VAG 2.0 TDI Engines

Author
Discussion

Mika_98

Original Poster:

97 posts

158 months

Thursday 23rd January
quotequote all
Hi all,

This is going back many years but does anyone recall the early 2.0 TDi engines (approx 2003 onwards) having issues with oil and coolant mixing, possibly related to failed head gaskets or cylinder head? If so, any idea which year this was rectified - were the 2009 /2010 models also affected?

Also a separate query, seen several variations of the 2.0 in options across the VAG range. Power outputs ranging from 138bhp, 160/170 and 180 too. Are they all generally reliable if maintained well? Or should I steer clear of certain engines - if so, which engines specifically should I avoid?

Apparently some of the higher powered variants have issues with oil pressure errors at higher mileage - anyone come across such issues?

Belle427

10,479 posts

247 months

Friday 24th January
quotequote all
Some of the earlier variants of the 2.0 PD engine had some issues, i cant quite remember the changeover year when it went over to a common rail engine.
Ive had 2 variants of the later common rail engine and they have both lived fairly trouble free lives, a 2010 138 bhp went to 120k and my current 2012 170 bhp now on 160k.
As you say they need to be cared for like any engine, serviced on time etc which sometimes isnt always the case as most people dont really care.
They can suffer with the usual dpf and egr issues, the egr cooler is a common failure point and is very expensive, its in a nightmare location too.
Timing belt on time, and dont overlook the auxiliary belt as if it shreds it may find its way into the timing case area and throw the timing belt leading to valve to piston contact.
Ive read the 180 bhp bi turbo variants especially in transporters can be a nightmare and are best avoided.

Mika_98

Original Poster:

97 posts

158 months

Monday 27th January
quotequote all
Thanks, won't totally rule out the 170bhp models.
Guess i'll steer clear of the 180bhp variants you mention. Seen quite a few of those in the Q3, Skoda VRS models, etc.

glennjamin

406 posts

77 months

Monday 27th January
quotequote all
I've got a 2008. Passat 2.0 TDI sport 140 bhp had it since new. Now clocked 140k no problems just regular servicing and cambelts clutch etc. Tax is rising every year so maybe time to move it on ?

piecost76

288 posts

188 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
The 2.0 PD TDi had a recall for injectors - mine went on a holiday in Paris. Car cut out & would not start at all - v dangerous!

VW paid for the repairs, the hotel & hire car though.

The 2.0 CR TDI was IIRC c. 2008

MrGman

1,640 posts

220 months

Wednesday 29th January
quotequote all
My 2006 PD 2.0 is currently on 147k and the engine feels as good as it did 100k ago.

I’ve replaced the turbo at 120k which seems to be pretty common mileage for the turbo on this engine. I’ve replaced the egr valve, and alternator pulley and that’s about it on the engine as far as i can remember.
I’m still on the original clutch, every year that comes round i think I’ll have to do it but it just keeps on going.

Other than that it’s been a great car, it’s had suspension work, brakes etc but just general wear and tear stuff really.


keo

2,481 posts

184 months

Thursday 30th January
quotequote all
glennjamin said:
I've got a 2008. Passat 2.0 TDI sport 140 bhp had it since new. Now clocked 140k no problems just regular servicing and cambelts clutch etc. Tax is rising every year so maybe time to move it on ?
Surely depreciation is the biggest cost when running a car, I have a 2008 A3 yes I notice the tax keep going up year on year. But then I think to myself it’s not costing anything in depreciation now.

Yours has only done 140k it’s hardly ran in! I’m on 226k. But if it’s man maths to get a new car ignore me, I completely understand! Haha

coetzeeh

2,812 posts

250 months

Saturday 1st February
quotequote all
Mika_98 said:
Hi all,

This is going back many years but does anyone recall the early 2.0 TDi engines (approx 2003 onwards) having issues with oil and coolant mixing, possibly related to failed head gaskets or cylinder head? If so, any idea which year this was rectified - were the 2009 /2010 models also affected?

Also a separate query, seen several variations of the 2.0 in options across the VAG range. Power outputs ranging from 138bhp, 160/170 and 180 too. Are they all generally reliable if maintained well? Or should I steer clear of certain engines - if so, which engines specifically should I avoid?

Apparently some of the higher powered variants have issues with oil pressure errors at higher mileage - anyone come across such issues?
We've owned a 2009 2.0 Tdi since new - serviced annually and now on 160k miles.

Recently started having low oil/pressure warning light/beep popping up.
Local Indie did all the obvious stuff - dropped sump, cleaned oil pick up and so on and finally we replaced the oil pump/balancer shaft which apparently can cause low oil pressure as the hex bolts on shaft might not seat as they should.

I still get random low oil pressure warnings but then these disappear for weeks.

Not going to bother now - I think it is an anomaly of sorts but will drive it till it dies either way.