08/31/98 20:08:25

Name: Peter Cheuk	My Email: Email Me
City: San Francisco	Province/State: CA	Country: USA
Your VW/Audi: '98 Jetta TDI

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Concerning the first oil change, I read on a newsgroup somewhere (sorry, but I can't remember where) that VW originally had the first oil change listed at 10,000 miles. It was changed to 7500 miles after owners complained. More complaining resulted in t e current 5000 mile change. Apparently, VW uses a special fill oil for the breakin that helps the motor break in. Changing this with regular oil will slow the process down. The rationale behind not changing it out early is that if VW is willing to warr nty their engines for 100,000 miles, they must be confident that their engines will make it with the maintainance schedule that they've set up for these cars. Are we smarter than the engineers who designed these engines and setup the maintainance schedul s? I'm not. Is VW playing games with us, the consumer, in an effort to make an engine/maintainance program that will last just past the 100,000 mile warranty? I hope not. Concerning Synthetic oils, it isn't recommended to use it with an engine that ha less than 20,000 miles on it to ensure that the engine is well broken in. The theory is that synthetics work so good that a 'green' engine will not break in properly if synthetic oil is put in too early in the engine's life.

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Hello Im rather satisfied with my Passat. It runs at 4.9 l/100 km, driving pretty hard.... It bugs me though that I have to replace a speed sensor to make tke A/C and stereo work - it cost an arm and a leg (not the sensor, but the work money). Right now I am looking for a repair manual - anyone got a tip? Drive safely now, y'all!

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Bite Yourself Al: While I agree that doing 5 MPH on an expressway is a bad thing along with serious environmental problems, most EPA concerns are created or over exagerated by environmental Wackos or government bureaucrats protecting their job. Most peo le now know that the Gaia (Mother earth) Hypothesis suggests that the atmosphere is relatively unaffected by man and his grime. So I am sure the planet, and man, will survive the advent of the "TDI". ....Mike...out..

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Got a Black with Custom Tan Leather, Black Tints, Mirror and Front Bra.

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Re:importing of vehicles from Canada. As a Canadian who relocated to the US in 94 I can confirm the previous message that all you require is a note from the manufacturer that the vehicle meets both DOT and EPA regulations "in the year it was produced". ou can check under the hood of the car, sometines on the detail info plate it will have the data on it. IF you are importing a new car you will be required to pay duty on the full price. I thought that you did not have to pay duty on used cars, but a re ent action by a custom inspector looking over the identificaton of my old Mercedes makes me wonder if that has changed. A lot matters as to what border and when you cross. I would reccomend Sarnia/Port Huron MI vs Windsor/Detroit(bridge prefered) and es ecially Fort Erie/Buffalo

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A good friend of ours has offered us his '96 Passat Wagon TDI for "low Blue Book value". We are very interested in the vehicle for family use and the price will undoubdedly be good (probably between $8000-$9000). The car has 75,000 miles, mostly highway However, the owner was not particularly careful with the vehicle and, consequently, it bears some scars. The paint is in disrepair but can be salvaged and the interior is badly stained. I'm uncertain of the maintanance intervals at this time. Can som one tell me what mechanical troubles I should expect with this vehicle and if they will be costly?

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to kent veiner, if the car you want to import into the usa from canada was made by the big 3 it would only take a certificate from the manufacturer that the car meets usa regs... in the case of a vw it depends on what the car has for equipment, some canad an delievered vehicles did not have air bags and had canadian std seat belts, which are not the same as the usa. ( the canadian seat belt standards are better, and i think manditory air bags are for air heads, but lets leave that for another time) c.l

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Driving a TDI is voi geil !

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Gary pointed out one of the differences between the VW TDi in the States and the VW TDi in the UK, or rather the difference between the drivers in the two countries. An even earlier post indicated that the previous (for the US)10,000 mile interval went ag inst what we Americans have had beaten into believing by the quick lube chains. The chains maintain that 3,000 miles is the interval to stop by and have them change our oil and filter, any more than that and the "disastrous results" are our own fault. Of ourse they have reason to have us frequent their establishments, they get more money and more frequently. American drivers apparently believe that the auto manufacturers have their own reason to set a much higher interval for oil changes. "They want the c r to last just past the warranty." This "conspiracy" is designed to allow the auto dealers another chance at our money, either from the repair charges, or from a new sale. It seems as though VW got tired of attempting to reassure its customers in the stat s that 10,000 was a reasonable interval and lowered it to 7500 just to shut up some of us. The FAQ was not meant to be a definitive "official Volkswagen" repository. The information in it comes from us, the contributors to this forum, and from my copy of the owners manual(Feb.96 Passat sedan). As my car was built for and sold in the US, the man al reflects the recommendations at that time for that market. For "official" information, go to the Volkswagen site. For real world conditions, check in here. You can sort out what you believe from what you don't, and form your own opinions. "TORQUE IS CHEAP"

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Does anyone have very specific information relative to purchasing a vehicle in Canada to bring into the US? My understanding from reading an atricle is that due to the favorable exchange rate with Canadian currency to US dollars; and the "minor" level of modification required to bring a Canadian spec vehicle to US specifications, that thousands can be easily saved in the process. Anyone care to share facts based on experience? Also, as a side note, anyone know of a '96 or '97 Passat Wagon in excellent condition for sale? Thanks to one and all that respond to either issue.

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I put 300,000 miles on an 81 diesel rabbit. However, I now prefer an automatic. Why doesn't VW make an automatic diesel for babyboomers who are tired of stickshift driving in traffic?

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I have posted previously with info about clutch/trans problem with my TDI. The dealer kept it all week; first fix per VW hotline was to adjust the "shifter mechanism" that sits on top of the transmission housing. Didn't work; next fix per hotline was to replace shifter mechanism. Didn't work. Then, head mechanic at dealership got someone on the hotline who told him some TDIs were fitted with clutch disks for gas models, which are slightly different. Replaced clutch, noise went away (at least so far).

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Sorry guys, looks like i forgot the address for that site that has more info on the california proposal... so here it is http://www.dieselnet.com/news/9808ema.html and i still think we have to many stupid people, making legislation

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FAQ - accuracy. 1/ Oil change intervals are 10,000 miles/12 months in the UK, not the max 7500 miles referred to. Skodas with the same diesel engine (naturally aspirated) have 5000 mile oil change intervals by VW. I heard VW said this is because there is no service light indicator in the Skoda and 5000 miles was precautionary thereof. I think the service reminder just works on 10k miles or 12 month basis, unlike some upmarket cars where it depends on use. Go figure... 2/ TDs are not the same as those for turbocharged gas engines - it is the latter which will glow 'red hot', whereas diesel turbos run at lower temperatures. They have other problems though, related to oxidation. The advice to avoid hot shut-downs still stands for TDs, though. As a bonus: 'turbo lag' is a misnomer when applied to TDs - it describes the symptoms (low-rev lethargy), but not the cause.

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'Cancer causing' agents in diesel? What are they on: there's far, far more benzene in gas for catalysed petrol cars. The 'cancer causing' particulates thesis rests on studies of rats (or mice, cannot remember which) where the animals lungs are overloaded (e.g. so that they bleed). It ain't a realistic model of air pollution imv, and it is not possible to extrapolate between species.

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A question for some of you more experienced TDI'ers...(I am only at 3,200 mi): It seems I am using considerably more oil (1.5q to date) than with any car I have ever owned! Is this typical with a break in period, or should I start buying oil by the cas ? Taking the good with the bad this is the ONLY thing I am dissappointed with on this car, which is rapidly becoming my favorite to date. Thanks.

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Re Calif. If the Cal Legislature passes some knee-jerk laws concerning diesel emissions/fuels and the Feds rubberstamp them, politics is all anyone will be talking about here. There are many precedents for Cal passing knee-jerk, stupid laws and many prece ents for the Feds rubberstamping them. No more posts from me on this subject. Thanks Fred for the great page. Here's hoping the 99 Golf TDI is not the last TDI imported into the USA.

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I'd like to thank everyone for their input on this site. I'm sure many of us have learned a lot from eachother, but please, let's keep the discussions civil. We're hear to talk about the TDI and potentially learn more, not bicker about politics, if this is what you want to do, perhaps there is a newsgroup or web site one can find for this.

Thanks
With that out of the way, I'd like to thank Jon Bartlett for compiling a mini-TDI FAQ. I haven't had a chance to add a link to the page, but you can access it at ( http://users.uniserve.com/~fred_v/mini-faq/TDIFAQ.html).

Fred

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check out this site for more info on the B.S. california concept of environment protection, talk about stupid...

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Re: California and diesel "cancer": Screw California. Those self-rightous bastards should test the air in the four-corners area where they built all those coal-plants to light their cities. They should test the salinity of the Colorado River where it empt es into Mexico and has been destroyed by their irrigation. They should examine the rape of the Sierra Nevada Watershed to supply them with drinking water, water for their damn lawns and their F$%^&ing Golf Courses. It is ironic that a state which ravages he environment so millions of people can live in a desert should try to dictate environmental policy for the whole nation. And their biggest city has virtually no mass-transit system so they all sit in their cars averaging 5 mph and burning fossil fuels w ile going nowhere. They can BITE ME.

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CALIFORNIA AGENCY TARGETS DIESEL EXHAUST CHEMICALS Sacramento, Calif-(AP)Aug.28, 1998 A state agency voted unanimously yesterday to regulate cancer-causing chemical particles in diesel exhaust, a move that could force the industry to produce cleaner-burning fuel or engines. The California Air Recources Board had originally considered declaring diesel exhaust in general to be harmful to the public, but amended its action to focus on individual components of the exhaust, a compromise that won industry backing. The 11-member board voted unanimously to declare 40 chemicals found in diesel exhaust -including benzene and dioxin - as toxic air pollutants. That makes California the first state to specifically target these cancer-causing chemicals in diesel exhaust, the board said. (end of article) Is there a site which has the full text of this declaration? How does diesel compare with gasoline as far as amounts and types of "toxic air pollutants"? How about the TDi engines in particular(pun not intended). Do any US states test Diesels for more tha an "opacity (amount of smoke)" test. What are typical TDi emissions? Mass. does not test Diesels at all for emissions. Conn. has an opacity test only. What about others?

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Art - this too is my first diesel. I was never a car nut until I discovered this car. It's easily the best car I've owned. It's great stock and with $2-3k worth of aftermarket parts, you can have a car that rivals most $30k cars and still gets 45 mpg! That said, there are a few drawbacks; 1. It is noisey at slow speeds - driving thru my neighborhood, I sound like the mail truck. 2. It does smell - you can smell the exhaust when you first start, esp. if you back out of the driveway. However, it really oesn't smell bad. and 3. You can't get 60/40 split rear seats - This is the biggest drawback of the TDI in my opinion. If anyone knows of a totalled Golf or Jetta (GLS,GLX) with good back seats, please send me email. D'nardo

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Hi, I've never owned a diesel car until now. I love the TDI. I think they are LESS hassle than gas cars. No ignition coil, no distributor, no spark plugs/wires, and no tune-ups. Those are the most maintenance-consuming items on my gas car. The diese eliminates all of them. Just replace the timing belt every 60k. Of course, there's still oil/filter, air filter, fuel filter, etc. The gripes most people have about diesels: "Fuel is hard to find." Not so. When you're looking for it, you'll find it s everywhere! "You have to wait for the glow plugs to warm up." I've owned mine since January and the only time the car wasn't ready to start within 3 seconds was on ONE 15-degree morning... I had to wait 12 seconds. Once the car's been warmed up (lik when you go grocery shopping), the car is ready to start immediately. "Diesels are slow." Definitely not the case with the TDI! The 2-liter gas car has only a 1.5 second advantage in the 0-60. However, since the TDI's 0-40 time is lower, the 2-liter ay be trailing by the time both cars reached 60mph (in a side-by-side test). "Diesels emit smelly smoke." I've had no problems here. It lets out a puff of smoke initially if I really put my foot into it. But that's it! I hope this helps. Of course, mileage is stellar. Best tank is 50.7mpg. Worst is 42mpg (new car with winterize fuel). Lifetime average is 45 mpg (note: most of these miles have been either before the car was broken in, or with the air conditioner on). I expect my numbers will improve this fall when the AC is unnecessary. Take Care, Scott Farrell 98 Jetta TDI w/13000mi

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Hello out there, I'm looking at purchasing a new Jetta, currently I am on line for one of the new Wolfsburg, gas Jetta's, but I really like the potential for stellar gas mileage with the TDI. Does anyone out there want to speak for their TDI and give me a good idea of what they are like, are they any more trouble than a gas engine and has VW worked out the kinks with this new engine. I have a few friends with gas Jetta's and they tell me the Diesel just isn't worth it. I need the other side of the story. Please E-mail me your response. Art

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Hello out there, I'm looking at purchasing a new Jetta, currently I am on line for one of the new Wolfsburg, gas Jetta's, but I really like the potential for stellar gas mileage with the TDI. Does anyone out there want to speak for their TDI and give me a good idea of what they are like, are they any more trouble than a gas engine and has VW worked out the kinks with this new engine. I have a few friends with gas Jetta's and they tell me the Diesel just isn't worth it. I need the other side of the story. Please E-mail me your response. Art

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Fellow TDI enthusiasts, I am getting a high pitched moan from the front brakes. It was there when I bought the car, I thought it would go away, but after 2500 miles it seems to be getting worse. Has anyone dealt with this? Thanks for any help!! Jon

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All this talk about Castrol oil has me puzzled. My '86 Jetta has 546 000 km on it, and I have been using Castrol GTX 15W40 or Syntec 5W50 since new, and the car runs fine, has the original turbo, and still returns fuel economy in the range of 5.0 to 5.8 /100 km. I always use Bosch filters, which are the same ones my local dealer uses. Maybe it's not the oil, but the filter you're using. Ever cut open a Bosch and a Fram (or Pennzoil, Purolator, Quaker State, Canadian Tire) and compare the two? The Bos h filter medium is denser, the casing is thicker, and the Bosch has a drain-back valve that the Fram lacks. For the extra 50 cents, I'll buy the better filter. Provided that you change your oil every 5000 km, use decent, climate-specific oil (i.e., 20W50 conventional in the winter is too thick), and use a high-quality filter, your diesel engine will easily go well over 400 000 km without a rebuild. It's all bout preventative maintenance. Saving $2.00 now only to be forced to spend $2000.00 on engine work later is just plain stupid.

