Your Volkswagen, when it was built, came with certain parts that met VW's stringent requirements. When it comes time to replacing these parts, you need to equip your VW with only those parts that meet or exceed manufacturer requirements. Generally, you have two choices: OEM parts or aftermarket parts. There is a difference between the two, let's take a look at exactly what they are. Your New Beetle is your prized possession. Ever since VW released the revised Beetle in 1997, you have owned one and have kept it maintained yourself. Could it be that you are missing out on something? Are you paying too much for parts? Are there other parts you can use on your New Beetle that are even better than what came with your car? The answer to all three of these questions is, Yes! OEM parts are also known as original equipment manufacturer parts. These parts are the same parts that were placed on your vehicle when it was built.
For example, if your car came with Bilstein shocks, then your replacement VW parts must be Bilstein shocks. In the case of shocks, Monroe or some other manufacturer may have created a line of shocks just for your car. As long as those replacement shocks meet or exceed stringent OEM specifications you are okay. If they don't, then stay away from them. Volkswagen parts are right for your car? That's easy. Your automobile manual will tell you. In addition, a good auto supply store can give you that information. Car Parts Stuff, for example, lists all of their inventory right online so that you are able to compare parts and prices by make and model. Whatever parts are listed with your make, model, and model year, those are the parts that are right for your car. As mentioned earlier, you may be paying too much for your parts if you purchase them through a retail establishment, particularly one that uses a supplier. A wholesaler, on the other hand, will purchase OEM or better parts directly from the manufacturer. 1. The parts purchased are authentic. Too many counterfeit parts get passed by as authentic when in reality they are counterfeit. Buy direct from wholesalers to make certain. 2. You will pay less for parts purchased through a wholesaler as no third party vendors will get a cut in the action. Volkswagen parts that meet or exceed tough original equipment manufacturer specifications are all that you will ever need for your car. Be careful where you go to purchase replacement parts and shop around to ensure that you obtain the lowest prices for the best parts.
The seven-speed automatic, a member of Volkswagen鈥檚 DSG family, does its job well. In automatic mode, it swaps cogs and does its best to blend into the background of the car鈥檚 operation. Slot the gear lever into manual operation mode and switch the transmission鈥檚 tuning to Sport mode, though, and the DSG comes alive, thanks to sharper upshifts and more immediate downshifts. The stick shift option, meanwhile, is a joy to work, from its progressive, predictable clutch to its perfectly sized shift lever and appropriate throw. This transmission begs for heel-toe downshifts and rapid-fire upshifts, but it's set apart by its notchiness. Normally a problem, the small amount of rubbery resistance at each gate gives this transmission substance and makes it feel real and unsanitized. There are practical reasons to grab this gearbox over its dual-clutch counterpart. Along the Tail of the Dragon, the six-speed stood out as the more involving choice. Shocking, I know. But fun as the sensation of physically managing a gear lever and three pedals is, the six-speed鈥檚 gear ratios make the drive easier, too.
The Dragon is a notoriously technical, relatively low-speed road where gearing can make or break your run. Switching between the GLI鈥檚 two transmissions is a stark reminder of that fact. The manual's smart gear ratios make a road that鈥檚 already physically demanding just a little less so. The dual-clutch transmission鈥檚 problems on a road like the Dragon are twofold. First, while shifting requires less thought, the shorter gear ratios require far more shifting. Second, the transmission will occasionally overrule the driver and won鈥檛 downshift, because it鈥檇 kick the engine speed up too high. Too often, these traits conspire to leave me flat-footed trying to exit one of the Dragon鈥檚 many bends. Put simply, the six-speed is more fun and better suited for twisty roads. Also better suited to twisty roads is the GLI 35th Anniversary Edition鈥檚 adaptive suspension. Only available on the middle-spec model, the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) dampers are a highlight that I wish VW would offer across the GLI range.
