12/30/97 21:07:52

Name: Myles		My Email: Email Me
City: Harleysville	Province/State: PA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI

Comments:
Has anyone had a water pump problem? I just noticed a small amount of antifreeze below the pully imput shaft. Also, I have found water under the back seats (a small amount) anytime the car is driven in the rain. Any ideas?

 
12/30/97 19:15:46

Name: Yves-Chandler Eynard		My Email: Email Me
City: Cornwall	Province/State: NY	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI (what else)

Comments:
I have a 97 Passat with 36K miles on it now... Absolutely wonderful car. I have a spreadsheet with every tank of fuel (price/gals/total miles/trip miles) and I'm seeing an *average* of 49mpg with a high of 58 (which I think might be a fluke, but I can't f gure out where the math is bad). Anyway- I noticed that the European TDI develops 110bhp as compared to an American 90. Is/are there modification[s] that can be made to get that extra 20? (and if I have to sacrifice a few mpg, I wouldn't condsider it a Bad Thing). Thanks in advance! (And how about the new Passat- if they come out with the 5 cyl and syncro, I'll have to trade mine in. Too bad ;{) )

 
12/28/97 11:24:26

Name: Norman		My Email: Email Me
City: Christchurch	Province/State: Dorset	Country: England
Your VW/Audi: Passat tdi

Comments:
Hi I have had a mixed feeling with my VW as it is the first Diesel that I have ever had. When I first recieved it I was over the moon but a problem appeared where the pump timing keeps changing and it looses all it power sounds like a badly maintained tracto . It has been back to the local dealer but they admit that they cannot sort out a lot of the probs on the up to date Diesels so I wonder is there any body out there that may have had a similar problem and give me a helping hand on this prob so I can pas i on to the garage when they fix it again Cheers Norman.

 
12/27/97 18:59:42

Name: George Klemetsch	My Email: Email Me
City: Kitchener	Province/State: Ontario
Country: Canada	Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat sedan with a TDI engine

Comments:
I have just acquired a 1996 Passat sedan with a TDI engine. VW's are not new to me (nor are Audi's) however; a Diesel engine is, and I would like some information regarding exhaust emmissions. I was searching the "net" to find answeres to the following questions: Does a Diesel engine (i.e.: a TDI) produce more or less green house gas emmissions than a gasoline combustion engine? Where is the highest grade Diesel fuel sold in Ontario? Should I be concerned about the fuel I purchase? What about some of these Diesel additives advertized on the "net"?
I look forward to your reply.
Regards,
George Klemetsch

 
12/24/97 16:13:49

Name: Shawn Wical		My Email: Email Me
City: C'ville	Province/State: VA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta TDi

Comments:
Been driving VW diesels since 1983. This is the best one yet. Next to my 1984 rabbit, it feels like a Maserati !!!

 
12/24/97 14:28:47

Name: RGP
City: Knoxville	Province/State: TN
Your VW/Audi: formerly '81 Diesel Rabbit

Comments:
I'm in the market for TDI Jetta, and am interested in what people are paying (either $ over invoice or as a % over invoice). Seems like there is a big difference in various parts of the country. Now that Jetta TDIs seem to be sitting on dealer's lots, a e the prices going down at all? Any input appreciated....

 
12/24/97 02:40:57

Name: Mark Plotner		My Email: Email Me
City: Decatur	Province/State: ILL	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: Passat

Comments:
I have a friend who has a SHO Taurus he won t race my TDI Passat too florida non stop ILL even give him a head start :)

 
12/21/97 04:16:49

Name: Rocky Graziano		My Email: Email Me
City: Drums	Province/State: Penna. 18222	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 84 Rabbit Diesel

Comments:
Looking at a 98 Jetta. Best price $17,300 USA. (TDI) Is this a fare price ????? What would you Pay??? ROCKY

 
12/19/97 03:54:03

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
Any synthetic and synthetic blend oil will work great in our cars, even if the oil does not carry a diesel rating or an obsolete one. If your engine uses or burns oil now, then it might use more if you switch to a synthetic. A 20W-50 synthetic has a lower pour point than a regular 5W-30, so use any weight you want. Synthetic blends are usually no more than 30% synthetic oil. Diesel oil has additives to deal with acid and soot. Low sulfur diesel fuel still contains more sulfur than gasoline so diesel oil i blended to deal with it. The sulfur causes acids to form. Our TDIs are cleaner than 99% of the diesel engines out there but they still make some soot. If you check the dipstick a lot, you will notice that the oil turns black soon after an oil change. Thi is the oil doing its job. Oil is designed to keep the soot in suspension and dispersed so the soot drains out when the oil is changed. Synthetics can handle the sulfur and soot. High soot levels will cause an oil to thicken. That is why gasoline rated (S /SJ) oils, especially in 5W-30 and 10W-30 do not have any diesel 'C' ratings. Those oils are designed to stay thin for low friction. Diesel oils will stay in grade with a high soot content. If the soot content becomes very high, the soot particles will st ck together and become large enough to be abrasive to the engine. Diesel oils are better at keeping the soot particles dispersed. We can use any oil we want in our cars, it all comes down to how often the oil is changed. I know people who have put over 30 K miles on the older VW diesels with gasoline rated oil, but they NEVER went over 3000 miles (5000KM) between oil changes. Diesel and synthetic oils can deal with the sulfur and soot a lot better and longer than gasoline rated oil. I cannot recommend any rand of oil over another, only to use the highest API rating for diesels, CF-4/CG-4. If anybody needs more clarification, send me an e-mail after Dec. 30th at colbk@ceco.com. Merry Christmas TDI fans.

 
12/18/97 15:17:22

Name: Peter		My Email: Email Me
City: Boston	Province/State: MA	Country: US
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
My "97" Passat TDI, purchased Spring 97, now has 15,000 miles on it. The car has been great so far and I am looking forward to many trouble free fuel efficient miles. I traded my "93" Passat GLX VR6 with 60K and a XXOO!! automatic transmission. I hated the auto trans. it shifted unevenly even after short term fixes by the dealer at least five different times, it still kicked over hard into high gear. Oh well, I stuck with VW not because of that car, but, because of my previous 1985 Jetta Diesel that I ad for over 160K miles when I sold it to my niece who is still driving it 3 years later. Unfortunately the mileage cable broke at 160K so we have no clue what the real mileage is, but would estimate over 200K. I only sold it to her on the condition that I would have first right of refusal if she decided to sell. A good friend of mine also owned an "85" and took it off the road at 250K. He still has his and starts it occasionally. I am looking forward to driving this Passat for another 200K. What a car! Better mileage than my old Jetta and twice the horsepower with all the nice engineering, handling, and creature comforts a man could want. However, my wife does miss the seat he ters in our old Passat. I like the new CD player which does have a good mix feature that allows mix between all CD’s in the deck, my "93" would only mix songs on the same CD. I still get a kick out of some of the window and sunroof closing features that come into play simply by holding the key over longer when you lock the car. I have had the oil changed three times now with Mobil 1 each time and plan to continue with Mobil 1 for the life of the car. However, some of the oil comments are making me nervous about using synthetics. My old Jetta always started in the winter but som times only after cranking it over for some time. I’m hoping the Mobil 1 will allow it to crank over easier in the winter and better preserve the engine, starter and battery. This is a great car. VW should be marketing these cars better.

 
12/16/97 22:09:22

Name: R.A. Fox		My Email: Email Me
City: Norfolk	Province/State: Va	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 96 TDI

Comments:
Lately, the turbo whine has been noticable. Is this normal? When I first got the car I could hardly hear the turbo. I understand that the turbos last about 100K miles and when they fail they either just stop or they clatter. Anybody know more about tu bos than I do?

 
12/11/97 03:43:12

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat

Comments:
Hey TDI fans, the Dertoit Auto Show is coming up in early January with the Chicago Auto Show in February. To everybody who can make it, visit the Audi and VW exhibits and ask them why there is such a lack of TDI models and support. Do not let Audi/VW tell you that their marketing surveys show there is not enough 'comsumer interest' or whatever they call it. Tell them if that were true, then you wouldn't be there asking! Ask them why we can't have the 110HP TDI, the 2.4L V6 160 HP TDI, and any TDI in a Gol . Be persistant, demanding, and obnoxious if you have to get the point across. Audi/VWoA think our numbers are too small to make a serious effort. We have already made a serious commitment with our money and they still don't get it. Our numbers are small but we will not be denied. I know I'm going to give them a piece of my mind, and to get any free stuff they might be giving away.