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ROOF RACKS: I own a TDI and my oldest son owns a 1998 Jetta Wolfburg. We installed a Thule roof rack on his car that was made for the Jetta. It fitted perfect and is very strong. The bike racks were also very good quality. All the locks were keyed alike This rack fits in the factory slots under the rubber rain channels. This rack will not mar the finnish of the car and there are no holes to drill. My TDI just now has 5,000 miles. No Problems. Got 41.5 mpg on a trip to Fla. doing 75 mph down I-75 with FAT FOLKS on board. The 068 115 561D vw oil filter (the big one) is no problem to install.

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Did anyone hear anything, (rumor or article), about a new VW Camper Van with a TDI? Since I like camping I think I would buy one today if I could. My TDI jetta convinced me that that would be an awesome combination. VW, are you listening? ....Mike...Ou ...

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Hi Everyone, I just took my car in for 20,000 miles service. When I asked the service advisor what the service included, she did not mention fuel filter replacement. At my 10,000 miles service, an another VW dealer had photocopied a page out of their maintenace circ lar manual that indicated that Diesel Jettas get a new fuel filter every 20,000 service. When I produced the piece of paper, she mentioned that she forgot it was a Diesel, and it did include a replacement. If anyone wants me to e-mail this, I have scann d it, and saved it as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, I will gladly e-mail it to you. We all have to stay on top of the VW dealers because sometimes the service can get pretty poor.

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To Brendan .... I just got what I think is the best roof rack made. It's by Saris. It fits great, unlike the Thule that is supposed to be made for Jettas, and the 50" width allows me to hold 2 bikes and a canoe all at once. Also, the two bar locks lock everything you mount so you don't have to have 15 keys or pay for re-keying each new mount's lock. The cheapest place I found was an internet store Aardvark Cycles (www.aardvarkcycles.com/carriers.html). Their package of 2 bike mounts and the roof rack f r $270 can't be beat. Good luck.

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Wanted to get some info/feedback from out learned TDI drivers. Iam considering installing a K&N air filter in my '96TDI wagon. Cost @ $56. for the filter isn't a big concern, however I would appreciate any feedback on the performance/mileage related fac ors to using this filter. Does it make a diffference and is it worth the upgrade? Also what about the longevity of the K&N; how often does it have to be changed? ny input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

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Wanted to get some info/feedback from out learned TDI drivers. Iam considering installing a K&N air filter in my '96TDI

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I've just started to look at roof-racks for my Passat Wagon. I may have found cross-bars that hook on to the existing (currently useless) factory rack. Has anyone out there purchased a roof rack they like (used for bikes, kayaks, whatnot)? How much did it cost? Which one did you get? This site is great, I read it daily like the morning paper. (I've only figured my milage once, 46mpg on a hwy road-trip, made me happy). I bought the car about 5mos. ago for $16.9 w/ 30k miles on it. It's been running great. The only problem I have with it is that the front doors are hard to open (something is worn out). It usually gets better with some silicone spray, but that's no answer. Anybody else have this problem?

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I just got my new chip upgrades back from Wetterauer. The smoking has been significantly reduced without much chance in the added power (I can't tell the difference from my smokey chips). There still is a little smoke when I floor it before the turbo ha wound up (<1500 rpm). I just won't do that often. I went two weeks with the stock chips and believe me, I missed the power! Vroooomm...

Speaking of exhuast smoke, I spoke with Phil Carlson of the EPA yesterday (www.epa.gov/omswww/) about diesel vs gas emmissions. He said the variation between cars that pass the CA emmissions standard is insignificant. Old cars and trucks cause 90% of th air pollution. He also confirmed that the amount of CO2 is proportional to the amount of fuel burned. Whether you believe that contributes to global warming or not is up to you. I just kind of miss the days when conservation was considered cool.

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I don't know if everyone has had an opportunity to look in the latest issue of Automobile Magazine. There is a simple one page article about the possible emmergance of diesel fuel cars in America. The article briefly explains why todays diesels are nothin like the one I had in my old 81 Jetta Diesel. it tells a bit about the new technology like direct fuel injetion, it tells about what diesel manufacturers are going to have to do to conform to newer even stricter emmisions standars, and even gives a brief mention of the Jetta TDI. While the writer went a long from giving a glowing recommendation of diesel engine cars he does provide a bit of info for the readers of this magazine which just might help to educate all those who sneer or giggle when I tell the that I drive a diesel car. The article itself doesn't justify buying the magazine but the next time you're in Waldenbooks, loiter around the magazine rack long enough to read it. Happy TDI'ing.

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I cannot agree that Castrol oil is somehow responsible for any engine failure. I have used Castrol in a Freightliner FL70 for over 2 years, as well as in my VW's and never have had any problems. Perhaps this is just a rare case?

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Hear hear Bob. I'd also like to point out that VW makes some fine minivans (Sharan), micro-vans (Golf Estate)and sport-utes (Well, not quite, but synchro is widely available) in Europe, all of them with - you guessed it, and the primary reason we're all here - TDI power ;-) VW, you listening? Maaak

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Just wanted to ask all of the writers of the most recent comments to relax and be more tolerant. People have many different needs and reasons for buying a particular vehicle. It it serves them well, fine and good. What we all have in common on this sit is an appreciation of the particular virtues of the TDI and of diesels in general. That shouldn't mean that we think that Jetta and Passat TDI's are the only cars to own. Jose, for instance, appears to choose whichever of his three vehicles is appropri te for what he's doing, which makes a lot of sense. Do you think he'd be better of with three jetttas? The Passat TDI with the V6 TDI engine is my dream car, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate a lot of other cars (including minivans and SUVs. Wha ever our opinion, I don't think we should start throwing any kind of personally judgmental comments around. Just my two bits.

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D’nardo, I agree with what you say. That’s why I stated to each to make their own conclusions with regard to the crash tests. As far as "you know who", be careful about what you wish. Remember that Diesel owners are a very small minority and could eas ly be regulated out of the highways (majority rules). Someone posted a message indicating that Connecticut unfairly puts a higher tax on Diesel fuel. I wonder why? Could our Diesel cars be next here in Minnesota/Wisconsin? After all, there aren’t man of us voters to make a stink about outlawing Diesel Cars or slapping new taxes on Diesel fuel. There’s a lot more people out there that can complain loudly about Diesel usage by automobiles. Case in point, see what’s happening to jet skies and snowmobi es in Minnesota. Are our "smelly" cars next to offend the sensitivity of others in Minnesota?. I’m starting to get the picture here that most people dislike SUV drivers more than SUV vehicles. Someone posted a message earlier indicating his dislike fo the "attitude" of some SUV drivers. I gather most people SUVs on their daily commute. From that perspective is easy to understand why people find it objectionable to see a solo rider on a 17MPG SUV on his/her way to work (I do feel the same, believe me ). But what you may not know is that the same guy may be using that same SUV to pull his boat to the lake, or to haul a tractor to the shop/job, or to bring a few sheets of plywood or a load of dirt home for a weekend project, or to go four wheeling on lumber trail to a great fishing spot. In other words, commuting may have not been the primary reason the SUV was bought, but the owner is willing to pay the high commuting cost to achieve the primary purpose--that was my case with the Jeep until I could afford to buy the Jetta). The tasks I mentioned are hard to achieve (or impossible) in our Jettas without putting undue wear on the frame, brakes, suspension, drive train, undercarriage, and clutch. Such use can damage the car, reduce its value, and may even create a road hazard. As far as me being unhappy with the TDI, well, not true. I have only driven the Jeep to work three times since I bought the Jetta. I’m quite satisfied with the price I paid for it as well as the util ty value (commuting purposes) that it returns ($20/week saved on fuel costs) My Jeep is now relegated to utility and recreational purposes. As far as the safety issue goes, I did not raise it. I simply added to the thread my point of view. To deny he fact that a smaller car is at a disadvantage in a collision with a larger car is at best disingenuous and overlooks the laws of physics, that is why auto makers try to level the field by designing safer cars, like the case of the New Beetle. Please on’t get too passionate or infer too much, condemnation or censure of other’s ideas/views is not the road to an open society (unless you want to ride a bike to work like the Chinese do in Beijing).

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Jose, I'm just trying to say that while safety is a consideration when buying a vehicle, it seems to me like it's a hang-up with you and that you seem unhappy that you bought a vehicle that seems unsafe. I think that SUV's make excellent vehicles, but, I won't go out of my way to buy one just because some report says that they have a lower highway fatality rate. What the reports say is that in a controlled environment the vehicle will perform a certain way compared to other cars tested in the same way. t doesn't take into account that there will be driver intervention (trying to avoid the collision in the first place) and the yaw or yaw rate of the vehicle. What I'm trying to get at is that the dynamics of an accident are such that the "barrier test" w ll only be reflected in 1/10 of 1% of actual accidents that occur. What that means to me is that unless I'm told that a particular vehicle is UNSAFE that I will buy it without too much fuss about safety and just try to avoid accidents like I should be do ng in the first place. Sound irresponsible? Maybe, but I don't lose sleep over it. By the way, the Jetta is much better at avoiding accidents than a lot of other vehicles out there. That's passive safety that no gov't agency has tested to my knowledge

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Peter (and Mike, and others who may think the same): in case you have not read earlier messages, I already own a Jeep Cherokee 4X4 for those days when my Jetta TDI won’t make it out of the snow/ice covered driveway and roads to get to town (I live out in he country, not in the city). The Jeep is also useful to haul firewood, building supplies, furniture, etc. or to go hunting and fishing out in the woods where 4 wheel drive and clearance are a must. I bought the Jetta TDI for the same exact reason you g ys did: because the Jetta is fun, efficient and relatively safe (in addition to being cool looking and cheap to operate—I put more miles in it a week than most of you do). If you think it is unreasonable for me to raise the safety issue on the Jetta up f r discussion on this board, then that’s too bad. Please note that Al already contributed a new web address to further look into the Jetta’s safety record, while Jonathan posted a good message about green house gases produced by internal combustion engin s. A few others have also posted good messages about chips and cool accessories. If you also think that it is unreasonable for me to raise the issue that vehicles have different purposes and missions (and thus different energy needs), then that is also oo bad. A lot of us have a need for a vehicle, like a Windstar mini-van, than can haul the wife, 3 kids, bikes, the dog, a camper, and luggage across the country, or to simply bring a new bulky purchase home (how many times have you found yourself strug ling to shove stuff into the trunk and or back seat?). I am as much of a Jetta head as anyone else, but I do keep my mind open to my desire (and the desire of others) to own other vehicles that have other features and functions to offer besides MPG or a reen record. If we all agree on every issue, or if we discourage each other from raising controversial issues, then this site can and will become very boring with the exchange of oil recipes and MPG figures (but if that’s what everyone else wants, then I don’t want to be the only Black guy in a White man’s club). If owning three classes of vehicles (Jeep (SUV), Windstar (min-van), and a Diesel Jetta)) makes me your enemy or socially undesirable in your political view of the world, then that’s too bad. I did not know VW owners could be so intolerant of other people’s points of view. PS. I refer affectionately (not pejoratively) to my Jetta and most cars in its class as econo-cracker boxes because that’s what they are: Economic to purchase and run, hile they are small and compact like the old tin can cracker boxes of yesterday.

