Help! 3.2 FSI quattro or 3.0 TDI quattro

[allanmb]

Not mistaken, I work on them for a living...

Have you driven one properly?

Do you think that the 3.0TDI sounds nicer than the 3.2FSI?

[Crasher]

Err well yes, servicing them means I have to road test them before and after, let me clarify my comment though. They sound like two 3 cylinder engines which is what they are. There is a background note that reminds me of the Polo 3 cylinder under load, but don’t take my comment too seriously, it is only my opinion and nothing to get excited about

I think the 3.0TDI sounds very business like and I do like the way it sounds (better than the 2.5) but I prefer the sound of the 3.2FSI. The 3.0 TDI is beginning to worry me though, they are developing and alarming issue with the timing chains which is a complete nightmare to put right even before they fail, if they fail it is new engine time. One early one that I service makes my hair stand on end every time it starts up and the last time I did an oil change, I nearly had heart failure when I started it up until the oil pressure built up.

Initially I thought chains were a good idea, getting rid of those nasty failure prone belts but I am beginning to think that belts were a better idea as I am seeing some chains fail at about the same mileage as a belt and chains are far far more involved to change.

[allanmb]

To the OP, here is something that might help make up your mind...

http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/openair-camping

[Crasher]

The car they used in that test has the 2.5 VEP engine, not the 3.0 CR unit.


Reg OY52 NWP
Chassis number WAUZZZ8H23K015410
Type 8H70DH
Engine code BFC
GEC Multitronic box
Cosmic yellow paint
Aniseed yellow interior
2003 model
Built 25/10/2002 by Karmann of Osnabrück.


I wonder who owns it now, if they are on here?

[stevemr]

OK now you have me worried, having bought my 3.0 tdi with a view to keeping it for a very long time, what is the issue with the cam chains, and at what mileage?

[Crasher]

They stretch and eventually jump which makes a terrible mess of the engine, the one mentioned above was having its 60K mile service...

[stevemr]

Is there no tensioner?

[Crasher]

Yes, the one that causes the issue is the lower hydraulically operated one, it seems to run out of adjustment and back off significantly when the engine stops. When the engine starts, the tensioner is pushed out by oil pressure.

It would not be so much of a problem if the engine didn’t have to come out to replace them.

[stevemr]

Is there anything I should do to minimise the risk, like letting the car idle for a while before pulling away?

[Crasher]

I don’t think there is any way of preventing the chains stretching.