The 5 BEST Modifications for the MK8 GTI and Golf R ~ Do THESE First!

[@HumbleMechanic]

As much as I have LOVED my time with the MK8, it's time for it to go to a new home. Ive heard those rumors about special editions at the end of mk8.5 for the R... might be saving my pickles for that. :)

[@nickemangione]

Spektrum? I just got my r but if spektrum makes a return I'll be first on the list

[@u4ia420]

Definitely picking up a 8.5 gti when they come out. I have read multiple places of changes in the color palettes. 2 blue colors are going to be available, hoping for a return of cornflower blue.

[@TommyLawrence-k6m]

I just might be in the market for one. 😀. I have had and modded several “fast cars” in my life. I’m 54. But my MK7. Honestly has given more “ SMILES PER MILE” than any car I’ve had. But I really am looking for a MK8.

[@Arrrgh14]

No rumor about it anymore! You just confirmed it.

[@adudenamedsean]

Any estimates on when the 8.5s will hit dealerships?

[@Deutscheautoparts]

I’m feeling a little called out about the shift knob

[@HumbleMechanic]

Get your knob finished!

[@themachine8009]

Once it’s finished, will it come with the Paul’s install option?

[@OriginalTrev]

No hurry... whenever you're done polishing it

[@mackm3875]

I love that Anthony Chrisekos made the list. The Matrix headlights, Mode retaining, and sound upgrade were exceptional value, IME.

[@rtep27]

10/10 recommend the acm technik sound upgrade if you listen to a lot of music

[@acmtechnik]

Aye thank you! Yeah I was stoked when I saw this!

[@acmtechnik]

@@rtep27 Haha thank you!

[@psnmadracer27]

BIG +1 for the pay-to-play game with tuning. Got my 7.5 4 years ago and it took every ounce of self discipline to not tune it. I told myself i would wait until the warranty expired, and i am so glad i did. With 40,000mi on the clock and 8 months left on the warranty, my transmission started producing a funny sound, so i took it to the dealer and they decided to replace the entire transmission under warranty. I am 100% certain that if i was tuned they would absolutely have denied the claim. Now, I'm ~5 months out of warranty and ive been tuned since the week after the warranty expired. Loving every minute with the extra power!

[@ljohnson9440]

That's the absolute risk you take with tuning. If you can afford a major repair in addition to car payments then send it.😊

[@ValdeSanus]

Just had the 7 speed in my Mk7.5R replaced so this really resonates! March 2025, I get tuned :)

[@psnmadracer27]

@@ValdeSanus it's worth the wait my friend, believe me!

[@tentacleslap5531]

1) Shift knob. Speedshifters GT2 in perforated red leather and brushed black. Looks and feels great 2) Stereo upgrade with DSP Amp, 2x12" subs, new speakers, sound deadening, and the all-important volume knob added. Professionally installed. Sounds amazing Aside from deleting the fender plastic wing things and a hood strut I'll leave it there until the warranty expires. Probably.

[@gregmayfield6251]

Charles, u and Paul are the best. Entertaining and insightful. I have a Mk8R. Just had DAP Ohio install the holy shift and a knob. Feels great. Was surprised to hear ur clutch is holding. Thats what has kept me from tuning so far. Keep up the great content.

[@HumbleMechanic]

Thank you so much!!!

[@cooltigerdude]

I would love a video update on the MK8 with some details on its issues that the dealership needed to fix.

[@TheTexican05]

This x1000. #Charles! 😎 🇩🇪 🔧

[@europeanlegend9347]

Head on over to reddit. Plenty of stuff there. However, as a 22' MK8 GTI owner i can give you a short list in order of importance/biggest issues. 1. Radiator coming lose due to faulty clips, resulting in a torn lower radiator hose spilling all your coolant. 2. Software issues, primarily with the Travel assist. Some bugs with parking sensors. 3. Some more rather small and minor issues. Driver side door sealant had to be replaced, New Engine Cover (old one was a shitty soft rubber with the potential of catching fire) Point one was the biggest issue and I had to go back to the dealer about 3 times to get it fixed. The first time around they replaced the hose and clipped it back in, it happened again. The second time around they made the same replacements except this time they used zip ties to hold in my radiator as a temporary solution should the clips fail again (I was NOT happy about that) Third time around, they had finally gotten re-designed clips and since then I have not had any issues and it's been roughly a year and a half since they completely replaced the clips and my entire radiator w/ housing (because they drilled holes in the original one) Otherwise, everything else was pretty minor and travel assist malfunctioning was more so of an annoyance because it would light up my dashboard constantly bugging the living hell out of me. That has since been fixed as well (fingers crossed)

[@TRHamza]

Great video Charles! Do miss my MK8 at times, they drive so good even standard. Lets see what the MK8.5R brings!

