[srgntpepper]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Were they able to remove and reinstall the roof liner properly ?

Yes they have done a good job. There were a few light dust/grease stains on the roof liner. However, in terms of tightly putting everything back together, no complaints. The peace of mind is totally worth it.

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Were they able to remove and reinstall the roof liner properly ? For now the only thing that's stopping me from getting my sunroof done as per this bulletin is that I don't trust the VW A.S.S to be able to reattach the roof liner exactly as it was, and I don't want to end up with a shoddy interior.

Thats my biggest apprehension in getting the frame installed, as they need to remove the complete roof liner and the colour is such that one has to be extremely cautious not to get it dirty, which is a hard thing to do

Originally Posted by Vishesh

So Kanboy, did you finally get it done ? Also, when they say warranty, did you ask them if it includes extended warranty as well ? Mine is a 5Yr extended warranty and the standard warranty has lapsed already.

I have raised an issue with the company as it is not for all customers, only for the ones who complain of the noise. Warranty is Warranty may it be Standard or Extended, of they say something is covered under warranty then it means Extended also.

Originally Posted by Vishesh

I have noticed that sometimes the boot doesn't open fully when I use the remote to open it, it works fine if i press the VW logo to open. I believe the remote boot open key needs to pressed continuously till the boot opens fully, if you release the button early it tends to stop at half open.

Well my boot lock was found to be faulty, they changed the complete lock assembly under warranty. So far opening of the boot is concerned with the remote boot release button after the long press, the boot lid opens completely. Not half way. Incase that is what is happening with you then ask the VW ASS to hook up the car to VAG and reconfigure the Boot actuation module.

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Also, have any of you replaced your front/rear brake pads yet ? I changed the rear pads once, got a set of Brembo pads, they seem to be performing same as OEM. Anyone tried Brembo/EBC and have a source for the same ?

Rear Done a few days back, costed me Rs. 8200 including labour, surprisingly they were gone within 16k kms, which is way too soon for my liking. Do let me know how long the brembos last, as I am not at all satisfied with the OEMrear pad thickness and durability.
Another concern that I have is the air pressure, though it is suggested to keep 36psi I have been keeping 35psi, but my Alignment goes for a toss big time within 3000kms. I am going to get the TPMS reconfigured to 32psi and keep 33psi in cold tyres, as I feel over inflated tyres are harsh on the suspension. Would like to hear some views on it.

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Rear Done a few days back, costed me Rs. 8200 including labour, surprisingly they were gone within 16k kms, which is way too soon for my liking. Do let me know how long the brembos last, as I am not at all satisfied with the OEMrear pad thickness and durability.
Another concern that I have is the air pressure, though it is suggested to keep 36psi I have been keeping 35psi, but my Alignment goes for a toss big time within 3000kms. I am going to get the TPMS reconfigured to 32psi and keep 33psi in cold tyres, as I feel over inflated tyres are harsh on the suspension. Would like to hear some views on it.

My rear pads too were changed quite early, although I don’t remember the exact kms but I think it was near the 25K-30K kms mark, changed to Brembos which costed me ₹2800-3100 at the time, and so far so good. But I think my rear pads went bad early because I used to wash the car and kept it parked with the EPB on, eventually the pads stuck to the discs and when the car moved, they lost a layer stuck to the discs (made a loud sound too, to get unstuck) and this happened 3-4times before I figured it out. As for the TPMS, I can’t say this enough, please change to Michelins asap, if you’re still on the crappy Apollos, it’s a sea of difference. I upgraded to P4ST in stock size and keep 35-36Psi cold, absolutely zero problems with tpms and excellent ride/handling.

