MB can & continues to make some interesting to down right strange combinations. How these & various combinations fair on the resale & aftermarkets are anybody’s guesses. So for this one example, on the 2014 GLK 350, 4 matic is optional. On the 2014 GLK 250 BT, 4 matic is the only offering.
Fuelly.com posts worse mpg for the 2014 GLK 350 4 matic vs non 4 matic, as might be expected. There are no contrasting data for the 2014 GLK 250, for above stated reasons.
2011 was the first model year of the new Bluetec, and I think they were in short supply for a small amount of time. E-class Bluetec 4Matic only came with the 4cyl engine for MY 2014-16 - but the 6cyl diesel was in AWD for CUV/SUVs beforehand.
Indeed, mpg guru Geddes (google for those not familiar) has shown diesel to not only use far less fuel for the same amount of work.
Because of oil refinery ratios ( 20 gal/11 gal) on a (42 gal) barrel of oil will defacto use far fewer barrels.
I know, looking more long term going to greater electrical dependency with killing of oil will dictate more drilling (for natural gas for (EV) grid plants) & greater reliance on coal & nuclear sources. So for those thinking EV fuel an end to ABIOTIC fuels, think again! “Dead Dinosaur” fuel has been a cruel hoax.
Don’t forget, the earth’s core is indeed a NATURAL environmentally sustainable ongoing nuclear reaction with oil & natural gas as two byproducts. The real answers lie in the %’s: ie., 50% diesel 40 % gasoline, 5% natural gas, 5% EV, etc. Indeed, it is the Rockefellerian 98% reliance model on pvf gasoline that got us to “this problem” in the first place. Elimination of gasoline, diesel is folly to insanity.
To wit, how would our world be, with no jet fuel plane flights or fuel powered shipping, etc. ? Why no EV cruise ships?
I think the end of the Sedan may be imminent. When I was at my local GM dealer only SUV/CUV, PUs and Corvette in the showroom. Oh and some tiny little car, not sure what it was. Did not look. I looked at the Traverse, Equinox, Terrain, Colorado and Corvette on display. Did not see any Impalas on the lot, a couple Cruze and rows of CUVs and PU trucks.
The mileage of my Bluetec in stop 'n go city traffic (often heavily exacerbated by at-best inconsistently competent "traffic engineers") is no better than a gasoline engine. Why not have some hybrid assist at these lower speeds, where electric makes more sense anyway? Diesel hybrids have been around in Europe for several years, but somehow have missed this market. Maybe not surprising, as NA market offerings for most makers have been dumbed down for decades.
My overall mileage on the VW Touareg TDI has dropped being used in Pahrump the last 5 months. I am getting around 24 MPG with an average per tank speed of 21 MPH. I try to make at least one trip to Las Vegas in the Touareg. 3 fills in 5 months and 1400 miles. Not great way to increase MPG.
I forgot to mention in my test drive of the GMC Terrain diesel, the salesman pointed out the auto stop feature. It was so seamless and unobtrusive that I would not have noticed without him mentioning it. Unlike the auto stop on my 2006 GMC Sierra Hybrid, that was awful to drive. The new Terrain starts when you take your foot off the brake. The old Sierra Hybrid did not start until you hit the accelerator. Caused a lot of wasted wheel spin, especially in the rain or on sand & gravel.
Corvettes are “order only”@ the factory. I have known this to be true going back to my 2001 Corvette Z06. Needless to say, there are not many made @ each years end, since then.
Given your experience with the 2018 latest stop/start application, I say is it was ahead of the 2017 MB stop/start app. The wife hated it,on the loaners given us for a sm total of two weeks.
It occurred to me the meaning of my comments about the Corvettes may not pop out on first reading. Part of GM’s prototype successes with the Corvettes was not to over/under produce. My sense is almost all gassers, EV, etc., will have to implement this type/variation of this model.
In contrast none of my (4) diesels, were made for me. Two were in fact, part of over all inventory, not assigned to any one dealer, not ordered by me or another customer &/or canceled. Two were part of dealers inventory.