 
12/09/97 00:31:37

Name: Lisa	My Email: Email Me
Province/State: MD	Country: USA

Comments:
We are a VW family. We're restoring Karmann Ghia's. Have 4 Rabbits (2 Deisel). Now I'm having trouble, we've been looking for a VW Passat TDI for months. There not out there. The Passat is holding its value. I'm so tempted to just order the car direct from the dealer. Any suggestions? Did you get the 10 year warrenty? Or will anyone ever use it. I have mixed feelings... Not sure what to do. How many recalls with the '96 & '97? Are you having many problems with your Passats? Is anyone trading up to the '98 TDI? Thanks Folks ! Happy Holidays!

 
12/08/97 10:49:40

Name: Karl Nitz
City: Wonder Lake	Province/State: IL
Country: USA	Your VW/Audi: 81 VW Rabbit Diesel

Comments:
I'm currently on business in Germany, and I wanted to share my experience of being passed this morning by a TDI Golf that was doing at least 200 km/h!! Like many, I'm still waiting for VW to get its act together and get us a TDI Golf for the states. May e I'll have to settle for a Beetle TDI!

 
12/08/97 02:15:02

Name: John Pilipenko		My Email: Email Me
City: Hackettstown	Province/State: New Jersey	Country: U.S.a
Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat

Comments:
Hi everyone. Does anyone know where a repair manual for a 1996 passat TDI in part or whole can be had ? mine has developed a few squeaks in the dash and door panels and i'd love to get in there to eliminate those nerve breaking noises., but i'm reluctant to try it without a good diagram on the disassembly and reassembly on the and other componets . would be in great debt for any info . thanks, John p.s.: don't recall whose note i read recently re: fog lamps from vw .anyway i had the same problem with my 96' passat. the best service and parts could guess would be to buy parts separately @ $300 lamps, switch ?, labor min 2 hrs,etc,$$$etc. i finally bought a pair of Piaa fog lamps that was custom mounted below lamp assembly directly by louvered slats. what a difference ! looks great, and only cost about $250. i highly recommend going after market. vw's lamps can' hold a candle to it.

 
12/06/97 01:00:23

Name: GroovBird	My Email: Email Me
City: Antwerp	Country: Belgium
Your VW/Audi: VW Golf TDI Rabbit

Comments:
Well look at this ... i went to pick up my new car, and i just fell in love with it. It'sa a VW Golf TDI Rabbit, with the following included: - special alu wheels - metallic green color - electrical windows - electrical mirrors - airco - servo steering Too bad I don't have pictures YET ... but I'll let you know when I do, and I'm thinking of making my own devoted page for my brand new car. Greets!

 
12/05/97 05:12:15

Name: sebastien tremblay		My Email: Email Me
City: Montreal	Province/State: Qc	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: Jetta turbo diesel 84

Comments:
So you say that this new TDI does only 50 mpg on highway.... My Jetta turbo diesel 84 does 65 MPG...no jokes I just travelled accross canada (5400 km) and this is my fuel consumption average!!!

 
12/03/97 21:16:36

Name: Bob Grant		My Email: Email Me
City: Terre Haute	Province/State: IN	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: None Yet

Comments:
12/3/97 The Jetta TDI appears to be in much greater supply than the Passat TDI. I checked two VW dealerships in Indianapolis last weekend (there is no VW dealership in Terre Haute), one dealer had five Jetta TDI's, the other two. So those of you who are looking to buy a Jetta TDI should now have some bargaining influence. My car recently died, but I got a cheapo replacement for $500 and intend to wait for the new Passat TDI wagon next year.

 
12/03/97 21:02:09

Name: Bob Grant		My Email: Email Me
City: Terre Haute	Province/State: IN	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: None Yet

Comments:
12/3/97 The Jetta TDI appears to be in much greater supply than the Passat TDI. I checked two VW dealerships in Indianapolis last weekend (there is no VW dealership in Terre Haute), one dealer had five Jetta TDI's, the other two. So those of you who are looking to buy a Jetta TDI should now have some bargaining influence. My car recently died, but I got a cheapo replacement for $500 and intend to wait for the new Passat TDI wagon next year.

 
12/03/97 18:46:23

Name: Jeroni Chamorro	My Email: Email Me
City: Alfarras	Province/State: LLEIDA
Country: Spain	Your VW/Audi: Seat Ibiza TDi

Comments:
This is not a VW/Audi but have the same engine. I bought in 3/97, have 22000 km and I'm very happy.

 
12/02/97 14:07:22

Name: Myles		My Email: Email Me
City: Harleysville	Province/State: PA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI

Comments:
After a two month wait our Jetta TDI finally arrived on 7/20/97. We waited for one with a sunroof in white, windsor blue was our first choice, but we would still be waiting for it. With 7,000 miles on the clock average milage has been 44, with a low of 0 and a high of 48. Yes the car does vibrate a bit at idle but once you are moving the noise and vibration disappear. I feel the car has plenty of power. We just returned from a 1,000 mile holiday excursion and got 46 mpg at 70-75 miles an hour (2,800 pm). I notice very little smoke except when you go wide open throttle above 3,500 rpm, than you lay down a bit of a smoke screen. I have installed a boost and oil temp gauge in the space above the cup holders (looks great!). Oil temp runs about 205-210 and boost pressure will go as high as 16.5 psi. Normal has been 12-13psi when you are on boost. The car has been flawless with no need to bring it back to the dealer for anything except the first check-up at 5,000 miles.

 
11/30/97 06:29:45

Name: David Ryall		My Email: Email Me
City: Calgary	Province/State: Alberta	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: '98 Jetta TDI

Comments:
I just picked up my Jetta TDI today! Five weeks wait but I understand that is quite a short time compared to some deliveries I've heard of. The dealer would not even think of dickering on the price. 65 kilometers on the odometer and already having a pr blem with the keyless entry system. I can't lock the doors with the remote. Glad to be back in a VW again after having owned a 71 super beetle, 74 Sun Bug (affectionately known as Rusty the Wonder Bug), a 74 van and an 81 Rabbit diesel. I'll keep you posted as to my satisfaction, mileage etc. So far I can't believe how the Je ta drives. I'll be back soon!

 
11/29/97 06:31:03

Name: John Pilipenko		My Email: Email Me
City: hackettstown	Province/State: New Jersey	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1996 PASSATT TDI

Comments:
Just wanted say hi. I've had my TDI since 4/96 and have never gotten below 46 mpg. Usually i get 47-52 mgp. My best to date is 56 mpg. average range is 900-950 miles to my tank,can't beat that! pretty good scince i usually drive 70- 85 on the hyway. I have had one unsolved problem. Changed the ecm and injectors because of smoking. It ran smoke free for about 10k miles and then it's starting again. oil consumption is about 1qt. per oil change. ju t turned 57,000 this week and feels stronger every day i drive it. anyone else have this problem? anyone know where i can find a repair manual for my TDI? feel free to drop me a line

 
 
11/27/97 18:54:34

Name: Joost Jansen		My Email: Email Me
City: UTRECHT	Province/State: UTRECHT	Country: Netherlands
Your VW/Audi: GT TDI-I

Comments:
Nice page, Fred! I am the proud owner of a 10 month old VW Golf GT TDI-I 110 HP. (I'll mail you a picture someday ;->). Strangely enough, you don't see those too often in Europe. Why? Not a clue. C.U.

 
11/25/97 19:25:45

Name: Bob Grant		My Email: Email Me
City: Terre Haute	Province/State: IN	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: None Yet

Comments:
I was really looking forward to getting a Passat TDI next spring - now my present car has died (either a rod or rod bearing is bad), I have to get a new car now, and THERE IS NO PASSAT TDI AVAILABLE! I need a car NOW so I'll probably get either a Jetta T I or the new Accord. I would prefer the TDI, but I have three growing kids and I need the room. Anybody out there have a Passat TDI station wagon they want to get rid of? I did see a ad here where a Canadian was selling one, but I would have to pay sale tax as the states don't recognize sales tax paid to another country.

 
11/23/97 17:23:35

Name: Joachim Baptist	My Email: Email Me
City: Genk	Province/State: Limburg
Country: Belgium	Your VW/Audi: 96 Golf variant tdi 90 pk

Comments:
Really cool site, i'm a newby as you all say and i was looking for some info about my car and could not find it till now. It has been really helpful. When i get to understand all this i hope to make a belgian site about TDI's. i'll keep you informed. Also if anyone has some info about upgradding my 90 hp to a 110 hp or more, please let me now i would appreciate it.

 
11/23/97 01:22:27

Name: Karl Mahn	My Email: Email Me
City: Belgrade	Province/State: MT
Country: USA

Comments:
Well, I finally got my TDI fix for a bit when I went down to the VW dealer and was able to drive a TDI JETTA. Man, I still can't get over how great they drive and the power is awesome. But, as tough as it is, I must relent and wait for my Fjord blue 98 TDI Passat. If and when, anyone spots one, please let me know, as I will be ready for the purchase. They tell me February at the earliest, any confirmation on that? So anyone with inside scoop please let me know. I also heard that all the Passats are going to be wharehoused in Denver.

