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Volkswagen TDI Models

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Comments

  • gadgetfilesgadgetfiles Member Posts: 20
    I hope VW turns it around. After 4 days with my Jetta - I couldn't be happier. Moved from a very nice Jeep Liberty (now my wife's) to the Jetta for my 120mi daily commute. Will almost pay for the car payment in the gas savings! Going from a cost of $9.40 a day in fuel to about $4.00.

    VW may be a well kept secret - but I think the word is getting out. My company relocated their headquarters to Omaha (thus the commute) and we've had 8 (including me) of the 120 people that live in Lincoln buy TDIs - and I know of 3 more that are looking. Gonna have to start a company car club:)
  • mike91326mike91326 Member Posts: 251
    Here in California we are already using LSD fuel (I believe <50ppm). Would I need to do the EGR mod if I purchase a used SoCal TDI? Also, after we all get ULSD in 2006 will the EGR mod need to be done?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    "Here in California we are already using LSD fuel (I believe <50ppm). Would I need to do the EGR mod if I purchase a used SoCal TDI? Also, after we all get ULSD in 2006 will the EGR mod need to be done? "

    Let me answer the question, backwards. At a Bay Area GTG, I met and had the pleasure of watching him work his magic a TDI guru who has taken apart many TDI engines both with EGR mods and without and so called CA fuel fed engines and rest of 49 states. It is his considered opinion that the CA fuel fed engines with EGR mod is by far the cleanest and as an observation has worn less.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0404/12/autos-120247.htm

    Here is article today which again states the 25% sales decrease. Also is very interesting that VWOA has 50 person team to improve quality.

    If the TDI attracts buyers new to VW I sincerely hope they have an experience with the TDI as enjoyable as mine and may they never expereience a VW dealer as bad as the one near my home;)
  • erikerik Member Posts: 21
    I have a 2002 TDI wagon. Im going to get a Passat TDI or E Class TDI. The demand for diesel cars will take off in the next five years.
  • divewreckdivewreck Member Posts: 50
    I drove an 03 manual for a test drive but have some serious concerns regarding accleration- my foot was all the way to the floor while shifting; also the arm rest gets in the way. I drive an 2000 automatic
    (gas) which has adequate power & cruise along at 80 mph, getting 32-33 mpg.
    Also, the tdi was being sold at 17,500 with 17k miles. Tried to go lower but dealer would not budge.
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    http://www.detnews.com/2004/autosinsider/0404/19/a01-126902.htm

    Don't let a dealer take advantage of high gas prices to inflate TDI prices. VW sales are very poor.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The TDI takes a little "adjustment" in driving habits to learn the power band. It's not a "foot-to-the-floor" driver. Red-lining is not effective at all as that's well beyond the power band. I find the 2.0L feels extremely slow in real-life driving compared to my mildly modified TDI. It's also possibly the '03 you drove had a MAF problem if it felt slow compared to the 2.0L. Causes a big dead spot in the power band. My '00 will pull hard right into the triple digits. 0-60 it's still not what I would call quick, but it has no problem whatsoever keeping up with traffic or merging.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    The TDI 0-60 is a bit like 10-12 seconds as I recall. The hp is 90 and the #ft of torque is 155. As you have noted the vehicle does not accelerate like a 1.8T. Driving the torque curve is indeed the major task in a TDI. I still marvel at the fact this car can cruise at or close to triple digits and still draw 42-46 mpg! :)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    like me, the TDI is awesome because downshifting isn't necessary very often. 5th gear acceleration from 60mph to ??? is phenominal.

    I was #3 in a line of traffic the other day riding the passing lane behind minivan mom running 66mph. Days later when she finally got around a semi running 65mph.....#2 was driving a newer Maxima which belched a big wad of black smoke as he accelerated off. I stayed right with him in 5th gear and really wasn't giving it much throttle. The Conversion van riding my tail was still passing minivan mom way back in my mirror.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (divewreck) Are you aware that the armrest can be folded up out of the way? I like it down, my wife always folds it up. It certainly not be an issue either way.