The Tesla’s strategy, (ability to produce 15,000 per year with 350,000 reservations for just one model) is difficult to fathom. It’s not like you can take those 350,000 reservations as collateral for $ B’s in loans. The formula indicates approximately 24 years to fulfill the reservations. The youngest daughter did send a video of the “gull winged” doors, while she was in Las Vegas, NV.
I do have to say a fuel cell stock just popped 31% + today. I’ve got to love this & other Edmunds.com boards & put food on the table while I post.
For something as substantial as an automobile, it makes a lot of sense (to me, anyway) that each car built has a (known) customer on the other end of the assembly line. Sadly, people just aren't that patient when it comes to most types of vehicles, so, rather than production efficiency, the builders would instead see lost sales.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
With $15,000 + profit per on PU trucks (vs very targeted (low volume) Porsche/etc., territory) , oems feel they can more afford the “build em & they’ll sell” attitude, over the “select your options” % side of the business.
Oil is artificially high as transport prices (rail) for crude are artificially high. That’s due to the cross Canadian ( from middle to west coast) & Keystone pipe line hold ups & railroads not investing.
I am in a bit of a quandary. My VW Touraeg says it is time for service with 46,000 on the odometer. Last dealer service was at 38,875 miles. Called the dealer in Las Vegas for service prices. They want $785 for the 50k mile service. Which covers oil change and transmission service. Just oil change is $270. Local GM dealer will do oil and filter if I bring in my own oil. Mobil recommends Mobil 1™ ESP Formula 5W-30. Any good reason I should go all the way to Las Vegas for this service? I can order the oil and filter from Amazon and have it here in a couple days.
PS I am still waiting for my Modification and cash. I have tried several times to navigate their website and it blocks me. Even with their tech support people on the phone. Last time they said IT is working on it, try back in 5 days. I get rid of this vehicle and will never consider VW again. I love to drive it. Not enough to put up with their nonsense.
Anyone ever use BLAU J1A5112-E VW Touareg Motor Oil Change Kit. Amazon sells the kit for $91 with free shipping. Says it is for the 2013-16 TDI Lux. Beats NAPA at $142 for oil and filter.
Anyone ever use BLAU J1A5112-E VW Touareg Motor Oil Change Kit. Amazon sells the kit for $91 with free shipping. Says it is for the 2013-16 TDI Lux. Beats NAPA at $142 for oil and filter.
Do you still have your manual? Should tell you which types of oil are acceptable. Not just viscosity/weight, but which specification standards need to be met.
I know with gas engines it is something like VW 501 and VW 503 that you want to be met by the oil. Whatever is the highest and most stringent specification is best.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
I am in a bit of a quandary. My VW Touraeg says it is time for service with 46,000 on the odometer. Last dealer service was at 38,875 miles. Called the dealer in Las Vegas for service prices. They want $785 for the 50k mile service. Which covers oil change and transmission service. Just oil change is $270. Local GM dealer will do oil and filter if I bring in my own oil. Mobil recommends Mobil 1™ ESP Formula 5W-30. Any good reason I should go all the way to Las Vegas for this service? I can order the oil and filter from Amazon and have it here in a couple days.
PS I am still waiting for my Modification and cash. I have tried several times to navigate their website and it blocks me. Even with their tech support people on the phone. Last time they said IT is working on it, try back in 5 days. I get rid of this vehicle and will never consider VW again. I love to drive it. Not enough to put up with their nonsense.
Wait to change the oil @ app 60,000-62,000 miles. Just make sure that you are not a ltr/quart low. Turn off the dealer service lamp. There is a procedure in the owners manual. Transmission service is NOT needed. If that seems weird, change it @ 120,000 miles or so. Use your local GM dealer. Bring 8 ltrs (buy 1 more ltr. = 9 ltrs total, 5W30) of VW 507.00 specification oil.
Next replacement $25 k + more? 2018 Audi SQ5, MB AMG GLC 43 ? 20 mpg from 36 mpg, 369 # ft/384 # ft?