 
11/23/97 00:14:03

Name: gelabert
My Email: Email Me	City: Reus
Province/State: Tarragona	Country: España

Comments:
Buenas: Estoy a la espera de que salga, al mercado español ,en nuevo modelo Cuarta generación. Mi intención es comprarme el TDI 110 CV, pero no tengo información de cuando llegará ni cual es el precio.Sería un detalle que si alguien supiera algo me informara. Mi -Mail es jgelabert@hotmail.com

 
11/22/97 05:28:43

Name: tom
City: charleston	Province/State: sc
Country: usa	Your VW/Audi: 1991 jetta gl

Comments:
The local VW dealer got two TDIs on the lot this week, so I went down tonight to drive one. Yes, it's a diesel. It makes some diesel noise and has a hint of a smell. The first 100 feet is slow. Then it DRIVES LIKE A REAL CAR :-) I was very impressed. I w nt one. The dealer said that the buyer is at the mercy of the factory; I couldn't order what I want since the dealer can't pick and choose. I'm not too happy with this situation since I don't want to pay that much money for a car (sticker price rules :-( and not get exactly what I want. Such a nice car, such miserable marketing by VW :-(

 
11/21/97 07:14:37

Name: robert c. santi		My Email: Email Me
City: collierville	Province/State: tennessee	Country: usa
Your VW/Audi: 1997 jetta tdi

Comments:
i just bought a cd changer from crutchfields that works in my 97 jetta tdi. it was a clarion unit. e-mail me if you want to know anything else

 
11/21/97 02:36:46

Name: Mark Jeffery	My Email: Email Me
City: Birch Bay	Province/State: Wa.
Country: USA	Your VW/Audi: 98 TDI Jetta

Comments:
I just got my 98 TDI Jetta, its a fun car to drive. I have been VW fan for a long time. By the way I just joined the VW Club it sounds like a good deal 10-20% off parts and service at most dealers. Does anyone know where you can buy the CD player for the trunk at a good price mail-order ect.

 
11/18/97 06:27:29

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
I have been gathering information about diesel fuel and additives for a few months now. My browser can't read the 'My E-mail' so if anybody out there wants more information, send me a message at: colbk@ceco.com. I have posted some information in earlier essages. I have too much to be posted here. Don't be shy, a few people have contacted me and I was able to help them. This is my first diesel car so I had the same questions about diesel fuel and winter problems. There is no reason to avoid these great ca s because of cold weather.

 
11/17/97 07:54:10

Name: Ryan Egan		My Email: Email Me
City: Ashland	Province/State: Oregon	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: none yet

Comments:
I am very interested in purchasing a TDI Golf IV Does anyone know when they will be available in the US? Can I buy one in Canada? The performance and fuel mileage of this machine is almost to good to be true and you cant beat that sexy diesel snarl. I wish Americans would get a clue and buy more diesels. Most cars of this size have wimpy low end torque that make them no fun to drive. But TDI solves this problem and then some!

 
11/16/97 03:54:19

Name: Conner Sancrant	My URL: Visit Me
My Email: Email Me	City: Seattle
Province/State: WA	Country: USA

Comments:
error report: entered comments on prior guest log entry. entry incomplete. Would finish if record was accesable, unable to locate same this date. Tech papers subjects 1.9l 4 cyl and 2.5l 5 cyl. tdi design. Microfiche of other resorces.

 
11/16/97 03:52:19

Name: Hal Hynds	My Email: Email Me
City: fresno	Province/State: CA
Country: USA

Comments:
I'm having a heck of a time getting back to Fred's TDI page after I had a hard disk crash. I'm in need of technical help/assistance/opinions about an experience I had today (11-13-97) with a dealer concerning installation of a remote entry exit on my 97 TDI. Anyway, thanks in advance. I'd be grateful if you would email me the information to get back to Fred's TDI page. Best regards -Hal

 
11/16/97 03:51:10

Name: Michael McGovern	My Email: Email Me
City: Saint John	Province/State: NB
Country: Canada

Comments:
I don't want to crash your TDI party, but I recently bought a '95 Jetta GL Turbo Diesel (75hp model]. Being new to both Volkswagen and diesel engines, I am amazed at both. I wish this wasn't my first VW diesel, and I'm certain it won't be my last. My only concern is that I'm about to face a Canadian winter, and I don't know what to expect. Any tips? What about maintenance...what should I watch for? Any weak points I should be aware of? Any advice would be appreciated.

 
11/14/97 20:42:56

Name: D. Zeegen	My Email: Email Me
Province/State: Ontario	Country: Canada

Comments:
Has the TDI been released in Toronto yet....i am looking to buy one in the next 6 months...what is the fuel milage????

i read an article that said that you have to be careful about the quality of diesel fuel that you buy at the pumps...is this true..if yes who has a reliable source????
please mail me back

 
11/10/97 18:11:53

Name: Terry
City: Pewaukee	Province/State: WI
Country: usa	Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI

Comments:
I dont have the "full" story, but I was also told that ABS is not an option with Jetta TDI. Also,Im glad I bought a '97 TDI, as the 98s are $2000 more expensive for essentially the same car I heard from my dealer.

 
11/10/97 14:27:48

Name: Charles R. Sharp		My Email: Email Me
City: Charleston	Province/State: West Virginia	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1998 Jetta TDI

Comments:
I am interested in purchasing a 1998 Jetta TDI with all options, including ABS. I have spoken with two dealers who have told me that the TDI Jetta with ABS is not available. I then spoke with the 800 VW customer assistance personnel who told me that as far they knew, ABS was an available option on the Jetta TDI. The option is listed in VW's product literature. Does anyone have the full story on the availability of ABS on the '98 Jetta TDI?

 
11/09/97 02:50:38

Name: Jimmy V.		My Email: Email Me
City: Brick	Province/State: N.J.	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat Diesel

Comments:
I have installed a remote controlled starter in my car today that also locks and unlocks all the doors and trunk.Up untill Oct 1 1997 remotes were not made for diesels they just came out. Its the greatest thing since the diesel !!!!! e-mail me for info.

 
11/08/97 08:09:59

Name: James Berry		My Email: Email Me
City: Edmonton	Province/State: AB	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: 1997 Jetta TDI

Comments:
I'm just in love with my car; it's simply the best out of 15 VW's I've owned. Can't wait until I can tinker with it. Thank's for a great page.

 
11/06/97 02:02:02

Name: Rob Boschman		My Email: Email Me
City: Calgary	Province/State: Alberta	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat TDI Wagen

Comments:
FOR SALE: 1996 VW Passat TDI Stationwagon w/ 41,000 kms. Have to sell to buy my Dad's Previa and make room for new baby. VW is in superb condition, Forest Green, 55 mpg., roof rack, premium alloy wheels, seat heaters, Sony CD w/ eight speakers, 5 spd., air, power windows, locks, and factory alarm. The new TDI engine is incredible: 1200 kms. per tank. But must sell; car is in Calgary; ordered direct from Frankfurt last year. $24,500 obo. Please call (403) 236-7457 or email boschman@telusplanet.net

 
11/04/97 11:38:46

Name: Julio Cesar
My Email: Email Me	City: Lisboa
Country: Portugal	Your VW/Audi: Seat Ibiza TDi

Comments:
Sorry, my TDi is not an VW/AUDI. But it´s a 90hp Tdi and I think it´s great. I own it for three months now and I´ve done 10.000 Km. It´s a quite reliable engine with minimum fuel consumption and good performance but I´ve driven a 110hp Ibiza and I decided that have to have one. I previosly owned a Peugeot 309 GTI ( 1.9 liter 130hp ) and the TDi seems faster in any situation except f r top speed. It seems a lot of Seat TDI´s (90 and 110hp) have the factory clutch pedal recovery spring too weak so don´t get alarmed if your clutch pedal doesn´t return to the original position. Just change the spring. By the way the Official Seat Tdi page is: http://www.seat.com/REALITY/TDI/CARS-2.html so give it try. Congratulations. This site is great.

 
11/01/97 17:52:36

Name: Bill Kaewert
My Email: Email Me	Province/State: CO
Country: USA	Your VW/Audi: 96 Passat TDI

Comments:
I have read several comments about modifying engines to provide more power, torque via modified engnine electronics and other means (probably different model turbos). I would think that any of these modifications is quite risky if there ever were to be an engine problem. The dealer/VWoA might use the modification as a justification (perhaps valid) to avoid honoring the 100,000 mi. powertrain warranty. Is 20 HP really w rth the extra hassle? Seems to me that anyone wanting to race should not have bought a diesel!