[@letsplaylplp]

@TRHamza Hey Hamza from your Vids I got the impression you liked the 8V DAZA more Which one did you prefer?

[@gerardcahill3924]

Hey Hamza, fancy meeting u here, whos next volkswizzard?

[@escos0410]

lol 😂mk8.5 gti CS in march next year White again ffs 😂 Just got all the gremlins sorted with our current one too 😂 It’s stage 2 and it still make me smile going to play golf at the weekends

[@LoveMyFeels]

is MK8.5R gonna come with Manual tho?

[@escos0410]

@@LoveMyFeels nope 👎 tbh Iv had manuals since passing my test in 1993 This is my 1st auto and I’ll never buy a manual again

[@diffieq]

A companion mod for any tune is a good set of summer tires. All seasons tend to spin under hard acceleration after a tune.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

My 2024 GTI SE came with the spare…got it 5 weeks ago. Probably seen every video possible on KZbin since. You and Paul are my absolute favorite guys to watch! So far: APR intake, Golf R spoiler, RL hood strut, 034 rear sway and end links (on the way) and a whole bunch of small cosmetics. I’m addicted! Wheels and tires next followed by a cat-back exhaust (maybe just the downpipe for now…idk yet)

[@triptheory14]

Congrats on your new car! I just got a 24 GTI Autobahn yesterday! I'm going down the rabbit hole on YT you did! LOL

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@triptheory14 Definitely get the rear sway bar and end links in there asap! Amazing upgrade. The exhaust gets a little bit louder as it breaks in. Did you get a DSG or manual?

[@triptheory14]

@@hovan2yourjunk All good things to know. I had to go DSG because my wife has to drive it sometimes. I told her it's probably the softest clutch in existence, but it is what it is.

[@robertnagy1902]

where do you get the R spoiler for the GTI? I have a new 2024 SE 380 MT

[@hovan2yourjunk]

@@robertnagy1902 BMP Tuning. Not cheap but worth it. I got one of the cheap Chinese ones first. Big mistake. Gotta remember…buy once, cry once!

[@christopherhanlon4690]

I picked up new Golf R. I couldn't agree more about the exhaust tips.

[@erikvoelkle8222]

I think my 40th is perfect out of the box! I bought it lightly used with H&R springs and after taking those out the car felt way better!

[@CM.243]

Had a 7.5R and while agreeing with the sound being turned down, the best mod was a Pedalbox that took the delay out of the throttle. Not an issue with the insurance company either. Transformed the car and would definitely would advise if not doing any tunes.

[@acmtechnik]

This video is awesome! Thank you Charles! I definitely couldn't agree more when it comes to the Matrix Activation. Also, the rear sway bar is a definite MUST. I think that was one of the first things I did aside from the springs and the hood strut.

[@70malcolm]

I've been watching your videos for years. Finally jumped into a VW! Picked up a 2023 Arteon SEL R line. With 4motion and DSG!

[@HumbleMechanic]

That’s such an awesome car. Congrats

[@BOOSTEDDUDE]

Great suggestions on the different manufacturers and tuners setups to go with and other mods. "The ultimate parking lot flex with the folding mirrors."💪😎 That's a really nicely done up MK8 and must be a ton of fun! I hope it finds a good new home.

[@erikthie2253]

i have a 2022 vw golf r. I noticed when i was at the dealership the other day that power folding mirrors is now either an option or standard. I bought and put on power folding mirrors from Paul (no install option...). I also bought and installed the shopdap short shifter. Lastly, i changed the rear view mirror to the frameless one which has the compass within it and integrated garage door opener. The rearview mirror is really a head scratcher that it wasn't included in the standard purchase. I wish that the trunk hatch had a power opener, but that is stretching it. Thanks for this update video. I am thinking about an exhaust and a tune, but that will happen after warranty ends. Great channel. Love the content.