Gary. I have not used a Blau kit, though I was thinking about getting one for servicing the transmission this summer (if I have not sold the car by then). You just need an oil that meets the VW spec. I think it is 507.00 for yours.
The filters aren't cheap, but are fairly easy to access if yours has the same setup as mine. Just pop the engine cover off (easy pull up), and it is located front and center. It is a little different of a design than the typical spin-on of most vehicles, but still quite easy to install. I don't know why the service, plus supplies, should cost you more than $100.
Mine does take a lot of oil: Around eight quarts IIRC. I use a fairly expensive oil at $40 per gallon, so I think my change cost me about $100 with the $20 filter. The owner's manual recommended the oil be changed via pumping it out from the filler tube, but that just seems way too complicated to me. I pulled the under cover and drained it conventionally.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I think I will go this route and let the GM dealer change it. I don't want to waste hours in Las Vegas waiting. When we get the Modification they have to give us a loaner. So they can keep it as long as it takes to modify. When I get the checks from VW and Bosch, it goes on Craigslist at top dollar.
Check from Bosch? What is that? I haven't seen anything from them.
Edit: I just looked on the site below, and it says that if I went through the VW portal, that they will automatically send the compensation after the VW claim is approved. I wonder how long that takes!
Both the specifications and the TMI have tendencies to put people to sleep.
However in VW 507.00 (circa 2004,5W30) diesel oil, the oil can be used for both, gasoline (504.00/505.00 new 0W30 for better mpg, etc.). Total Quartz INEO: http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/FichePDF/lang_1/5833.pdf Please note “Client Benefits” of 30,000 Kms to 50,000 Kms, aka. & app, 18,600 miles to 31,000 miles. The key UOA (degradation) factor here is the (t) BN 5.8. mgKOH/g.
As it applies to OCI’s (oil change intervals) of: 2,000 miles, 5,000 miles, 10,000 miles, 15,000 miles 20,000 miles, 25,000 miles, 30,000 miles, it’s all about doubt & fear.: stimulate excessive consumption. Even oil manufacturers, published in baby talk skip OVER how modern oils are actually designed to & do work. The oem/oil vendors oil specifications are not very transparent. Neither do OEM’s publish UOA (used oil analysis) technical parameters.
However to cut to the chase, modern specific diesel engine oil’s are super robust.
Check from Bosch? What is that? I haven't seen anything from them.
Edit: I just looked on the site below, and it says that if I went through the VW portal, that they will automatically send the compensation after the VW claim is approved. I wonder how long that takes!
I had to send all sorts of documents to Bosch. Same as to VW. Supposedly I will get a check from them when the vehicle is modified and VW cuts me a check. Last night I returned to the VWGOA Claims site and was able to upload all the documents they requested. So now I wait for them to give me the green light on getting into a dealer for the modification.
Check from Bosch? What is that? I haven't seen anything from them.
Edit: I just looked on the site below, and it says that if I went through the VW portal, that they will automatically send the compensation after the VW claim is approved. I wonder how long that takes!
I had to send all sorts of documents to Bosch. Same as to VW. Supposedly I will get a check from them when the vehicle is modified and VW cuts me a check. Last night I returned to the VWGOA Claims site and was able to upload all the documents they requested. So now I wait for them to give me the green light on getting into a dealer for the modification.
Great! Progress! For me, it was only a matter of days before all of that "green lighting" was done and I was able to schedule the appointment.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Check from Bosch? What is that? I haven't seen anything from them.
Edit: I just looked on the site below, and it says that if I went through the VW portal, that they will automatically send the compensation after the VW claim is approved. I wonder how long that takes!
I had to send all sorts of documents to Bosch. Same as to VW. Supposedly I will get a check from them when the vehicle is modified and VW cuts me a check. Last night I returned to the VWGOA Claims site and was able to upload all the documents they requested. So now I wait for them to give me the green light on getting into a dealer for the modification.
Great! Progress! For me, it was only a matter of days before all of that "green lighting" was done and I was able to schedule the appointment.
I think Audi owners are treated much better than VW owners. You are the Creme de la Creme of automobile buyers. Have you noticed any difference in the SUV since the Mods were done?