 
11/01/97 15:00:23

Name: Terry Bryant		My Email: Email Me
City: Spring	Province/State: TX	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 98 Jetta TDI

Comments:
I purchased my '98 Jetta on 10-27-97 from Elvin Hayes VW (Yes, the Basketball Player) in Houston, TX. It was the only Jetta in this area that I could find that has power windows, so I snatched it up. It's been great so far. (I only have 441 miles on it . Got 43.2 MPG on my first tank. My experience at the dealership was great. I even got to meet and talk to Elvin Hayes! So far so good. This is a great Page. Thanks, Fred!

 
10/31/97 05:30:48

Name: Bill Kaewert
My Email: Email Me	Province/State: CO
Your VW/Audi: 96 passat

Comments:
Here is a suggestion for obtaining information on upcoming TDI products: Subscribe to two UK car magazines, "Diesel Car & 4x4" and "What car". Since the N. American ver. of TDI appears to be quite similar to Euro version these should be reasonably reliabl . The "Diesel Car & 4x4" Nov. 97 issue contains a review of 98 Passat TEI 110 estate (wagon)

 
10/31/97 05:19:30

Name: Bill Kaewert		My Email: Email Me
City: Longmont	Province/State: CO	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1996 Passat TDI wagon

Comments:
Nice web site - it helps make up for the lack of technical information VW provides on its product. I have always been suspicious of fuel additives (these were the original snake oil salespeople), and would be interested in others' comments and either positive or negative experienced with additives. What tangible good do they do? I'd be interested in related sites with info. on TDI and/or diesel fuel in general.

 
10/30/97 05:08:37

Name: Fred Voglmaier	My Email: Email Me
City: Maple Ridge	Province/State: BC
Country: Canada	Your VW/Audi: '96 Golf GL

Comments:
Anyone interested in compiling a digest version of FAQ of the entries. I'll post it here, and would do it myself, but I just don't have the time.
Even if some of it were done as things are getting repeated and questions asked over and over.
Any volunteers? If so please email me.

Thanks

Fred

 
10/29/97 22:33:00

Name: Ken S.		My Email: Email Me
City: Portland	Province/State: OR	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: '96(Jan.) Passat

Comments:
The topic of the month appears to be oil changes. I do my own. I do not remove the plastic thingy underneath. I am able to pull the filter up between the fan housing and radiator hose which needs to be nudged back towards the engine. I change the oil every 3,750 miles, which translates to about every 1 1/2 months or so. I use Fram or Purolator filters and Chevron Delo 15W-40, which is appropriate for this climate. I was advised not to use a synthetic as it is too thin. Yes, changing the oil on this car is a pain in the neck but less so than waiting in the dealers waiting room. I, for one, do not particularly trust the "quicky" oil change facilities. You can't be sure what they are using and they almost always want to perform other service, too. ($$$$!) At 44,000 miles the engine has started to stumble on cold start up. Is this normal?

 
10/28/97 10:59:16

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
Do not mix gasoline, alcohol, or ether with diesel fuel. These fluids are too thin and act as a solvent. They will not lubricate the fuel pump or injectors. They will lower the pour point of the fuel somewhat, but they will also lower the cetane rating a ot. It's not a good trade-off, the fuel might not jell, but your car might not start because the cetane rating is too low. Using these fuels as additives was common practice years ago before the modern diesel fuel additives came out.There are many safe d esel fuel additives out there. They are cheap and easy to use. Overtreating the engine will not harm it. Look for them at diesel repair shops, truck dealers, truckstops, and autoparts stores. Use kerosene or #1-diesel to mix your own fuel. One can mix a r tio as high as 50/50 with no danger to your engine. 5 gallons (20L) is all you really need to mix your own. Canadian refiners have good blended fuel because the bitter cold comes early and stays late. When diesel does jell, it is not solid like candle wax It is more like runny vaseline, it is too thick to flow through the fuel filter. It is also a slow process and can take up to several hours. I have more information in some earlier messages. Anybody need more info, e-mail me at colbk@ceco.com. I have a l t of information from oil companies.

 
10/27/97 22:16:41

Name: M Hitchman		My Email: Email Me
City: Val Caron	Province/State: Ontario	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: 97 jetta tdi

Comments:
Winter Fuel I was told by a dealer in my area to use a Litre of gas in a tank of diesel to act as a fuel conditioner and anti gelling agent. Has anyone had any experience with this. I was asking about the use of conditioners and told that they can damage the cylinder because of the gritty nature and the new TDI doesn't require additional conditioners. The car has preformed well inspite of over 7000 kms in less than a month and a variety of stations have provided fuel as I adjust to finding diesel stations. I currently use Esso but have been told to use Shell. Any info apprreciated.

 
10/23/97 22:19:07

Name: Jim McAndrew

Your VW/Audi: '91 Jetta diesel

Comments:
I'm planing to buy a TDI in the next year or so. I currently own a '91 Jetta diesel. I see that some owners are looking for an appropriate oil for winter. I'm using a synthetic made by Amsoil especially for diesels. Its CG-4 rated, VW 505.00 rated, and SAE 5w-30. Check www.amsoil.com for more info. The oil is called Series 3000 Heavy Duty Diesel. It also claims to improve fuel economy. Its sold through dealers under a multi-level marketing plan. I've been happy with its performance in cold weather. It offers extended drain intervals which partly compensate for its price, about $7 /quart. I change oil at about 12,000 miles with this stuff - supported by oil analysis. Amsoil has a remote oil filter kit available for use with its full flow and bypass oil filters that may be of interest as well if its a pain to change filters on TDI's. I'm also using an Amsoil synthetic gear lube in the transmission. Its made a big difference in the stiffness I get on the -20F mornings where I live. JMcA

 
10/23/97 00:08:16

Name: tom	City: charleston
Province/State: sc	Country: usa
Your VW/Audi: 91 Jetta GL

Comments:
VW USA says that Jetta TDIs are all over and the Passats will start shipping in the spring. My local dealer says "where are they???" They've had a few through the dealership in a variety of colors, but they can't wait for VW to send them some 98s (neithe can I :-) tg.

 
10/21/97 01:05:28

Name: Charles Deters	My Email: Email Me
City: Mascoutah	Province/State: Illinois
Country: USA

Comments:
I recently drove a Jetta TDI in St. Louis Missouori, USA. VW dealerhips are few and far apart. It seems as though diesels are not too popular because gasoline is only $1.20 per gallon . In 1982 I purchased a VW diesel and really enjoyed its economy. I am very interested in the TDI's performance. Let me know what you think of the take initial take off speed. What country are you e-mailing me fro ? Please send any updates regarding the TDI. Especially how popular Diesels are compared to gasoline engines. Thank you

 
10/20/97 02:34:22

Name: Rich Strack		My Email: Email Me
City: Stroudsburg	Province/State: PA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1997 Passat TDI

Comments:
Talking about oil changes- I prefer to let my dealer do my oil changes for the following reasons: 1) I get my tires rotated at the same time (5000mi), 2) My dealer has the highest grade oil (Lehigh Valley VW), 3) I don't need to concern about disposal/rec cling of old oil. I only have 12,000 mi on my 1997 Passat TDI, but it has been virtually flawless thus far. No smoking, no rough idle, easy starts, and good responsiveness, especially the low end torque. I have been averaging 43-46 mpg driving a combination of city and highway. I use Stanodyne's fuel additive ( to clean injectors and increase cetane rating) and I use a K&N air filter and VW alloy wheels, otherwise everything is stock. I am quite satisfied with performance just as it is. It is a very solid, fun to drive car. Rich

 
10/16/97 11:27:33

Name: peter de wit	My URL: Visit Me
My Email: Email Me	City: alkmaar
Country: The Netherlands	Your VW/Audi: 1997 Golf 90HP/TDI

Comments:
Finally i've got my own TDI. You can see my old(?) Golf 1.9 (64HP) diesel on my homepage. The new one has got all options and a sport interior. I'd like to have it chiptuned so i will have more HP's then a normal 110HP Golf. If you are interested in some nice noise cancelation for your golf just send me a mail. You can do this quite easily yourself. The new type Golf IV will be available around Christmas in Holland. After this you still have to wait a few months before it's delivered to you. So I decided to buy the above one because of all the options. I will put a pic of it on my homepage soon. Like this page very much, keep up the good work. Peter

 
10/16/97 03:14:02

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI sedan

Comments:
I changed my oil today so the numbers are fresh in my mind. The four Torx screws on the large plastic bottom pan are size 25. The bolt on the plastic oil pan cover is a 13mm, NOT 10mm as I stated in an earlier message. The drain plug is 19mm. It took e about an hour. Quick lube type places will change oil in anybody's car or truck. But they might not stock the correct oil filter or the copper washer for the drain plug. They might not have diesel rated motor oil either. In the fall 97 issue of VW's Dri er magazine, on page four, VW states the current API rating CF-4/CG-4 for diesels. Most dealers don't even know this! Most diesel rated motor oil comes in 15W-40. This might be too heavy for Northern US and Canada in winter. There are a few diesel oils in 10W-30. Any synthetic oil will work great but, your engine might start to use oil and blow blue smoke out the tail pipe. If it does your engine is not broke-in yet and you might have to switch back to conventional oil. This could happen well after 10K mil s on your car. If you can't find a diesel rated oil, especially in a winter grade, then pick an oil that says it is made for a turbo-charged engine. Read the back of the container. I don't know any Spanish but somebody out there must, can anybody translat his message? I think he's talking about his fuel mileage and top speed. At least he's got the 110hp engine in the Golf. That's something we can't have in the US.