    I have NEVER had any issues with the accelleration of my 2003 TDI. It is so torquey that I dont have to even touch the accellerator pedal when starting from a stop... just release the clutch and your moving.

    The V8 Hemi in my truck does not even have that kind of torque at idle!! (It needs some throttle when releasing the clutch) AND $40 OF FUEL TO GO 250 MILES!

    I wonder what you need a lot of accelleration for anyway? There are better drag-racer cars available than the TDI.
  • divewreckdivewreck Member Posts: 50
    Yeah, I realized the arm rest could be folded, halfway into my test drive. As far as accleration, I was exiting the dealer's lot into 50 mph traffic, & wanted to feel the car's response. It just wasn't there
  • priceprice Member Posts: 4
    Just bought a 2002 Jetta GLS TDI with 11,000 miles. I'm looking for a service manual. Which one is recommended (Bentley, Original VW, etc).
    I would also like to do the EGR MOD. I have access to a "generic" scan tool...does it have to be a VW scan tool? Also, where can I find the instructions for this procedure?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    Here is a link to the instructions:
    http://tdiclub.com/TDIFAQ/TDiFAQ-7.html#j

    It is suggested that you locate somone in your area with the proper software on a laptop computer. Most folks with the equipment are more than glad to help you out for free. (TDIers are a pretty good group of folks)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Bentley manual seems to be the most popular. I have one but really haven't needed it. Pretty much any routine maintenance/repair can be researched on the net with better results. I replaced the struts/shocks on my car awhile back and found internet research revealed much better ways than the Bentley manual. Plus a couple steps in the Bentley were just flat-out wrong.
  • priceprice Member Posts: 4
    Mainly wanted torque specifications for oil drain plug, filter housing, etc as I am very bad about over tightening.
  • pusterracingpusterracing Member Posts: 186
    Just picked up an 04 Jetta GLS TDI(5M) the other week on a spur of the moment car shopping trip. I wanted something a little more comfortable than the Corolla I was driving, but also thought...."Why get rid of a perfectly good car.....just because every now and then I might drive it on a trip?....If I get rid of it...I need something that beats it's 41mpg on the hwy..." So that led me to the TDI. Having previously driven two diesels (80 MB 300SD and 84 MB 300CD) I knew the mileage was pretty good and that I can run this car for a good 400K or more. Anyway, I've been reading about this EGR deal....and is that something that I have to worry about with the 04 engine?

    BTW, couldn't be happier with this car. It's comfortable..solidly built....I'm observing 44mpg in pretty much all city driving...my only complaint...the rear seat is a little small...but then again...so are my kids. :)
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    No don't worry about it! Just get it done! :) If you can hook up with someone that has a VAG.com (and knows the procedure obiviously) it is a plug in, adjust, unplug, that might take all of 2 mins! :)
  • madijomadijo Member Posts: 30
    I just picked up a 2004 TDI GLS today. I am very happy with my decision especially watching the fuel prices going up. I got a wheat beige color and am concerned with the very light color interior. Does anyone have a recommendation for keeping it clean? Is scotch guard the prefered sealer or is there something better. Will the scotch guard give the seats a different feel? Are there any suggestions on how and how much to apply? Thanks in advance to any answers!
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    I would as a minimum put like a Wet Okole or a sheepskin on the drivers seat. The best is for all seats, but if you are like most folks, the drivers seat will get the most wear and use. Just make sure the side panels where the air bags pop out of the seat are uncovered.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    There are airbags in the sides of the seats and using seatcovers could be VERY dangerous. (Imagine your shoulder being violently shoved away from the seat.)
  • dieselbreathdieselbreath Member Posts: 243
    Glad you're enjoying your TDI. But it gets better. Mileage should climb slightly for first 10,000 miles. Power too.
    My TDI has 170,000 kms on it.
    My wife drove it to San Francisco and back (with 3 others plus luggage for a 1-week road trip) for < US$85 in fuel ... over 2000 miles.
    And I met a guy in town who bought a new Jetta TDI to replace his last Jetta diesel ... it has over 450,000 kms on it.
    Another friend restored her old Golf diesel (1979) and took 1st prize in a Seattle car show. She rebuilt the engine in the process since it was out of the car, although it didn't need it .... the car only had 313,000 kms on it.
    I haven't done the EGR mod, but would like to. Its getting mostly city usage now and that's what causes problems.
  • vwinvavwinva Member Posts: 71
    Need help on this one. Manual says to change brake fluid every two years but doesn't tell how fluid is needed for the change. Anyone done it DIY? How much did you need and does brand make any difference?
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    The amount of fluid you need to bleed the old fluid out will vary based on the procedure you choose to use. (Vacuum, pressure or pedal-pumping.)

