Selling my W210 diesel and going for a TDI - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jotunheim · #16 03-02-2006, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Do the MK5s have limited slip differentials, cause FWDs with a good limited slip can drive very nicely. I wouldn't expect the TDIs to have one but maybe the GTI with the turbo'd 2.0.

Sort of. They have electronic traction control, which is supposed to send power to the wheels with the most grip. There is no OE mechanical solution, i.e. Quaife., available and would help a lot.

I would agree with you that it is less important on the TDIs, but maybe not with all the torque. When I drove the Jetta GLI (200 hp FSI engine), there was very noticeable torque steer in the first two gears.

raMBow · #17 03-02-2006, 08:10 AM

I've had them both. Loved them both. The W210 has given me more "heartburn" when it has thrown a CEL at me and the persistent rumblings about rust, rust, rust. Makes me wonder on the longevity myself and if I should just pull the plug on the W210.

TDI has some issues that are not too different than the W210. Window regulators, EGR, MAF etc... For me the cost of ownership of the MB has been a lot higher all the way around. TDI was squirrley in the snow and nearly unmanageable with stock tires, wet snow, and starting on a grade (if it snowed I had to hit the remote and take the "chipped" CPU back to factory settings - 200+ ft/lbs of torque on one drive wheel, not good in snow but fabulous otherwise).

pmari · #18 03-02-2006, 11:51 AM

Yes, there is a plug, but the belly pan is a PITA to drop, just to change oil. If you're really against top siding, you're saving grace is that the synthetic 505.01 graded oil (that MUST be used) is changed every 10,000mi. You might want to find an oil source close by you now. The VW Stealer should carry Castrol TXT, which is 505.01 rated and VW approved. Otherwise you'll have to mail order. Fred's site has all the info you'll need.

The 04 TDI's are completely different from previous platform TDI's. They will out preform my 124 is both power, handeling and snow.....The MB don't GO, the VW has no problem. Mind you I lived in SW Colorado for 10 years, so I know how to drive in real snow.

DieselAddict · #19 03-02-2006, 12:59 PM

I was wondering about the 505.01 special VW oil, and I'm wary of manufacturers stating that only this or that oil can be used without causing damage. If you look at other manufacturers every one of them seems to have their own fluids. MB even has its own MB windshield washer fluid and MB car shampoo.

I'd be willing to bet that most of this if not all of it is a marketing tactic. The only confirmed exception that I know of is the Honda power steering fluid which is indeed different from all other power steering fluids, but you can buy Honda-compatible PS fluid in any McParts store. I did a brief seach on the TDI forum about the 505.01 oil and so far I haven't found any concrete evidence that it results in less wear than, say, Mobil 1 5W-40. Has anyone done an oil analysis to confirm this?

DieselAddict · #20 03-02-2006, 02:04 PM

I just came from the TDI forum where I was doing more searching on this topic, and it looks like their oil wars are much like ours.

There's no evidence that another oil, especially the Mobil 1, causes more wear than the 505.01 oil at this point. I think I will stick with my trusted mix of 80% Mobil 1 5W-40 and 20% Lucas Oil Stabilizer which is what I've used in all of my cars with great results (even better than just Mobil alone from my observation). This Jetta that I'm getting is being sold by a Dodge dealer and the salesman told me that they did an oil change on it like they do with all their trade-ins. I'm pretty sure whatever is in there right now needs to come out the moment I get home.

DieselAddict · #21 03-02-2006, 03:59 PM

I've skim-read through your old rant, but I'll just have to see for myself. There are a lot of people who disagree with you about many of the issues. Perhaps you just had bad luck. I've test driven a number of Jettas and I had no complaints about the handling. I don't intend on racing in the car so I don't need sports car like handling.