[@SrKinko]

I believe they are standard now, my 24 GTI S has them, which was surprising to me

[@309gti8]

I’ve upgraded the rear sway bar on a few FWD cars I’ve had, but I’ve been wondering how it improves an AWD car. I love the coding changes, and is one reason I miss owning a VW. One of best changes I did on my Mk6 GLI was enabling heated seat memory for both front seats. Also the short shifter I installed on that car made a huge difference! Highly recommend.

[@Ryoneftw]

I'm absolutely in love with my MK7 GTI Performance, it has a full exhaust, intake, tune, man I can't be happier. It sounds so mean and handles so well.

[@TheTexican05]

2017 GTI SE owner here. They’re amazing and fly under the radar for most folks. Driving dynamics with a few key chassis upgrades are world class. 🙌 🥰 🇩🇪 Had mine almost 7 years now. Still love it.

[@MrMduchesne23]

@@TheTexican05 I moved to an MK8. Honestly, I miss my Mk7 Performance. With the little mods I made and a few big mods, I think it was a better platform than the MK8. TBH, I'm three weeks and 1,500 km in, and I've improved the car a bit by turning down some of the software interventions with ODBEleven. The car really is good; it's just not a weapon like my 3dr MK7 Performance.

[@Baziulis-c7o]

Best way to start my Sunday. Love the content. I just got the AWE track for my MK8 GTI 40th AE, I already have the hood strut and that's pretty much it. Love the car

[@AronBuilds]

I get so hyped when I'm going through my notifications and see the Bearded Wonder uploaded another absolute masterpiece of automotive entertainment. Dammit Charles! Stop making me want a Golf! The 2L scares me! XD

[@DeViLsFaNo6]

Humble mechanic we love you! Your videos are amazing!

[@WolfsburgSlim]

I look forward to these videos like Christmas

[@JettaJack]

My number one mod to any VW is heated blind spot exterior mirrors! Eliminating blind spots is critical for anyone driving in traffic.

[@europeanlegend9347]

You must live in a warmer climate. I'm in Canada and heated side mirrors have been pretty standard across most VW models (especially higher trims)

[@domthedonkey69420]

@@europeanlegend9347 im in New England and mine has heated mirrors as well

[@WaynePestill]

I bought my first Golf R with the 6MT two weeks ago. Issues with the flywheel and NVH from brand new. Dealer came through and now have a DSG. It's a way smoother car. Get the DSG.

[@ThisIsInput]

I'm surprised you didn't mention removing the clutch delay valve for the manual. Free mod!

[@SJMotions]

The Scotty Kilmer outro 😂

[@LoveMyFeels]

from someone that's waiting for his 6mt blue golf t allocation in July I thank you for this lol

[@DanielNYR]

Looking to upgrade from my 2015 GTI, very excited to move up and tune it up

[@micahellsworth]

Love your videos, my manager and shop owner actually got to meet you a while ago!!

[@HumbleMechanic]

OH NICE!!!! Tell them hi from me. :)

[@AhmedMehic-v4g]

i love watching your videos and it gave the idea of opening my own shop😁

[@Bungletronics]

Not a MK8 but I had a set on my MK5, MK7 for 7 years and now on my Mini Cooper. You have to get the European blind spot mirrors they’re a game changer and not expensive.

[@LeoNidasPlayForFun]

I have a polo GTI, the little sister of Golf GTI, and I love it. I do love to change the brake disks, Brembo has some perforated disks for Polo. THAT is a mod that change the performance of the car.

[@512Berlinetta]

Your MK8 is as perfect as it gets!

[@righteous_fire]

Charles, I hate to do this but, small correction: if you have an early enough model, the DSG tune is unlocked, at least I can speak for the Unitronics tune, as that is what I have. Mine is a 22 model year and it is old enough that I was able to put the Unitronics DSG tune on it.

[@KeenanTaul]

would love to see a video with mods that increase horsepower and how that effects the longevity of the engines especially on the Golf R

[@KellerEdward]

Love my 2022 mk8 gti S. Favorite car by far. 😊

[@ukwan]

The biggest and best modification you can do to a car is to modify the squishy thing piloting it by taking professional instruction on track and improving yourself. The car is fine as it is, it's already better than you.