I think Audi owners are treated much better than VW owners. You are the Creme de la Creme of automobile buyers. Have you noticed any difference in the SUV since the Mods were done?
I don't know about that...! You should see the Audi / Porche dealership in Anchorage. It's pretty "ghetto." LOL I definitely prefer the VW shop next door.
I only picked up the Audi because pricing wasn't all that different between them, I preferred the appearance of the Q7, and I had this delusion that it was a roomier car. Hahha. Oh well; I still like it well enough.
I have only noticed two minor things:
1. The engine is a little bit noisier. It has a faint "diesel clatter" to it now, which it did not have before. 2. The vehicle exhaust no longer has sort of a sweet aroma to it. I still think that there was something wrong with the urea injection system before, so my exhaust may have been abnormal previously, but now the exhaust is basically just normal exhaust.
I can't really comment on fuel economy. It seems nearly identical to before, but not enough time has passed to really gauge it. The last two weeks have been quite cold here, too, between -20 and -30F the whole time, so that has an inevitable impact on it. I think this tank will probably hit between 18-19 mpg. But, that also represents basically the lowest economy I get on this car, which is pretty stellar considering most folks driving a 5,500# SUV might get that economy during local driving in the SUMMER!
Driving characteristics are not noticeable to me at all. It shifts powerfully and smoothly, it slows when "coasting" as I would expect, etc. I do notice that, while coasting, it is less common that the economy gauge will max out. Usually, it now says things like "184" and "200" rather than "---".
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I have a 1000 watt circulating block heater on it, along with a 200w oil pan heater and a 150w transmission pan heater. With these, three hours of pre-heating it results in the car starting instantly (e.g., no waiting for "glow plugs"), and already at operating temp.
This morning, I forgot to plug in the car. It was -20F. I was nervous that the 5w-30 synthetic would be too gummy to allow starting. After about a five-second pause for the glow plug light, it cranked (a bit slowly through the syrupy oil), and, with nary a delay, fired right up.
Boy was it sluggish, though, when I started backing out of the driveway!
My economy gauge read 20.4 when I arrived at work. Usually, even in these temperatures, it will read 23-24 mpg on that exact same run.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I have a 1000 watt circulating block heater on it, along with a 200w oil pan heater and a 150w transmission pan heater. With these, three hours of pre-heating it results in the car starting instantly (e.g., no waiting for "glow plugs"), and already at operating temp.
This morning, I forgot to plug in the car. It was -20F. I was nervous that the 5w-30 synthetic would be too gummy to allow starting. After about a five-second pause for the glow plug light, it cranked (a bit slowly through the syrupy oil), and, with nary a delay, fired right up.
Boy was it sluggish, though, when I started backing out of the driveway!
My economy gauge read 20.4 when I arrived at work. Usually, even in these temperatures, it will read 23-24 mpg on that exact same run.
Are you at much altitude? Although with the turbo, that should matter less if at all.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
No, not here. Fairbanks is ~ 400 ft elevation. I'm at maybe 550' at my house.
Reminds me of an old story of a trip through Bolivia in the Andes mountains with very high elevations being stuck in a '70's era GMC Jimmy SUV. What a piece of crap! However, it did get us to the destination without breaking down, but it seemed like we were in a horse carriage going up some steeper roads in the mountains, as in 1-HP.
'18 Porsche Macan Turbo, '16 Audi TTS, Wife's '19 VW Tiguan SEL 4-Motion
On xwesx’s post, the hardware you installed in winter is easily worth 3 mpg better, if I were to guess.
Yeah, with all the relatively short runs I make, that is probably quite true.
From my diesel experience in Alaska, I would bet they only sell number 1 diesel during the winter. That does not have the BTUs per gallon of number 2 diesel. It is basically kerosene or JetA fuel. With various blends.
On xwesx’s post, the hardware you installed in winter is easily worth 3 mpg better, if I were to guess.
Yeah, with all the relatively short runs I make, that is probably quite true.