 
10/15/97 06:53:29

Name: Manuel Esteras		My Email: Email Me
City: Pamplona	Province/State: Navarra	Country: España
Your VW/Audi: VW Golf GT TDI (110)

Comments:
Por si antes no ha quedado clara mi direccion de E-mail es MESTERAS@COMPUSERVE.COM

 
10/15/97 06:51:17

Name: Manuel Esteras		My Email: Email Me
City: Pamplona	Province/State: Navarra	Country: España
Your VW/Audi: VW Golf GT (110)

Comments:
Es un cacharrico cojonudo, me vine desde Paris hasta la frontera con un depósito, habiendo andado todo un día con el por Paris, puedes atravesar casi toda Francia con un depósito. E kilometraje máximo que le he hecho son 881 Km con un depósito, y la veloc dad máxima son 210 Km/h. ¿Seguro que es un diesel?. Si alguien desea contactar conmigo mi dirección de correo electrónico es ESTERAS@COMPUSERVE.COM Con mis saludos más golfos para todo el mundo Manuel Esteras

 
10/14/97 02:19:06

Name: Andy Perry	My Email: Email Me
City: Omaha	Province/State: NE
Country: USA	Your VW/Audi: NONE YET

Comments:
Ok, all this talk about Oil changes has got me wondering. For those of us who are less mechanically inclined and have to pay someone to change our oil. Will quick oil change(Jiffy Lube etc.) places do a TDI? Or will I have to take it to a dealer? What an I expect to pay for a change (from either). Thanks.

 
10/12/97 22:27:00

Name: Mark DeVries	M
My Email: Email Me	Province/State: OR
Country: USA	Your VW/Audi: None (yet)

Comments:
I have a question. I have seen 2 TDI's recently and both of them vibrate at idle. Is this a TDI trait or my bad luck. The vibration smoothes out at higher revs, but you can feel it at a stoplight. Just wondering. Mark

 
10/11/97 16:04:01

Name: Roy Nicholl		My Email: Email Me
City: Fredericton	Province/State: NB	Country: Canada
Your VW/Audi: Numerous

Comments:
I first drove a Golf TDI in Germany several years ago and had been waiting for them to hit Canada since 1995. I managed to drive a '97 Jetta TDI back in July [while my '92 was in the shop]. This leaves me with a delemma as I love the engine, but prefer the A2 body lines of my '92. I am now considering an engine swap [the 1.9 currently in the Jetta is destined for an old breadloaf Westfalia as an experiment]. Does anyone know if it is possible to obtian a TDI engine from VW or would I have a better chance picking up one from a wrecked Jetta or Passat?

 
10/10/97 04:57:07

Name: Bryan Andrews		My Email: Email Me
City: Newport Beach	Province/State: CA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: Jetta TDI

Comments:
Just got a Windsor blue/Beiber Beige TDI. What a Road Rocket! Quiet, fast and fun; it will pass a slow vehicle in 5th going uphill (60 to 80MPH)! The mileage (38.5 first tank) feels sinful. Everyone who drives it is amazed. I sure am on a new buyers' igh, but I miss power windows! Does anyone know of a wholesale VW parts source - I want factory floor mats, etc? Thanks for the tip on the Clarion CD changer! Whats the lowdown on the performance "chips"? Price, source?

 
10/10/97 02:56:42

Name: G. Lindsay
City: Prince George	Province/State: B.C.
Country: Canada	Your VW/Audi: Jetta TDI

Comments:
If you have a Clarion Premium Audio system then you can install a Clarion 6 disk CD changer without using an adapter cable. VW pre-installs the cable into the trunk. Its located near the drivers side tail lamp and is plugged into a "dummy" receptical. installed a Clarion RDC635 in 10 minutes. One way to tell if your stereo is a Clarion is to examine the cassette door. On the left side of the cassette door is a thin vertical "bumper". If you have the bumper then your unit is a clarion. Hope this helps.

 
10/09/97 04:47:07

Name: D.C. Hildesheim
My Email: Email Me	City: Orlando
Province/State: Florida	Your VW/Audi: 96 Passat

Comments:
AFTER MARKET CD The Passat normally has a Panasonic radio. Try Crutchfield (1-800-955-3000) They sell a Panasonic 6CD player and adapter (about $280) It works....

 
10/08/97 10:34:22

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
All VW diesels take the same oil filter regardless of car, year, or engine size. VW recommends we use an oil filter with a anti-drainback valve. The parts stores are thin on selection. AutoZone stocks one filter in their Deutsch brand, part number D-534 f r around $4.00 USd. Look for Bosch (72174) and Mann, they are VW OEM suppliers. Make sure you get new copper washers when you buy filters. They go on the drain plug. These oil filters can be bought through mail order at VW Diesel Parts, e-mail: vwdiesel@b ight.net, great web site at www.bright.net/~vwdiesel, and Parts Place Inc. (810-373-2300). I've changed my oil three times now and while it's awkward, it's not impossible. You cannot get to the oil filter from the top. Removing the big plastic cover off t e bottom is not hard. There are three 10mm bolts and four Torx screws that have to be removed. I don't remeber the size of the Torx screws right now. I use a common metal strap oil filter tool. It took a while to figure out how to get the tool and my arm p there but once I got the knack it is not hard. There is only a few inches of room to turn the handle. Once the filter is loose it spins off easily by hand. Keep some rags real close because oil is going to run down your arm, engine, filter, hoses, etc. f you don't overtighten the drain plug, you can reuse the copper washer a few times. I also remove that plastic oil pan cover because oil drips into it and collects. Later you will get a small oil puddle in your driveway and you will think you have a bad oil pan gasket. It has one 10mm bolt and a metal clip holding it on. The purpose of the two bottom covers is to keep the engine noise to a minimum. The engine clatter is louder if you leave them off. Leave the covers off if you enjoy diesel clatter. I lea e mine on because they keep all the dirt and road grime off the engine and tranny. I'll repeat the names and numbers because I've noticed the text sometimes skips when we post messages. Deutsch part D-534, Bosch part 72174. VW Diesel Parts: e-mail at vwdi sel@bright.net & great web site at www.bright.net/~vwdiesel. Parts Place Inc. 810-373-2300. Parts Place has a great free catalog.

 
10/08/97 04:18:49

Name: Charles Deters	My Email: Email Me
City: Mascoutah	Province/State: Illinois
Country: USA

Comments:
I recently drove a Jetta TDI in St. Louis Missouori, USA. VW dealerhips are few and far apart. It seems as though diesels are not too popular because gasoline is only $1.20 per gallon . In 1982 I purchased a VW diesel and really enjoyed its economy. I am very interested in the TDI's performance. Let me know what you think of the take initial take off speed. What country are you e-mailing me from ? Please send any updates regarding the TDI. Especially how popular Diesels are compared to gasoline engines. Thank you

 
10/08/97 03:05:20

Name: Hayden Chasteen		My Email: Email Me
City: Grapevine	Province/State: Tx	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 96 Passat TDI

Comments:
Just wanted to let everybody know an update on my Passat. I know have 24000 miles on the car and still no problems. The mileage is still superb and I still love to really drive the car hard. BTW I went to the dealer the other day and placed an order fo a New Beetle TDI. Dealer says that they should be arriving around February or March. I made the decision after seeing 4 of the little gems driving down the road in west Texas.

 
10/07/97 18:04:52

Name: Terry		My Email: Email Me
City: Pewaukee	Province/State: WI	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI

Comments:
Brian and all: My dealer ran a check on my TDI for recalls and found none also. Maybe it only applied to Passats? I havent noticed any smoke so far, but then again, the weather here has been terrific, so it hasnt been cold at all!