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

My rear pads too were changed quite early, although I don’t remember the exact kms but I think it was near the 25K-30K kms mark, changed to Brembos which costed me ₹2800-3100 at the time, and so far so good. But I think my rear pads went bad early because I used to wash the car and kept it parked with the EPB on, eventually the pads stuck to the discs and when the car moved, they lost a layer stuck to the discs (made a loud sound too, to get unstuck) and this happened 3-4times before I figured it out. As for the TPMS, I can’t say this enough, please change to Michelins asap, if you’re still on the crappy Apollos, it’s a sea of difference. I upgraded to P4ST in stock size and keep 35-36Psi cold, absolutely zero problems with tpms and excellent ride/handling.

Well I apologize if I put it across wrongly, but I am not facing a problem with the TPMS, but the Alignment going out of range because of over inflation, as I feel hitting the potholes has been hard for the suspension to handle and Yes I am still on the crappy Apollos, wanted to change them but wasn't getting a decent price for them. I dont use EPB at all, not even the Auto Hold, even when I am at a red light I Shift into N. Though when the car is idling before shut down with the Gear in Park, the rear brakes are automatically engaged, even if the EPB is not enabled with the button. I have noticed this from the sound coming from the rear end right before shut off. I guess need to get this setting disabled.

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Well I apologize if I put it across wrongly, but I am not facing a problem with the TPMS, but the Alignment going out of range because of over inflation, as I feel hitting the potholes has been hard for the suspension to handle and Yes I am still on the crappy Apollos, wanted to change them but wasn't getting a decent price for them. I dont use EPB at all, not even the Auto Hold, even when I am at a red light I Shift into N. Though when the car is idling before shut down with the Gear in Park, the rear brakes are automatically engaged, even if the EPB is not enabled with the button. I have noticed this from the sound coming from the rear end right before shut off. I guess need to get this setting disabled.

Yeah I meant the same thing, I just didn’t put it so so well. I understand you’re facing alignment issues because you are forced to run higher psi to avoid the TPMS light coming on. I ran my Apollos for around 30-35k kms and even though they were rock hard especially at 35psi I never really faced alignment issues all these kms. In summers on highways the TPMS read 40psi sometimes, and I’ve been to rural/industrial areas too with broken roads on the apollos but no alignment issues. So here I suggest you go to a better/different alignment centre next time. But again, switch to Michelins ASAP to solve all the problems, no point hoping to get any resale out of the apollos. In fact I just came back from a round trip of 500kms to an industrial area, TPMS showed 38-40psi throughout the day, and yet the ride was comfortable and silent and handling was good too on the Michelins.

Regarding EPB, I don’t use the auto hold either, but I religiously engage the EPB while parking, slope or no slope.

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Yeah I meant the same thing, I just didn’t put it so so well. I understand you’re facing alignment issues because you are forced to run higher psi to avoid the TPMS light coming on. I ran my Apollos for around 30-35k kms and even though they were rock hard especially at 35psi I never really faced alignment issues all these kms. In summers on highways the TPMS read 40psi sometimes, and I’ve been to rural/industrial areas too with broken roads on the apollos but no alignment issues. So here I suggest you go to a better/different alignment centre next time. But again, switch to Michelins ASAP to solve all the problems, no point hoping to get any resale out of the apollos. In fact I just came back from a round trip of 500kms to an industrial area, TPMS showed 38-40psi throughout the day, and yet the ride was comfortable and silent and handling was good too on the Michelins.

I totally agree with you there are No better tyres than Michelins and they are for sure my next set may it be now or later. Heck I am a Bridgestone fan who turned into a Michelin fan after testing them out on my previous car lets see will make a switch soon if it gets too rough living with the Apollos. The alignment centre is fine as I have been with them since last 15 years, and all cars of mine and the family go to them for alignments so it can't be them. I guess then its me who has been hitting the potholes way harder than they should be on the highway, need to pay more attention to the road conditions then.

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Regarding EPB, I don’t use the auto hold either, but I religiously engage the EPB while parking, slope or no slope.