From my diesel experience in Alaska, I would bet they only sell number 1 diesel during the winter. That does not have the BTUs per gallon of number 2 diesel. It is basically kerosene or JetA fuel. With various blends.
In the interior, yes, #1 in the winter time. In Anchorage, it is #2 with additives, at least according to the station managers I've asked about it. However, they very well may have no clue. #2 will work fine at -20 or -30F with proper additive. I haven't had any issues thus far, whether filling locally or filling in the Anchorage area (I filled in the valley before coming home on both of my trips this winter).
As I've stated previously, I am very happy with the economy, particularly given the size (weight) and capability of the vehicle.
However, last winter, when I had the Passat, the last time I filled it was early September before parking it for four months. It was fine to about ten degrees, then the diesel began to gel. I had to add all sorts of junk to it, along with heating the engine, to finally get it to start. Of course it was -15F when I had to take it down to Anchorage for my buyback appointment! It was fine once I finally got it started.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
Not very likely I will encounter diesel gelling. I avoid cold places now that I am retired. Though Pahrump can get weather down in the teens. This winter we have not hit anything below 32 degrees. And the garage does not get cold. After 6 months of $2.72 diesel it went up yesterday to $2.76. RUG jumped from $2.22 to $2.42 both at Smith's using CC. Must be the price of oil. Sure beats $4.09 when I bought my Touareg in 2013. We peaked out at $4.29 in early 2014. Last fill in San Diego was $3.49 for ULSD. So not complaining about paying $2.76. with most of my daily trips under 6 miles round trip, fuel is not high on my list of expenses. Less than 2 bucks a day for fuel is not going to give me problems. That included two trips to Costco & See's Candy in Vegas. Life is good.
Our transportation policy planners should compare European avg miles per yr (9,000 miles to 12,000 miles) & the (MASSIVE) costs involved to get our AM avgs down.
The US American averages are between 11,000 miles and 14,000 miles. I will leave out the next most obvious variability/‘s.
So using 14,000 miles a year/28 mpg (your) avg = 500 gals per year. ( X * Y local/avg $$’s =Z )
Got my 7 page release form from VW yesterday. Had to go get it notarized and mailed off to them. Then I guess they send authorization for the Modification to be done? Can't wait to get my $7300 and the mod done so I can put it on Craigslist for sale. Don't want anything to do with VW again. Think I will offer it for about $34k to start. None like mine West of Wisconsin. Will see if there is any demand here in the SW.
I’m sure that you will do well; whether you decide to sell, buy or even hold|. If VW gets back into diesel, I would suspect that they learned their lesson and not cheap out. If not, perhaps more opportunities. There were a lot of opportunities in these diesel gate corporate missteps.
I was able to catch the VW (stock) roller coasters descent. I bailed before it’s absolute low. As it started it’s slow ascent, I got back in. So I’ll be looking @ its 52 week high to pull the trigger, either way it decides to go. Love the .93% dividend during the wait. Not too bad for having ZERO insider information.
The loose VW interest groups alliances knew that something was up. There were (earlier than Sep 2015) advertisements offering to rent ones’ VW diesels. As I remember, it offered free door to door big rig truck car pick up/delivery. It also offered generous allowances and guarantees to “lottery winners”. I should have been cued to shorting then.
I’m liking the information about the 2018 VW Atlas! I know it would benefit from a 3.0 L TWIN TDI, especially since it (MLQ, Golf frame) is app 400 #’s lighter (4,500) than the Touareg.(4,950) Just the weight-loss alone would add (1 mpg to 3 mpg) to my 32 MPG. 406+# ft is OH YEAH!
The VW Touareg is STILL one of the best CUV’s, even after app 16/18 years.
The reports of diesel’s death may be premature? One reason might be the 48V hybrid can be a yuge (10% to 20% mpg) game changer for diesel hybrid’s, in addition to the 20% (12v hybrid) ?
So for example, if a (gas/12v hybrid) 2017 Prius can post 50.5 mpg (excellent by the way), a (33% better) diesel hybrid can post easily 67 mpg. Indeed (with no hybrid) , there are 75 mpg diesel’s already in Europe. A 48V 20% advantage shoots a (Prius competitor) diesel 48v hybrid to 80 mpg.
