MK8 Golf GTI Info
This page is dedicated to aftermarket/parts available for the MK8 Golf GTI. I'm still working on providing links to the manufacturers pages & respectable purchase stores. Please contact me at info@big-euro.com for feedback or changes. Find other MK8/MQB owners on our Discord server, click here.
MK8 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is there no engine cover? There's a recall on the OEM engine cover that could pop off and cause fire. There currently is no OEM replacement. There are some aftermarket engine cover options.
What is that empty spot in the trunk hatch? Emergency triangle, standard in EU. Can purchase OEM or from 3rd party. VW OE part 8K0860251A. I personally bought this one from Aliexpress
What oil spec should I use? OE spec listed.
GTI - 0W20 [Liqui-Moly]
Golf R - 0W30 [Liqui-Moly] [Motul]
I would suggest any of the top tier brands (OEM, Motul, Liqui-Moly). There is other oil weight options, but if you don't have a reason, just stick to the recommendation from OEM listed above.Travel assist error? If cleaning sensors doesn't resolve issue, known issue with steering wheel/5F module. Take vehicle to dealership. We recommend you search on forums with proof that this is a common issue resolved with steering wheel replacement (if detail isn't aware). Expect 2-6 months for steering wheel parts arrival.
Will 17" wheels fit MK8 R? There's a few 17" that clear the MK8 R brakes. Very few. Apex Wheels has a forged VS-5RS in 17x9 ET42 that works. Obviously the GTI brakes are smaller and most 17" work fine that also work on the MK7R brakes.
How to eliminate wheel hop? Aftermarket dogbone mount will reduce wheel hop, but harder dogbone mounts introduce additional NVH.
Can tint shop tint front triangle window? Yes it can be tinted! If your tint shop can NOT tint the triangle window on the door, find another tint shop!
Why does my car not have hood strut? Cost savings. The are aftermarket options available, easy mod.
Will modifications to my vehicle void the factory warranty? Any modifications has the potential for a dealer or VW to deny a claim. It's always at your own discretion. Typically if the mod isn't related to the failure, then it's not an issue. Example, aftermarket exhaust when dealing with a broken shift knob.
What is the plastic fender extension? It's regulation to extend fender due to the 19" more aggressive offset. Non-functional, only there to appease regulations.
Should I change my oil before the first factory scheduled interval? Most people recommend first oil change between 3k-5k miles. But with factory oils, it's fine. Some people believe first oil should be at 1k. There are quite a few opinions about it.
Creeking noise from door? We would suggest applying Gummi Pflege Stift on plastic/felt door trim.
Can I retrofit euro IQ taillights? Yes. We recommend USP or ShopDAP options with harness kit. Keep in mind, the installation is not easy.Â
Best wheel/tire for comfort? In comparison, the options below provide the most tire sidewall compared to other proper tire sizes for the vehicle.
17" wheels with 245/45/17
18" wheels with 245/40/18
19" wheels with 245/35/19What gas grade (octane) can I use in my MK8? The MK8 GTI is rated for maximum power using 87 octane, therefore higher grade fuel will not provide additional power from a factory vehicle. You can debate with some people who think higher octane is better, but 87 octane is safe and what the factory GTI tune is designed for. MK8 Golf R requires 91 octane.
Wheel bolt torque spec? 103ft/lb is what is recommended in the owners manual
Euro Taillight harness FAQ
ShopDAP & Aliexpress - signal, brakes lights act similar to how the OE Euro spec lights work
USP Motosport - signal and brakes are switchback, similar to how the North America lights work
Clubsport / Golf R spoiler
[Cars245.com] [e-acca.com] [E-Bay.com]
Part number Clubsport Spoiler:
Looks like they have new part numbers with the 'E' replaced with 'G'
5H4827934EGQN / 5H4827934GGQN - Pure White (OQ)/ BlackÂ
5H4827934EAFK / 5H4827934GAFK - Oryx White Pearl Effect (OR)/Black
5H4827934EGQL / 5H4827934GGQL - Urano Grey Solid (5K)/BlackÂ
5H4827934EKCI / 5H4827934GKCI Â - Deep Black Pearl (2T)
5H4827934EMEF / 5H4827934GMEF - Lime Yellow Metallic (C1)/Black (aka Pomelo)Â
5H4827934EWON / 5H4827934GWON - Reflective Silver Metallic (8E)/Black
5H4827934EYRB / 5H4827934GYRB Â - Dolphin Grey Metallic(BO)/BlackÂ
5H4827934EYRC / 5H4827934GYRC Â - Moonstone Grey Solid (C2)/BlackÂ
5H4827934EYRE / 5H4827934GYRE Â - Atlantic Blue Metallic(H7)/Black (
5H4827934EYRF 5H4827934GYRF Â - Kings Red Metallic(P8)/BlackÂ
5H4827934EYXZ / 5H4827934GYXZ - Lapiz Blue Metallic(L9)/Black (Golf 8 R colour only)
Clubsport other parts:
5H0853855041 - MK8.5 GTI Gloss sideskirt
5H0853856041 - MK8.5 GTI Gloss sideskirt
5H6807568M - MK8.5 GTI Clubsport Gloss rear diffuser
Wheel Fitment Guide
NOTES/DISCLAIMERS:
This guide applies to MK8 Golf GTI & Golf R. Main difference is the larger brakes on the R.
