wiilydog

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1015428070942022/?app=fbl Here's a interesting posting about using 0w 30 or even 5w 30 offering better protection for 1.5tsi engines compared to 0w 20 oil (See discussion for comments)

As long as it meets vag spec it should be fine as vw use thinner oils for better mpg and 0w 30 will offer better protection at high temperatures compared 0w 20

if they are original VAG wheels both alloys and steel wheels will use the same bolts so no need to buy different ones. You only need to be careful with after market alloys.

worn piston rings? does it consume any oil?

does the engine consume any oil between services? as thinking what would cause a cat to fail

Just source something 2nd hand on ebay as plenty of breakers out there

Here is a DIY guide for the oil separator replacement Volkswagen Golf Service & Repair Manual - Removing and installing oil separator - Crankcase breather

Yes was referring to breather valve. Glad it is all sorted now as sounds like the old parts were gummed up.

I'm surprised they did not change the pvc valve too on top of the valve cover as the parts you mentioned is just an oil separator, that filters oil from the fumes so the oil drains back into the engine.

Also worth checking out the piston rings as worn piston rings can also cause high oil consumption.

Early EA211 1.4Tsi engines on the Mk3 had piston ring issues causing high oil consumption with age but this should have been sorted by now for the Mk4 as the piston rings were redesigned later to resolve the high oil consumption issues. The DSG box will be DQ400E, and require oil and filter change every 40k. Eco TorqueVW GTE 0DD DSG / DQ400e Servicing | Why Most Garages Won’...Learn why VW 0DD DSG / DQ400e servicing is avoided by many garages. Eco Torque performs full hybrid disassembly to replace filters, oil & settings.

Pretty sure you can map out ACT as I've heard folk map out ACT when they get it remapped as it suppose to make it smoother. Probably need to speaker to a VAG tuner.

Did you measure your old discs as I think 288mm looks too big in your picture as it is touching your brake carrier, which can't be right. I think you have FS3 Caliers which takes either 276mm or 280mm discs

Can't comment on the codes but there is a MBQ gear linkage kit that replaces and upgrades the plastic bits on your gearbox linkages that causes imprecise shifting. It costs £110 including postage from Diesel Geek from US. https://dieselgeek.com/collections/vw-shifter-bushings/products/mk7-deluxe

Here is a guide for 5 speed box but the principal is the same for 6 speed box.