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OK settle down there Jose... I'm checking out the crash test site you gave as I write. The Jetta is rated 3 star in frontal impacts (20-35% chance of life-threatening injury). Your Windstar is 5 stars (<10% chance). But let's look at other minivans and SUVs shall we; Dodge Caravan (3), Chevy Suburban (4), Jeep Grand Cherokee (3), Toyota 4runner (3) and Pontiac Trans Port (3.5). In the 40 mph offset frontal crash tests the Jetta is ranked POOR. Of the 77 cars and trucks tested, 25 others also ranked PO R including the Olds Bravada, Chevy Blazer and GMC Gimmy. What I'm getting at, is that with the exception of your Windstar, most of these heavy, higher fuel consuming vehicles are only marginally safer than our lightweight, fuel efficient Jettas.

What's more, if "you know who" would regulate commuters, limiting them to vehicles weighing less than 2500 lbs., the number of hwy. deaths would decrease significantly, by your own mathematical analysis.

Lastly, while I agree that a Jetta is too small for a family of 5, my 87 with a trailer hitch hauled a 2000 lb trailer full of furniture 400 miles from WI to MN in the rain without a problem. The TDI can do even better. I bought it because I believe it s the best all-around SUV made.

Pollution....Ah'll be back..... D'nardo

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Jose, just some suggestions... Trade in your TDI for a Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe or some other large "safe" and very "efficient for a large vehicle" vehicle and delete this site from your "Favorites" folder. I didn't buy my car because it's the safes vehicle on the road. I didn't buy my car mainly because of it's efficiency. I didn't buy my car to save the world from polution. I bought it because it's a fun, efficient, and relatively safe 4 door 5 passenger vehicle to drive.

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Anyone interested in how the Golf/Jetta 3 actually performs in real-world crashes, load this page:http://www.carsafety.org/ddr2.htm Note it protects occupants as well as many much larger cars in both multiple and single car crashes. So everyone driving o e relax unless you want to shell out for a Benz, Volvo or big Audi.

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Jose:...Too bad you did'nt know about the Jetta's poor safety and inefficient load record before you made your purchase. Then you could have bought a second Windstar and would be saving all kinds of money now in a safe manner.....Mike.....Out...

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This thread keeps getting better....Crash Testing. Check this site for additional information http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/crashtst.html You can draw your own conclusions, but keep in mind that the tests performed were done against FIXED bar iers and thus represent the worst case scenario. In real life, objects in a collision are moving and have different weights and directions thus changing the outcome of the results. For example a 40 MPH frontal collision between a Windstar (Rated Good @ 4300 pounds ) and the Jetta (Rated Poor @ 2200 pounds) would most likely result in fatal or near fatal injuries for the Jetta occupants. It’s as simple as that. Also note that safety is not only an issue of size but also of design, as in the case of the New Beetle rated Good!!!; However, I still believe that size and weight shift the advantage to the bigger and heavier vehicle (Check NFL football players). Fuel Efficiency. It is a matter of mission purpose and safety preferences. Would you consider a 400HP CAT Diesel powered semi-truck inefficient at 5 or 6 MPG? Not when its moving 50,000 pounds of cargo from point A to point B, but when the same vehicle is used for solo commuting purposes, then it is highly inefficient. When I vacation with my family, we take the Windstar chockfull of luggage and bicycles as well as a 2000 pound camper trailer and manage to get 18 MPG. Is that efficient? You bet? Tr that in our Jetta TDI!!! The 45 MPG is useless for that type of mission. Now lets look at safety. If the driver is mainly concerned about accident survivability, then commuting with a semi truck or any other very large vehicle is probably his or h r best choice. In a free country like the United States, we are still able to make that choice ourselves without undue expense because fuel and oil costs are not skewed by unreasonable taxation. The same can not be said for the rest of the developed w rld, where that choice is already made by you know who. I remember paying $US5.00 for a quart of oil to top of a rental FIAT I had in Belgium. The same $5 buys me 5 quarts of motor oil to perform a full oil change here at home. And last, if the ultima e concern when it comes to personal transportation is energy conservation, maximum efficiency, and low safety, then I suggest a bicycle. They may have a limited mission and range but still get the best MPG and do not pollute (save for the manufacturing p ocess) I have ever seen. Happy trails. PS. Fuel consumed by an engine does not necessarily translate into more pollution. I have seen one too many small econo-cracker boxes spew gray smoke in large quantities go down the Highway. The funny thing ab ut is that sometimes those cars have "save the earth", "greenpeace", and "Wellstone" stickers on them! You figure it out.

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comment in response to Jonathon Bartlett; first of all lets say that global warming is a theory. It has not been proven, period. In fact there is just as much support for the oppposing viewpoint. One problem that still needs to be addressed is what are we actually measuring and what does it relate to. in the early 70's the big three gave the usa "cleaner engines" but the the fuel consumption went crazy. tell me someone how can the engine be clean r when it takes more fuel to go less distance. My personnel goal is to reduce the total fuel consummed and get the highest overall efficiency at the same time for any give distance traveled... and right now that means diesel and TDI. As for the mini vans, only two manufacturers products actually meet Passenger Vehicle Safety standards to my knowledge; ... Toyota and VW. The rest claim that the mini van is a truck. an so doesn't have to meet passenger vehicle standards. c.l.

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For those of you looking for information on adding a CD changer to your Jetta you might want to try these two web sites. www.autotoys.com for the changer along with the adapter to go with it, this was mentioned in a earlier post, and www.stinger-aamp.com for information on interfaces or adapters.

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re Jetta 3 safety: In the compilation of actual crash data by the Insurance Institute, the Jetta 3 did very well. This is not the government "drive into a wall test". Airbags in most cars only deploy when the accident occurs at greater than 30 mph and + o - 30 degrees of headon. If you get in a bigone headon, you WANT an airbag.

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Regarding car crash tests. Recently went by an accident site between a Dodge RAM 1500 and a newer Toyota car. From the looks of it, the Dodge truck could be driven away, but the people in the Toyota were being carted away in an ambulance. Personally my wife was T-boned by a semi-truck at an intersection. The truck hit her For Windstar mini-van at about 30 MPH on the left side. My wife and 2 kids came out without a scratch (other than soiled undergarments). The Windstar wasn’t so lucky as it had n ar $10,000 in damage. (NOTE: seatbelts were used and driver /passenger airbags were not deployed) The heavier and beefier vehicle (i.e., SUVs and mini- vans) will most certainly come ahead on a crash collision with most any other vehicle on the road (s ve semi-trucks). Those are two REAL LIFE examples of crashes and not a test by Ralph Nader (remember air bags brought to us by Ralph? As you know, tests, like numbers, can be manipulated to say what you want. Do you think Ralph looses sleep knowing tha he lobbied for a device that has needlessly killed several children?). At any rate, that’s the reason why my Jetta makes me nervous. I definitely don’t want to be in the Jetta if I am ever going to be in a collision with another vehicle. Somehow, I d n’t feel extremely safe knowing the laws of physics would most certainly go against me in a collision with another vehicle. I checked the safety rating on the Jetta and is not the most stellar. USA Today newspaper had the Jetta rated as MARGINAL and wel behind most other cars in its class! The only good news from VW are the results on the tests performed on the New Beetle, where it reportedly performed extremely well. Mhh! Trade for a NB? Nah, Maybe in a couple of years when the deals are better. Drive careful. Does anyone have the Insurance Institute ratings on the Jetta? I know the Windstar has a 5 star. Drive careful.

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Forgot to include the part number for the Mann oil filter--- W 940/25 with reference to the previous entry.

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Some things of note that I would like to pass on to every one.Purchased Nov 20(about) now have 42000 km (24000 mi).First tank 120km/hr, 54MPG. It was driven gently with egg-shell acceleration pressure.As the miles came on the low end aver.44mpg and the high about 52mpg.This last week I took off to the coast, topped up in Rocky Mtn. House and made it to Kelowna BC (812 km) on 41 litres aver. 65mph with some very fast transits near 90mph for an our. Coming out of Kelowna there is a hill (9%) for 25 +/- mi. and found I still got 47mpg. What I thought was great was the fact that the cruise was set at 75mph in fifth!!! What torque!! On filling my last tank for home in Kamloops I reached 59.6mpg. You might not think that too great,but I hauled ass on the Coquihala(?)FWY (From the trip down I remembered a laser speed trap when a grosser Mercedes S-Classe went by at over 95mph. By the time I got around the corner he was a-writing.) I've been very impressed with the car, no problems save a timing belt blowing and taking the top end of motor out(valves). You might say that's big stuff, (VW thought so and flew out people from Toronto) but the car runs even stronger now. By the way, M nn oil filters have a unique slot in the bottom of the filter that allows you to "screwdriver" it off. The slot is about 1/4in wide.\ Next on the list is CHIPS!!!!!

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As to a recent comment that SUVs are "safer than diesels" i have to disagree. Recent crash tests which have been well publicized demonstrated that SUVs are quite UNsafe as compared to the average passenger vehicle. I dont disagree over the benefits of the TDI's fuel milaege of course. That is why I traded in my SUV for a TDI. Thanks

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Forgot to mention that my $15K savings calculation was over 200,000 miles of driving. It does not consider difference in maintenance

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RE: Petrol SUVs v. diesel cars: Yes, SUV & vans are safer, and I have no data to discuss the emissions issue. The issue I can't escape is the one of money. I figured I'd save about $15,000 between the TDI and the VR6. Some of this is lower purchase price or TDI, but most of the difference is lower fuel cost. The delta between VR6 and TDI is about 20 MPG. If you added that type of mileage to each car on the road in the country our nation would save literally BILLIONS of dollars on fuel cost. This would be eal savings, too. It might make us less reliant on the Middle East and possibly reduce the temptations for USA to become involved in wars there as well. Before criticizing this concept, just start adding up the numbers. They're really huge and they would ake a difference. (And as for the president's fuel consumption in Air Force 1, it's worse than you think. When at O'Hare a couple of weeks ago I spotted both AF2 and AF2 there. Hillary and Bill each had their own gov't transport to travel to separate fund aisers. Must be nice...)

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Pollution production depends on what is classified as "pollution". The combustion (oxidization) of a hydrocarbon results in the hydrogen-carbon molecule breaking and the pieces joining with oxygen molecules. "Perfect" combustion results in only water (H2O and carbon dioxide (CO2) residue. Since CO2 is not presently classified as a pollutant, the process is considered to be clean. Imperfect combustion creates the carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen, and unburned hydro-carbon emissions. A vehicle returning 5 miles to a gallon uses twice the fuel as a vehicle returning 30 MPG, but if the combustion process is correct it can produce less of the measured pollutants. The 15 mpg vehicle will produce twice the CO2 of the 30 MPG vehicle. CO2 is one of the most eff ctive "greenhouse" gasses, which contribute to raising global temperatures. The doubled production of H2O raises the moisture level in the atmosphere too, creating localized hot and humid weather!! ;-) The TDi produces less of the CO2 than typical gasoline fueled vehicles, Thats why "we" are so cool, and "they" are all wet!!

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Regarding my previous post re: transaxle problems, the dealer is going to tear into the transaxle tomorrow morning. The car has 7,800 miles on it. The noise is a very fast "tick-a-tick-a-tick" when the car is taken out of gear at a standstill and the clutch is released, such as when stopped for a stop light. Not particularly loud; you have to be beside a wall or something to hear it from inside the car, but it is VERY easy to hear from outside the car. The foreman at the dealer said it is not a noise that he's ever heard before. Any similar experiences?? More to follow when I hear back from the dealer....

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Bill, assuming burn efficiency is equal between an SUV and small econo boxes, the emissions then become a function of gas burned per RPM. For example, a 5.7 liter GM engine requires more air/fuel mixture per RPM than a 2.0 liter Honda engine. So assuming a constant cruise at the same RPM for both vehicles, the GM engine will burn 3.7 liters more of air/fuel mixture per RPM than the Honda econo-cracker-box, but when you figure emissions per gallon consumed, they REMAIN relatively the SAME. Conclusion: Ou cracker-boxes burn less fuel per year to cover the same distance as the GM counterpart would do; therefore, it can be said that the smaller displacement engines produce less emissions per RPM (and thus miles traveled). Does that mean that an SUV driver ith 10,000 miles per year is less responsible than a Honda with 30,000 miles per year? Nope, the Honda driver is putting out more emissions than the SUV driver. Personally, I don’t really care. I mean, our president burns more fuel flying AF1 to a Cal fornia fund raiser than I will ever burn in my entire life! I like my Jetta TDI it because it allows me to drive a good looking and powerful econo box to make long drives to work easier on my wallet and the body (600+ miles/week). I definitely did not uy the TDI to save the environment. Let’s face it, a vehicle is a tool, and in my case, I also like the utility of my Jeep 4X4 Cherokee with its towing capacity and ability to punch through snow drifts. Even my wife has befallen to the SUV bug also aft r driving my Jeep. She will be trading in her 95 Windstar (3.0 L engine) for a new 4X4 Chevy Silverado with the 5.7 Liter engine. I guess she wants to get rid of the Soccer Mom image and gain the assurance that a 4X4 vehicle will give her in the great w ite north. Happy trails.

