MK8 GTI
2022 Volkswagen GTI S, 6 speed, Oryx White
Installed:
KW V3 from KW Suspension
Camber kit from Euro Sport Accessories | Parts4vw
OEM MK8 Clubsport spoiler from BMP Tuning
OEM MK8 Clubsport exhaust & valance from Deutsch Auto Parts
aerofabb Front & Side splitters - aerofabb
Maxton Design MK8 Golf R spoiler cap V2 from UroTuning
Sportshifters shift knob - Sportshifters
BFI alcantara shift boot - Deutsch Auto Parts
Holy Shifter (Short Shifter) - Deutsch Auto Parts
Opti-coat ceramic installed by CE Detail
Stud kit from Motorsport Hardware
Smoked fender reflector from Badgeskins
Llumar IRX ceramic 40% tint by The Tint Labs
Smoked Dynamic turn signals from Aliexpress
Front plate center mount (no holes) - Legit Speed Design
Piano Black Mirror caps from Aliexpress
Trunk triangle from Aliexpress
Black emblem covers from Ebay
OEM VW Mk8 Euro IQ taillights
LED front signal bulb (PWY24W) from Amazon
Installation:
Previous:
Solo-werks S1 coilovers from Suspension Source
Euro IQ taillights from Aliexpress
(OEM Part # for 6 pin connector 3B0973813)
Future mods:
New wheels, because wheel whore
BBS, HRE, Kinesis, Rays, ?? (can't decide)Big brake kit
Rear swaybar
ECU tune
Upgrade clutch kit
Intercooler
OEM Euro IQ Matrix headlight
Wheels:
HRE 521M - 19x9 ET42 - Dark Polished Clear
Neuspeed RSe102 - 19x9 ET45 - Hyperblack
HRE FF21 - 19x8.5 ET45 - Liquid Metal
HRE FF28 - 19x8.5 ET45 - Liquid Metal
HRE FF10 - 19x8.5 ET47 - Tarmac
HRE FF11 - 19x8.5 ET47 - Liquid Metal
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 or 235/40/18 - Flush
18x8.5 ET45-47 - 235/40/18 or 245/40/18 - Weak, also most safe (Recommend spacers 5mm f/ 10mm r)
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
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
** 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
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? Owners manual recommends 0w-20. 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 of 0w-20.
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.Â
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
Detailing Products Recommendations
Optimum - No Rinse (ONR) - Amazon
McKee's - 37 N-914 - 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
Chemical Guys - Microfiber Cleaning Towels Detergent - 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)
HRE 521M (Dark Polished Clear) - 19x9 ET42 with Toyo Proxes Sport 235/35/19
HRE Flowform FF21 (Liquid Metal) - 19x8.5 ET47 with Michelin Pilot Sport AS 245/35/19
HRE Flowform FF28 (Liquid Metal) - 19x8.5 ET47 with Michelin Pilot Sport AS 245/35/19
Neuspeed RSe102 (Hyper Black) - 19x9 ET45 with Toyo Proxes Sport 245/35/19
HRE Flowform FF11 (Liquid Metal) - 19x8.5 ET47 with Michelin Pilot AS 245/35/19
HRE Flowform FF10 (Tarmac) - 19x8.5 ET47 with Michelin Pilot AS 245/35/19
Neuspeed RSe11R (Bronze) 18x8.5 ET45 with Toyo Proxes 4 Plus 225/40/18