[@HumbleMechanic]

DRIVER MOD is always the best mod.

[@einfelder8262]

Maybe so, but if you want to take instruction on track in your GTI, put in a dogbone and insert to stop the never ending thumping from the front, and a rear sway bar to improve cornering SO MUCH the instructor will wonder if it's really a Golf. Way better turn in and the rear end float is gone. Don't have experience in the R (sadly) but the GTI is far better with just those two things. MKV onwards.

[@lolcandy]

Out of all the mods, I think my favorite rn is the euro taillights. They elevate the car’s booty with the club sport/ R spoiler

[@iankerr6526]

I like the soundaktor!!

[@mjay2u]

Damn I didn't think about just getting a spare tire that will fit over the rear brakes. Really good recommendation!

[@HumbleMechanic]

It may mean you’re swapping 2 tires. But beats being stranded

[@OsamahBhutta]

The scotty Kilmer remark at the end 😅😅😂😂

[@rubenmartinez9302]

You are right about the milltek exhaust I mean I like it noisy but I think the milltek was anyway I went with the clubsport exhaust and sounds pretty well plus it was only 600 the milltek is selling for the race exhaust easily 1200

[@richardroberti1192]

Saw this at SEMA in person…great times!

[@jv6miata]

My 40th had the headlight weather stripping come loose within 800 miles. Otherwise I loved my mk8 so much. Easiest and cheapest thing for a good clutch feel is the Etsy 3d printed clutch stop spacer

[@RokBenni]

Sad to hear the MK8 is finding a new home. I love my MK8 (DSG) still stock for now....but indeed it drives damn good. I'm sure a stage 1 will definitely liven things up.

[@mlipari92]

No doubt my favorite mod on my 2018 Gti was the short shift by Boomba.

[@marcpalmer4144]

Best mod for the Mk8 is tune for sure

[@jeanfrancoismenard705]

That MK8 is spicy and alldressed with 034. Oh yeah !

[@brokensmilephoto]

I've put a rear sway bar on pretty much all of my cars in the last few years when available. Even on my Corolla Hybrid it has a rear sway bar. There are just no side effects to it, and on my Corolla hybrid it really helps make the car neutral in handling with the ability to get it to rotate a bit with the aid of stiffer rear springs than front. (insert electric slide joke here)

[@lexxon4life804]

Great video I have a coworker that told me that he wanted to replace the hood support for a gas one so then I started thinking is it possible and look you have done it I want to do that for my Tiguan r line going to try it lol

[@KenTooker-cb8vf]

I noticed that ALiExpress sells the standard Golf Mk8 (ie REAL) steering wheel buttons. That looks to be a worthwhile upgrade. From the 2025 press photos I have seen that exactly what VW did.

[@Einsteindks27]

Boomba Racing short throw shifter bracket and shift knob! Once available, I'm going to get some WeatherTech window vent visors. I'll also get a cold air intake kit.

[@vhjioa]

May I add, custom engine cover instead of the flappy one? In Sweden Stage 1 tune + DSG gets you to 400+ HP (Insane tunability on these engines! Especially Evo4). We also have the option of Akrapovic from the factory, so I'd definitely get that given the option :D

[@brendanharris9197]

Im hoping someone can tell me, I didn't see it linked in the show notes. What part # or where did you get that bumper cover at 10:44?

[@ockymk8]

I love my GTI. I’ve had for over a year now and only complaint is the clutch chatter. It’s gets so loud sometimes. But other than that been such a good daily driver. Not really experienced an error codes considering it’s a 22.

[@mmllmmll22]

Both are using LITERALLY same engine as any normal Audi/Skoda/Seat(Cupra) 2.0TSi. Just different small things like ECU or Turbo is making it faster. And Turbos are P&P, just a tune. With bigger turbo and maybe hpfp Youre able to pass 400 crank. Ofc small things like intake(better flowing pipes, bigger inteecooler) and exhaust may help. People from EU (Like Coobcio) are moddin those things to the moon, maybe not a Santa Pod level, but to level where You put a fairly good fight for stock GTRs and similar :D

[@michaelnunez747]

Nice ride!!! Only one qq, Why you did not go with 034 lower springs?

