When did common rail start getting fitted ??

[Jabba]

I am planning to replace our aging 1.8T Sport with a newer Passat 2.0 SE or Highline - 08 plate onwards.

From when did the old PD unit get dumped - car I am looking at was registered May 2008.

Dealers says it is common rail but how the hell can you tell because it still says 'TDi' on the back.

PS : I did read other posts on this matter but need a conclusive way to verify before I commit to buy - the dealer didn't convince me and I don't want an 'old stock' registered late PD.

[fat controller]

Lift the bonnet and look at the engine cover - if the grooves in the cover run straight front to back, its a PD, if they are diagonal it is a CR.

HTH

[Tups1974]

Our 08 plate 2.0 TDi Passat Estate Highline is common rail it was registered in April 08, the first thing I looked for was the grey & black engine cover the PD units have straight moulded lines in them the common rail are set at an angle, and I was advised to check the log book and look for an engine number starting with C ours is CBA

Perhaps some other forum users might be able to confirm what engine codes to look out for, or advise what engine code they have on their common rail cars.

[Jabba]

Thanks all, I will check it over, I'm sure he said the engine code started with a B but am viewing tomorrow so will check.

[JamesMo]

From memory the engine code is on the build sticker that is in the spare wheel well in the boot. The same sticker is also stuck inside the front cover of the service book. Hope that helps

J

[-M-]

From memory the engine code is on the build sticker that is in the spare wheel well in the boot. The same sticker is also stuck inside the front cover of the service book. Hope that helps

J

Also with the nsf door open - check on the b post as there is a build sticker there also.

3 digit engine code ie bkp, bkc, bkd are pd diesel

4 digit engine codes ie cbab are common rail diesel

[DSG4ME]

If it's an SE it's a PD, if it's a Highline it's a CR, the engine cover is the best clue, as said by the other users //// CR rather than IIII PD.

PD 140 is IIII and 170 PD is also IIII but with black OOOO's moulded into the IIII bits, you should check if these are DPF fitted as well, all 170 PD's are and some 140 PD's, avoid at all costs unless you are a long distance driver.

BTW, there are 08 & 58 Sport spec ones listed as CR's, I've yet to see one yet though and I suspect it's a car dealer who thinks a spark plug is something you use in a wall socket when it's not being used.

Generally 58 onwards R,Highline & Highline Plus cars are all CR's.

S,SE,Sport & SEL will be PD's.

S & SE spec is 1.9 PD or 2.0 PD, 1.9 is slower but better on fuel and reliability.

Do not buy older than 07 plate.

[Jabba]

I did a HPI check last night and it came back with engine number starting BKP - which to me and the information I have says PD.

Question is would you buy a car with a PD engine knowing the history of injector issues etc.

Car has 70k miles and is 7k

[Tups1974]

All the time VW are replacing the injectors FOC I would not worry about it and just get the best for the money you have

[Teflon]

The common rail does get a better reputation in terms of smoothness and drivability. Also, according to the price list which had both PD and CR models when I ordered mine, it is a couple of mpg better. The downside is that some (all?) of the common rail engines have the DPF on board, which can be wickedly expensive when things go wrong.

Despite the possibility of free injectors on a PD engine, I wouldn't like to find out I had a problem at 70mph in the outside lane of a busy motorway. Been there, done that (in a Rover) and have no desire to do it again. The injectors thread is suggesting that you only get replacements after a problem, not as part of a general recall.

Buy a CR if you can find a good 'un.