak to the nightmare of servicing it, just by looking at the bills for the numerous things that broke over the years.Changing a water pump and thermostat on the 335i (they failed after about 50k miles) would set you back well over a grand. My GTI has been very reliable so far....far better than that BMW. I also believe that this GTI probably has some pretty high miles on it, along with numerous mods.

[@eppyz]

​​@@johnstone7697I do the service on my GTI myself to a degree. I do oil changes, air filters, cabin filters the basic stuff. Everything else it may need down the road the dealer will do. So far so good on my MK7.5👍

[@petrolpower96]

Tip on these: Removing the other the right charge pipe and the fan shroud give you some extra room :) I’ve done a few, with the intake mounted and it’s tight for sure.

[@rwd323]

Take the charge pipe out on the Golf, it’s worth the effort. Makes life much easier getting to the pump bolts

[@zachbaldwin8952]

You don't have to remove the intake, just the boost pipe to the throttle body and radiator fan, once that's gone should only take 2 hours to do the job...

[@blaketindle4703]

Wow I need those pliers!

[@papachis9535]

You’re not “old and cranky”. You’re mature and experienced, and you’ve seen it all one too many times.

[@jackpalczynski7884]

Seeing how a GTi is put together really makes me appreciate how Honda puts together its transverse 4 cylinders. In a Honda, this is literally a 10 minute job.

[@danr1920]

That's what I was thinking. But the Honda never needs a water pump!

[@IkeVMAX4]

Germans... overcomplicating always.

[@areallytallguy]

Lol Honda and Toyota never need thermostats or water pumps to begin with either.

[@IkeVMAX4]

@areallytallguy I've had waterpump on my Camry changed every 100 000 km's. It is on it's fourth pump now. We have 3 camry's. Great cars, basic maintenance and they are almost bullet proof.

[@mule666]

​@@IkeVMAX4worked on a bmw e39 before the 6 in line? Very easy to work on

[@JasonGunn418]

Hoove sent me. And I appreciate experts working on vehicles, such as yourself. I wish you were in Maryland.

[@theyunglos]

That manual swap sounds like "fun".. .. ill be watching thou 😮

[@volkssturm9694]

With the GTI- the gen 3 EA888 2.0T is actually a very reliable engine as long as you stay on top of maintenance. The only real failure point of those engines is the water pump /thermostat that tends to go out between 50-100K miles. Also, since it's a Direct injection engine, carbon cleaning is needed around that point as well. The gen 3 EA888 engine is also highly tunable , with a stage 1 ECU/TCU you can easily get an extra 70-90 HP, thats also reliable power as well. VW has had a bad rap for the 2.0T's but VW/audi has perfected that engine with the gen 3. I know those engines very well.

[@bh2155]

Well VW deserves a bad rap for the 2.0T engine the first and second generation they are a disaster. I know because I own a 2012 VW.

[@davidgalinat4257]

@@bh2155 I had a 2015 CC with the 2.0T and had no issues with up to 146K miles. Gotta do the timing chain service though.

[@bh2155]

@@davidgalinat4257 I am getting close to 100k VW. At what mileage did you do the timing chain on your CC. Did you it because you heard a rattle or check engine light or was it just a preventive measure. One mechanic I know said I should consider doing a timing chain service. Everyone else says don't worry about it until you hear it rattle in the morning when the engine is cold or if you get a check engine light and a code saying it needs servicing

[@davidgalinat4257]

@@bh2155 105K miles was when I had the service done. The timing chain cover was leaking oil, so I just had them do it.

[@RotaryRich7]

Matco has knipex pliers that have the swivel on the jaws for the hose clamps and work great

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

These videos are starting to come more frequently! Yes!!! ❤

[@petestuff1]

on the SMG the most common failure is the power unit, its kind of all one unit,to replace cost thousands, however the actual failure is the power motor thats just a part of the unit, I found a good electronics shop and got the motor completely rewinded and recon, costing $600 still works perfectly.

[@SB68SS]

I did the water pump and thermostat housing on my 2015 Audi A3 sportsback, same engine as this, i did it with out taking the manifold off ,it was a pain in the a... glad i have carlift

[@RandySmith-iz1ml]

Wow, the sound of that high speed air wrench reminded me of the dentist office, getting my teeth cleaned. Wicked.

[@blaketindle4703]

Yeah NOT a good feeling lol

[@Eurosport.Automotive]

Good time for walnut blasting!

[@Shododaan]

If the donor BMW is driveable would it make sense to fully swap the parts so it can still run and drive when all is said and done?