[@aroundomaha]

You and Paul give me thoughts about selling the BRZ and going back to a GTI.

[@Da_nick_]

I myself changed the rear diffuser I bought a golf 8 R line diffuser and cut out those fake exhaust molds and got a custom exhaust made for that. I don’t like the factory diffuser

[@steve11211]

The one you missed that I had to do was raise the headlights done under the hood with the screw on the iq headlights as they were set way too low..

[@mlonderg]

After having struts fail suddenly on both my mk5 and mk7 I can say that I'm okay with the mk8 just getting a regular steel rod like my Toyota Tacoma has. The most recent failure on the mk7 happened without warning after the hood was open for several days for a clutch replacement. It slammed shut and trapped my full length hood light without damaging the fenders somehow. No idea how that worked out. Luckily I moved my hand out of the way but it got pretty bruised by the rapidly accelerating hood.

[@Armans-World]

I got the euromotiv hood struts for mine

[@zachtorget7617]

I loooooove my 23’ 40th, only intake and tune and wheels tire suspension

[@JaredSVX]

I have finally started changing up my MK7 TSI after the warranty expired...I have a full intake coming, with some coilovers, for my new wheels! I really want to do a tune but with 115k on original clutch I am too chicken to take the risk until i have the money for a clutch 😅

[@DoubleHelixStrand]

"Upgrading the knob" is a good euphemism for "driver mod" :D

[@HumbleMechanic]

Hahahhahaha

[@Loopsrainforest]

# 1 thing I would recommend is the WCT gas pedal spacer & new pedals as well as a clutch stop.

[@jaxon.frandrup]

I have a mk7 Gli 6mt, do you think those upgrades are worth it?

[@Loopsrainforest]

@@jaxon.frandrup I have had lots of rolled ankles & ligament damage over the years & I had no issues heel & toeing in Honda & Mazdas but the pedal spacing on these newer VW’s are way off from where I can do that. Now it’s effortless.

[@Moonplant432]

Best mods? Good tires and driver's ed.

[@Foreignwrists]

Get more b7 Passats!!!! Great opportunity for content such an underrated chassis

[@goranpetrovic2321]

Nice looking vehicle. Can you give me specs of your rims and tires. Rear looks real nice and beefy

[@MattJewell]

What wheels are those at 12:56?

[@svengrafen7605]

I am saving my Pennie’s for the 2025 R Black out edition yes it’s only a DSG😢 but in all black it will look so mean but I will have to wait for mods I am sure the big boys won’t let me down with a tune and a cold air intake when the time comes maybe even dog bone and sway bars

[@GTIclubdport9462]

APR tune is great ..😂👍

[@ronaldmcdonald8433]

I love the drive and practicality of my MK8 GTI. However, its been the worst new car i have ever owned. First Volkswagen and last. Rattle in headliner took dealer 3 visits to fix. Passenger side headlight highbeam projector went out on 7 month old car. Took dealer 4 visits to fix. They messed up long code during relearn of headlight. Worst new car ever. It really sucks because i love the car. But Volkswagen cannot build a reliable car. Stay away to save your pocket book and time. I have lost so much time at the dealer with this new car. Buy a toyota or Honda. You will thank me in 10 years. But i digress, your videos are amazing. Keep up the great work. You made me at least consider Volkswagen.

[@citizenfour9622]

Look at Charles referencing a retired Toyota merchant. 🤣

[@HumbleMechanic]

🤪

[@richardhunt1384]

6:24 Interesting comment about the R suiting the DSG and three pedal for the GTI. Is that because of the R being AWD and GTI being front?

[@kineticU]

My manual MK8R has short gearing, takes much longer to put the power down. Manual is like an afterthought, but enjoy the involvement nevertheless

[@GTIMAN2010]

@@kineticUI wonder if the manual MK7 R has the same issue. I have never heard anyone complain about it.