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A few of you have mentioned that you have purchased 1999 Jetta TDI. I thought that the redesigned model of the Jetta (1999) would not be available until January. Are these the new body style or simply a 1998 that they consider a 1999? I am about to tak my car in for the 20,000 miles service, according to a maintenance service schedule I obtained from my dealer, VW is supposed to change the fuel filter at 20,000 miles. For those of you who have had their 20,000 miles checkup, has this been the case? A so, any ideas as to why I average 40-41mpg, I drive 75mph on freeways with approx. 60/40 Hgwy/city driving. Any reccomendations on how I can improve my MPG. Brian Kmetz can you please e-mail me your most recent version of the oil filters that you were c mpiling before.

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Performed the first 5K oil change using a NAPA 1191 filter ($7.65) and Mills Fleet Turbo Diesel 15-40W oil ($1.11/quart). I found this oil at a farmer’s superstore in Wisconsin and the label listed the VW rating along with many other manufactures. This s a mineral oil designed specifically for Turbo Diesel engines, but I will switch to synthetic for the winter months as this oil is not recommended for temps below 5 F. Let me tell you: this is the worst car for changing oil. I had to used car ramps to raise the car; otherwise, I would have not been able to remove the plastic undercarriage engine cover (4 bolts and 3 reusable screw-on pressure washers). Getting out the factory oil filter was a real pain in the ass. There’s hardly any room in there to et an oil filter wrench, so I was forced to pry it loose by driving a screwdriver through it several times (the factory had that filter screwed in really tight). Forget about doing the job yourself unless you have car ramps and a mechanic’s crawler. I c n not imagine trying to remove the filter from the top without removing the undercarriage cover (never mind the oil mess you will have on the plastic pan). Overall, I rate this job a 2 beer job (out of six). Next change will go a lot smoother as I learn d from the experience as well as the relocation of two hose clamp nuts to a different angle to allow better clearances.

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Did anyone ever remove that access plug in the NB's fromt bumper? I'm wondering if that conceals a hiding-spot for the block heater outlet? More news on my Coolant-light woes: went for my 5k service, and they replaced my entire coolant reservoir tank (w/l vel sensor). Car drove fine for a while, but after a 1-1/2 hr drive to NY, the light / buzzer came-on again. It subsequently came-on every time I drove the car there after. It used to only do it when the car was parked in the hot sun on a humid day---- no it's all the time. The car still drives great, but I'm anxious to fix this. There's a coolant temp. sensor that is on "National backorder", which may be the culprit, but we'll see....

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Regarding Dave's question about Passat Wagons, I have seen them here in CT (silver with tint and the A4 1.8t alloys looks awesome) and the dealership I got my NB TDI from has a few, but no V6's yet.

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Mileage Report: 3,500 mile trip recorded the following:...65 to 70 MPH --47.4MPG.....75 to 82 MPH ---44.2 MPG. Mike...Out..

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is any one out there aware of block heaters? im not sure that the glow plugs will be able to handle the extreme cold of upstate NY. it would give me peace of mind knowing that i could plug it in on a cold winter night.also i think that i will wait until 5 00 to change my oil,its hard for me to even type 5000 because i have always changed my oil every 3000 in my gas cars......

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I ran my last VW jetta 1986 265000 miles on castrol oil . i never had the engine apart or had any oil related problems

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I am currently looking at a 96 turbo diesel golf. Do you have any suggestions for me when talking to the sales person about this car.

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regarding Gene's comment on engine oil, you should be aware that over the last 15 years many vw owners have experience engine wear particularly camshaft failures, in many cases these have been attributed to the use of castrol oil, the lab test suggested i was missing anti wear properties, i can't say that this is still the case now but i wouldn't use castrol in any engine i own, period. pennzoil seems to be ok, and in a diesel i would seriously consider anthing that large diesel fleet are using, ie caterpiller recommendation etc. i personnel am using petrocan 15w40 CG4, incidently the CH rated oil should be available by early next year so stay away from CF grades. c.l.

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I just bought a 99 Jetta TDI and from reading all the comments this is what I found. I should wait for 5000 miles before I change my oil the first time because VW has put in a special breakin oil and a special oil filter. I will have to bend the A/C pipe to remove the oil filter the first time. I should try and get the VW oil filter 068115561E. I should use oil rated CF-4/CG-4 like Shell Rotella T 15W-40. I should not trust that the dealer will use the correct oil. Is there a wheel alignment problem with the cars as they come from the factory? I seem to have a slight pull to the right. Will VW cover this? Is there a VW web site that has all the VW facts? I would welcome comments on the above. By the way so far the Jetta TDI is no comparison to the 90 Jetta Diesel I also have.

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Anybody had transmission and/or clutch problems? When I take the car out of gear (like at a stop light) and release the clutch, I get a very unpleasant noise coming from the trasaxle. I have an appt. at the dealer Mon. am and will report back with diagn sis. I have approx. 7500 miles on the car. Any information on experiences appreciated.

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My 97 Passat TDI has over 30,000 mi. now. Only "mods" over stock are K&N air filter (easier air flow at higher rpms), use of Stanodyne's high performance fuel additive (inc. cetane rating of fuel by 3%, cleans injectors, and lowers pour point to -45 degr es), and VW alloy wheels. I have had zero defects/problems with this car in summer or winter, in any weather or temperature and at any rate of speed. Fuel efficiency for mixed driving began at 42 mpg on first tank to 46-47 mpg at present. Highway drivi g is well over 50 mpg. To address some other questions on this site: I suspect that Castol 20-50 Syntec Blend would be a good oil for the turbo diesls since the synthetics are known to handle higher temps well and are more resistant to breakdown. The TDI engine is supplied with a special heavy -duty filter from factory that is not to be changed for 5000 mi. It is apparantly more effective at picking up particulate matter. Any TDI owner experiencing any smoking should have engine checked by VW dealer. ECM module and/or injector clogging is likely culprit and are covered by 100.000 mi warr. to original owners. I highly recommend the Stanodyne additive and draining fuel-water separator regularly to prevent injector problems. Should be good for over 200,00 mi. if kept clean, even the 5-port multi-injected TDI's. Finally, I am hesitant to mess with the ECM chip in a car that is working so well and is still covered by warranty. I would be concerned about increased turbo wear for one, increased heat dissipation, and possible change in fuel efficiency. I don't know how VW addresses these factors in their 120 HP chip TDI's, but I would want to know that prior to changing only the chip. Happy driving TDI fans. Rich

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Today I went to my dealer for service for the first time (I now have 20,000 miles). They were about to use 20W-50 Castrol Syntec Blend oil. It is a good thing I brought my own oil with me, because I read the label on a bottle in the Parts Dept. and foun it has absolutely no diesel rating! A subsequent check on Castrol's website also confirmed this. How could an authorized VW dealer be doing this? Also, does anyone know if this oil is indeed adequate for the TDI?

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Hello TDI fans!! Just completed my 5000 Mile service, quite painless. After reading a fan's comment on steering wheel alignment, I noticed mine was a little off and I was expieriencing a slight pull to the right. The dealer said it was a front end alig ment problem and not covered by warranty. I know I didn't jar the front end to this point and probably could of made a stink about it but I went ahead and paid $39.95 and it ended up being 10 deg. off on the right front. I had to pull out the maintenanc book for stamping and reviewes the original stiker I stuffed in the packet and have to tell all that I slightly understated the actual price paid and sticker amount on my earlier comment: I stated I paid $14,100 should of said $14,205. Sticker was $18,30 and I said $18,200. I am still awaiting word on the Garrett performance chip. I emailed superchips somewhere in Florida last week and have not received word back yet. Now I can't get that V6 TDI out of my mind!! Best wishes, LH

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Digger -- Everyone I've read or spoken to on this issue suggests waiting a while on the first oil change in a TDI. There apparently are factory additives in the oil to aid in properly seating rings, seals, etc. Most people suggest sticking to VW's sched led maintenance at 5K miles. I know that seems like a lot, but everyone assures me this is actually better than meticulously changing your oil every 3K miles. I don't know who's right, but sinced my dealer agrees I should wait (even if it would save him $ and hassle if I didn't wait), I'm going to wait until 5K (and then of course, if he's wrong, I'll have someone to blame.) (Since I'm *not* a dealer, or a mechnic, take my "recommendation" witha grain of salt. I'm just saying what I've heard.) ;->

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I am interested in a 1999 TDI Passat wagon. Do you know when they will be available in USA? Price? With all-wheel drive? Anybody have experiences with European version of this vehicle Passat TDI awd? Thanks

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i have herd all kinds if input as to when to change my oil on my new jetta tdi, whats the real deal? i have almost 1000 miles on it and i dont know if i chould have it changed now or wait until 3000 like all of my other gas cars of the past....any input w uld be greatly appreciated............thanks so far i love my tdi

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To those guys trying to plug their SUVs -- great. There sure are wastefull of gas (in general -- most don't get 20+ mpg). But if that's what you want to do, go ahead. What bugs me is those who drive them, seemingly unaware of the costs they impose on t emselves and others. But rather than drag this into some political thing, i have a real question. One recent poster stated that the emissions from his SUV (that got 20 mpg) were "less than 1% more" than a Honda Accord getting 25 mpg. Similarly, I have eard the claim that the Jetta TDI (or maybe the 1.9 TDI engine in general) has "20% less emissions than a comparable gas engine". What does this mean in either context? Comparing the SUV & Accord, or TDI & gas, does that mean that the engine emits x% mo e per mile, or per gallon? Since the TDI gets twice the mileage, I'd expect emissions to be 50% less per mile, all other things being equal (which they aren't -- diesel fuel is dirtier, is it not?) So, if the SUV getting 20 mpg is emitting the same as t e Honda at 25 mpg, does that mean the SUV engine is actually 20% or so "cleaner"? Anyone know how these stats work?

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To those guys trying to plug their SUVs -- great. There sure are wastefull of gas (in general -- most don't get 20+ mpg). But if that's what you want to do, go ahead. What bugs me is those who drive them, seemingly unaware of the costs they impose on t emselves and others. But rather than drag this into some political thing, i have a real question. One recent poster stated that the emissions from his SUV (that got 20 mpg) were "less than 1% more" than a Honda Accord getting 25 mpg. Similarly, I have eard the claim that the Jetta TDI (or maybe the 1.9 TDI engine in general) has "20% less emissions than a comparable gas engine". What does this mean in either context? Comparing the SUV & Accord, or TDI & gas, does that mean that the engine emits x% mo e per mile, or per gallon? Since the TDI gets twice the mileage, I'd expect emissions to be 50% less per mile, all other things being equal (which they aren't -- diesel fuel is dirtier, is it not?) So, if the SUV getting 20 mpg is emitting the same as t e Honda at 25 mpg, does that mean the SUV engine is actually 20% or so "cleaner"? Anyone know how these stats work?

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Bill: I am a TDI'ing fool too. But to knock anyone who drives anything other than your ideal car shows socialistic tendencies. I also have a great American SUV that averages 20MPG. My previous car, Honda Accord, only average 25MPG. What is the big sa ings with having half the weight, half the protection, and only 5MPG difference. Plus, according to the EPA, the emissions from my Explorer were less than 1% greater than the Accord. Please try and use statistical and true data before slamming the reput tion of a quality type of vehicle.

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Manuel, don't pay attention to Bill. There's a lot of people here in the United States that have sense and still believe in freedom. We will do anything to keep Socialism/Communism out of this last bastion of freedom (I came to the US to escape just tha !!). I definitely love my 4x4 SUV with its 17 MPG abilities, as well as my snowmobiles and Rotax powered airplane. Those two cycle beauties burn unleaded gas loaded with 2 cycle oil at an incredible rate (take that mother earth!) A good day snowmobili g burns 12 gallons, while my plane burns 4 gallons per hour!!! Ahh, the joys of freedom! (thanks to a well thought petrolum policy)! Manuel, there's one thing you will definitely not find in my Jetta TDI, and that will be a bumper sticker sporting GORE 000 for President because I LOVE FREEDOM (although we lost ground to the leftist agenda in the past 25 years, we seem to have gained some victories recently with the defeat of socialized medicine and tobacco taxes). Manuel, in case you don't know who Vic -President Gore is: Think of Carl Marx hell bent on environmental issues.