Please make sure vehicle has alignment complete. Make sure toe specs are proper. Ball Joint camber adjustments actually reduce fender clearance
Tire manufacturer differences in side wall proper (Michelin/BF tend to have more square having less fender clearance)
Aggressive/flush fitment always pushes the clearance, proceed with own caution, since it's typically 2-5mm to fender. May need additional suspension modifications including camber kits or aftermarket control arms.
Suspension that pushes out the wheel (example Roll Camber Optimizer RCO) will change the fitment below. Unless you use both geometry changes on strut mount & ball joint location.
18" Wheel
18x9 ET42 - 245/40/18 or 255/35/18 - Flush, clean, favorite fitment
18x9 ET45 - 245/40/18 or 255/35/18 - Flush
18x9 ET38-40 - 245/40/18 or 255/35/18 - Aggressive, add camber
18x9.5 ET38-42 - 245/40/18 or 255/35/18 - Aggressive, add camber
18x9.5 ET45 - 255/35/18 - Fuel tube in rear clearance, need rear spacer
18x8.5 ET35 - 225/40/18 - Flush when lowered, but pokey when stock height
18x8.5 ET45-47 - 235/40/18 or 245/40/18 - Weak, also most safe (Recommend spacers 5mm f/ 8mm r)
18x8.5 ET42-43 - 235/40/18 or 245/40/18 - Solid, could use a 3mm space in rear
18x9.5 ET25-35 - Super aggressive, possible with aftermarket suspension changes
18x8 - Just don't do it, say no. Weak
19" Wheel
19x9 ET42 - 245/35/19 or 255/30/19 - Flush, clean, favorite fitment
19x9 ET45 - 245/35/19 or 255/30/19 - Flush
19x9 ET38-40 - 245/35/19 or 255/30/19 - Aggressive, add camber
19x9.5 ET38-42 - 245/40/18 or 255/35/18 - Aggressive, add camber
19x9.5 ET45 - 255/35/18 - Fuel tube in rear clearance, need rear spacer
19x8.5 ET35 - 225/35/19 or 235/35/19 - Flush, may need camber. With look pokey with stock height
19x8.5 ET45-47 - 235/35/19 or 245/35/19 - Weak, also most safe (Recommend spacers 5mm f/ 10mm r)
19x9.5 ET25-35 - Super aggressive, possible with aftermarket suspension changes
19x8 - Just don't do it, say no. Weak
Snow Condition
18x8 ET42-45 - 225/40/18Â - Good for snow weather
17x8 ET42-45 - 225/45/17 - Good for snow weather
** Disclaimers
** Please make sure you do alignment with lowering, specifically the toe specs since some vehicles come with toe out.
*** 255 width tires need ET42 or lower, rear fuel tube interference possible
**** Aggressive/flush fitment always pushes the clearance, please take these recommendations with your own caution.
Also refer to Apex Wheel Fitment for MK8 here.Â
***** 245/35/19, 245/40/18 has the largest diameter, therefore may have rub issues on liner. 255/30/19, 255/35/18Â are wide but actually has smaller sidewalls in comparison
****** Ordered by tallest tire - 245/35/19, 245/40/18, 235/35/19, 235/40/18, 255/30/19, 255/35/18, 225/35/19, 225/40/18
Wheel Fitment Guide (By Tire width)
NOTES/DISCLAIMERS:
This guide applies to MK8 Golf GTI & Golf R. Main difference is the larger brakes on the R.
Please make sure vehicle has alignment complete. Make sure toe specs are proper. Ball Joint camber adjustments actually reduce fender clearance
Tire manufacturer differences in side wall proper (Michelin/BF tend to have more square having less fender clearance)
Aggressive/flush fitment always pushes the clearance, proceed with own caution, since it's typically 2-5mm to fender. May need additional suspension modifications including camber kits or aftermarket control arms.
Suspension that pushes out the wheel (example Roll Camber Optimizer RCO) will change the fitment below. Unless you use both geometry changes on strut mount & ball joint location.
