Hi all,
I finally got the VW MK 7 MFSW installed on my car last week. In one sentence, the wheel has significantly improved my driving experience.
Buying Experience
Taking advice from the various members on the forum I decided to contact vwrtuning on ebay for the wheel.
There are several types of the steering wheel. Refer gannu's DIY on the same for the different types of the wheel -
link
My requirements were
1) GT inset
2) MK7 wheel
3) Red backlights
4) With airbag
5) With paddle shifts
6) Normal leather
7) Red Stitching
8) Without cruise control buttons
9) With harness loom to make it plug and play for 2013 Polo
However, he had only the GLI inset wheel for the same. The price he quoted was 625 USD including FedEx shipping. I had my doubts on whether the GLI would function similar to the others and also had my mind on either the GT or the GTI inset and hence decided not to go ahead with it. In the meanwhile I also contacted gcptuning with the same requirements. They mentioned having a GTI wheel with white backlights for 570 USD. I was still in two minds as gcptuning did not know about the special harness which would make the wheel plug and play for the 2013 model. vwrtuning came back to me saying if I was ok with white backlights and the GTI inset, the same one gcptuning had for a similar price.
During this entire process, I was constantly debating with myself whether to go ahead with it, whether it was worth the money and if it would actually improve my driving experience. I guess what tipped the scales for me was the fact that I use only the tiptronic mode while driving. I decided to go ahead with vwrtuning as he had experience with the harness and some BHPians had already dealt with him and had faced no issues. The final price paid was 575 USD including FedEx shipping (100 advance and the remaining once he had wheel with him and when he sent pictures of the same). Made the payment through paypal after checking with other BHPians. He was willing to offer a better price if I had taken the wheel with CC buttons - no idea why.
Once the product was shipped, I received a call from Fedex asking me for KYC documentation - authorization letter, ID proof and the address proof. I am a consultant and work only out of my client's office - I had provided the same as it would be convenient to receive the package. I did not know that we had to submit address proof for the shipment initially. This being my client office, getting the address proof was going to be really difficult. I checked with Fedex about changing the address and they mentioned that it could be done - the shipper had to send them a mail stating the same. Rick was kind enough to do it. In the meanwhile the shipment had arrived at Delhi customs and was awaiting clearance. I somehow managed to get the proof for the original address after running around a bit and submitted the same.
Voila! I received the package the next day itself. It was very well packed with enough protective covering.
The packing
The first look
The package took about 9 business days to reach Delhi customs once shipped. Other than the address related stuff, no issues with customs or Fedex. Everything went very smoothly.
Only difference from my original requirements - GTI instead of GT, white instead of red backlights. I was very happy on seeing it, to say the least.
I have to say I was pleased with dealing with Rick - he always was eager to help (especially during the address issue) and all his info has been accurate. His harness works perfectly. Would definitely recommend him to anyone else who wants to purchase.
Installation Experience
I decided to get it installed at Autopsyche based on some recommendations on the forum. Had checked with Arush initially on whether he does the wheel changing or not. Once confirmed, I popped down to his garage during the weekend. Removing the existing wheel took a good 40 minutes. It typically doesn't take that long, but Arush mentioned that he had faced a similar issue with one other Polo. It eventually did come out and from then on, it was a simple 10-15 minute job putting on the new one.
Removing the old wheel
Putting in the new one
Damages incurred - INR 1000
Driving Experience
The wheel was finally on, after weeks of waiting, debating, rationalizing etc. It has elevated my experience. I think the functionality has been explained so won't repeat. The diameter is pretty much the same but the steering is nice and meaty to hold and is an absolute looker. The major positive and one of the key reason I bought this - the paddle shifters. It works flawlessly has added another level of convenience while still maintaining the level of control I like to keep. I simply love the 3D design and the flat bottom layout of this wheel - really feels good while using.
The buttons on the right side apart from the call take/end button don't work. My understanding - a cluster upgrade to the Maxidot cluster would make these buttons functional. As of now, they don't do anything.
One negative that I found - the wheel isn't designed for India and hence the horn is pretty far off from the thumb. It takes a little more effort to press the horn than the earlier wheel.
Other Work done
1. Changed stock bulbs to Philips XV+. A significant upgrade from the old stock lamps. These are the lights to go for if you want a simple plug and play installation.
2. VCDS tweaks
Enabled cluster sweep
Brake lights flashing on hard braking
Tear Wipe - haven't tested it yet though
3. Wheel balancing and alignment
4. Installed Phillips LED cabin light. Fairly expensive but improves the in cabin lighting well.
My opinion on Autopsyche - they definitely know their stuff when it comes to VAG cars. Arush is certainly helpful. A tad expensive if you were to ask me but overall, I'm satisfied.
These have been my first mods to the car and they have simply changed what the car is to me. I'm sure that each of my further mods is going to have a similar elevating effect on the car. For the time being, I'm going to keep mum - the real mods will start once the warranty expires (or is close to expire). I will probably do alloy painting next to either a gloss black or a gun metal shade, but apart from that nothing major planned.
Apologies if the pics aren't very good, photos are from a humble iPhone 5S in the dark.
Big shoutout to
gannu_1,polo_ankit,drpudhi,petrol_power for their advice and suggestions.
Cheers