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Just took off the first 4 months and archived them... almost time for the next 4:)

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Regarding CD changers: I noticed that Recoton Corporation has a "universal" 6-CD changer that is supposed to fit "any" car stereo. Nearby (in Lake Mary, FL) they have a factory outlet that sells them for $149. Anyone tried one of these units?

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Hi, TDI fans - especially our friend from Ingolstadt! This web site seems to be demonstrating that at least *some* Americans have the good sense not to drive petrol-guzzling SUVs. Rather than turn this into a political discussion about our pi** poor petro eum policy I'd rather say that the car you are driving is the one I *want* badly. If VW import a TDI-V6 Passat into the US I will be first in line for it. How does performance of the V6-TDI compare with the 2.8L 5-V petrol version of the Passat or A6? Thanks for your comments. Please send more info on the V-6 TDI

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Great page - enjoy it. Two issues raised: re: Tape Deck I have the same irritation with the silence detector that Dnardo mentioned. In my case it is when I use one of those CD players plugged in via a tape cassette adaptor. The machine keeps thinking the tape is done when the CD comes to an end of a track. suppose I should have forked out for the CD player, but a complete unit at around $100 seemed a better idea. Other experiences? re: Wooden Dash Inserts (posting from Dave) I was also very interested in the wood grain inserts because of a couple of older Brit cars (e.g. Mini) on which they look great. I did make some enquiries and found you could get a much cheaper version from a wood grain outfit somewhere in the US much cheaper than the dealer. But, was still very pricey and on careful inspection of the car, I wondered how they could ever make it look like a good fit over the little symbols (e.g. Air flow) on various parts of the dashboard. Also, somehow the austere black seems right for a VW, but perhaps not for an Audi. Any other tryers out there? Andrew Templer

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Hi TDI-fans, Greetings from Ingolstadt! I'm wondered that there're so many fans of diesel are located over there in the U.S. In Germany the VW/Audi TDI's are very popular. My TDI is the new 150hp-V6-engine in Audi A6. It's really a great engine in accleration, torque (310Nm from 1500-3200Rpm), milage and noise. I have never seen a more silent diesel than this! Yesterday I came back from holiday in North-Italy. I've driven o motorways all time between 120 and 220km/h, the journey took only 7 hours (inclusive traffic queues), and the V6 needed 7,4 litres (on 100km) totally. That's my new record...

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I keep forgetting to post this so here goes... The gas version of our cars is a little quicker IF the driver winds the motor to redline. That person is taking advantage of the increased horsepower that the gas engine has. We, on the other hand, use our greater torque to accelerate almost as quickly. What this means, TDI fans, is that if you come to a signal light next to a gas Jetta and the other driver wants to race, he has to be willing to wind out his motor to near redline in the first 2-3 gears to e able to beat you. Since most drivers aren't willing to drive their cars that hard, we have a mental advantage in that they just have to shift early and the game's over for them. The only other time the gas cars have an advantage over us is in top spee where horsepower determines absolute terminal velocity. How many times do you drive that fast? When was the last time you drove on the freeways at over 110MPH??? Think about that. I did when I made the decision to buy TDI.

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Hey Dave. I'd agree that the TDI *feels* faster, but I've seen tests which verify that in overall performance, the gas one is indeed faster. It's just in how you use what you have. The TDI's got more torque so, as you say, once it's spooled up, we're the ones having more fun. Note also that our engine is quieter at highway speed because of our higher gearing. 70mph is pretty easy to reach in 4th. While the fuel economy is good, for the extra money it cost to get the diesel engine, expect to drive it approximately 80k before recouping your investment. Focus on the luxury of not having to stop so often instead, and the added pleasure of the increased torque, and of course the mechanical tappa-tappa weeee! of the engine and the turbo talking to eachother. I'd add that the diesel SOUNDS more like a bug too. And isn't it in the philosophical vein of the car to have an off-beat power source? Kim. One word of advice. Be nice to the engine in the first 1000 miles and stay below 3000rpm. After that you can enjoy pushing the envelope. I've had mine two months today, and I've got almost 4k on the odo. Whoa. Oh, right. Having a BLAST! I've ever thought of so many reasons to just get in the car and drive. 45mpg last tank, with a/c and a pretty even mix of city/hway. Yee-hah. Maaak

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Just some observations about my Jetta. Cruising at 50-70mph, barely using any throttle. Interesting. Must be the boost. Driving my Jetta fast, my wife doesn't notice because I don't have to rev the engine up (can't do that in a Honda!). When I had the dealer loaner ('98 Jetta GL with automatic), I had to rev it to 5000 RPM just to drive at a decent clip and my wife thinks that I'm trying to race the next guy. Definitely much better on the nerves.

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A few tidbits: 1. The shop that offered me a $239 install on the CD changer / adaptor (complete)is "Starlander-Beck" in Milford, CT (203)877-4651. 2. My A/C smells only when I start to add heat to it, then goes away. It may just be condensation that smells worse with age, but I hope not. 3. Car & Driver (Aug. or Sept. 98) did a "short-take" on the NB TDI, and posted (i think) a (0.2) second slower 0-60, and a (0.1) second slower 1/4 mile VS. the gas. This difference is undetectable in the real world, and when I tested both, the TDI felt m ch stronger around town. The cool noises & mpg sold me... If I wanted to go "really-fast", I'd buy-back my recently-sold '91 Honda CBR600F2 motorcycle.

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Don't worry about long service intervals (10,000 miles is first TDi service in UK). By the time you reach this mileage, the TDi has drank a crankcase full of oil anyway!

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I recently purchased a TDI Beetle. Before I made the decision, I test drove the gas version and the diesel version. Some salesmen say that the gas is a little bit slower than the TDI and some say the Diesel is slower. I believe the TDI is faster than the as version. The TDI is fast once the car is moving. When I start off the line, I shift it at 4000RPMS to get the full power of the car. If you go over 4000, you will notice a drop in momentum. While driving on the highway, I hold the throttle about 1/4 wa down for about 3 seconds. This allows the turbo to gain speed. Once it has reached a good speed, step on the gas all the way and the car will accelerate really fast. Even if you do not step on the gas all the way, it still picks up very fast. This is wha makes the car fun to drive. With this method, it climbs hills very quick. I haven't seen a test report on the TDI Beetle, so there are no figures yet. A publication should do a comparison between the Gas and TDI Beetles. I believe the TDI will come out o top. For those of you looking for a new beetle, I suggest you get the Diesel version. However, TDI Beetles are still rare, most people don't even know they exist. I had a hard time finding a TDI Beetle, but once I did find one, I had to drive it. Then I ought it. Call several dealers to see if they have a TDI in stock. Most dealers do not. THe sticker price on the TDI is $17,760. Dealing the price down on the Beetle is a near impossible task, so be warned. It took me two days to deal for my car. Most dea ers put a $2000 markup on the car, but some dealers do not. The TDI Beetle can get about 700 miles to the tank. The gas will get about 400. Get the TDI, it will save you in the long run on fuel cost. Also, the TDI is so fun to drive because you will always hear the turbo whine when the windows are down. If you hav any questions, write me. Dave Kim

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Ric - I too have noticed a rather stale smell coming from the AC on occasion, and sometimes there are rather weird smells, which I attribute to the fact that I'm more used to a gas engine than a diesel (and that diesel can smell weird to me). So I'm not ure. You can get those filters for the interior air circ system, but I don't know if that would help the smell, or just "clean" the recycled air. Also, I'm wondering -- what, exactly, is a "98 Jetta TDI Sport"? Was there some sort of sport package I wa n't made aware of by my dealer? If so, what's in it? Thanks.

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I've asked this question before, but got no response: While idling at a red lite, on a hot day, with the A/C on, a strange odor comes out of the vents. To solve the problem, I turn the A/C off until I get moving again. Anyone else with a similar problem Question 2: Does anyone know if turning the temperature dial warmer actually diminishes the A/C output, or does it simply add heat? Thanks, TDI fans.

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All this talk about CD changers reminded me about the tape deck. Is anyone else having problems with the Clarion deck and its "BSS" silence skip feature? I have a set of about 10 tapes now where it activates at the beginning tunes. My music may be a bi different but I've had subway sounds, hi-hats, crickets all be detected as silence and skipped over only to have the tune start two seconds later. It's so annoying that I'm having my dealer replace the deck with last year's model (panasonic) out of an o d Passat.

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Hello TDIers I just had my timing belt/all other belts plus the idle tensioner pulley replaced at my local dealer. I will have more on pricing later. My dealer has several Passat TDI owners with 1996 TDIs with over 140 Miles. So, far, they all Love their TDI's cant say enough good about them and reliability has been simply amazing. The only maintainance has been to replaced timing belts and change your oil...

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Jose - re: fog/driving lights I installed some PIAA 1000s on my Jetta, along with the VW "Euro" light switch. They are small lights, and I mounted them on the lower side of the bumper, on the level below where the parking lights are. I put mine toward the outer edge of the center "s ction." There were tiny, removable black plastic panels located there, and I removed the panels and put the lights right in front of where the panels were. Installation was easy, because I got the Euro switch. (Actually, I tried doing it with the PIAA switch, and that was a huge pain -- plus, one of my lights arrived with a broken bulb.) The Euro switch (costs about $70) lets you choose a number of combina ions of fog lights, headlights, parking lights, etc., and you needn't drill through the firewall -- you caN use VW's wiring. I would recommend getting it. Keep in mind that you also need the tiny "plug" that lets you connect the PIAA wiring to the canis er of VW wiring right above the radiator. (It's a tiny sliver of metal, but necessary. You *can* MacGuyver your own by straightening a picture-hanger hook, but I'd suggest the real McCoy instead.) Talk to a VW parts place when you get the Euro switch. While most people think of PIAAs as more at home on a souped-up Acura or something, I really like them. They don't look goofy when they're off, and when they're on, they provide great illumination (They're halfway between driving and fog lights.) I also ot them cheap (because these were discontinued). They still make the 1100x (very bright white), and the 1200 (white or amber, less bright). Mine are basically the 1200s in a slightly larger case. I hear Catz also makes good "mini" lights (XSL, XLO). B th PIAA and Catz can be had for $125-$180 for the models I mentioned. The "factory" Hellas cost about $250 just for the lights, and they're just fogs (i.e. dimmer), but they look "factory" if that matters to you.

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I wanted to increase my MPG so I only pumped 5 gallons after 463 miles for a 92.6 MPG average!!! (I only had $5 and change with me, what can I say!). I do suspect the next fill-up is going to bring me back to 23 MPG. You win some, you loose some. Seriously now, does anyone know the product number for the K&N air filter mentioned on earlier posts? (my 2-cycle engines on my boy toys use K&N's for performance). Also, have you mounted driving/fog lights? If so where and what kind/brand? Another issue, my driving is mostly interstate and I get a lot bug guts in the front of my car. Do you have a car bra in your Jetta? If so, please state make and brand. Any objections agains using Mobil 1 5W-30/40 or Mobil Delvac 1? If so, what are they? (The dealer ain't gonna touch my car unless it's really necessary, so I'll skip the maintenance handouts). One more, The CD changer from a autotoys. Will it fit the rectangular plug in the trunk?. This plug is a two row plug with 5 or 6 pins per row measuring about 3/8" high and a little over 1" wide. The connector looks more automotive than hight tech as y u would expect from audio equipment made in the 1990's. Thanks for the input.

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....With regards to CD changers (G.Jablonski's posting), I too was looking for a changer for my NB, and after ordering the Clarion by accident, got the Panasonic Unit from a Mail order house in Brooklyn NYC for $200. I bought an adaptor (Blitzsafe) Starla d & Beck in Milford, CT, and they said they would have sold and installed the whole package for $239. I missed-out, but anyone in the area should consider this option. The only thing I noticed is that this CD player has no random shuffle mode, which the f ctory unit does, but it's not worth $250 extra to me....

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I just had the car in to the dealer for its 20,000 mile checkup. Under the maintence program we recieved a new air filter, oil change, and brake system flush. All free of charge. Milage has been 46-48 since new, with a high of 50 and a low of 38. The igh was achieved during a six hour drive through the pouring rain where I could only make 55 mph. The low was probably due to my heavy foot and city driving. I had the car up over 100 mph briefly. I thought that if felt a little light at that speed, alt ough my point of reference is a Corrado VR6 with a sport suspension and a 911. It still had a litttle more left but I ran out of room. The car has been flawless so far with the exception of a hub cap which vanished one day. I'm not sure if it left on i s own or was removed. I now check them every so often and do find them slightly loose. All considered this is a great car, my wife loves it. Fred this is a great site, thanks for providing a forum for us TDI owners to exchange ideas and comments.