    It is ALWAYS better to purchase more than you think you will need, then return any unopened containers after you have completed the task.

    As for "brand", just like all the other fluids, it does not matter as long as it meets specifications.

    SUGGESTION: If you have never bled a hydrolic brake system before, I suggest that you do not attempt it on your own. Each of the wheels must be removed and the hydrolic lines purged to that "corner" of the vehicle. The ABS and ESP systems must be considerd too.

    I hope you were not just expecting to suck the fluid out of the master-cylinder resivour and refill it. That would be a bad move.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Yes, the technical manual says .2 liter (6.76 oz) per position. There are 5 positions: clutch and 4 brakes for 1 liter (1 liter= 33.8 oz.) The best is to get 2 liters/quarts (DOT 4 is specified) and take back the unopened one for refund. Going out for brake fluid if you run out of the 1 liter is not a good idea timing wise:)

    The fact of the matter is you can actually do the whole bleed sequence in 15-20 oz max.

    You can do it the old fashion two person method, Sears among others sell brake fluid bleeding kits. I use a "Motive" brake bleeder with the Euro and import adapters.
  • caseyr1caseyr1 Member Posts: 11
    Where can I go online to get step by step instruction for changing the oil filter on my 2001 TDI. I am sure it isn't that hard but I would like to see it first before I do it myself.
    Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
  • caseyr1caseyr1 Member Posts: 11
    Thank you for your help. Where can I get the pela 6000 extractor and do you think it is better that using the drain plug?

    Thank You again
  • caseyr1caseyr1 Member Posts: 11
    I just got a really good deal on a 2001 jetta TDI. I would have liked the GLS but I couldn't pass up the great deal. The only thing I wish it had that it doesn't is an armrest. So if anyone knows where or how I could get an authentic VW armrest, I would appreciate some help. I don't even know If I can put one in but I am sure it is possible.

    Thank you for any assistance.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (caseyr1) There a several schools of thought on "Extractor -or- drain-plug". The TDI has a belly-pan which is held on by about 15 screws. This complicates the "drain-plug" process a good deal. Also, since the oil-filter drops in from the top, there is a good argument to suck the oil from the top too.

    The only strong argument I have heard about the "drain-plug" process is that it gives you the oppertunity to inspect the bottom-side of the engine, xmission and other drivetrain components.

    Not only is there the "Pela 6000" there are seveal other vacuum oil-extractors such as the "topsider"

    Here are some links to oil-extractors;
    http://www.pelaproducts.com/
    http://www.globalrider.com/
    http://www.jerrybleach.com/cgi-bin/SoftCart.exe/Store/p-pl6000.ht- ml?L+scstore+clqq0692ff7f8e7f+1078792901
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (caseyr1)
    There are several places that have the armrests as spare parts. (They are not cheep) You may wish to consider a salvage-yard. Oftentimes, if you are willing to go out in the yard and remove the part yourself, you can get a reasonable price.

    When my daughters 1st VW had the door-handle broken off, she and I went to a local scrapyard and for $7 got a replacement.

    CHeck out these links for armrest parts;
    http://www.car-part.com/
    http://www.husco.com/cgi-bin/ePages4.filereader?4004d47a003261970- 000c0a80142059c+EN/products/125682&2D1012604
    http://www.impex.com
  • tagetage Member Posts: 2
    In the interest of having my seats last as long the car does, I'd like to put some front seatcovers on my new 04 Jetta. The Wet Okole site says that their seat covers are designed to allow the air bags to function properly.

