DIY - MKV R32 Tail Lights install on MKV GTI

[Justin Fox]

Hi all,

I always planned on buying some R32 Tail Lights for my GTI and yesterday on a whim I thought I'd ask Howie if he was interested in selling his, he didn't hesitate so as soon as he got home from work I dropped past his place to pick them up! :cool:

These are plug and play, no splicing, cutting needed, simply a bolt on job:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2789/4522007804_3c3d5aae51_o.jpg
There are 4 pieces in total. Take off the inner lights, first unplug the harness (just squeeze it) then remove 2 10mm hex bolts (I had the hatch trim removed but you can simply remove the 2 plastic covers on your hatch trim to get to these bolts easily). Twist the bulb socket it will pop out, and re-use that bulb and fit the new inner lights on.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2678/4522007728_913d192bd5_o.jpg
Now the outer lights: Use a flathead screwdriver to pry this wiring harness off (light blue tab).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2684/4522008262_3429af7237_o.jpg
Remove 2 of these strange plastic bolts (13mm) and the whole light will come out, replace with new one. EASY!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2776/4521374167_6b1b671541_o.jpg
GTI Tail Light.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2802/4521374031_c64866eb74_o.jpg
R32 Tail Light.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2752/4521373939_0e827499ff_o.jpg
Comparison.

[Frenchie]

Nice DIY J - thought we should combine all DIY and make it a sticky thread ?

[stevie]

Nice one Justin!

[Justin Fox]

Sure Frenchie that would be cool.

[VTECMACHINE]

AWESOME! Do they look different when they are turned on?
How much do R32 taillights usually cost?

[AP]

Sick Justin!!

[GBJ-R32]

Wow thats nice

i see the number plates are off and getting done :P

[Cam]

This is the next mod I'm going to do after I get my tune
:p

Thanks for the DIY Justin

[Justin Fox]

It's a no brainer this one guys, can't possibly stuff anything up on this one. I think the RRP on the tail lights is $500 from a dealer Rix.

[Cam]

Has anyone purchased or seen a set of Hella R32 tails?
http://www.parts4euro.com/DCShop/product_info.php?cPath=1_35_192&products_id=351&osCsid=ab567ca3908f68def32cf6bb16e3f947

Just wondering how they fair + look in comparison to the OEM lights.
May end up buying these now while the USD is at a decent rate.

[Tim]

by the time you add the rhd surcharge and shipping the genuine ones are not really that much more expensive if purchased locally from VW. Should be able to pick up a set between $500 - $600 depending on your relationship with the local spare parts rep.

[Cam]

Thanks Tim.
Thats what I was thinking. I'll speak to my dealer and see if they can give me a price.

[Cam]

Thanks for the write up Justin. I followed it this arvo and the tails are now in. Nice and easy!

The hardest part of the whole install was getting the tricky second nut from the inner tails out. I had to sit on the boot and get in with the spanner on an angle.
Took awhile to get out but once it was out the rest was easy
:)

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/7897/dsc0205resized.jpg

[RobR32]

Sexy

[Cam]

Instantly added an extra 30kW as well.
:p

[mshl1979]

Looks good on white.

[Cam]

Thanks Michael.
I've seen a lot of the American guys on the golfmkv forums with them on and have always liked the look.

The only thing now that would really set it off is to colour code the rear bumper and strips.

[Justin Fox]

Very nice Cam! I've noticed my left light isn't quite as well aligned as my right one so I'll be playing with that a little later today.

[Cam]

Very nice Cam! I've noticed my left light isn't quite as well aligned as my right one so I'll be playing with that a little later today.

Funny you mention that, because I thought the same this morning with mine.
The left light seems to go in a little bit further and the right sits flush with the bumper. I thought I might not have put the right one in correctly but then I looked at the GT sport and its exactly the same.
Must just be the design of the bumper.

[Justin Fox]

I just adjusted my one, it's a little bit better now but yep not as 100% flush as the right light. Strange!

[AP]

looks good! Hey Justin you should see my new Recaro pole postion seat in the turbo R... Very nice..

[Justin Fox]

I'm sure it is AP, too small for you though?! It's not as wide as some of their other seats and you're a big guy! I usually find it hard to find a seat small enough to be tight for me and it's why I have gone for a small sized Bride Zetta 3 in my GT-R (and a medium for passenger). The old Recaro SPG was tight but not for sale anymore. I might be getting a pair of Recaro pole positions soon though so would love to test yours out if possible!

Anyways, off topic! :lol:

[burgs]

Looks good mate :)

[saad]

Cant wait to install mine AP!

Also OT: Pole positions are awesome, I'd get a pole position for myself, and a recling model for the passenger, so the rear seats are still accessible. Not sure if Ill fit though

[shauno]

w00t!

This DIY should come in handy in about 3-4 weeks... Ordered OEM LED tails from tmtuning :)