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Brian, will call Beck Arnley to inquire about fuel filters. As for the puralator, try it at your own risk, and don't forget that they also made the K-Mart store brand filters. I suspect that Wix will make one soon, their filter for an older VW diesel is similar, but won't quite work. However modifing the production process should be a simple process, and the filter should be forthcoming. Will advise when I find out.

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As far as a fuel filter goes, it is not true that they are ONLY available from a VW dealer. I just bought a Purolator from Discount Auto Parts.

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If anyone is still looking for an aftermarket CD Changer for their 98 Volkswagon they are now available via the internet. Sound Conceptions in Fort Lee NJ. @ WWW.Autotoys.com, has the adapters for the panasonic cdxp601 CD changer and will sell you a comp ete kit for $285.00. I ordered one via their fax number (saved $5.00, they are running a promotion) on Wensday afternoon and recieved it via UPS on Fri. Not bad... Though I live in the same state. I installed the unit myself... NO PROBLEMS and the syste sounds great. You will need an Adult to accept the deliver from UPS.

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Jake: I haven't seen too many used TDIs. I was looking at used cars when I bought my (new) Jetta -- including Honda Civics and a used 96 Passat TDI. While I was happy to get the warranty and service that come with a new (vs. used) car, one of the reaso s I went with the new TDI, rather than a used something-else, is that I saved a significant amount of money in financing. (I couldn't afford to buy the car for cash, and my trade was worth less than $1000 -- including my old car, I put down about 20%.) figured that, even at $17K including tax, the TDI would cost less than a 97 Civic that cost 16K incl. tax, because VW was providing 3 year financing at 2.9%. (I financed for 3 years.) For 4-5 years, they offer 3.9% (or were, last I checked). Compared t an 8% bank loan, this saves a great deal of money. The used Passat TDIs I was looking at not only were more expensive than a new Jetta TDI, they would have cost even more because the financing would have been at the higher rate. Anyway, Jake, I don't know if VW is offering the same financing deals in Canada, or if a Canadian citizen could buy through such a deal in Michigan or New York. But if you have the means to buy a recent TDI, I would seriously consider getting a new one i stead, since you're unlikely to save much money in real terms by buying a used 97 or 98 TDI. Good luck.

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Hi TDI fans! Several months ago when I replaced my fuel filter at 30,000 miles I cut my old one open to see just how dirty it was inside. It was dirty enough. The filter medium is white on a new one. My old one was light gray to black. The fuel filter h s two sections. The top half contains the filter medium and the bottom half of the filter is an empty space for water collection. I check my filter for water every 10,000 miles and I have never drained a drop yet. I was talking to my local VW parts manag r about what some dealers are charging for fuel and oil filters. He told me he would be more than happy to sell some filters through mail order and gave me permission to give out his name. I paid ~$30 USd for my last fuel filter and he is selling "E" type oil filters for ~$12 USd. I just replaced my pollen filter for ~$13 USd. If anyone is interested, send me an e-mail and I will send you the guys name and address. This is for Jake: same dealership has two used Jetta TDIs on the lot. One is a "program car" whatever that means, and the other a local guy traded in on a truck because he bought a boat. These are the only used Jetta TDIs I know of. The dealership is located 60 miles/100 Km southwest of Chicago. Hey Darren, can you find out if Beck-Arnley will arry TDI fuel filters, right now I can only get oil filters from them.

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Hey just bought a TDI Jetta 98 $18,200 sticker paid $14,700 (not as good as that other guy at 14,100). Love the car feel good about the purchase but are there any major reliablity issues concerning the TDI I should be worried about. Has it fared well so far? Please e-mail me if anyone has any solid info in this regard. Thanks.

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As an executive for the largest automobile aftermarket retail chain in the world, I can tell you that currently, the only available source of the fuel filter is from the dealer. However, if you will notice, the filter is made by the Robert Bosch Corp. (a ong with the alternator, starter, and numerous other parts) who does sell to the automobile aftermarket outside of the dealer distribution network. I recently spoke with a Bosch sales rep who informed me that the filter should become available soon from ources other than the dealer. I will let you know as soon as I know. By the way, Bosch sales reps get a Jetta VR6 as a company car. Not a bad fringe benefit.

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I love my Jetta. Has anyone installed the wood interior trim pieces that can be bought as an accessory? I would ie intereted in hearing how it looked. Thanks.

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Do you really need to replace the Fuel Filter every 30k miles? If so, does somebody sell one out there for less than Dealer Cost = $42.95 ?

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Hi all - back again. This time to say that my Beetle got smacked good in the rear Saturday by an inattentive taxi driver in a Caprice. Damage? If you overlook a VERY minor mar on the bumper cap - NONE. FYI, Maaak

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I'm interested in the types of modifications TDI owners are making to their cars. For example, are you modifing your suspensions to VR6 specs, adding air-to-oil coolers, intercooler upgrades, gauges (boost, fuel pressure, exhaust temp), larger downpipes, ariable boost regulators? What are the hot rodders doing? Where can I get info on these monster race cars? Thanks for the info. Kurt - Holding out for an A4 Golf TDI

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Mark from hotlanta, Did you say 42 TDI A4 Golfs for the US? I wanted to make sure that was not a typo. RJ

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Well, after visiting 3 dealers, I think I came away with a decent price. $16,500 with all options except CD and ABS. (Why is it extra on a German sports sedan when Chevy offers it standard on Cavaliers??) After two weeks and 1200 miles, I am averaging 48 pg-mostly highway. I'm saving $70/month in fuel over my 929, albeit I have a car payment now. The torque in this car is great, press on the pedal in 5th gear on an incline and it's more responsive than my RX7 used to be. I'm crossing my fingers on the uild quality issues I hear about, but if I'm experience problems, I'll just trade it in for another when the warranty expires. It's just too much of a kick getting this gas mileage, even at $1.03/gal.

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Hello TDi lovers. I visit this great page at least once a week but cannot add much since I have no TDi-ing experience yet. Boy do I ever want a Jetta TDi. Unfortunately for me I have $$$ constraints, a new Jetta is out of the question. I'm looking around for something us d, and recently I ran into a friend of mine who told me that there are 1997 Jetta TDis out there. He said that he saw one at a car auction that he went to in Michigan. As far as I know, (according to the dealer), the Jetta TDi was not available until 19 8. I have not seen any 1997 TDi Jettas in the local papers her in Toronto. If any one has any info about this please let me know. If I can find a used Jetta soon, I may be TDi-ing before the great Canadian winter hits. P.S. Does any one have any hints on potential problem areas in the TDi that I should keep my eyes open for when looking at a used TDi? I have some tinkering experience (I can change a timing belt or a camshaft) but I have never owned a diesel before. Happy TDi-ing y'all EHHHH!

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Just got back froma 2 week 3500 mile trip in the TDI. Averaged 42-46 mpg and dsl is .849 @ I-40 in Tennesse- FYI. Also came home to what looks like a recall postcard from VW - anyone know anything re. this? Can't call til Monday, just interested. Changed oil/filter, Tech 2000 15W40, Deutsch D-534 this evening and noticed one tiny crack in one of the ribs in my serpentine belt. Anyone know what the recommended replacement life of the serp or regular belts are on the TDI. Feel that it will go 15-2 K more w/o a problem. Also have 52K miles on the rear Godyear GA's and they look like they could go another 10-15K as well. Had to replace the front one due to sidewall damage - it happens. Test drob\ve a '98 Jetta TDI today in Nashville just to see the power diff in the 2525lb Jetta and my 3200lb Passat wagon. There is a difference, but it wasn't major. Also the Jetta just seems a little less luxo/cheaper then the Passat, too bad they hav n;t seen fir to put the TDI in the Passats... Also in my travels I found dealers in VA-NY-NJ with 20-40 New Beetles (per dealer), guess the scarcity is over...

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hey! was at jim ellis vw today and they have their first quarter inventory figures. vw is only making 42 a4 tdi golfs in the first quarter of '99 for the us. good luck, i'll wait for the 110 hp tdi in mine.

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Having a blast going through all the TDI comments. A couple dealers here in the LA area were saying that the TDI's were not taking off here in the USA and therefore a great deal can be had. That was all the ammo I needed so I went hunting. On 5/29/98 I pu chased a Black Jetta TDI with A/C, pwr locks, sun roof, am/fm cass., I paid $14,100.00 + tax & 7.39% APR to boot. Sticker was $18,200.00. What a vehicle! no problemos so far. I now have 4500 miles and avg. between 40-41 mpg in absolutely brutal LA traffic I changed oil @ 700 miles(from the old school on breakin procedures)and have added maybe 2 1/2 qts. since. I expect this to reduce after breakin. I use Chevron Delo-400 15W-40 (ex-long distance tractor trailer driver & thats what I used). I suggest all T I owners be sure that your dealer puts the right oil in on your service visits. I tested my dealer and had them show me what oil they use on TDI changes and to my surprise they produced the Delo-400. I am interested in performance enhancing chips, but I'l wait until the $200 max price comes along. Well, now that I'm hooked, I'll be waiting for all your TDI input and updates. Happy TDI'ing.

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Regarding Biodiesel...a few years ago, some of the local buses in my town while I was still in Germany converted to burning only biodiesel. They had big ads on the sides of the buses stating that they were biodiesel buses, pictures of sunflowers and blue kies, and things of that sort so one knew that they were being powered by biodiesel. As far as performance, they drove just as well as regular powered diesels. However, when it came to maintenance, it seems that the rings and seals were in worse shape tha those on regular diesel engines. The school of thought being that something in biodiesel was eating away at the rings/seals. This was about 1 1/2 years ago, so I dont know if any "cure" has been found in the meanwhile, but do look into this before pouri g biodiesel into your TDI. regards,dj

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I live in the D.C.area (north of town) and diesel prices vary from $1.10 to $1.45/gal, often within a few miles! Virginia tends to be cheaper than Maryland. For biodiesel, check dieselnet.com ads or veggievan.org (New College, Sarasota, FL)

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Hey diesel drivers out there! Quit complaining about the fuel prices. Out here in the S. F. Bay area I had to ask my trucker brothers where to get the best price for fuel. Try $1.13/gal. And that's the best price that I've seen within a 50 mile radius It's at a truck stop style gas station by SFO (South San Francisco). The best price for regular unleaded is $1.22/gal. Will I go out of my way to save some money? You bet! I'm fortunate that this place is along my commute. As a side note, my car's in the shop (10k service and fix an oil leak/replace a saturated timing belt) and the dealer gave me a 'rental' Jetta GL with automatic. Boy do I miss my TDI. I think I made a very good purchase decision!

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In response to Mike....out....: Before I became and engineer, I was a master mechanic for Chevrolet. I constantly hear the "SUV" buzz word dashed about like a curse. So, as a result, I contacted Joseph Agpawa of Sector 5, EPA in San Fransisco. I asked about the emissions of the SUV w r. He stated that the emission in 90% of the SUVs on the road are only .5 - 1% great than that of the passenger cars. This is true due to the fact that the Chevys, Fords, Nissans, Toyotas, and Dodges all use the same engine and fuel delivery systems as n the passenger cars. Where the difference is, is with the Suburbans, Tahoes, and Expeditions that are larger SUVs. Even they are only a small % more than the smaller SUVs. Joe also stated that the largest contributors to polution is any car older than 5 years old and not properly maintained. I was amazed how low the emissions were for the "SUVs" and can't believe that you would even consider it a complaint. I just returned from South India and nearly everything that has wheels puffs out blue smoke. he air was so dirty that you could hardly breathe. Our automobile emission standards are just fine. We need to request emission controls in the "third-world-countries". They truely have an unhealthy condition. Happy TDI'ing!

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Regarding the price of diesel. In the Dallas area I have seen the price range from .92 up to 1.19. Usually diesel is priced above regular unleaded. I lived in Saudi Arabia from Sep 91 to Sep 94. Regular Leaded gas was the equivalent of .33 US cents per gallon. Diesel was the equivalent of .10 cents per gallon.

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Does anybody know where to get Biodiesel in Central Florida?

