How weak is our clutch?

I guess i've seen references to the MQ250 in 5-speed TSI's actually being pretty weak of a clutch. Have people been seeing replacements early?

I worry about this because although i've had 5 manual cars....this car feels like you have to absolutely ride the hell out of them otherwise you get clunky shifts or the car will be jerky as hell.
(hopefully it's not just me)

If you're worried about shifting action, then there are 2 easy mods to help

Clutch stop - great diy below to make your own or buy eBay/bms one
http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=24943

Clutch delay valve removal
http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21877

If your concern is longevity, I have not heard if any failures in non tuned cars. Your mileage may vary depending on your driving style. So you can make it last 10k or 100k miles.

Tuned is a different story. They tend to slip pretty quickly in most cases. Again it's a ymmv. If you get tuned and don't floor it in high gears at low rpm, then you will be fine. If you are constantly accelerating in 4th from 2k rpm, go ahead and budget for a clutch.

The only one available for the 1.8 right now us from house of dub with 2 options gt (300lbft) or gtx (400lbft). They include a new flywheel and run about $1k (not including labor).
http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18174

Only seen one member get one on here.
http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21082

Im not tuned, I just know you have the ride the clutch for such a long time (Im guessing because of the CDV)....so thats I guess "normal" for this car?

I mean it's at low RPM and it's not like Im sitting on the clutch for more than a second....still..

I have had my TSi Golf with the 5-speed manual for 9 months or so, and so far mine hasn't slipped. (knock on wood) My car has been APR stage 1 since end of October, and although the transmission is no GTi 6-speed in feel, it gets the job done without much fuss. I used to stall the car on steep hills going from stop lights all the time, but the tune has taken care of some of it if not all. And I don't mind the long shifts as I am never really slamming gears.

I just hate how it feels like you have to feather the clutch for WAYYYY too long for it not to buck incessantly

Yep! I agree.

^ that's the delay valve. Remove the CDV and you'll be much happier.

Is20 jb4 GSW. With agressive driving. 7k miles so far so good. I still have to do cdv delete and bump stop