[@williamclick9771]

This so awesome. I've been wanting to do mods on 2000 Camry LE 4 cylinder. From top to bottom and left to right. But what can I actually do. There's no turbo made for this 4 cylinder. Don't think I want to do this anyway. Thought about a cold air intake or ram air. But I was told I would have to have it tuned. Another is to change the exhaust. I don't want it real loud just good tone. Just to make it more sporty sounding. Don't know if I can do that with a 4 cylinder engine. Was thinking Magnaflow. I've some mods already with led lighting still have more to do on the Camry. Happy with what I've done so far. My question is how far can I take the mods on a 2000 Camry LE 4 cylinder.

[@europeanlegend9347]

Does IE not have tunes yet for the MK8 GTI / R? I've been waiting and waiting and never see anything on their website, meanwhile all the other big players have released tunes long time ago.

[@rjmari]

0:37 - What would you rate it? You're the best, you're the best. What should I review next?

[@slamminx3]

Been waiting a year and a half for that TCU tune. Really hoping its soon!

[@djmysticalone321]

I keep my stock feels good the way it is

[@tomaszkonieczny_rs]

Thank you for this video. I was looking everywhere for a way to remember the DRIVE MODE settings and only here I found a ready-made solution. Tell me whether you performed the modification directly in the store or remotely. Is this done via OBDeleven? Is it required? Does this only work in VW Golf or also Audi/Skoda/Cupra? Thank you very much for your answer.

[@CKilger12]

What are your thoughts on doing a wheel stud conversion vs the factory bolts, for daily driver

[@fuhrerpolizei86]

Thanks for your golf R videos. Very informative and entertaining. Alas ive decided to sell my Mk7R too and moving on to a Alfa Giulia QV

[@waelal-zubieri5358]

I highly recommend to avoid the sway bar in the rear for the MK8 R. The reason I say this is because I feel the MK8 R rear end is already pretty unstable when the conditions are slick. I have gotten in trouble while turning hard in the wet. Especially when I applied throttle. The car already rotates very well on the stock rear bar. Stiffening it any further and it will become dangerous in non-dry conditions.

[@robertc801]

I too have seen some negative comments on stiffening the MK8R rear sway bar. Any recommendations on further reading on this topic? Given that the video strongly recommends the upgrade?

[@Aleks_Mechanics]

Notification squad Have a Great weekend!!🔥🔥🔥

[@HumbleMechanic]

Cheers my friend!

[@onsecalmeesti]

Any recommandation about also adding a front sway bar?

[@402car_kid4]

I love the ability to get a manual in the R but i really wish tey borrowed audis 5cyl to make it so much better. the rs3 and mk8R both have the same really nice rear diff thats tq vectoring so if i was to buy a mk8R id have to do the daza swap like you mk7.

[@escos0410]

The TCU (dsg) has been unlocked for 18months 2 years over the pond

[@HumbleMechanic]

Are those just the very early ones?

[@JonasSmith1823]

Id like to see more GTI videos. I've a 2020 mk7 and thinking about a mk7.5 though they seem scarce.

[@4ampaul]

Soundaktor off and comfort windows were the very first things I did to mine when I got it. Honestly, after a tune, euro shifter, and a couple other things, I just found the car to be underwhelming. It was a perfectly good car, and it got me around just fine. I just decided no more than I drive, I’d rather have a fun daily than a late model, so I got a clean E36 instead

[@matthew3798]

1. Bonnet Strut 2. Dynamic wing mirror indicators 3. RARB 4. Sound actuator turn to 30% 5. Disable lane assist, disable start/stop

[@sfnffo4479]

cool car brother, where can i get that glossy black rear bumper protector?

[@ChrisBues]

Curious about people's experiences with dogbone upgrades. Worth it?

[@MyzteryMedia]

The best thing about the MK8 is the rear end

[@db6006]

Please tell me how to adjust or disable the terrible clutch hill assist. Had an E92 3 series that worked flawlessly in 2006, but this VW version is way too bitey.

[@mang3139]

Just got my 1st GTI. Are there ANY performance mods that are ok with VW regarding warranty?

[@fabiodaniel7061]

In Portugal Golf 8R are getting DSG Tunes already

[@gregoryneal2852]

New dsg or old dsg?

[@thiswillbemyname]

0:07 understood have anice day

[@Dubonfire]

great video but FYI wrong logo for APR.... The one you used is from APR Performance Wing instead of GO APR (tune)