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Some random shots...1. Wetterauer finally responded and said my car shouldn't be smoking as much as it is. They're sending new chips. I'll post the results. 2. I read on the VWVortex site that Mintex Red Box brake pads don't give off as much dust as the stock ones. Anyone know about this? 3. Diesel and Gas prices are cheaper now, in real dollars, than ever before - so much for conservation. I'm thinking about trying Biodiesel (it's a lot more expensive) because it's renewable. Anybody have any experi nce with this? Thanks...D'nardo

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My farmer friends tell me they are buying off-road red diesel for about $.80 a gallon. At work the same diesel is used for all the on-road trucks, off-road trucks and equipment, and the various diesel powered stationary pumps and generators. When the bul fuel supplier comes around and fills all the storage tanks, he adds the red dye to the off-road tanks and we are billed two separate invoices. The fuel supplier also does our blending for winter. This week I paid $1.02 for the local Citgo diesel and I' 15 miles from the nearest interstate, but my area has a lot of agriculture so all the farmers keep the price competitive. The cut-rate price of 87 octane gasoline is around $.94 this week so diesel is a little more but who cares, the Passat gets twice th mileage than my other car.

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Well, I apologize for steering us off topic. I agree that the govt. probably misspends much of our diesel and gasoline taxes. But the money to fix those roads has got to come from somewhere (though it'd be nice if it were collected and spent more effici ntly). Anyone out there know the differential in price between the dyed home heating oil that several people have mentioned here, and actual on-the-road diesel, which is basically all tax? I think it's $0.20 or so. While it may not be the ideal may to ollect it, it's basically just a road-use tax. Too bad for us that, as diesel drivers, we're lumped in with the big rigs that tear up roads (and thus ought to- and do -- pay a price). But back to the topic of diesel prices -- If you're paying more than or regular unleaded gas, shop around! I have paid $1.40/gal. for diesel (where regular was $1.15), but only because I didn't feel like shopping. Along the Indiana/Michigan border, diesel is $0.88/gal, while unleaded is $1.10. In Chicago, I've seen dies l (and gas for that matter) *much* cheaper along the major highways. Oh, and at many BP stations in western Michigan, one can buy diesel at very normal-looking car pumps, with credit card pay-at-the-pump. Also, note that like your TDI mileage, your dies l price experience will vary -- different states tax different fuels at different rates (e.g. some states tax both at a high rate, others tax diesel high and gas medium, or diesel low and gas high.)

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Jason, you sound like a real socialist, but I'm gonna go with Doug's impression. Don't kid yourself, the government does mess with fuel taxes to fund programs and other hidden agendas all the time. If Government people like V.P Al Gore are stupid enough to believe that 10-15% of all air polution in this country comes from lawn mowers, there are others who in office who don't think SUV's are any problem at all. I'm not as willing as you to believe that an additional $.50/gal will be effectively utilized b our government on infrastructure and environmental issues. Sorry to be so serious, but we did chose a vehicle with special fuel considerations. In a sense we are a minority among gasoline burners and mindless bureacrats. The concept of the TDI is too uccessful to allow people "in-the-gub'mint to screw-up!! ......Mike.....Out...

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I just couldn't pass up responding to Doug, the blame-it-on-the-gub'mint cynix. Diesel may very well be cheaper to manufacture, but saying "It costs more because Congress wanted more money." doesn't make much sense. In many, if not most, places, diesel s cheaper than gasoline. In my experience, diesel is more expensive than gas in cities and suburbs, where (1) the market for diesel is smaller than on the interstate, and there are fewer competitors, and (2) there is a lot of competition in the gasoline arket. These factors would tend to drive diesel prices up. Now, as for the politics of the matter. I would recommend that before we jump to conclusions about who wields influence over whom, consider that the trucking industry (as well as the construction industry, the Teamsters, and other diesel-intensive indust ies) has a lot of clout in DC and in state legislatures. In the end, there may be more "soccer moms in SUVs", but they may not spread around the cash enough. And besides, if you can afford a Range Rover, then you can afford to get 10 miles to the gallon even if gas is $2/gal. More to the point, I don't think it's too ridiculous to tax diesel at a higher rate. In general, diesel fuel (used primarily in heavy trucks) allows for greater wear and damage to roads, and results in more pollutants in the air than the equivalent amoun of gasoline. And the Europeans, recognizing the externalities of *both* types of fuel, tax both at a high rate. This rate is a closer approximation of the "true cost" that driving has on infrastructure and environment. Now, how those extra dollars get *spent* is another matter ... I'm glad I've got a diesel, but it wouldn't kill me to have to spend an additional $0.50/gal. on fuel -- accounting for inflation, that's about what fuel cost 3 to 5 years ago. (And though it might have a negative effect on some folks, it would have a lo of positive effects too, particularly if the extra revenue were spent addressing things like infrastructure and the environment.) I'm climb down off my soapbox now, and back into my TDI.

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Diesel fuel costs less to manufacture than gasoline. The reason it costs more is congress wanted more money. The road taxes on diesel are higher than gasoline. When the taxes went up only the trucking industry and the very few diesel car drivers complaine . It is easier to ignore diesel car drivers than every soccer mom with a SUV or minivan. Fuel prices in europe could be as low as the US, but the governments got hooked on the income from their high taxes. Diesel car development in europe is an offshoot of people wanting more efficient cars to avoid paying the high tax penalty. Black smoke means that all of the fuel is not being burned and is turning into soot. On a TDI there is probably more than the CAT can handle at the time. I wish VW Audi would import the A4 2.5 V6 TDI Quattro, or build a Passat 2.5 V6 TDI Syncro. The Eurovan joke pushed me to Dodge a few years back, now the Chrysler Sebring Convertible is looking better every day.

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Any views on this car as very few were made and you dont hear or see much about them

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A little anecdote for you...The other day, my friend and I test drove a 97 Jetta VR6 to compare it against my Wetterauer chipped TDI. I am pleased to report that we had to take the VR6 into the 6000 rpm range to outperform my TDI! In the normal driving pm range (2-4000 rpm) the TDI was clearly equal if not faster than the VR6.

I'm still getting black smoke when I floor it and haven't heard from Wetterauer. Can someone tell me the difference between the white smoke that the stock TDIs belch when shifting and the black smoke I'm belching when flooring it? Is one too much fuel, he other too little? Is my engine burning hotter with the higher turbo boost, hence black smoke? Thanks...D'nardo

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Hi tdi Fans ! About the issue of running out of fuel. I'm used to emptying my fuel tank almost to the last drop and I'v ran out of fuel many times . I never had in 12 years to do any priming or bleeding of the fuel system, just ad some fuel in the tank and crank the en ine till it start. This is valid even in case of a replacement of the fuel filter. I had to change some glow plugs beneath the injection pump and had removed the pipes to the injectors afterward i'v just cranked the engine, no bleeding ! The only engines that were required bleeding & priming were the first ones around 1977 to 1979 . I don't know how come it's different for the TDI, is anything said about it in the owner's manual ? Still Dreaming about a TDI GOLF... if only they would sell it in North America !!

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Hi Gordon, Sounds like you are taking extraordinary care with your break-in. My understanding was that anything up to 3000 rpm is probably fine for the first 1000 miles, at nothing more than half throttle. I think that's what most people limit themselves to. As ong as there has been some cool down period, say the type of driving you would do between a highway and your driveway, then my policy is to count to 10 or 15, just to make sure the intercooler has had a chance to cycle through once (use this time to shut f all your accessories, admire your new purchase, etc). These engines really are quite sophisticated compared to your dad's older models, and do not require extensive idle time to cool off. As long as your engine isn't bogging down, letting a diesel engine pull at it's lower rpm's should be fine - that's their strong point. Hey, try this. On a straightaway, take your foot off the gas in any gear and leave it off. Guess what. Your engine's "smart" enough to use the fuel injection like cruise control. First gear will move you nicely at 2mph. 2nd at 5mph, 3rd at 10, 4th at 5, and 5th at 20. This is very easy on your clutch in heavy traffic if you select your gears appropriately. Ahhh, engine management modules! Here's to making the best use of all 25 maps! NOTE: get out of 1st and second gear quickly. Third and fourth re loads of fun! My $.02, Maaak

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To Jim J:....Your right. The average American cares little about fuel economy. Buying SUV's has more to do with social issues than money issues. Americans have always been a crisis orientated society. They wait for Pearl Harbors, Sputnicks, and an en rgy crisis before they get motivated; then respond brilliantly. Those of us TDI people know that there is something good about conserving the environment, energy, and most of all, money. Even though fuel is relatively cheap in the USA I feel I'm acting responsibly. I do not mean to make a big SOCIAL STATEMENT here, just making a commitment to common sense WITHOUT A CRISIS !!!.....Mike ...Out...

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Catalytic Converter Shortage! I have been waiting for a replacement catalytic converter from the dealer since late May for my Passat TDI. I've got the exhaust *rattle* that so many of us TDI owners start experiencing at around 50K. Anyway, the dealer told me today the converters are on a *national backorder*, whatever that means. I'll also at my two cents to the fuel price narrow mindness in the US. It seems many people in the US just don't care about fuel prices, especially the new breed of SUV drivers. I had an SUV once; I couldn't wait to get rid of it. The mileage was terrible It's pathetic to read the car mags and how they frown on fuel economy. Like it's a bad thing. But why diesel is more than regular at the pumps is a mystery. Isn't diesel a few refinement steps BACK from gasoline. Wouldn't that make it cheaper? Enough for now....luv my TDI

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Hey Diesel Fans! I just picked up my new 1999 Jetta TDi last night! I'm really excited about this car as it's my first new one, and first diesel. My dad has had diesels before and still has his '81 Rabbit D and '87 Nissan Diesel pickup. The Rabbit is ool, but nothing like this car! Mine is silver with options A/C, radio, roof, and comfort group. I got a super deal on it after looking around at a lot of dealers in the NCC region. I got it at Code Motors in Carleton Place, and must say that they were the nicest dealership to deal with in the area. They had my car parked out in front under a car cover to keep it clean before picking it up! Totally painless process, absolutely excellent service, and strongly recommend anyone looking at a TDi or any VW in the NCC region to be sure and check them out. A few questions for people that have had your TDi's for some time: 1). What is your idle speed? Mine is a little below 900 RPM's which is high compared to my old car (Acura Vigor). 2). What engine speeds do most people use for breakin and how low do you find the engine runs ok? I have been keeping my shifts at 2500 max, and varying my engine speed between 1500 and 2500 when running. Is it ok to let the engine pull along at 1500 or even lower? When driv ng through the parking lot at work I use 2nd gear and on the turns I am sometimes only turning 1000 - 1200 RPM's and then lightly let the car pull away. It seems to have no problems with this. 3). How long do people let the car idle after parking? I'm itting about 1 minute after parking to cool down, but haven't been doing any hard driving. Sorry for being long winded, but I want to look after this baby as it's a definite keeper! Thanks in advance!

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It's nice to read all the great anecdotes and information posted on this page. I can't believe that there are so many diesel fanactics out there. I think the TDI engine is the best thing to happen to passenger car diesels in a long time. The automotive diesel was in danger of disappearing from the North American market due to the relative high cost of diesel in the U.S., public perception of diesels as smelly and slow, and more stringent emission regulations. In Canada, VW has sold a 1.9l TD version of just about everything since 1993 when the A3 G/J was introduced. This engine was basically a bored-out version of the 1.6 that was used in the A2s. This engine was never offered to our southern neighbours, for emissions reasons, I presume. Without the dvent of the TDI, and the much larger American market to sustain its sales, the VW diesel may have become a thing of the past. The small Canadian market can hardly justify a separate, Canada-only diesel model if the same is not offered south of the borde , in an automotive market that is roughly nine times larger. When you think of it, unless you lie awake at night calculating your car's fuel economy, why, as an American, would you buy a diesel? I regularly travel in the U.S., and am shocked at the pric of diesel in some states (sometimes, more that $0.25 more than gasoline per gallon!) I think, "why would anyone down here buy a car with a diesel engine?" It makes no economic sense! But I guess that there is something to be said for a car that can go 1200 km on a tank of fuel, and blow away most "sporty" cars across an intersection. So to all Americans: keep buying diesels, so that they don't disappear! Every time I read a Car and Driver article about a diesel car, they inevitably dream up witty phr ses like "it idles like a Peterbilt", or "it has a secret feature: a smoke screen!" I get the impression that hawking a diesel in the U. S. of A. is like selling beer in Saudi Arabia. Anyway, I have rambled for too long. Thanks to all those who are mak ng the TDI vehicles a success. You are guaranteeing that when my '86 Jetta TD (543 000 km) finally brathes its last breath, I'll have a brand-new equivalent to replace it with.

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i just picked up my 98 tdi jetta last night. i already have 355 miles on it and boy does it have ZIP!!! i used to drive a 86 ford taurus and its, night and day compared to what im used to with the ford. i can hear the turbo whine at 50 mph its something t at i will have to get used to, when should i change the oil and also the fuel filter?