The W210 is a nice car, there's no doubt about it, especially once you take care of the typical problems like I did. Right now I'm actually having a little crisis and I'm not sure if I really want to sell it. I'm definitely getting the Jetta unless I find something majorly wrong with it, but I'm wondering if I should sell the 240D instead. Hmm, very tough decision. I could keep both and have 3 cars, but I've been there and it's too much.

pmari · #22 03-02-2006, 04:57 PM

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=130441

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

I did a brief seach on the TDI forum about the 505.01 oil and so far I haven't found any concrete evidence that it results in less wear than, say, Mobil 1 5W-40. Has anyone done an oil analysis to confirm this?

DieselAddict · #23 03-02-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmari

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=130441

Is that a joke? That guy had his car serviced at IffyLube with a gasser-rated dyno oil! And it's just one car. There are probably thousands of other cars that have suffered premature deaths because of the monkeys at JiffyLube. I've read countless horror stories of them overfilling or underfilling the oil pan or stripping the drain plugs threads, and I've had very bad experience with them myself (on cars I no longer own). Also I'd be willing to bet a lot of money that any synthetic diesel-rated oil with some Lucas Oil Stabilizer has higher lubricity than the VW-sponsored oil, and lack of lubricity is what lead to the cam wear.

pmari · #24 03-02-2006, 06:55 PM

Take it FWIW, But VW is notorious for being a MF'er when it comes to granting
waranty work. So if you can't prove you been putting a VW approved 505.01 spec oil in your car, you f'ed. If you're off warranty, your on your own anyway. Do what you like

BTW there is plenty of banter about 505.01 on Fred's site.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

Is that a joke? That guy had his car serviced at IffyLube with a gasser-rated dyno oil! And it's just one car. There are probably thousands of other cars that have suffered premature deaths because of the monkeys at JiffyLube

rwthomas1 · #25 03-02-2006, 06:58 PM

I really don't think that VW went to all the trouble of creating a new classification of oil with the 505.01 spec to sell oil. If the PD motor calls for that specific spec then that is what I would use. I can get Elf oil locally that meets the spec and the VW dealer will sell it too. Rumor has it that Chevron Delo synthetic and Mobil1 are both submitting for approval and its just a matter of time. There are several other oils, Motul, etc. that meet the 505.01 and with the 10K oil changes there is no real reason not to use the correct stuff. RT

DieselAddict · #26 03-03-2006, 01:43 PM

Yeah I've heard so too about VW dealers refusing warranty work, though I don't know the details of any of the cases. I hope I never have to go to any dealer with this car. I'm pretty sure Mobil 1 and Chevron Delo will be able to meet VW's standards. I think it's just paperwork that's delaying the process. My logic is if VW's oil is so great why aren't we using it in our Benzes and other cars as well? I'm not convinced that each manufacturer's sanctioned oil is always the best choice. For example I had a Civic Hybrid for a while that called for Honda's 0W-20 dyno oil. After 6000 miles or so my engine developed a tick or a slight knock at idle, probably because of the very thin oil. To me it seems like Honda's main concern was for me to merely get through the warranty period while maximizing my fuel mileage that even on this thin oil failed to meet the EPA specs in normal driving conditions. Another example is Mercedes not recommending any fuel additives whatsoever. But I think a lot of people will agree with me that there are some great additives that are very beneficial, especially with our cat pee for diesel fuel.

DieselAddict · #27 03-06-2006, 01:01 PM

So I picked up the Jetta, drove it back home for 7 hours and I'm impressed. Wow, it accelerates almost like a sports car and it got me 44 mpg going 75-80 mph against the wind! The mileage may increase still now that I put some fuel additive in there. And the 5-speed transmission is a joy to shift. So far I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Hopefully this car will last without too many problems.

pmari · #28 03-06-2006, 01:35 PM

Like I said, have it chipped and increase the fun factor. Then if you can keep your foot out of it, you'll get better milage also.

There are actually oils that go beyound 505.01 spec. It's a matter of cost to me, so I don't run a 605 spec oil. It's all what you want to do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DieselAddict

So Wow, it accelerates almost like a sports car and it got me 44 mpg going 75-80 mph against the wind! My logic is if VW's oil is so great why aren't we using it in our Benzes and other cars as well?