To use my 36 diesel mpg, the 12v hybrid adds (7.2 mpg) 43.2 mpg. The .48v 20% example would post shy of 52 mpg.
Variance of course is part/ parcel of the equation.
It all makes it imperative that I get my Touareg TDI sold and buy a new Chevy Equinox diesel before diesels get undermined again in this country. Looking for a white with brown leather. Not sure what will be available. Not real fond of the black and tan. May be all that is offered.
It all makes it imperative that I get my Touareg TDI sold and buy a new Chevy Equinox diesel before diesels get undermined again in this country. Looking for a white with brown leather. Not sure what will be available. Not real fond of the black and tan. May be all that is offered.
Pretty pretty pretty.
I am not a big fan of white exterior, but I do agree on the brown (or lighter) interior colors as opposed to black. If I didn't live in the great white north, maybe I would not be so adverse to white and black cars.... Maybe.
2018 Subaru Crosstrek, 2014 Audi Q7 TDI, 2013 Subaru Forester, 2013 Ford F250 Lariat D, 1976 Ford F250, 1969 Chevrolet C20, 1969 Ford Econoline 100
I did not worry about color so much in Alaska. Had dark and light. In the desert of the SW, white or silver reflect the heat best. Silver fades out more than white. Really shows any repairs. Tan is best if you don't want to keep it washed. My dealer here in Pahrump offers free drive through car wash. So very easy to keep clean. Very little rain so mostly need a rinse about once every couple weeks. Great weather here. low 70s most days. Cool 30s to 40s at night. I am leaning toward the Equinox Premier 4x4 with diesel. GMC Terrain does not offer diesel in their top of the line Denali. The Equinox just looks better to me.
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I don't know about fin's unit, but when I was shopping E-Class diesels in 2011, they weren't available in AWD, only gas models.
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Fuelly.com posts worse mpg for the 2014 GLK 350 4 matic vs non 4 matic, as might be expected. There are no contrasting data for the 2014 GLK 250, for above stated reasons.
Because of oil refinery ratios ( 20 gal/11 gal) on a (42 gal) barrel of oil will defacto use far fewer barrels.
I know, looking more long term going to greater electrical dependency with killing of oil will dictate more drilling (for natural gas for (EV) grid plants) & greater reliance on coal & nuclear sources. So for those thinking EV fuel an end to ABIOTIC fuels, think again! “Dead
Dinosaur” fuel has been a cruel hoax.
Don’t forget, the earth’s core is indeed a NATURAL environmentally sustainable ongoing nuclear reaction with oil & natural gas as two byproducts. The real answers lie in the %’s: ie., 50% diesel 40 % gasoline, 5% natural gas, 5% EV, etc. Indeed, it is the Rockefellerian 98% reliance model on pvf gasoline that got us to “this problem” in the first place. Elimination of gasoline, diesel is folly to insanity.
To wit, how would our world be, with no jet fuel plane flights or fuel powered shipping, etc. ? Why no EV cruise ships?
Given your experience with the 2018 latest stop/start application, I say is it was ahead of the 2017 MB stop/start app. The wife hated it,on the loaners given us for a sm total of two weeks.
In contrast none of my (4) diesels, were made for me. Two were in fact, part of over all inventory, not assigned to any one dealer, not ordered by me or another customer &/or canceled. Two were part of dealers inventory.
The Tesla’s strategy, (ability to produce 15,000 per year with 350,000 reservations for just one model) is difficult to fathom. It’s not like you can take those 350,000 reservations as collateral for $ B’s in loans. The formula indicates approximately 24 years to fulfill the reservations. The youngest daughter did send a video of the “gull winged” doors, while she was in Las Vegas, NV.
I do have to say a fuel cell stock just popped 31% + today. I’ve got to love this & other Edmunds.com boards & put food on the table while I post.
Oil is artificially high as transport prices (rail) for crude are artificially high. That’s due to the cross Canadian ( from middle to west coast) & Keystone pipe line hold ups & railroads not investing.