Do you use the speed limiter? I use it quite often as I use this car mostly on the highways and tend to get carried away, so was wondering if rear brakes play a part in it? As to what I understand is that the fuel supply is choked when the speed reaches its limit, but at times i feel the car is being held from the back too, so haven't figured out what mechanical operations are involved with using the speed limiter yet. Maybe that's the reason why the Rear pads eroded much quicker. Sorry if I am getting a bit sentimental about this issue as I feel like a very bad driver getting my brake pads changed @ 16k kms and that too when I heard the metal on metal grinding noise while braking, so basically I consumed each and every bit of it.

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Do you use the speed limiter? I use it quite often as I use this car mostly on the highways and tend to get carried away, so was wondering if rear brakes play a part in it? As to what I understand is that the fuel supply is choked when the speed reaches its limit, but at times i feel the car is being held from the back too, so haven't figured out what mechanical operations are involved with using the speed limiter yet. Maybe that's the reason why the Rear pads eroded much quicker.

I don’t use the speed limiter that often; can’t comment if it uses rear brakes ‘only’ but will pay more attention next time for sure.

Before Passat, I had a Chevy Cruze AT, no EPB/Auto Hold/Speed Limiter. But I clearly remember the rear pads used to give away earlier than the front ones in the Cruze too. In fact the first set of front and rear pads had to be changed by the first 15K kms and both sets totally costed 16K approx. Back in 2012, I remember my friend poking fun at me that it costs Re.1 per km just to ‘brake’ the Cruze ! Switched to Roulunds brake pads from the third set onwards which used to last twice as long. So yes, maybe the oem rear pads are softer, thinner and wear out faster on some cars, whatever be the reason. Instead of stressing over it, try switching to Brembo or EBC next time. I’m currently trying to source front pads from Brembo/EBC as mine are almost at end of life at 41K kms.

[fordfreak]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Also, have any of you replaced your front/rear brake pads yet ? I changed the rear pads once, got a set of Brembo pads, they seem to be performing same as OEM. Anyone tried Brembo/EBC and have a source for the same ?

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Rear Done a few days back, costed me Rs. 8200 including labour, surprisingly they were gone within 16k kms, which is way too soon for my liking. Another concern that I have is the air pressure, though it is suggested to keep 36psi I have been keeping 35psi, but my Alignment goes for a toss big time within 3000kms. I am going to get the TPMS reconfigured to 32psi and keep 33psi in cold tyres, as I feel over inflated tyres are harsh on the suspension. Would like to hear some views on it.

Originally Posted by Vishesh

My rear pads too were changed quite early, although I don’t remember the exact kms but I think it was near the 25K-30K kms mark, changed to Brembos which costed me ₹2800-3100 at the time, and so far so good. But I think my rear pads went bad early because I used to wash the car and kept it parked with the EPB on, eventually the pads stuck to the discs and when the car moved, they lost a layer stuck to the discs (made a loud sound too, to get unstuck) and this happened 3-4times before I figured it out. As for the TPMS, I can’t say this enough, please change to Michelins asap, if you’re still on the crappy Apollos, it’s a sea of difference. I upgraded to P4ST in stock size and keep 35-36Psi cold, absolutely zero problems with tpms and excellent ride/handling.

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Well I apologize if I put it across wrongly, but I am not facing a problem with the TPMS, but the Alignment going out of range because of over inflation, as I feel hitting the potholes has been hard for the suspension to handle and Yes I am still on the crappy Apollos, wanted to change them but wasn't getting a decent price for them. I dont use EPB at all, not even the Auto Hold, even when I am at a red light I Shift into N. Though when the car is idling before shut down with the Gear in Park, the rear brakes are automatically engaged, even if the EPB is not enabled with the button. I have noticed this from the sound coming from the rear end right before shut off. I guess need to get this setting disabled.

Originally Posted by Kanboy

I totally agree with you there are No better tyres than Michelins and they are for sure my next set may it be now or later. Heck I am a Bridgestone fan who turned into a Michelin fan after testing them out on my previous car lets see will make a switch soon if it gets too rough living with the Apollos. Sorry if I am getting a bit sentimental about this issue as I feel like a very bad driver getting my brake pads changed @ 16k kms and that too when I heard the metal on metal grinding noise while braking, so basically I consumed each and every bit of it.