[@noonehere1793]

Thanks for taking the time to put these videos together…i learn a new trick to use on my personal cars in every episode 👍👍😀

[@Vikturus22]

To be fair the mk6 is actually very easy to work on. A carbon cleaning is straight forward and to take intake off is less than 20 min. Did timing chains on mine and was done in a day (did alot of while your there work too aka oil pan upper gasket)

[@volkssturm9694]

its a 2016 so its an MK7 GTI, it has the much better gen 3. EA888 2.0T

[@Vikturus22]

@@volkssturm9694 100% agree. But lets be fair. Both are quite easy to work on. Its a shame most of the complex bs is just vw being vw

[@volkssturm9694]

@@Vikturus22 exactly , Love working on my Audi S3 Which has the beefed up EA888 gen 3.. So easy to make reliable power on these engines. I’m at stage 2 / FBO running high 11s That’s one hell of a daily driver ! Lol

[@SerbanCMusca-ut8ny]

Hey car ninja, I do not use to comment a lot, but I had to say that no, you do not complain a lot ! Burying the thermostat housing under the intake is a jerk move on VW's part. I cannot fathom how you stay that calm. Good on you !

[@greencomputerfan]

The N62 in the 645ci has a different bolt pattern than the S85 in the M6, the transmission wont fit. You need the 6 speed from a E90 M3.

[@michaeld4349]

You are correct, let’s see what they decide now. 😊

[@Ericmd93]

Im a 4 year honda tech now but before i was at vw for about 3 years. I enjoy these videos cause at times i do miss the Volkswagens

[@Simplyput3451]

Do auto engineers talk to mechanics when they design engine compartments? What a great repair Ninja!

[@elmayimbe_the_amateur_mechanic]

Only car I replace all those clips with screw clamp. Had to do my radiator and some other coolant hoses and I hatqd dealing with them. Got in my wifes car and purchased a bunch of different sizes.

[@houseofno]

Oh look. A VW with the signature Audi "bed of snakes" hose system installed. Congrats Jonny!

[@eppyz]

Yep, lots of coolant hoses to cool the turbo down. Most modern Turbo cars have these hoses....its not just a VW thing🙄

[@JulianKapa]

@@eppyz But also other things like coolant bypass valves (2 or more I believe, for some cars at least).

[@TXCherokee]

I couldn’t work on that VW. Still Love my 5.7 Hemi V8

[@Dabodizafa]

After all this time watching both Wizard and Ninja, I only just now noticed that they wear the same service shirts to work in. 🙃

[@sonofhalver]

Is it worth the time to put the discarded transmission and driveshaft from the M6 into the 645 CI? Looked like it was a pretty nice survivor.

[@blaketindle4703]

That’s what I was thinking!

[@DannysGarage]

Working on VW/Audi and Mini is what made me confidently decide to be a BMW-only shop. I never really have to deal with transverse engines, it's quite lovely. And in a big city, there's more than enough BMW's to keep me busy on that alone.

[@jetonbalidemaj]

Audis are longitudinal for the most part so idk what youre on about

[@DannysGarage]

@@jetonbalidemaj yeah, A4 and up are. Still awful to work on, particularly with the V6 and V8 models. And most of the Audis I’ve worked on have been the A3’s for whatever reason.

[@davidgalinat4257]

Most Audis are designed to need the whole front clip removed to work on them, that's gotta be a PITA.

[@ralphiewyowyo]

Excited for conversion video(s)!

[@Tronic134]

Really enjoy the MINI content!

[@Hannu_H]

M6 manual conversion will be interesting.

[@richardsmith2721]

I was hoping this would've been a video with the red '83 GTI JR found. I hope to see that video.

[@stevenpike7530]

Only good thing that comes in 2 litres is a bottle of milk…at least the bottle will last longer than the donk (since when did putting plastic engine components seem like an acceptable notion)…you have the patience of Jobe…much respect.

[@stevejacobson7634]

Don't be fooled! The water pump on a GTI is tough work! Ninja makes it look easy. I took the radiator fan out (super easy to do) and it gave me lots more room to work.

[@stratonarrow]

I’m guessing the mk7 GTI had too many miles (80k+) for the extended warranty on the water pump. I’m hoping mine fails before then. Not looking forward to this job!

[@jimmcculloch3786]

Always amazing - thank you :)

[@lenoredubois95]

17mins!!!! 🙌 Could watch you all day Johnny! ❤️

[@aciddiver1978]

Good we still have mechanics. There are a shortage and will get worse. Great work.

[@stevelouie5928]

When we have to drive just EVs, we won't need that many mechanics.

[@greasygrimes7326]

​@@stevelouie5928So an EV car will never break? Get real, they're machines. Machines break.

