I am kind of ignorant on this subject. What are the different trim models of the VWs? Are the earlier engines different than the newer? What kind of service should I look for (timing belt, water pump, etc)? Throw some knowledge at me.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
'08 Chevy Tahoe
'93 Ducati 900 SS
'79 Kawasaki KZ 650
'86 Kawasaki KX 250
'88 Kawasaki KDX200
'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

Go here:http://forums.tdiclub.com/

EXCELLENT VW board!

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2005 Pathfinder LE
2001 E55
1998 M3
1982 320i

ditto on tdiclub.

1996-1999 was the first generation of TDis sold in NAmerica. The NB (Mk4 platform) was introduced in 1998. All early cars were 5 speed equipped. The Golf and Jetta Mk4 cars were introduced during the 1999 model year. All cars featured the BOSCH VE 37 rotary injection pump thru 2003MY. Beginning in 2004, NAmerica recd the first PD cars which offered much tighter emissions control, cam driven injectors (no hi pressure FI pump) and lower fuel economy. These PD cars have a unique lube oil requirement. At present, the PD production run is winding down as it is at the end of its emission lifecycle and can't meet future EPA/CARB regs. VW has no diesels for 2007MY except for the $70k Touareg V10. There are plenty of rumors floating about that VWoA will offer a CRD engine beginning in 2008MY. The EPA has not approved anything at this time.

The 2002-03 cars are best of breed at this moment. Avoid all cars with auto trans.

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1998 W210 diesel (wiped out by a texter)
Baum spring compressor "for rent"

I tend to totally agree with the last post. The only addition to that is my dealer is now saying no 2008TDIs either. He really knew about the 2007s demise prior to anyone else it seemed at the time I remember. So he might be right. As usual time will tell. It might be saner to buy a 2002 or 2003 in my opinion as the cars they release in say 2009 might be so superior that it would cause the last ones sold, the 2006s specifically to depreciate very quickly. .Also the design of the 2006 has not turned my crank although it might handle better. Just seems too much a of a poor european design following on the earlier quite trendsetting one. Just my opinions others will vary. I have to buy a car soon and have been holding back making a decision other than it will be a low milage 2002-2003 if we purchase another volkswagon. I do not wear blinders either. The only reason it will be a volkswagon tdi is the strength and integrity of the body in comparison with say toyota and honda. Much stiffer in the cabin area to aid survival. I do not believe they advertise that feature but it is a fact I believe and important.

i believe the 98 bug's used a fixed vane turbo whereas the 99-up had the vnt,also if you get a jetta 99.5 or early 2000 they use a heavier clutch then the later ones,my early 2000 has right at 300,000 miles and still has the original clutch.but it's kinda agreed upon that the 03's have the latest greatest stuff.i know my buddies 03 has side curtain and front pillar airbags,my 2000 doesn't,also he has cooler wheels.

I suspect that when the TDI returns, the price will be higher. That will improve the resale price of the used ones.

We just got a 06.5 Jetta package 2, and I can tell you that it handles like a dream. The electric power steering is just right and the suspension seems very good for a smaller car. Riding on 16" wheels doesn't hurt either.

Then there's the engine. Ours is not even to its first oil change, and is already giving 45MPG overall. Plus it has amazing torque. It's a blast to drive.

03 and below got better mileage and were more "rugged" then the 04-present PD TDI's. But personally i hate the engine noise of my moms passat. Sounds like a electric RC car, very annoying whiny engine not muscly sounding like the MB's But hey its quick for a 4cyl diesel and gets good MPG's

EDIT: this isnt a car to work on yourself like our beloved MB's though. Just changing the oil is a PITA! timing belt service......HA! just pop the hood on a TDI and see for yourself how cramped it is in there! Makes my 603 a dream to work on compared to the passat. One of my co-workers told me that he had to change the timing belt on his brothers jetta TDI, i think it was a 01 if i remember correctly. anyway, he said he had to remove the engine from the motor mounts to lower the engine in order to remove the timing belt

Id rather pay the dealer $300 to do it

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Current:
05 E320 CDI
07 GL320 CDI
08 Sprinter
05 Dodge Cummins
01 Dodge Cummins

Previous
2004 E55 AMG
2002 C32 AMG (#2)
1995 E300
1978 300D
1987 300D
2002 C32 AMG(blown motor :[
1981 300SD
1983 300SD
1987 300SDL
2002 Jetta TDI
1996 S420
1995 S500
1993 190E 2.6
1992 190E 2.3
1985 190E 2.3 5-Speed

I like working on our TDIs. I have a 98 and did the timing belt 6 months ago. Its easier than later models as no engine lifting and not as much stuff in way. Lots of cars have t-belts looped around engine mounts apparently. We're doing my sisters 2001 timing belt soon.

I just replaced the starter on ours. Took 1 hour R&R first time. Its right up front on left side by battery. You dont even need to jack the car up.

Overall, though, older benz'z are probably easier than most cars to work on.

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What Would Rudolph Do?
1975 300D, 1975 240D, 1985 300SD, 1997 300D, 2005 E320 , 2006 Toyota Prius

"The only reason it will be a volkswagon tdi is the strength and integrity of the body in comparison with say toyota and honda."

Maybe. We have a Y2k TDI bug in the stable and I've found rust bubbles on the roof sheetmetal. No damage present that allowed it to start. Now I'm beginning to look elsewhere for rust. Same with the later MB. My next new car will be a Honda Accord diesel although no one seems to know when it will get here. My 98 E300 will be put on the market soon. I'm looking for an interim car and I don't know what it'll be but I suspect it'll be two years until Honda gets their diesel here. I don't know what the problem with German sheetmetal and engineering is but I'm through looking at their products unless I can find a good used Jetta or Passat to get me through.

they have 12 year rust-thru protection.the paint quality of them isn't the greatest.

I do not know if the bug has the 12 year body rust warranty but you should check with a dealer. The jetta does. I am not wild about volkswagon products either although I have driven them for a very long time. I find it particularily sad that the actual attitude of vw america is very poor towards it's customers and appears to be declining still in my opinion as well. When the japanese diesels make their appearance here I wiill also have a serious look at them at that time. The rusting on japanese bodies is still a problem I believe though. Well at least in this salt area.

I have a 2001 jetta tdi.


It's been good car over all, just different failures and maintence than the benz's. But, I find all makes have their weaknesses:

Cheap lid for armrest- breaks assy costs $200+
brake booster failures- common 2001-2002's
Brakes easy and cheap
Shocks on the rear die 60k or so miles. Most ppl drive them even with them being dead. Got a Koni red shock and strut kit. Strut bushings make noise, front suspension bushings see less than 100k life. Just cheap-
I think the running WP from the timing belt is a BAD design. Cheaper to make, but costly on service. Timing belt and water pump needed about 70k miles.
Window clips/cables need replacement. Don't like the trim plastic coatings seem to not last.
Good notes: My wife loves it unlike the bigger benz diesels.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E