@ Vishesh & Kanboy - Hey guys! Got my rear pads & discs changed in December, 2021. Didn't even realize that my rear pads were running so low until the rear brakes suddenly started grinding towards the end of a 600 KM highway run! SA claimed that the rear brakes wear out quicker due to the brake balance setting (?!). Not sure if my driving habits contributed towards this as well. I always park my car with the electronic parking brake engaged. Also, the auto-hold is activated 100% of the time during all my journeys. Was very surprised to see such early brake wear considering my car had only done a bit over 15,000 KMs at the time. Overall cost me about Rs. 38,000 (this includes the annual service, pads, discs, labour & taxes).

Coming to tyres; even though my stock Apollos have enough tread left on them, they have started cracking! Guessing this is due to age? Ride quality has consequently gotten hard even while maintaining 35 - 36 Psi (cold tyres) and having the DCC set to 'Comfort'. Planning to swap to something new and better. On all my other cars, I use Yokohama rubber, which I have been very happy with. On my previous Passat, I changed from the perpetually leaking Pirellis to Yokohama and never had a single puncture thereafter! Ride comfort and handling was also good. Any pointers while choosing between Yokohama & Michelin?

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by fordfreak

@ Vishesh & Kanboy - Hey guys! Got my rear pads & discs changed in December, 2021.

Was very surprised to see such early brake wear considering my car had only done a bit over 15,000 KMs at the time. Overall cost me about Rs. 38,000 (this includes the annual service, pads, discs, labour & taxes).

Any pointers while choosing between Yokohama & Michelin?

Why did you have to change the discs at just 15000kms ? Did you change both the rear and front discs and pads ?

Since you’ve used Yokohama already, try Michelin this time and you will find them equal or even better in all respects. Stick to OEM size and for comfort choose P4ST.

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by Kanboy

Rear Done a few days back, costed me Rs. 8200 including labour

Can you check and tell me how much paid for part and labour separately ? I’m going to VW ASS tomorrow and they’ve quoted me 5400-5800 for the pads and 1200-1500+GST for labour.

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

Can you check and tell me how much paid for part and labour separately ? I’m going to VW ASS tomorrow and they’ve quoted me 5400-5800 for the pads and 1200-1500+GST for labour.

I in total paid Rs. 8227 for the rear ones the front ones are cheaper, will share a copy of the bill tomorrow for part and labour breakdown. But I think its the same as your quote. By the way has light for the front ones come on yet or are you planning to change earlier. Because after the light comes on you get around 2000kms to change until the metal starts grinding. Not going in for the Brembos?

Originally Posted by fordfreak

@ Vishesh & Kanboy - Hey guys! Got my rear pads & discs changed in December, 2021. Didn't even realize that my rear pads were running so low until the rear brakes suddenly started grinding towards the end of a 600 KM highway run! SA claimed that the rear brakes wear out quicker due to the brake balance setting (?!). Not sure if my driving habits contributed towards this as well. I always park my car with the electronic parking brake engaged. Also, the auto-hold is activated 100% of the time during all my journeys. Was very surprised to see such early brake wear considering my car had only done a bit over 15,000 KMs at the time. Overall cost me about Rs. 38,000 (this includes the annual service, pads, discs, labour & taxes).

You should have gotten the discs refaced/lehti/machined. They would have been as good as new. Faced similar issues with my jetta plenty times and had to keep machining them because there is no tell to the pads life. Changed the discs @ 18000kms. VW should have followed the Japs on this one by providing a pin which screeches on braking letting you know its time to change without causing damage. Chalo metal grinding is the Tell for the German.