225 - ET35-38
235 - ET38-40
245 - ET40-42
255 - ET42
** Disclaimers
** Please make sure you do alignment with lowering, specifically the toe specs since some vehicles come with toe out.
*** 255 width tires need ET42 or lower, rear fuel tube interference possible
**** Aggressive/flush fitment always pushes the clearance, please take these recommendations with your own caution.
Also refer to Apex Wheel Fitment for MK8 here.Â
***** 245/35/19, 245/40/18 has the largest diameter, therefore may have rub issues on liner. 255/30/19, 255/35/18Â are wide but actually has smaller sidewalls in comparison
****** Ordered by tallest tire - 245/35/19, 245/40/18, 235/35/19, 235/40/18, 255/30/19, 255/35/18, 225/35/19, 225/40/18
Detailing Recommendations
Get started with Rinseless Wash (ONR) - Pan the Organizer YouTube
Products I've used and would recommend:
Optimum - No Rinse (ONR) - Amazon
McKee's - 37 N-914 - No Rinse - Amazon
P&S Absolute - No Rinse - Amazon
Elite Finish - Wash Mist - Direct
P&S Brake Buster Wheel Cleaner - Amazon
Rag Company - Big Sponge - Amazon
Rag Company - Big Drying Microfiber Towel - Amazon
Rag Company - Edgeless 365 Microfiber Towels - Amazon
Rag Company - Microfiber Window Towels - Amazon
P&S Rags to Riches - Microfiber Cleaning Towels Cleaner - Amazon
iK Multi Pump Spray (35oz) - Amazon
The Grit Guard Insert - Amazon
5 Gallon Bucket - Harbor Freight
Suspension Recommendations
Budget Priority
$599 Solowerks S1
$1275 ST X
Comfort Priority:
$1400 ST XA
$2599 KW V3 (Best balance)
$2000 KW V2
$1600 KW V1
Track Performance Priority:
$1399 Bilstein EVO S (Best balance)
$1450 BC DR-Series (8G/10G)
$2800 Ohlin Road & Track
Low Height Priority:
$1450 BC DR-Series Extreme Low (10G/12G)
$1200 BC BR-Series Extreme Low (10G/12G)
Common reasons for fender or liner issues
Lot of people forget there are two separate types of tire rubbing. If you are having a rubbing issue, need to identify root cause and specify which of these types of rubbing you have.
1) Fender
Toe out. Little toe in is good, but seen many OE vehicles with toe out. After getting lowered, toe out gets worse
Not enough camber. Extra negative camber allows more fender clearance. How negative camber is achieved from strut mount position is ideal. Camber from RCO actually pushes the whole wheel outboard.
Sub-frame. Not common knowledge, but the sub-frame can shift. Some vehicles have their suspension pushed to either drivers or passenger side. Dead-set kit allows you to lock down sub-frame alignment from shifting.
Tire width. Wide tires reduce clearance to fender.
2) Wheel liner
Soft suspension. Typically lowering springs increase spring rate stiffness, decreasing suspension travel (even lowered). Whereas most coil-overs allow more suspension travel. Can actually increase potential fender liner issues because of the full suspension travel. Consider a stiffer suspension/coil-over. Comfortable suspensions can lead to more issues.
Tire height. Tall tires means clearance to wheel liner reduced. This is common for 245/40/18 or 245/35/19.
TLDR:
Not all vehicles are created equal. What worked for me, doesn't work for you. First, variation in vehicle build. Second, our modifications could be different. Make sure your alignment is done and not just 'In Spec'. Pay attention to the toe. Next, make sure tire size & wheel specs are considered.
PS: There's been several owners who have rubbing even with ET45 & 235 width tires. Above applies to all makes & models.
Engine/Drivetrain
ECU Tunes
See Tuner Battle videos below!
Intercooler
Intake
MST [BMP]
Suspension / Brakes
Brakes
iSweep Pads [Neuspeed front][Neuspeed rear]
Neuspeed BBK 340mm front [Neuspeed]
Neuspeed BBK 370mm front [Neuspeed]
Forge BBK 380mm [BMP]
RacingLine Stage 2 BBK 345mm [BMP]
RacingLine Stage 3 BBK Carbon 355mm [BMP]Â
RacingLine Stage 3 BBK Carbon 380mm [BMP]
Styling
Front Aero
Oettinger chin [USP] [5H0071606AGRU]
Rear Aero
OEM Clubsport R spoiler painted [ShopDAP][Cars245] **
See Clubsport / Golf R part numbers aboveOEM Clubsport R spoiler black only [BMP]
Oettinger roof spoiler [Notstock][USP] [5H0071644CGRU]
Oettinger rear diffuser [5H0071610AGRU]