Dann's Leon Cupra 290 - Dynamic Grey

Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Hello!

I'm fairly new here so thought I'd stick up a thread for my new Cupra.

After 4 years of owning a BMW E90 335i, an increase in my mileage made me look at newer and more efficient cars (BMW averaged 20-22mpg on my commute and needed warranty as it was unreliable #N54life). Combined with a new born baby (born 01/01/19) we decided that a hatch would be more practical than the saloon BMW.

My 335i:

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So I sold the 335i and got on the hunt for a Leon Cupra.

I found a few but most sold quite quickly or were too far away, so when one popped up in Kent with little description (Grey, 1 owner, x miles) and no photos on AT, I gave the dealer a ring and got the ball rolling.

I knew that I wanted a white one, so the first question was "what colour grey is it? Is it the dark or light one". 10 mins later I had a phone call back saying it was in fact the light "Dynamic Grey".......Perfect.

After a few more calls and chats with the dealer I decided I would put a deposit down to make sure it was mine.

A week or so later I jumped on a train for the 3.5hr trip from Portsmouth to Kent and bought it.

Seat Leon Cupra 290 Black
6spd DSG
2016
17,000 miles

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So far I've given it a wash and a seal and just been driving it.
First impressions are very good. It's great fun, bloody fast and the DSG farts are brilliant (Especially through the "local" Hindhead tunnel). It's a completely beast to the BMW which was low, more comfortable and you'd just waft around on the torque, although losing a clutch pedal is a revelation for my commute and having the switchable suspension is brilliant too. So far I'm very impressed and don't miss the BMW....well maybe the 6cyl noise....

Things planned are:
Fit private number plate
Machine Polish/Full wheels off detail + Carpet and Seat clean
Dogbone Insert
Strut Brace
Michelin PS4s
Aero Skirts
TRC Splitter
Reiger Diffuser
New exhaust tips (RS3/RS4 or Golf R)
Update MIB2
DSG paddle extensions
LED upgrades
Some more black bits..
Maybe DSG remap
Some coding bits
 
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Sharpy

This place has cost me a fortune....
Oct 2, 2018
957
486
Nice. Literally just read your post on DW about this and was about to post on there as well! Great cars and as you note they can be made to look really good with some minor mods.
 
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Seastormer

Cupra Leon VZ2 300/CBF1000
Apr 25, 2014
5,007
692
68
Edinburgh (Scotland)
Very nice looking motor, will be looking forward to see the changes you have planned. Check out the oldboy's thread for how you could go and see how "The Beast from the East" was created.
 
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Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
So the Cupra had it's first MOT this morning (18250 miles ish)
Nice clean pass with no advisories

Also got some updates for bits that I've done since Feb.
 

Jimbobcook

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Nov 24, 2012
6,149
2,531
There will be some once I get round to taking them

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Nice looking motor!

This is fast pace haha you can't just say you've done mods but no photos to back them up haha
 

Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Nice looking motor!

This is fast pace haha you can't just say you've done mods but no photos to back them up haha
Of course I can
I've got a young child so don't get too much time to take photos etc.

Anyway.
Updated the MIB2 to 2019/20 maps and then the software from 245 to 346

Also changed the rear bulbs to LED and removed the snow grate.

Next up is a Ramair filter, intake hose and turbo elbow
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Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Ramair Panel Filter and Intake Hose along with AliExpress Turbo elbow fitted!
Took about 20mins and was super easy.

Also managed to get my Custom DSG Paddle Replacements fitted!
They need some tweaks and then I'll be replacing them again with ones that light up too!
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Last edited:
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Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
No photos but small update.

Had it serviced and had the diff oil changed (including pump strainer) and also had the Powerflex Hybrid bush installed.

Completely changed the feel of the car when launching but vibrates so so much at idle.

Also had the water pump and coolant regulator diagnosed as leaking so that's getting done next week (luckily as my approved used warranty runs out in 3 weeks)

Also just shy of 20k miles now.

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Oct 7, 2019
12
0
Does the ram air panel filter make any difference ?
It’s about £30 but not sure if these make any difference like they used to over the standard part.
 

Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Does the ram air panel filter make any difference ?
It’s about £30 but not sure if these make any difference like they used to over the standard part.
Honestly?
Probably not. Can't say I've noticed any difference.

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rob280

Active Member
Oct 27, 2019
116
44
Looking good. What are the rear tints? Have you got a link?


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Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Looking good. What are the rear tints? Have you got a link?


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I don't unfortunately. I got them about 6 months ago off Amazon.
They are finest folia C022 though.
It's just red transparent vinyl that is cut to the shape of the clear part of the lights

Cost me about £8 I think

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Dannnnn

Active Member
Dec 9, 2018
440
200
Hampshire
Never thought of applying red tint over the orange bits on the rear lights, I like it [B)]. Heads off the Amazon...
Yeah a lot of people have the dark tinted ones. I want to get a LHS rear light so they were both fully clear bottom halves but then I saw these and took a punt.
Properly glad I did

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