[@stevelouie5928]

@@greasygrimes7326 Not in the way an ice car will. Evs are extremely simple.

[@eddieidrizovic9176]

It’s super easy

[@TheRealMrCods]

Love the bloopers 👍

[@pugs1377]

Can't wait to see the m6 trans swap🎉

[@nickcrill7718]

I saw in the background of hoovies video about the bmw manual swap you had a 2nd gen 4Runner. Would like to see a video on that.

[@arbrim98]

I did the thermostat housing on my n14 along with the water pump and crossover pipe, and now the car runs at 108c, causing the fan to be always on. Have you ever seen this? With the old thermostat ran at 106c. Flm 🇦🇱

[@GixxerRider1991]

You have air in the system.

[@arbrim98]

@@GixxerRider1991 how do I remove it?

[@TracyCorbett]

@@arbrim98 Full disclosure: I don't know the n14, but pretty much the answer to getting air out of every modern car's cooling system is to start with a vacuum fill. Then follow the manufacturer's bleed process

[@MBSLC]

A Mercedes part in a Mini. Like everything that touches a 996 M96 is stamped Pierburg.

[@silverfox57]

Watching you work is like watching a surgeon getting in there an making thing right.

[@rcole3838]

Today’s cars are so jammed up under the hood. Mechanics deserve our respect for having to deal with severe space limitations on a daily basis.

[@bastogne315]

Man arthritis and cancer 2 killers of techs today 😢

[@wallacegrommet9343]

I changed the alternator on my Audi A3. Almost impossible! At least without removing the entire front grill and bumpers assembly in the process.

[@starkyslp16]

Just taking all the plastic off to gain access to the crammed engine bay is insane. Helped my dad on his 1960s car and there was so much more room to actually see and do work!

[@Quickb3n]

Hard agree. My 06 NC MX5 is a dream to work on because of the free space in the bay. Unless you need to change the PCV. God help you in that case.

[@dekkerlundquist5938]

And the engineers who design those setups deserve ridicule for such poor design choices.

[@yardarm5]

Thanks again. Is a vtec engine worthy?

[@kraignadjkovic5494]

I’m looking forward to the trans swap video!

[@alexantony5061]

Hey Johnny. Since you have worked on so many MINIs I am looking to purchase a mini. Which year is the most reliable one to purchase.

[@kerrylewis2581]

That's a sweet donor car.

[@macrook1961]

Thought it was about time to subscribe to the channel after seeing you appear in Hoovies videos.

[@GixxerRider1991]

It looks like you'd have to remove the front clip to do a lot of basic jobs on that GTI. That whole engine bay is a mess.

[@Yaboybash]

Or you suck lol

[@mikef4004]

What pocket light pen is he using?

[@luv2mx]

buying those pliers now

[@kmorton54]

Front wheel drive, transverse engine...designed to be easy to work on 😂😂😅

[@rbiddy5893]

Definitely recommend changing the housing and water pump. Both are prone to leaking coolant and the housing is plastic crap. So if you are going to all that trouble to pull the intake, do both because it is almost a guarantee that if you fix one, the other will leak soon. Had 2 MKVII GTIs and both had the same issue...and the first MKVII had MANY other issues to boot which is why I won't buy another VW

[@Yaboybash]

Sounds like bad luck, mine is at 120k miles and I’ve only had a water pump go out at 107k when I got the car with 61k, no previous repairs done before lol.

[@rbiddy5893]

@@Yaboybash I think so. I bought a 2015 and it was a total lemon and eventually the dealer agreed to buy it back (we don't have lemon laws in Canada so I was pleased they were willing to work with me). Then I bought a brand new 2016 model and it was better but the thermostat housing went at 40,000km (kilometers...that is like 25K miles or something). Then there were all sorts of smaller issues...I had always had VWs so was disappointed but at the same time, I'm older now and decided to spend the money and buy myself a Porsche!

[@Yaboybash]

@@rbiddy5893 funny mine is a 2015 as well, that’s really unfortunate as I think those are the best cars under $20k, I got mine for $10.3k then threw on mods, made 400whp on 93 has held up and get 30+ mpg on the highway, wishing I had Porsche money lol

[@ayayoutuber]

Car Ninja is the mini expert due to so much problems with these mini. If it is any other brand, you will not see so much troubles.