PS
I am still waiting for my Modification and cash. I have tried several times to navigate their website and it blocks me. Even with their tech support people on the phone. Last time they said IT is working on it, try back in 5 days. I get rid of this vehicle and will never consider VW again. I love to drive it. Not enough to put up with their nonsense.
I know with gas engines it is something like VW 501 and VW 503 that you want to be met by the oil. Whatever is the highest and most stringent specification is best.
Next replacement $25 k + more? 2018 Audi SQ5, MB AMG GLC 43 ? 20 mpg from 36 mpg, 369 # ft/384 # ft?
The filters aren't cheap, but are fairly easy to access if yours has the same setup as mine. Just pop the engine cover off (easy pull up), and it is located front and center. It is a little different of a design than the typical spin-on of most vehicles, but still quite easy to install. I don't know why the service, plus supplies, should cost you more than $100.
Mine does take a lot of oil: Around eight quarts IIRC. I use a fairly expensive oil at $40 per gallon, so I think my change cost me about $100 with the $20 filter. The owner's manual recommended the oil be changed via pumping it out from the filler tube, but that just seems way too complicated to me. I pulled the under cover and drained it conventionally.
https://www.amazon.com/BLAU-J1A5112-Touareg-Motor-Change/dp/B01EIQ7T9Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517354188&sr=8-1&keywords=2013+vw+touareg+tdi+oil+filter#customerReviews
Edit: I just looked on the site below, and it says that if I went through the VW portal, that they will automatically send the compensation after the VW claim is approved. I wonder how long that takes!
https://boschvwsettlement.com/en
Nissan’s PU 5. YO L diesel with 555 # ft of torque! Too bad it is not mated to a heavy duty 7, 8, 9 sp A/T?
Both the specifications and the TMI have tendencies to put people to sleep.
However in VW 507.00 (circa 2004,5W30) diesel oil, the oil can be used for both, gasoline (504.00/505.00 new 0W30 for better mpg, etc.). Total Quartz INEO: http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/FichePDF/lang_1/5833.pdf
Please note “Client Benefits” of 30,000 Kms to 50,000 Kms, aka. & app, 18,600 miles to 31,000 miles. The key UOA (degradation) factor here is the (t) BN 5.8. mgKOH/g.
2014 MB GLK 250 BT specifies MB 229.51, 5W40, without looking at the owners manual. I also have read in subsequent technical publications that a series of 5 viscosities can be used. Here is one example; ESP X1, ESP.
https://mobiloil.com/en/product-selector?Year=2014&Make=TWVyY2VkZXMtQmVueg==&Model=R0xLMjUw&Engine=Qmx1ZXRlYyA0TWF0aWMgNC1DeWwgMi4xIChCbHVldGVjKSAoRElFU0VMKQ==
As it applies to OCI’s (oil change intervals) of: 2,000 miles, 5,000 miles, 10,000 miles, 15,000 miles 20,000 miles, 25,000 miles, 30,000 miles, it’s all about doubt & fear.: stimulate excessive consumption. Even oil manufacturers, published in baby talk skip OVER how modern oils are actually designed to & do work. The oem/oil vendors oil specifications are not very transparent. Neither do OEM’s publish UOA (used oil analysis) technical parameters.
However to cut to the chase, modern specific diesel engine oil’s are super robust.
I only picked up the Audi because pricing wasn't all that different between them, I preferred the appearance of the Q7, and I had this delusion that it was a roomier car. Hahha. Oh well; I still like it well enough.
I have only noticed two minor things:
1. The engine is a little bit noisier. It has a faint "diesel clatter" to it now, which it did not have before.
2. The vehicle exhaust no longer has sort of a sweet aroma to it. I still think that there was something wrong with the urea injection system before, so my exhaust may have been abnormal previously, but now the exhaust is basically just normal exhaust.
I can't really comment on fuel economy. It seems nearly identical to before, but not enough time has passed to really gauge it. The last two weeks have been quite cold here, too, between -20 and -30F the whole time, so that has an inevitable impact on it. I think this tank will probably hit between 18-19 mpg. But, that also represents basically the lowest economy I get on this car, which is pretty stellar considering most folks driving a 5,500# SUV might get that economy during local driving in the SUMMER!