    Has anyone used them? Do they breath or do they feel hot/wet like vinyl covers? Do they last?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    I have to tell you that I do not have the Wet Okoles on the VW Jetta product. I have had them 4 years and 62,000 miles on a 2001 Z06 Corvette. They are a bit oxymoronic in that they are water proof but in the touring hours I have had with them (up to 12 hour driving day) they have not made me sweat any more than leather and or cloth. . Obviously when you do sweat you can take them off and quite literally hose them off. (hand wash and air dry is the best) Other than a bit of fading over time they look and feel brand new.
  • philip2philip2 Member Posts: 2
    Getting ready to buy a new TDI automatic Jetta and I do a lot of highway driving in Houston. I was wanting to know if anyone had the break down of miles per gallon at the following speeds - 50mph, 60 mph, 70 mph and up to 80mph?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Actually I just had a discussion with a slew of TDI types this weekend! :) As a departure point, expect 6 mpg less with the auto. If your TDI is the new PD you will get more hp/torque and a tad less mpg. So again as a departure for the manual version between 57-47.
  • philip2philip2 Member Posts: 2
    So is the mpg a constant from 50 to 80 mph with the tdi or does it go down in mpg the higher speed you go like in a gasoline automobile? This will be my first auto that is a diesel.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    I had some seat time (three weeks, three tanks) in a auto TDI plus know the owner well. He did one trip at 55mph (from TX to LA and back following relatives in an RV) and he was getting about 47mpg. The first two weeks I drove the car approx. 180 miles per day. About 60 miles was highway (70-80mph), the rest was hilly/twisty two-lane roads where I did my best to run 60-65mph and had to do some full-throttle accelerating to pass slow-pokes. Realistically I probably averaged 50mph with all the turns and such. I averaged about 38mpg on those trips. The other week I drove the car almost excusively highway at around 75mph and got about 42mpg.

    That's the best I can give you. It's pretty hard to know exactly what the mpg would be at those speeds. Even my test was not scientific because you need to average several tanks of similar driving. A good head-wind/tail-wind will mess up your averaging even. Considering the TDI is geared the same in overdrive/5th gear regardless of transmission, as long as you had a base line difference between the trannys you could estimate better. Says there's 5mpg difference between the two. If I had to put a mileage on the 5-speed at those speeds it would be this:

    50mph- 52mpg
    60mph- 50mpg
    70mph- 48mpg
    80mph- 46mpg

    So assuming a 5mpg difference, you'd be 47mpg, 45mpg, 43mpg, 41mpg respectiveley for the auto. That would be 100% highway driving with no stopping. This is completely unscientific and nothing more than an educated stab at the dark!
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Since I have driven in Houston pretty extensively, I know somewhat the lay of the land. But I have not driven the TDI there. All toll I have been there for 3 full months The figures run like the gasoline. So slower you would tend to get better and faster mileage would tend to go down. Also another data point is in full highway commute traffic the wife tends to get between 47-51. She estimates her average speed is about 65 mph.
  • lifeloverlifelover Member Posts: 12
    I got 49 mpg going around 80-85 mph on flat straight highway, and I also was using the cetane booster. I have an '03 TDI manual transmission with 46k on it. (past owner was a travelng salesmen. Maybe I had a tailwind behind me, but I was definitely impressed. This car cruises real nice at high speeds.
  • fungus440fungus440 Member Posts: 21
    Which brand of diesel does your wife or you usually by in Houston? Since we don't have BP like we do Shell, I was curious.

    I don't own one, but I've been awfully appreciative of the learning curve that I've been on over the past 56 pages. My car (95 dodge spirit with 188k) just isn't ready to give up the ghost.

    What is the expected price increase for the lower emitting diesels in 2006 or so?

    Thanks for your time.
  • vwinvavwinva Member Posts: 71
    Is it possible just to clean out the EGR? If yes, what's the procedure?
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Actually I buy on price. Outside of Arco's 2006 standard and bio diesel, the 49 states are as you know commoditized at 40 cetane and CA at 45 cetane.