[@peetjepoo]

Let the technical and maintance people design cars, then it will be cleaner ,greener and affordable,and it will last longer ,...and the car ninja ,the car wizard,daniel son,screden[bmw man] and so many great mechanics will be not crumpy ,but very Happy 😆😆👍👍💪💪

[@HowToSaveMoneyOnCarRepairs]

Hello, do you have ANY PROFFESIONAL QUALIFICATIONS as a Motor Mechanic/ Technician or are you self Taught..??? 🤔🤔

[@fatmirsallku9760]

Great 👍🙂

[@kerrylewis2581]

Love the intro music...

[@amoni1959]

nuts to the that

[@islamperce6705]

Where your shop located?

[@davidthomits544]

I be cranky to if I worked on German engineered cars all day that’s why l like only Toyota/ Lexus products don’t hardly ever breakdown or leak coolant motor oil etc

[@JulianKapa]

Depends on what you're doing. Front control arm bushes with these McPherson strut setup on euro cars is super easy, with the VW I did you unbolt the bushing/housing and bolt the new one in. A Corolla requires the whole arm to be removed, and to remove the bolts for the pivot bush, you need to either lift the engine/transmission up, or lower the sub-frame, because the bolt heads are too big to clear the transmission and oil filter housing.

[@v1-vr-rotatev2-vy_vx31]

Danke Auto Ninja....

[@khansaab36]

Does the other John still work there?

[@E90_335xi]

Got a question have a 2009 bmw 528i I replaced o2 sensor bank 2 sensor 2 and still getting a check engine light

[@JulianKapa]

Check wiring/connectors.

[@gjergjiandrea2749]

Te lumshin duart

[@dimi3391]

The algorithms….I just ordered my water pump and thermostat for my MK6.5 GLI (same engine).

[@enricomercado4671]

I'll never own another VW again cause it seems like, verything is plastic on that VW engine when you open up the hood. At least my 2019 Mazda MX-5 RF Miata is still mostly metal except tor the intake manifold, so I don't expect to he dealing with crispy plastic years from now.

[@wernerdanler2742]

Hurting yourself is part of getting old and grumpy, Jonny. 😂😅😂 What's wrong with that donor 645? It's a good-looking car. Are you going to throw the automatic into it?

[@irmjbhh]

mike!!! where is hoovies cars video?

[@MrBrianbusch]

Who works the front end of the shop, family?

[@SpaceTech54]

Vroom Vroom...

[@ML_1515]

Car ninja is the type that enjoys pain.

[@robustrobot4077]

I am sure you know Car Ninja but your video description lists a 2026 GTI, I believe this one is a 2016.

[@realcarninja]

We didn't catch that, fixed it. Thanks

[@michaelhawkins5530]

It seems all these German vehicles have major coolant leaks that so often involve the water pump or thermostat. They have absolutely 'engineered' the worst water pumps and thermostats of all time! That new assembly will last 50,000 miles and then repeat the same process all over again. Meanwhile, all the other plastic cooling hoses will fail during that same time period.

[@Yaboybash]

Japanese cars have leaking pumps too, you just used to replace them with the timing belt back then lol

[@Yankee7000]

Gloves….

[@thethomasj1795]

Why would you cannibalize that 645?? It looks like it's in good condition. These cars are becoming more difficult to find in decent condition, 6-speed manuals are becoming unicorns. There has to be a better option.

[@jasoneyes01]

Hoovies becoming a BMW hacker. Take 2 BMW's and make one. Classic! While your at it swap the blower motor and worn items with these low mileage parts.

[@17forever64]

Why do European cars have water pump failures so often? Especially VW’s?

[@craighardey3751]

As you get older you hurt yourself more, I should know I’m ancient!

[@kristensorensen2219]

Injury? I can't imagine how you can risk your eye sight by not wearing safety glasses!! No surgical gloves too? Well🤷 it is your life.

[@chrisfreemesser]

That GTI's engine compartment is a textbook example of "10 pounds of $#!T in a 5 pound bag" 🤣

[@gazfish]

Manufacturers should be forced to build up the engine in the bay, they might re-think access to maintenance parts

[@johnhufnagel]

parts car is a NJ car? :D

[@richardgreene3460]

Amazing how much trouble just to get to the waterpump! That's VW/Audi for you! NEVER plan to own one!

[@kc-nl8zc]

It makes it so much worse when you are being watched!! Nothing worse

[@johnhinson7238]

Why you don’t wear gloves 🧤 😊

[@JulianKapa]

I wear them, but I understand why some people don't. Your skin can't breathe, so your hands get very sweaty, which means your skin does heal quicker from being in a humid/moist environment, but I believe that makes your nails grow quicker too, and I think you only have so much "growth" (for lack of a better word). E.g. If your hair grows quickly, you'll get grey hair/bald quicker, so that might apply to nails too (they get weaker). I may be wrong.