Ava Romero
Fitting an armrest to a VW Golf MK5 can be a tricky and expensive process. While it is possible to buy parts from breakers and attempt a DIY fit, ordering parts from VW and having a dealer fit them can cost over £1000. The process involves removing the standard handbrake and cup holder and replacing them with the armrest, which has a variety of features such as a 6-disc changer, iPod dock, or USB ports. Some people have managed to fit the armrest themselves for as little as £30, but getting the rear air vents to work is a common issue.
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What You'll Learn
The process requires a T20 screwdriver bit and a flat-blade screwdriver
The process of fitting an armrest in a Golf MK5 requires a T20 screwdriver bit and a flat-blade screwdriver. The standard handbrake/cup holder will need to be removed. There are two screws under the circular rubber mat. Before fitting the new armrest, it is recommended to clean all the parts. To avoid damage, the handbrake leather cover should be removed. A flat-blade screwdriver can be used to locate under a flap and slide it off.
The main casing can then be brought over the handbrake. The handbrake slider casing can be added, with three screws on the front, back, and left side. The armrest is then placed, secured with four screws, two from the old part and two new ones. The rear air vent section can be added, followed by the rear cup holder, which is secured with two screws.
There are different types of armrests, one that allows the fitting of a dock for an iPod, USB, MDI, or 6 CD changer, and another with an L-shaped cubby hole. The process is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you want the rear air vents to work. It is also important to note that the GTI has a different console and armrest, and the kit may not allow an iPod connection.
The cost of parts and fitting can vary depending on the chosen materials and whether the work is done by a dealer. It is possible to purchase parts from breakers and attempt a DIY fit, which can significantly reduce the cost.
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Remove the standard handbrake and cup holder
To remove the standard handbrake and cup holder from a Golf MK5, follow these steps:
Firstly, remove the rear seat by pulling hard at the front corners. There are metal U-hooks holding the seat in place, and you will need to pull upwards as it is also held by velcro. Next, remove the trim at the base of the door to access the carpet. This is done by unclipping the plastic coming down from the back of the seats. You will need to give it a hard tug to remove the trim.
Now, pull the carpet upwards and fold it forward. You may want to cut the underlay with a knife to make this step easier. With the carpet out of the way, you will be able to see the handbrake cable guides. At this point, you can also remove the cup holder by prying it out.
To remove the handbrake, start by removing the 1 x T15 Screw in the centre console around the handbrake under the rubber mat. Then, lift up the plastic off the centre console. Undo the 10mm compensator screw to slacken both handbrake cables. Now, you can remove the locking pin from the handbrake cable from the caliper. Squeeze the arm in and undo the handbrake. Finally, remove the handbrake from the cable guides in the car by pulling.
An alternative method for removing the handbrake is to use a pair of pliers to grip the guide. Use another pair of pliers to grip the hard plastic and twist it back and forth to work it loose from the tube.
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Clean all parts before fitting
To ensure your new armrest fits seamlessly into your MK5 Golf, it is important to clean all parts before fitting. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Begin by gathering all the parts and pieces that you will be fitting into your car. This includes the armrest itself, any screws or fasteners, and any other components that will be involved in the installation. Lay them out on a clean, flat surface to ensure you have a clear view and understanding of all the elements.
Use a soft, clean cloth, preferably a microfiber cloth, to gently wipe down all the parts. You can lightly dampen the cloth with water or, for a more thorough clean, use a mild detergent or isopropyl alcohol. Ensure you wipe down all surfaces, paying extra attention to areas that will be hidden once the armrest is installed, as these may be more prone to collecting dust or debris during the fitting process.
If your armrest has any fabric or leather components, use an appropriate cleaning solution for these materials. For fabric, a gentle brush or vacuum can help remove any dirt or debris. For leather, use a leather cleaner and follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying. Ensure that the cleaning products you use are suitable for the specific type of fabric or leather you are dealing with.
As you clean each part, inspect them for any damage or defects. Look for scratches, cracks, or other imperfections that may have occurred during manufacturing, shipping, or handling. By addressing any issues now, you can avoid potential problems during the fitting process and ensure a smooth installation.
Finally, once you have cleaned and inspected all the parts, set them aside in a clean area where they will remain untouched until you are ready to begin the fitting process. This will help prevent any dust or contaminants from settling on the parts before installation.
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The rear air vents are difficult to get working
Fitting an armrest in a Golf GTI can be done cheaply and easily. Armrests can be purchased from eBay, and fitting them is as simple as changing under 10 screws. However, getting the rear air vents to work is more challenging.
One user on a VW Golf forum stated that their rear air vents were not working, even when driving. They could hear the motor coming on when they pressed the buttons to direct air to the face or footwell, but the vents did not open. This issue may be related to the HVAC system, but no solutions were provided in the thread.
Another user on the same forum mentioned that getting the rear air vents to work during their armrest retrofit was "a pain in the arse". They suggested that the issue might be due to the system automatically going into recirculation mode when reverse is selected.
It is worth noting that some people choose to forego the working vents altogether, as it can be a hassle and is reported to not make much of a difference anyway.
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Fitting the armrest will cost over £1000 from VW
Fitting an armrest in a VW Golf MK5 can be expensive, with some estimates putting the cost at over £1000. This is because the whole centre console needs to be replaced, which is a complex and time-consuming process.
While it is possible to buy parts from breakers and attempt a DIY fit for much less, going through official channels and having a main dealer fit the armrest will incur a significant cost. This is due to the specialised labour involved and the potential need for additional parts, such as a new console and associated working vents.
Some VW Golf MK5 owners have reported that the official route is the only way to ensure a proper fit and maintain the vehicle's integrity. The armrest kit from VW, for example, includes a hollow armrest designed to hold a 6-disc changer, which may not be compatible with all models. There are also cosmetic considerations, as the armrest may only be available in grey cloth, which could look out of place in a leather interior.
While the DIY approach can save money, it may not be a straightforward process. Even something as simple as replacing the cup holder can require removing the centre console. Getting the air vents to work properly is also a common challenge, and it may not be worth the effort given that some owners have reported minimal differences in functionality between the cloth and leather armrests.
Ultimately, the decision on how to fit an armrest in a VW Golf MK5 comes down to budget and priorities. While the official route ensures a proper fit and maintains the vehicle's integrity, it comes at a significant cost. The DIY approach can be considerably cheaper, but it may require more effort and compromise on functionality and aesthetics.
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Frequently asked questions
The cost varies depending on the route you take. If you order parts from VW and have a dealer fit them, it can cost over £1000. However, some people have managed to do it for under £300, with one person claiming they only needed to pay £30 for parts from breakers.
It is possible to buy parts from breakers and attempt a DIY fit. You will need a T20 Bit and two screwdrivers (one of which should be a stubby T20 screwdriver). You will need to remove the standard handbrake/cup holder, which has two screws under a circular rubber mat. You will then need to bring the main casing over the handbrake and add the handbrake slider casing.
You will need a T20 Bit and two screwdrivers (one of which should be a stubby T20 screwdriver).
There are two types of armrest that can be fitted. The first allows the fitting of a dock (iPod/USB/MDI or 6 CD changer), and the second is an L-shaped cubby hole (air-cooled).