    This is just a SWAG but I think it might be 10-15 cents higher. :(
  • vincentwangvincentwang Member Posts: 42
    I'm currently looking the TDI Wagon, comparing the 5M and 5A. Which should I get? Can I use the Tipchornic as a Manual shift? i test drove both, feel 5M is quciker response, and using Tiptronic is little bit better than Auto. Vancouver is not that suitable for 5M, so, if I go for 5A, will the vehicle last shorter?

    Also, I'm comparing with the MAXX. Any clue? i really not sure about the OHV engin.

    Appreciate.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    (vwinva) What do you mean "clean out the EGR"

    EGR means "Exhaust Gas Recirculation" It is a emmissions FUNCTION... not a physical "thing" on an engine.

    There are parts that make up the "EGR" system such as the EGR valve or the EGR cooler. I have never heard of either needing to be cleaned. Especially if one runs the MANDITORY synthetic oil that the TDI engine requires. (specifically to reduce carbon in a cooled EGR system.)

    Perhaps you are thinking of the Intake Manifold or the Intercooler that may tend to get plugged up if the engine is not driven hard enough to keep the gunk from setteling in them.

    ..or perhaps you are thinking of the "snow screen" which should be cleaned off at every-other oil change (20K,40K,60K miles) The snow screen often gets plugged with leaves and insect carcuses which slows down the airflow into the engine, this can lead to other problems.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    "I'm currently looking the TDI Wagon, comparing the 5M and 5A. Which should I get? Can I use the Tipchornic as a Manual shift? i test drove both, feel 5M is quciker response, and using Tiptronic is little bit better than Auto. Vancouver is not that suitable for 5M, so, if I go for 5A, will the vehicle last shorter?

    Also, I'm comparing with the MAXX. Any clue? i really not sure about the OHV engin.

    Appreciate. "

    On the face of it, one might say it is 1. preference and if you are willing to pay 2. premium and live with 3. app 6 mpg difference. 4. there are other issues but I am sure you are aware of them 5. If you plan to do any one or number of power upgrades a. injectors b. chip c etc and do not want to upgrade the clutch for example, the auto is the way to go. I have seen automatics with 300 # ft of torque with no tranny upgrade. That would not be smart with a manual clutch! :( The other thing is the clutch (depending on driver of course and conditions obviously) can go between 100-500k. and will cost upwards of 600 US if you bring it to a shop. Automatics while it can breakdown (but will probably be more costly than a clutch job) will probably outlast the clutch.

    I have driven extensively in Vancover (B.C. eh?) :) with both 6 speed manual and automatics. I would say that although it can be a pain during traffic, a manual is do able.
  • vincentwangvincentwang Member Posts: 42
    Thanks Ruking1,
    Yes, I do live in BC. I really thinking of a 5M, but if the Tiptronic is close to 5M, then I may get a 5A. i believe change clutch is still better than changing the transmission. Also, it's much more power in this 100hp car.
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    I was pricing the TDI on autos.msn.com and I saw in there that residents of the green states (CA, New England, NY) have a $150 premium tacked on.

    Does anyone know if this means you can now register these vehicles in those states? Otherwise, I'll probably have to wait until 2006 for low sulfur diesel.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Since you are from Maine, you might want to check the MA DMV for the proper procedures. I remember there was a legislative lobby to ban sales of 2004 diesels and I think I read something to the effect that the lobby won.

    For example while in CA the selling of 2004 model year is banned, you can register a 2004 TDI as a used car with 7500 miles. :)
  • fdannafdanna Member Posts: 263
    MA is Massachusetts... but yes you cannot register them here because they don't meet the emissions requirements. I knew that already, I was just wondering why they show an option for CA, New England etc... on the autos.msn.com site.
  • bpeeblesbpeebles Member Posts: 4,085
    I found this at dieseldeek and thought some of you would be interested.

    http://www.dieselgeek.com/intakeservice.htm

    Basically, you order a "kit" and then just swap out your clogged intake-manifold for the one in the "kit". All gaskets are included inthe "kit".

    You send your clogged intake manifold back in the included shipping container and get the "core change" back when they recieve it.

    This is a GREAT idea and the cost is reasonable especially if one considers the chemicals, scraping, mess and time it takes to clean a clogged intake manifold.
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