Driving characteristics are not noticeable to me at all. It shifts powerfully and smoothly, it slows when "coasting" as I would expect, etc. I do notice that, while coasting, it is less common that the economy gauge will max out. Usually, it now says things like "184" and "200" rather than "---".
I have a 1000 watt circulating block heater on it, along with a 200w oil pan heater and a 150w transmission pan heater. With these, three hours of pre-heating it results in the car starting instantly (e.g., no waiting for "glow plugs"), and already at operating temp.
This morning, I forgot to plug in the car. It was -20F. I was nervous that the 5w-30 synthetic would be too gummy to allow starting. After about a five-second pause for the glow plug light, it cranked (a bit slowly through the syrupy oil), and, with nary a delay, fired right up.
Boy was it sluggish, though, when I started backing out of the driveway!
My economy gauge read 20.4 when I arrived at work. Usually, even in these temperatures, it will read 23-24 mpg on that exact same run.
As I've stated previously, I am very happy with the economy, particularly given the size (weight) and capability of the vehicle.
However, last winter, when I had the Passat, the last time I filled it was early September before parking it for four months. It was fine to about ten degrees, then the diesel began to gel. I had to add all sorts of junk to it, along with heating the engine, to finally get it to start. Of course it was -15F when I had to take it down to Anchorage for my buyback appointment! It was fine once I finally got it started.
VW diesel news.
Average miles per year; driver/car can be very instructive. https://www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov/Main/index.aspx
Our transportation policy planners should compare European avg miles per yr (9,000 miles to 12,000 miles) & the (MASSIVE) costs involved to get our AM avgs down.
The US American averages are between 11,000 miles and 14,000 miles. I will leave out the next most obvious variability/‘s.
So using 14,000 miles a year/28 mpg (your) avg = 500 gals per year.
( X * Y local/avg $$’s =Z )
Our yearly commute @ 36 mpg= 417 gal per year.
The loose VW interest groups alliances knew that something was up. There were (earlier than Sep 2015) advertisements offering to rent ones’ VW diesels. As I remember, it offered free door to door big rig truck car pick up/delivery. It also offered generous allowances and guarantees to “lottery winners”. I should have been cued to shorting then.
I’m liking the information about the 2018 VW Atlas! I know it would benefit from a 3.0 L TWIN TDI, especially since it (MLQ, Golf frame) is app 400 #’s lighter (4,500) than the Touareg.(4,950) Just the weight-loss alone would add (1 mpg to 3 mpg) to my 32 MPG. 406+# ft is OH YEAH!
The VW Touareg is STILL one of the best CUV’s, even after app 16/18 years.
Happy (exporter) days? https://www.cnbc.com/2018/02/07/united-states-will-be-a-net-energy-exporter.html?__source=yahoo|finance|headline|story|&par=yahoo&yptr=yahoo
Where does our energy still come from? https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3
The reports of diesel’s death may be premature? One reason might be the 48V hybrid can be a yuge (10% to 20% mpg) game changer for diesel hybrid’s, in addition to the 20% (12v hybrid) ?
So for example, if a (gas/12v hybrid) 2017 Prius can post 50.5 mpg (excellent by the way), a (33% better) diesel hybrid can post easily 67 mpg. Indeed (with no hybrid) , there are 75 mpg diesel’s already in Europe. A 48V 20% advantage shoots a (Prius competitor) diesel 48v hybrid to 80 mpg.
To use my 36 diesel mpg, the 12v hybrid adds (7.2 mpg) 43.2 mpg. The .48v 20% example would post shy of 52 mpg.
Variance of course is part/ parcel of the equation.
It looks like five (blk/tan)/120 (=4%) within 500 miles of me.
I am not a big fan of white exterior, but I do agree on the brown (or lighter) interior colors as opposed to black. If I didn't live in the great white north, maybe I would not be so adverse to white and black cars.... Maybe.
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