 
10/07/97 11:20:23

Name: Vic Gubinski		My Email: Email Me
City: Fairfield	Province/State: CT	Country: US
Your VW/Audi: 97 TDI Passat Wagon

Comments:
Hello All...I've been read this site for a year now and have received tons of great information which helped with my buying decision. I've had my 97 Passat TDI wagon since 1/97 and have put on 17k. Like everyone else mileage is awesome. The wagon, with oof racks and often carrying some sports equipment up there, has gotten (through careful record keeping) 43 MPG across the board (highest was 49). This is my 6th VW (Bugs,Rabbit,Jetta) and is BY FAR the best car I've ever owned. My questions to drivers n the US market is: WHY DOESN'T EVERYONE OWN A TDI??? Enough raving...Simple question...How does one get to the oil filter for changes? Does that plastic panel underneath the engine need to be removed and then one has access to the filter? Since it seem that it would be next to impossible to get at it from the top of the engine compartment without busting your hands and making a mess on top of it. Any special oil changes wrenches that work better than others? Any special oil filter requirements? Any eedback would greatly appreciated. Thanks....

 
10/07/97 10:50:17

Name: ROBERT C. SANTI		My Email: Email Me
City: COLLIERVILLE	Province/State: TENNESSEE	Country: U.S.A.
Your VW/Audi: 1997 V.W. JETTA TDI

Comments:
I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT AFTER MARKET CD CHANGER TO PURCHASE FOR MY 97' TDI. IS THERE A WAY TO TELL WHAT BRAND TO GET A PANOSONIC OR CLARION? IF ANYONE KNOWS PLEASE E-MAIL ME. THANKS

 
10/06/97 16:52:21

Name: JT		My Email: Email Me
City: Toronto	Province/State: ON	Country: CANADA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Jetta TDI

Comments:
Love the car! Got it in Aug97, and I just took it in to get its first oil change @7500kms. Runs like a charm, and I never have to pay more than 49.9 for fuel! However, VW needs to make a Jetta TDI GLS version for people who drive ALOT! Those power featur s could really come in handy.

 
10/06/97 10:45:14

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
OK everybody, if this is your first diesel powered car, raise your hand. I thought so. This is my first diesel also. So here is our tip for the day. Diesel engines take much longer to break-in than gasoline engines. It takes at least 10,000 miles to break in our engines. My first fill-up returned 40.1 MPG. I get about 47 MPG with over 13,000 miles on my car now. One should expect to gain a 1/2 MPG for every thousand miles driven until the engine is broke-in. Expect winter fuel mileage to drop as much as 15 due to blended fuel. The higher the blend, the bigger the drop. #1 diesel (kerosine) only lowers the pour point. It has a lower BTU content and a lower cetane (CN) index than #2 diesel. I called the local VW dealer and asked about the cold start smoking roblem. They do not know anything about it. My car does smoke a little during cold starts. Anybody out there have more info, POST IT!

 
10/06/97 05:03:00

Name: JOHN	My Email: Email Me
City: LAKEWOOD	Province/State: CO
Country: US	Your VW/Audi: JETTA

Comments:
I WALKED IN AND DECIDED LAST WEEK TO BUY A JETTA TDI. THIS CAR IS ONE OF THE BEST VW CARS I HAVE SEEN IN YEARS. I DRIVE 100 MILES A DAY AND RUN FROM 5,000 FT ABOVE SEA LEVEL TO 10,000 EVERY DAY AND IT WORKS GREAT. I GET ON THE INTERSTATE AND PUT IT IN TH AND SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. IT DOSENT MISS A LICK.

 
10/06/97 02:16:46

Name: Paul Wefel	My URL: Visit Me	My Email: Email Me
City: Baton Rouge	Province/State: LA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1997 Jetta TDI!

Comments:
Finally received our TDI last week. Very pleased, except on cold starts it smokes. Does anyone know if the 10-2 TSB covers the Jetta or is it just for the Passat. Where could I find more info on the TSB. Thank You. This is a great site. I read every message before deciding to buy a TDI - loved what I read. -Paul

 
10/05/97 11:54:00

Name: Terry N		My Email: Email Me
City: Milwaukee	Province/State: WI	Country: usa
Your VW/Audi: Jetta TDI, '97

Comments:
To Brian Kmetz, thanks for the diesel fuel discussion; As Im new to diesel engines, this is helpful. Also, thanks to Allen for the notice about the recall. Its the first ive heard of it. Question: In the "break-in" period, is it reasonable to expect the f el mileage be significantly less than after the first 5000 miles or so? Im getting 40 miles per gallon now plus or minus a couple. I have around 1000 miles on my TDI now. Thanks for any replies. Once again, this is an excellent web site for sharing inform tion on TDIs. thanks fred. I finally found the new url by the way. I had a bookmark directly to the old one, so couldnt find this new one for a while.

 
10/03/97 23:06:47

Name: Ken		My Email: Email Me
City: Portland	Province/State: OR	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: '96 Passat Sedan TDI

Comments:
I will be ready for new tires soon. Has anyone converted to 15" rims from the standard 14" rims? Any suggestions on tires? We have ruts in our roads and when it rains and fills the ruts the car is very hard to control. The car came with Goodyear GA's, three of which I have had to replace due to road hazard or sidewall failure.

 
10/02/97 16:49:22

Name: Terry	My Email: Email Me
City: Milwaukee	Province/State: WI
Country: USA

Comments:
Hey, does anyone know if a digital real-time fuel consumption (mpg) gauge can be added to the Jetta TDI?
I know its an option for other Jettas, but its not a usual option for the TDI for some odd reason.
Thanks for any replies.

 
10/02/97 15:40:24

Name: Allen Ruid		My Email: Email Me
City: Monona	Province/State: WI	Country: US
Your VW/Audi: 97 TDI Passat

Comments:
For everyone with a 97 TDI which smokes on cold starts, a new recall was just issued today 10/2/97. The ECM, EGR and manifold are to be replaced. This recall differs from the TSB 2-97 which applys to 96 model year TDIs. Call your dealer for more information, parts are available and mine should be here next week Take care, Al

 
10/02/97 14:33:12

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
Received the November issue of Car & Driver this week. Good article on the 98 Passat GLS. Coverage was only about the standard 150 HP gas engine. This is the only model VW is importing for now. Rumor is the Audi V-6 and TDI engines will be available ar und the first of the year. When the 98 TDI arrives, it will have an automatic transmission available as an option. It will be the VW 4-speed auto and not the Audi 5-speed triptronic, darn! The V-6 gas models get the Audi transmission. I have read nothing n if and when the 98 Jettas will have the TDI option. Another rumor I hope comes true is that the 98 Passat TDI will come with the 110 HP engine instead of the 90 HP we have. Anybody else hear or read anything, post it!

 
10/01/97 18:50:43

Name: Greg Adams		My Email: Email Me
City: Atlanta	Province/State: GA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: none yet

Comments:
The worst thing possible for a fuel-frugal tightwad like me has happened. I drove the 1998 Passat GLS and I'm not sure I can wait for the TDI version. What a car!!! It is quiet, comfortable, and fast (for a 150hp car anyway), and it comes loaded with almo t anything you could reasonably want. Europeans, I am envious that you have had access to this car for so long before we got it. To my fellow VW enthusiasts in North America: Go by and try this car. VW has gone far beyond what it could have been expected o produce. The downside? Dealers want sticker price. That may not pose a problem for me though. My wife is Italian, and I may get some of her "connected" relatives to pay the dealer a visit and... Well, I'd better not get too specific. Go see this car for yourselves.

09/30/97 17:21:54

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
Winter starting sould not be a problem for anyone. In Wisconsin and many northern states one can purchase premium diesel. I've bought it when I've been up north. Anybody who sells it will have a pamphlet telling how low it's blended for, who blends it, tc. All diesel is blended on a month by month basis according to location, eg: Canada and Alaska have blended fuel now, Wisconsin would start getting blended fuel in November. Also, the amount of blending differs by location eg: Alaska is getting a 10/90 ow with a 40/60 in January. A 30/70 blend should be good for -30F. Blending is a mix of chemical additives and #1 diesel (kerosine). Modern additives are very good with a liter (quart) able to treat several hundred gallons. Besides anti-gel, the additiv s include cetane improver and more water dispersant. More CN is needed for easier cold starting. The more kerosine that is added to the fuel, the lower the CN, the lower the fuel mileage will be. Fuel-gel problems still happen because the weather changes aster than the fuel can be blended. Everyone should have a bottle of anti-gel around because a -20F Arctic front can move in and you and the local filling station only have fuel blended to 0F. Diesel anti-gel can be bought at most autoparts stores and all truckstops. Do not store anti-gel outside, it will itself jell up! The chemical does not become active until it comes in contact with the diesel fuel. Just watch the weather and put a cup or two in when you fill up. Over treating your fuel DOES NOT harm y ur engine. Be careful when you add this stuff, breathing diesel fuel additives will give you a migraine and can make skin go numb for awhile if you spill it on yourself. More truckers are stuck from ice in their fuel filters than from fuel jelling. Change your fuel filter this fall and keep a spare handy, they only take five minutes to change. Find out where your local snowplows, towtrucks, firetrucks, ambulance, etc, buy their fuel, and if a pump is available to the public. They need winter fuel with abso ute performance. You get the idea. Buy fuel where the truckers buy fuel, fresh diesel is better diesel. Any questions: my e-mail is colbk@ceco.com.

