2.0 TDI Oil Spec - Long Life or Yearly?

[limawhiskey]

My 2006 2.0 TDI Passat needs an oil change. It's currently on long life servicing but as it tends to just do local trips now I wonder if I should revert to yearly servicing. My question is, what oil should I use and is it worth flushing the oil out with an aftermarket product before refilling? Do I really need to use the long life oil if regular changes will be taking place - it's pretty expensive stuff.

[martin1810]

If you have a dpf you have to use longlife oil. I would use longlife oil anyway and change it once a year.

[mikecb1]

I've discovered that you need to be very watchful about this.

My local main dealer put Magnatec in my Tdi 170 (with DPF) at one service. When I saw this on the invoice and complained, the "service advisor" told me it was perfectly alright for a car using time/distance servicing. I explained about the need for low ash with the DPF, but she just looked blank. Eventually they brought out the service manager, who after checking agreed that I should have had LL 507.00 oil. They changed it, and the oil filter, FOC.

At my last service I went to a well-respected local Indy. When I asked for 507.00 oil I was told again that I didn't need it if I was on the time/distance service regime. They wouldn't agree with me that it was necessary for engines with DPF. When I insisted on 507.00 they used it, but told me I was just wasting my money.

You do need to watch these people.

Mike

[phil miller]

i know of a local (to me anyway) vw indy that WONT use anything other than 10w40, but charges for 507, just cos they charge for it doesnt mean they have used it:(

[mikecb1]

Phil

You're right of course - I don't think there is any simple way of telling what spec. oil has been put in the sump.

I guess you have to decide whether you trust the people involved or not. In the case of my Indy, they seem pretty straight, and are well-regarded locally. FWIW, on the invoice it states Quantum 5W30 LL3, which is 507.00 spec.

Mike

[borakev]

this thread has just made me check my service history as my car was serviced by the dealer before I bought the car, before I had seen it actually.
it says that it has not been filled with longlife oil and looks like it is on the time/distance regime. So i am beginning to think it has been filled with 505 spec oil. i don't have a copy of the invoice but i should be able to get one from the dealer to check wht oil was put in, shouldn't I?

it has the dpf fitted, so i need to find out if it has the 505 or 507 oil fitted.

i hope it has the 507 in.

would the 505 oil have done any damage to the dpf for the last 4 months/2000 miles?

cheers

Kev

[DSG4ME]

I'll add to the mix here.

If you want LL intervals without the oil price, just make sure yours burns oil like mine does, this way you are putting 1L of fresh in every 2.5k, so there's no need to worry about oil life, just the filter.

[Stuart W]

If you want LL intervals without the oil price, just make sure yours burns oil like mine does, this way you are putting 1L of fresh in every 2.5k, so there's no need to worry about oil life, just the filter.

Ha ha.

However, I think a smilie might have been in order, because some people might take what you say seriously.

As far as I know, even if you're burning a lot of oil and thus putting a lot in, the crap will stay in the oil - it's not burnt off - therefore it's quality will deteriorate.

Thus you may think that because you're putting a lot of fresh stuff in the oil quality will be kept high, but that's not the case.

Perhaps someone with a bit of tech knowledge could confirm this?

[addisor]

How would I know if I have a DPF? its a 56 plate 2.0 TDI estate.

[mikecb1]

addisor

I believe that the tailpipes are a giveaway. If they turn down, you don't have a DPF.

Mike

[Issac Hunt]

How would I know if I have a DPF? its a 56 plate 2.0 TDI estate.

Check the tail pipes as per above post. Or if you have a PD170 engine then you have the DPF, if you have a 140 then you wont have one.

(Thats only true for cars of your age though, newer CR engined cars have the DPF)

[addisor]

Set the scene, VW Passat 2.0TDI 56 plate

The check oil light comes on, I'm away and the missues goes to the garage to ask for a top up.

They put in semi-synthetic 5W30 meeting API SL/CF ACEA A1 B1 but no mention of vw 504 or 507 or any VW spec.

They did put the reg into a computer and this is what they put in.

Do I need an urgent oil change

[Sti_Prodrive]

sorry dont mean to sound stupid but whats DPF ?

[mikecb1]

DPF=Diesel Particulate Filter. Fitted to some models, including 2.0tdi 170 PD, to reduce black exhaust emissions. Apparently easily clogged up by stop-start city driving, causing poor running and error message on MFD. Needs open road driving to burn off deposits. 507.00 spec oil needed for its low ash properties.

Mike

[Sti_Prodrive]

Thanks mate, its hard living in London ! @ the moment mines very very clean no black smoke at all