Originally Posted by fordfreak

Coming to tyres; even though my stock Apollos have enough tread left on them, they have started cracking! Guessing this is due to age? Ride quality has consequently gotten hard even while maintaining 35 - 36 Psi (cold tyres) and having the DCC set to 'Comfort'. Planning to swap to something new and better. On all my other cars, I use Yokohama rubber, which I have been very happy with. On my previous Passat, I changed from the perpetually leaking Pirellis to Yokohama and never had a single puncture thereafter! Ride comfort and handling was also good. Any pointers while choosing between Yokohama & Michelin?

I haven't tried the yokohamas till date as feedback from most friends was never positive. Many faced issues, but who ever they worked for they really did miracles. But I will suggest you the same thing as Vishesh, give Michelins PS series a try, comfort you will get yes, but the performance on high speeds is just beautiful and it lasts till 80% treadwear, unlike the Bridgestones which start loosing grip and comfort after 60% treadwear may it be the turanza or the potenza.

[Vishesh]

Originally Posted by Kanboy

By the way has light for the front ones come on yet or are you planning to change earlier. Because after the light comes on you get around 2000kms to change until the metal starts grinding. Not going in for the Brembos?

No light, but upon physical inspection I knew it was time to change, and seeing that brake pads for B8 Passat are never in stock (takes about a week to order at A.S.S) I thought it’s best to change now before my discs start getting marks one fine day. Unable to source Brembos or EBCs, tried every number I could find on TBHP as well. Hence getting OEM pads fitted for now.

[srgntpepper]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

But I think my rear pads went bad early because I used to wash the car and kept it parked with the EPB on, eventually the pads stuck to the discs and when the car moved, they lost a layer stuck to the discs (made a loud sound too, to get unstuck) and this happened 3-4times before I figured it out.

I get this sound often in the mornings. A "khutt" to start. and If reversing under gently braking a groan until tyou release the brakes. As the day progresses, the sound doesnt recur. Every servicing I have reported this, they look at it, clean it, and say nothing wrong.

I have done 37K now, and at the 3yr service they said that the brakes pads are still good to go.

Originally Posted by Vishesh

please change to Michelins asap, if you’re still on the crappy Apollos, it’s a sea of difference. I upgraded to P4ST in stock size and keep 35-36Psi cold, absolutely zero problems with tpms and excellent ride/handling.

Originally Posted by fordfreak

Coming to tyres; even though my stock Apollos have enough tread left on them, they have started cracking!

70% of my running has been on highways (in comfort mode and 36 psi cold pressure), and my Apollos are holding up ok. No cracks. Maybe only after i swap I'll know the difference.

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by Vishesh

No light, but upon physical inspection I knew it was time to change, and seeing that brake pads for B8 Passat are never in stock (takes about a week to order at A.S.S) I thought it’s best to change now before my discs start getting marks one fine day. Unable to source Brembos or EBCs, tried every number I could find on TBHP as well. Hence getting OEM pads fitted for now.

Sorry buddy couldn't find the bill in the car, so have asked the Service Advisor to send me a copy and once I recieve it will forward it here. Skoda Superb and Passat share the same brakes, so you can find them on boodmo too, but they wont be Brembo or EBC. Further you are in luck i found the only authorised retailer for Brembo in india located down south. I am sending you his number and he has only the Front ones in stock as I just spoke to him. 9822126156, 9834754917. By the way Viraj Noida usually has Passat B8 parts in stock as they service quite a few Passats

[Kanboy]

Originally Posted by srgntpepper

I get this sound often in the mornings. A "khutt" to start. and If reversing under gently braking a groan until tyou release the brakes. As the day progresses, the sound doesnt recur. Every servicing I have reported this, they look at it, clean it, and say nothing wrong.

I have done 37K now, and at the 3yr service they said that the brakes pads are still good to go.





70% of my running has been on highways (in comfort mode and 36 psi cold pressure), and my Apollos are holding up ok. No cracks. Maybe only after i swap I'll know the difference.

That khutt sound if coming from the rear is the rear brake pads sticking to the disc. It will go away, but will re-occurre every morning if you use EPB.