 
09/29/97 19:35:01

Name: B. Simonson
My Email: Email Me	Province/State: WI
Country: USA

Comments:
This is a great site. It has really helped us on our decision on purchasing or leasing a TDI. We receive some extremely cold temperatures in Wisconsin. Any information on cold weather performance would be helpful. We are looking at the Golf and the n w Passat wagon. Any helpful information on the TDI's would be extremely helpful.

 
09/27/97 02:48:51

Name: Regis Mackrell
My Email: Email Me	City: Boerne
Province/State: Texas	Country: USA

Comments:
The new Passat has arrived in the US. I visted Charles Maund VW in Austin, Texas today. They have a White Passat with leather interior and sunroof. The salesman said the Passat will come with keyless entry and CD player as a standard. The expected del very date for the TDI Passat will be in February 1998.

09/26/97 09:19:02

Name: Robert C. Santi		My Email: Email Me
City: COLLIERVILLE	Province/State: TN>	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 1997 JETTA TDI

Comments:
love the car

 
09/26/97 00:11:36

Name: Brian Kmetz		My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: Illinois	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: 97 Passat TDI

Comments:
I just got done checking out that web-site for the new computer chip for the 110 HP conversion. (www.hs-elektronik.com) I don't know any German but I can translate the before and after engine specs. Here are the conversion factors for metric to english: 1 W=1.341HP, 1newton-meter (joule)=.7376ft-lbs, 1L=.2642gal, 1km=.6214miles. EG: (66kw)(1.341hp)=88.5hp, so the new specs are: (85kw)(1.341hp)=114hp, (251nm)(.7376ft-lbs)=185ft-lbs. Fuel mileage is easy too. EG: (4.2L)(.2642gal)=1.11gal, and (90km)(.6214mil )=56miles. Now, invert the numbers and divide: (56miles)/(1.11gal)=50.5MPG. So the new mileage (4.1L/90km) is (56miles)/(1.08gal)=51.85MPG. For engine displacement use 1cc=.06102cu-in., eg: (1896cc)(.06102cu-in.)=115.69cu-in. For liters use 1L=61.02cu-in. If you work through a few of these you will see how numbers are rounded off. Now you never have to be intimidated by metric engine specs!

 
09/25/97 20:31:59

Name: Walter Brooks

My Email: Email Me

Comments:
Somewhat unrelated, but here is how to install the trunk light in a Jetta if you don't have it:

Just successfully installed the trunk light in my '96 Jetta. It's just slightly more complicated since the Jetta has more interior trim than the Golf (is that right? Maybe I'm just comparing it to a Golf CL). Anyway, same part numbers as the Golf
N 017 725 2 BULB $1.70 CDN
1H0 947 113 LUGGLIGHT $7.50 CDN
Total with taxes: $10.58 CDN

Install:
Find the connector. It's next to the left rear brake light, with the wire hooked into a wire holder. The wire is covered in foam to keep thewire hooked into a wire holder. The wire is covered in foam to keep the rattles down. You have to pull the interior trim away from the brake light. Also pull the trim away from the top left side panel. You do NOT have to disconnect the trim holders. You just need enough room to feel up under the trim to feel where the wire comes from, and feed it to the center of the deck. Move the wire from t e left brake light and feed it under the rear deck. You need to feel both from the back, and from the front of the trim. The wire may be wrapped around another wire. You need to unravel it as the length of the wire is just long enough to reach the center of the back deck. There may also be another wire clip under the trim like the one by the rear brake light. Just feel with your hands to unhook it. Use the holes under the back deck to help it along. Wire should come all the way to the center rectangle hole in the rear deck. Pull the wire through the rectangular hole. Put the bulb into the lens. Connect the wire to the lens (it only goes one way, and it snaps in). Snap the lense into the center rectangular hole. Light will come on when you hook up connector since the trunk is open. Done. Elapsed time less than 15 minutes.

 
09/25/97 18:59:09

Name: T.Scholz	My URL: Visit Me
My Email: Email Me	City: Munich
Province/State: Bavaria	Country: Germany

Comments:
Hi there and congratulations to your cool sites,
we are one of the largest chiptuners in Germany and would like to invite you to see our sites at http://www.hs-elektronik.com, so that you inform yourself what you can do with your TDI, just by modifieng your DME software. Up to extra HP and a higher torq e.

 
09/25/97 18:57:50

Name: Brian P. Kmetz	My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: IL
Country: USA

Comments:
Most 97 Passat and Jetta TDIs use the new pink coolant. VW calls this stuff G-12. NEVER mix it with the old green/blue coolants. VW charges about $7.00 USA for a 1.5L bottle of G-12, OUCH! An acceptable substitute is Texaco's Extended Life Coolant & Anti-Freeze, or Havoline Dex-Cool Extended Life Coolant, about $7.00 USA a gallon. Much cheaper and easier to find. Texaco makes a diesel motor oil that meets the common for Europe but unheard in North America VW 505.00 specification. Look for Texaco's Ursa Premium TDX 15W-40, about $5.50 USA a gallon. Any questions about correct application call 800-782-7852 or E-mail them at lubes@texaco.com, and NO I don't work for Texaco. I just like to know what my alternatives are. If you ever have to add any gear lube to the transmission, VW uses GL-5 rated synthetic 75W-90. Look for Mobil 1 or Valvoline, about $7.00 USA a quart at AutoZone, KMart etc. Anybody else have any info like this, post it! Enquiring minds want to know!

 
09/25/97 18:57:10

Name: Brian P. Kmetz	My Email: Email Me
City: Streator	Province/State: IL
Country: USA

Comments:
I bought my 97 Passat TDI on May 22, 1997. I love this car. As of today (09-23-97) I have over 11,300 miles on it. Drove a white 97 Jetta TDI when I was getting my 5,000 mile service on my Passat back in July. It was faster than my Passat, but it should b as a Jetta is about 500 lbs lighter. The dealer (Ottawa Illinois) received three Jetta TDIs in this summer, they're all gone now. First fillup returned 40.1 MPG, I am now up to 47.6 MPG. October issue of Car & Driver has a good article on the 98 Passat, TDIs available in the spring of 98. I would love to know how to boost the HP up to 110! Anybody out there (in North Ameri a) know how it is done? And remember, VW recomends we all use diesel rated motor oil. The owners manual says to use API CD. API CD oil is now obsolete, VW now says to use CF-4/CG-4. Try to find a CF-4/CG-4 rated oil in a 5W-30/10W-30 grade for winter! Als , how does one know if he/she is purchasing good blended winter fuel?

 
09/25/97 18:55:54

Name: Randy Baker	My Email: Email Me
City: Grand Rapids	Province/State: MI
Country: USA

Comments:
Just got my 97 Jetta TDI three weeks ago. So far I'm very happy. Anybody know anything about diesel additives for longer engine life?? I've heard from a VW mechanic that there are certain additives that can greatly increase engine life????

 
09/25/97 18:55:14

Name: Bob Grant	My Email: Email Me
City: Terre Haute	Province/State: IN
Country: USA

Comments:
9/20/97 Spoke to VWoA representative yesterday. She said that the production of '98 Passat TDI's is to begin in December and should reach us by March '98. For those of us who can translate VW marketing, that probaly means June or July at the earliest. She also said that the Passat TDI is supposed to have a more powerful engine than the Jetta TDI, but she didn't know whether it was the 110 hp 1.9 litre or the large displacement engine. Take this all with a block of salt, I am after all talking to VWoA reps who, for all their good intentions, often don/t seem to know what their company is going to do.

 
09/25/97 18:54:16

Name: Mike Mc Donald	My Email: Email Me
City: Newport	Country: UK

Comments:
Bought my Golf TDI this year - exchanged from a Rover 220 Coupe, probably the best thing I did. Fuel consumption is great and the car is quite nippy. Would like to find out how to improve performace on this car if it is possible - whilst maintaining great fuel economy.

