Owner log of DBP MkV R32, Owner: Dave Stafford

New front grille!

Had my new "hole free" grille installed today. Looks good! On my request, VW corporate offices allowed me to keep my old grille (keeping it just in case I have any problems with running without the required front plate).

Tried installing the sill plates earlier this month but got them on crooked - the adhesive was very agressive - when I tried to reposition them, they were destroyed. Oh well, they didn't look that great anyway - cheap looking silk screening. Will look for other options.

Also talked further with ECS. They wanted to use a car that wanted all the mods they were going to do. I didn't want the lightweight crank pully, so I passed on the rest as well...

Logged on: 07/25/2008

Update

Within the last week, I turned over10,000 miles, had the 10K service done and added JCaps oil, coolant & washer fluid caps to the engine bay and seat back knobs. Been taking kids to the ballpark and back and fourth to college so the miles added up this week.

During the 10K service, the dealership sprayed some sort of spray lubricant on the hinge areas - WAY too much - and the spray stuff melted the nice heavy grease that has been on those hinges since I got the car. All of the greasy mess ended up flowing out of the door hinges down the jamb and out onto the lower part of the car, causing a greasy mess to clean up. Hope I got most of it off, and that it doesn't collect too much dirt now...

I like the look of my new JCaps, but noticed the engine bay ones get quite hot to handle.

Ordered R32 door sill plates from England, but have not gotten them yet, hopefully they will come in the next few days.

Still lovin it.

The other day, my brother in law was visiting from Washington state. He and I went to pick up my son from school. On the way back, about 1:00am, we stopped on a tree lined back country road, and I gave him a demo of launch control. The road was lined with trees that went over the road so with bright lights on, the effect was like launching out of a launch tube on one of those Sci-Fi movies like Battlestar Gallactica. It was great - he drives a Camry and his mouth was hanging open afterward. Even with three full sized adults in the car, she launched very well.

For fathers day I got one of those Mr. Clean spray nozzles that rinses the car with de-ionized water and is supposed to leave no water spots. Looking forward to using that.

Logged on: 06/26/2008

Great Car!

It's been a while since my last entry. Just wanted to say I have been enjoying this car alot. I now have 7300 miles on it. Have driven it on several trips up to 6 hours at a time.

Had an oil change at 5K miles. Using Castrol synthetic oil - man that stuff is expensive! I will probably offset that cost with less fequent oil changes. Used regular oil on my Mk3 GTI VR6, & have changed the oil every 3K miles. The new car, with synthetic calls for oil changes every 5K.

Things I like about the car (in no particular order):
- Ride. Very comfortable yet still has a firm, confident ride.
- Comfortable seats. Heated seats are really nice in the cold winter temps.
- Handling. I can drive this car with complete confidence that it will go where I point it.
- THE SOUND of the exhaust - AWESOME!
- Road holding capabilities, especially in the rain
- Snow is fun to drive in, but you need to be carefull about not over doing it - stopping on ice and snow takes some practice.
- I know others have knocked the NAV, but I like it - it's my first car with NAV. i purchased the latest DVD from NAVTEQ, late last fall.
- iPod dock. I like the concealed dock in the armrest, and the charging feature.
- Love the look and feel of the steering wheel.
- Launch control is fun, but haven't used it much as I am not big into racing others.
- I use S mode most of the time - it's fun. Use D mode when I'm with the wife - she doesn't like the higher reving engine in S mode.

Dislikes:
Crappy iPod display & interface on the NAV screen.

I used to wipe it down after every outing. The winter has been tough to keep it clean with the road salt and cold temps. I can't wait for springtime.

I have been to Akron (area) to visit with the folks at ECS Tuning. They are thinking of using my car to develop some R32 mods. I don't want to go too crazy and will pick and choose the mods I will participate in.

I have only seen one other Mk5 R32 on the road in a 4 state area near home. (plenty at VW dealers) Loving the rarity, but would like to meet with other R32 owners. I am hoping that there will be a GTG within a days drive of Dayton that I can participate in.

Have had a couple of comments from folks about the meaning of my lisence plate. "BLAU R32". A Mk4 R32 already had my first choice - BLUE R32 - so I settled for the german word for blue. Then I found out another R32 in Illinois has the same plate. As they say imitation is the most sincere form of flatery... or something to that effect.

I went to a VW GTG in Dayton last October, "Dub-Dash" and was the only Mk5 R32 there. It was a fun 110 mile drive through some pretty Ohio country. Lots of nice cars and some others that were well used but still loved. Great hospitality from everyone. I met a fellow VW enthusiast there and made friends. He has a hydraulic lift in his garage, and has since done some reairs to my other vehicles. I plan to ask for his help with future mods and service. I will do Dub-Dash again next year.

Thats all for now...

Logged on: 02/27/2008

#450 is in my garage!

Picked up #450 tonight. Great car! Only drove it 20 miles so far. More to come.

Logged on: 08/14/2007

Arrival in Dayton OH

#450 arrives to Evans Motorworks in Dayton OH. I hope I can pick it up tomorrow!

http://i192.photobucket.com/albums/z70/Staffdw/DSC02373.jpg

Logged on: 08/13/2007

IT LIVES!

Got my VIN number today. Due to port on July 6, followed by more waiting as it will collect some dust setting with all of the other new R32's for one month before shipping to the dealer. Should take delivery in mid August.

Logged on: 06/26/2007

Placed my deposit.

Ordered a 2008 DBP R32 loaded with all (2)options. At this point it's only a twinkle in some German robots eye. The gestation period for this model is approx. 6 months and should arrive in my driveway in late August. In the meantime I spend my days dreaming of future drives through twisty country roads, and spactacular entrances to the freeway.

Logged on: 02/28/2007