 
09/25/97 18:53:07

Name: CGI

My Email: Email Me

Comments:
This is a great site. For yourself and others I will give you a couple of URL:s that will take you to some of the most interesting sites regarding TDI. First of all to the site of the company that will be a significant part in the future of TDI. Company is called Sintercast Ltd. They provide the automotive industry with the possibility to use Compacted Graphite Iron in their production of engine blocks. CGI will in turn completely change the performance of TDI engines. Url: http://www.sintercast.com/ Secondly I will present a Scoop for you. This is an engine that I believe is the first commercial TDI engine built in this material. You find it after first clicking here: http://www.iaa.bmw.com/bmwe/homepage/index.shtml and then click ont the following: The word "here" under the part called IAA SPECIAL. Once through there find the link: V8 TURBO DIESEL. As you can see the future lies with TDI. Practically all of the producers of cars are now involved in the devlopement of TDI. CGI is an important part in this. Want to know more send me a mail.

 
09/25/97 18:37:33

Name: Hal Hynds

Province/State: IL

Country: USA

Comments:
You might want to look at the new Road and Track magazine. I think they have a review on the 98 Passat that mentions that the TDI version will come out mid-year with an automatic!!!

 
09/25/97 18:21:41

Name: Hal Hynds	My Email: Email Me
City: Fresno	Province/State: CA
Country: USA

Comments:
Difficult to change oil filter. I plan on installing a pre=oiler next month.

 
09/25/97 18:20:29

Name: Terry N	My Email: Email Me
City: Waukesha	Province/State: WI
Country: USA

Comments:
Hello all...I just bought a 1997 Volkswagon Jetta TDI! I test drove the only one available in Milwaukee here and liked the way it drove and handled, not to mention the 49 mpg on the highway i expect to get. My insurance also will be $30 less per 6 months with this vehicle than my current 1995 4 wd Blazer. I decided to trade in my Blazer for a more fuel efficient vehicle. To answer a recent post, I did bargain on the trade-in value of my blazer, but he would not on the actual price of the TDI. I obtained $ 000 more than the wholesale trade-in value on my Blazer which the sales rep originally told me i would get for it. The TDI was $18,180. I obtained $17,200 for my 1995 blazer, 4d,4wd, $1000 than he quoted me initially. great web site here. bye thanking you in advance...

 
09/25/97 18:19:18

Name: David Lubell	My Email: Email Me
City: Hudson	Province/State: Quebec
Country: Canada

Comments:
I bought a Jetta TDI on August 20th but I'm still waiting to receive it. I live in Camada. The dealer tells me that this model has clutch problems and is being held in shipping. Does ANYONE have more info on this? thanking you in advance...

 
09/25/97 18:18:23

Name: Andy Perry	My Email: Email Me
City: Omaha	Province/State: NE
Country: USA

Comments:
I had never heard about the TDI until today. I saw a white (thats right, WHITE) Jetta TDI for around $18000. I don't know why but I was intriuged. Then I found this site. What a great help. Has anyone had any luck bargaining with the dealers. I hope so, I d like to know what I can expect to get one for. Pleasr E-mail with anything you think I might find valuable.

 
09/25/97 18:17:27

Name: Tom Marvel	My Email: Email Me
City: Fairfield	Province/State: PA
Country: USA

Comments:
Picked my Jetta TDI on 9-10. Anyone with info on cold weather performance please email me.

 
09/25/97 18:16:45

Name: Howard Landa	My Email: Email Me
City: Loma Linda	Province/State: CA
Country: USA

Comments:
I am purchasing a Jetta TDI next week. Out of curiosity, what is the difference between the North American and European engines?

 
09/25/97 18:11:39

Name: Rob Summerhill	My Email: Email Me
City: Edgewood	Province/State: New Mexico
Country: USA

Comments:
have a 96' Passat TDI with 31K on the clock. I had the Service done to the fuel injection system to up grade to the newest type.( Freebie ) I have noticed that the GLOW PLUG LIGHT goes out almost as fast as it came on, our nites here in the mntns are in the 40sF. I called the dealer about this. The reply was that the NEW glow plugs are very fast on warm up. Still I have my doubts. The engine bucks when cold and at a constant speed. Any one out there have an answer? What could I check with a olt meter or an O-Scope to see if they are comming on? Any info is welcome. Thanx.

 
09/25/97 18:10:39

Name: Ray Leasure	My Email: Email Me
City: Severna Park	Province/State: MD
Country: USA

Comments:
TDI became available in states last month. As with the Passat TDI they average about 1 per dealer. Price is arounf $18,180 with subroof, prem. radio, and cruise. My wife and I bough a 97 Passat VR6 in May because we could not get a Passat TDI. TDI in a Jetta is a much better match. Passat is going to bebased on the Audi A4 for 98. Both the Jetta and Golf are going to be revised.

 
09/25/97 18:09:51

Name: Rich Louis	My Email: Email Me
City: Hellertown	Province/State: PA
Country: USA

Comments:
I need comments on oil consumption.. I purchased a TDI Jetta on Aug 4, '97 . I check the oil very frequently. Initially oil level on the dipstick showed at the top of the "hash marks" then it dropped to about half way down the "hash marks", though accordi g to the manual still in the ok zone. Dealer says every car has got it's own proper oil level (first time I've heard that one). Car has 4K miles on it and is driven 60-65mph 500 miles a week. After reading other e-mail here, I'm disappointed" with fuel mi eage at only around 50mpg. Thanks. PS - Great work Fred

 
09/25/97 17:52:13

Name: Jonathan Magsino	My Email: Email Me
City: Jamaica Plain	Province/State: MA
Country: USA

Comments:
I have had my Passat TDI Wagon for 6 weeks now. Worst Mileage in mostly city (Boston) driving is 44MPG. Best Mileage 52MPG. Recently had 30,000 mile maintenance at VW Dealer. Cost = $150. I Love This Car. In the Boston area, I can find the cost of Diesel at $1.23 per Gallon. Average Regular Unleaded is $1.25 per Gallon or more depending on the Gas Station. This has been a great investment. I haven't experienced the "smoking problem". My wife and I fight over who gets to drive it!!! If you are interested in a car, this is the one to look at. No other vehicle can combine the size, speed, economy and utility of this car. If you own an SUV... Trade it in ... your mileage sucks... See Ya

 
09/25/97 17:50:41

Name: Bud	My Email: Email Me
City: Lindsay	Province/State: Ontario
Country: Canada

Comments:
Great page.Just what I needed.I test drove a TDI Passatlast fall and decided to wait for the Jetta.We test drove the Jetta TDI last week and loved it.We're making the deal tomorrow. The consumer feedback herein sure beats the hell out of the "independant assessments you find in the auto magazines.Thanks to all who contributed and influenced my decision. I'll write back in a few months and tell you how I made out.

 
09/25/97 17:41:19

Name: Nathan Tennant
My Email: Email Me	City: Stratham
Province/State: N.H.	Country: USA

Comments:
To All People Considering A TDI BUY ONE! I currently own a 1996 Passat TDI with 36K on it. I drive about 120 miles each day round trip to work and average about 49 MPG...more if I take it easy on it and I can usually go about 800 miles before refueling. Mechanically the car has been e cellent, although I did have the ECM unit and injectors replaced at 30K. due to a slight smoking problem..(VW Covered it without question) I live in very cold climate and intentionally tested the car in extreme cold weather conditions, i.e -20F. The car a ways started without ANY assistance ie block heaters etc. If you are looking for an efficient, fun to drive, and extremely durable powerplant, Buy a TDI!.

 
09/25/97 17:39:36

Name: John O'Sullivan
My Email: Email Me	City: Dumfries
Province/State: VA	Country: USA

Comments:
DOkay. I love the page. Been interested in the TDI since I first heard about it almost 2 years ago. I've test driven the Jetta TDI twice, and loved it both times, but considering the extraordinary fuel economy, I figured I might check out those "chips" fr m the links on your page. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I think I did the math right (for us Americans): about 115 hp about 185 lb/ft torque top speed 121 mph This is a considerable advantage in power over the stock 90 hp TDI, and I couldn't translate the fuel economy, but it looked like it didn't suffer much. So that leaves me with several questions: 1)Can the chips be installed in the US? 2)Do the chips void the superlong 10 year powertrain warranty? 3)How much does it cost? 4)Will reliability suffer? If anyone could e-mail me or respond here with any info about the chips, including opinions of if it's worth it, I would much appreciate it. I can't wait until I can afford mine.

 
09/25/97 17:37:46

Name: Ray Patel
My Email: Email Me	City: Chicogo
Province/State: IL	Country: USA

Comments:
Does anyone know when the new Golf will arrive on North American shores? Also, will the TDI be available for it? I'm hoping that both the car and the engine will be in North America soon. Thanks for any feedback in advance. I'm also interested in getting eneral feedback in regards to general VW quality. Not just the engines, but the electrics etc.

Return to the TDI Message Page