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I was thinking some more about priming the fuel pump if anyone should run their car out of fuel. The fuel filter was half full when the car quit running so I only needed to add about a pint of fuel to prime the fuel pump. The fuel tank still had about hal a gallon of fuel left in it when my car ran out of fuel. It's impossible to run the fuel filter and tank completely dry. The fuel level in the tank got so low that I simply sucked air into the fuel filter. The fuel pump then lost pressure and the engine topped. The clear fuel supply lines still showed fuel in them while all this happened. The car had 800 miles of mostly city driving on that tank so I had to plead mea culpa to one very irate redhead since filling up the cars is my job.

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I'm always shocked to hear the price of fuel outside the USA. Our TDI friends abroad quickly remind us how lucky we are, (for now). With prices of $3.00/gal in europe it will take a TDI owner far less than 69,000 miles to recover the money spent on the iesel option. Even if we are lucky for the next few years to maintain relatively low fuel prices, I will still be glad to own an efficient automobile. It's makes sense if only for the sake of the environment. So cheer up TDI fans! More than likely you TDI will last beyond 69,000 miles and if another energy crisis should come our way, we will have paid our FUEL INSURANCE......Mike....Out...

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Hi TDI fans! I just got back from vacation and my wife did manage to run the Passat out of fuel, boy did I catch hell. Priming the fuel pump and injectors is easy. Remove the metal clip off the fuel retrun line and pull the recirculation valve off the fu l filter. I used an old dish soap squirt bottle to fill the fuel filter through the small hole. It can be a little messy. The fuel filter holds about 3/4 of a quart/liter. I also added about a gallon of fuel to the tank. The car had to be cranked over a ew times but it did start right up. My steering wheel has been off center and my local tire gurus swear it's the Goodyear Eagle GAs. The GAs are a loud tire that handles poorly in water and useless in snow. The tire store guys never sell them as replaceme ts unless it involves a warranty claim. Even when I rotated the tires every 5000 miles those suckers never wore evenly and cause the wheel drift. After each tire rotation the wheel would be centered for a few thousand miles and then go off again. I tried several different air pressures and 40 PSI seems to work the best for even tire wear. I have 41,000 miles on the car now and will be replacing the tires by October. Goodbye Goodyears, hello Michelins, Dunlaps, etc. Any high mileage owners out there who du ped their Goodyears and got some real tires on their car, inform us please!

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Still the clutch pedal recovery problem: To all TDI users: The VW Technical Service Bulletin that concerns this problem is: TSB nr. 3097-02 (Oct97) and it applies to all TDI's. JC Happy TD'ing

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To Jonh in Lousville, Your clutch pedal recovery problem is not a big issue, but you'll have to attend to it asap. It is only the recovery spring that is not strong enough. It has been a TDI problem since ever. Next time you drive by you VW dealer ask them to change it. If they tell you they don't know what you're talking about tell them to look into their TSB's ( Tec nical Service Bulletins ) for that weak spring. It is stated in all the VW factories TGW ( Things Gone Wrong ) books since the begginning of the production of the TDI ( late 1988 ). It takes about one hour and a half to change the spring, so it is not a v ry expensive operation. By the way, if your car is new this should be covered by the warranty. My Seat had this problem and the dealer took care of it and charged me nothing. Happy TD'ing. JC

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I've noticed that my clutch pedal keeps creeping closer & closer to the floor with use. Has this happend to anyone else? Shouldn't it be roughly out as far as the brake? If I pull it back with my hand, it will stay back out for a while, but it seems to work its way back towards the floor over time. And when I do pull it back out, I have to get used to an entirely different "feel" when I let it out, as it then "catches" in a different spot. Is this a big deal? I was just going to wait for the 5,000 se vice to have someone look at it, since visiting repair shops isn't a favorite hobby, but I have a fear of it sticking to the floor some day or something.

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Hey John (08/04), Don't ask me why, but the steering issue has pretty much corrected itself now. Perhaps the tires needed that much (3k miles) to "settle." As for the remote hatch release, it was the actual motor behind the panel, not the button. There's a beige plastic asing on it and the pin that holds it together broke. The service guy mummified it with black plastic tape, and since that should hold it in my natural life, I'm going to leave it. Wandered around a bit this weekend - even at 200 miles on the tank I was still at 3/4 full! Hee hee hee. Even if it takes 80k miles to recoup the extra spent on this engine, it sure feels nice to just drive and drive and never have to stop to tank up! And no, I never tire of people telling me they love my car - just for the record. Maaak

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We bought our tdi last wednesday from Niello in Sacramento, it hit 111 dgrees F during the negotiations!! The car is more powerful than I expected. Having had nothing but 4x4's for the last 15 years, I was also surprized by the good handling. I have a couple questions I hope the tdi gurus can answer for me. 1. What is the procedure for priming the fuel and or injector pumps if you run out of fuel? 2. Can anyone recommend a source for good seat covers reasonably priced? Thanks for any help you can offer. Jon

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I just installed a K&N filter on my TDI, and I can honestly say that there has been an increase in power. Not a huge difference, but it is noticable, especially at higher rpm's. There is also a little more noise. When the turbo starts to spool up, there is a whooshing of air. The normal turbo whine is there, but it is almost like a sucking sound. The car drives great, I double checked all of the clamps on the airbox and the tubes going to it. I am going to assume that this noise is due to the increased airflow. If anyone has any comments on this, please reply. The part number for the filter is 33-2069. Modifying this car is quite different from the small block Chevy engines that I am used to.

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has anyone out there had a problem with cold starts? i have been concerned with the upcoming winter,maybe i should install a engine block heater any input would be greatly appreciated

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Thanks for this page. I really enjou it and learn a lot. I am looking for a 1900TDI golf/'jetta engine for my bakkie. If I get one I will also need technical data. About what are the prices of these engines in different countries. Where will it be the cheapest to buy one. Please help me. I want to get my bakkie runnig again. Thanks Wikus

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Re. fuel economy. The rate is set at a speed etc. that is comparable to other auto makers. so the buyer can compare. Like they say its just an estimate. I too get 47 miles to the gallon on the interstate and with the air on all the time.

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I purchased my Jetta TDI on July 7, 1998, and with 6,277 miles on it, I brought it to the dealer for the 5,000 mile check-up, on July 29. My dealer is the seventh largest in the country, but they overfilled the oil by 1/4" above the "C" Range and they put in API Service SJ (for gasoline engines), instead of API Service CD or CG4 for diesel engines (re: Owners Manual, p. 126-128). This incompetence concerns me. The SJ quality rated oil will damage the diesel engine, as will the overfill. I insisted they rem ve the SJ oil and install Synthetic 5W-50, API Service CG4. For the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, the VW dealer incurs the cost for all maintenance. New TDI owners beware, unless you change your own oil and filter. For fuel economy, I am averaging about 7 mpg, with no A/C and 95% highway miles, at 70-75 mph. The Jetta TDI EPA highway rating of 49 mpg was calculated at 55 mph, not 70-75 mph, the most likely Interstate posted speed - the VW advertisement is deceiving. Best regards from: mcgov001@metvax.met o.msus.edu.

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I purchased my Jetta TDI on July 7, 1998, and with 6,277 miles on it, I brought it to the dealer for the 5,000 mile check-up, on July 29. My dealer is the seventh largest in the country, but they overfilled the oil by 1/4" above the "C" Range and they put in API Service SJ (for gasoline engines), instead of API Service CD or CG4 for diesel engines (re: Owners Manual, p. 126-128). This incompetence concerns me. The SJ quality rated oil will damage the diesel engine, as will the overfill. I insisted they rem ve the SJ oil and install Synthetic 5W-50, API Service CG4. For the first 2 years or 24,000 miles, the VW dealer incurs the cost for all maintenance. New TDI owners beware, unless you change your own oil and filter. For fuel economy, I am averaging about 7 mpg, with no A/C and 95% highway miles, at 70-75 mph. The Jetta TDI EPA highway rating of 49 mpg was calculated at 55 mph, not 70-75 mph, the most likely Interstate posted speed - the VW advertisement is deceiving. Best regards from: mcgov001@metvax.met o.msus.edu.

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With my Temperature Control Knob turned all the way counter-clockwise to the Blue dot and the AC button disengaged, I assume that I should be pumping air in that is not more than a couple degrees warmer than the outside air. Rather, I am pumping air in t at is at least 5 - 10 degrees warmer than the outside air. Anyone having a similar experience? I will be receiving my Robert Bentley Manuals in the mail soon, so hopefully they can give me some hints on a remedy. Any suggestions are welcome.

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the following web site has more info on the high pressure fuel system, basically its' using the camshaft to mechanically drive the injector to its peak pressure, (over 2000 bar) http://www.autobild.de/archiv/ausgaben/1998/06/24/aktuell/index.hbs?refe the local saskatoon dealer says that vw will be selling a tdi passat, and they keep insisting that it will be the 2.5l v6... we'll see

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Anybody seen the VW Vortex web site? http://www.vwvortex.com/home.html BTW, I'd like to see VW market a diesel-electric car (think Locomotive). VW would have to prove to California it should be exempt because of CA's myopic "zero emissions" rule, but such a car could be awesome. For example, Saturn's EV1 is pretty quick, f nothing else. I read several years ago in Popular Science/Mech. that VW had a diesel-electric test platform that got 300mpg. Wouldn't that be cool? Another thing I'd like to see is the TDi engine (or similar) in a small pick-up available in the U.S. Why not, the big Dodge/Ford diesels are HOT sellers. A TD powered 4x4 Minitruck that got 30mpg and towed 4000 lbs would be fantastic.

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Hey Harold, Can you say, "sproing!" Have you ever DRIVEN an elastic-drive? Yeesh. Count me out! It feels like the car is always trying to catch up to itself, which in my book rates below a slush-drive. Can you tell I drive a 5 speed? ;) Just my $.02, Maaak

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An esoteric comment. Does anyone realize how near perfect a drive train would result from a TDI engine combined with a computer-controlled continuously variable transmission as is found in the Honda Civic HX? The TDI's flat torque peak from 1,900-4,900 PM's makes it a natural for such a combination. The engine could run at a nearly constant and efficient speed while the car's speed would vary by transmission changes. Perhaps if we begged VW long enough...

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Hi all. I just got a reply from Garrett. He says he is working on a chip for the TDi & it will be available SOON! He didnt mention price, power improvements, etc.

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I just performed the 60,000 mile maintenance on my TDI (this is my fourth VW diesel). I have all of the proper tools from the past timing belt changes but please take note: The pump timing idicator and adapter have changed. The TDI fuel pump now has a l rger diameter hole and the adapter that is used on the dial indicator will no longer work. I had to fabricated my own in the middle of the job which added several hours to the job. It still runs great and I am averaging 44 MPG. I want to drive the NB T I and if it is quiet I might trade or sell the Passat on my own.

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Dear Contributors Has anybody seen any statistics related to the durability of the TDI, especially the turbo? As a former owner of a diesel car, 1981 Audi 5000, I can attest to their durability. But, I was disappointed when the turbo on my 1996 SAAB quit at 120,000 miles I would be interested in seeing any comparison of the TDI, 2.0 liter and V6. I will be buying some version of a VW in the winter. I am holding out for the restyled Jetts/Golf due to the safety features (I have 3 kids, one of which will be driving soon). Has anyone had any problems with the fuel line freezing? Any information is appreciated. Thanks. DPM

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Concerning the Wetterauer chip... When we have such an elastic engine as the TDI and our last car had a engine that we had to do some revving to really make it work we sure think it's fast. That lasts until the moment we get used to it. Then it's up to the tunning companies to work out so e solutions. Wetterauer only is one of the many hundreds of companies that rebuild the chipping in the TDI! Superchips, one of the oldest also has chips for the TDI - http://www.superchips.co.uk/tdiesfr.htm - , KW Systems, one of the youngest also as chip for the TDI - http://kw-systems.de/ - , PAPMAHL - one of the best - also has terrific chipping but no webpage yet - http://privat.swol.de/MirkoPeichl/papmahl.htm - , OETTINGER also does some chipping and has been working for VW since ... ever.. and they ave built the first GOlf I GTI 16V. They are at http://altern.org/oettinger/ . ABT does a lot of preparations and races them - http://www.autobahnint.com/AIM_store/Html/ABT/ABT.htm - an so do ATD, CESAM, GIWASA and many others. So I think the Wetterauer chip is worth the cash if it is cheaper than the others and does at least the same. Chip Tunning an engine is not only changing some lines of binary code in a EPROM and installing the new chip. Please, rethink air intakes and mai ly the oil quality. Those who have trip computers in their TDI's know that the oil temperature is always high. These are high compression engines and you can easily "cook" the oil if you push to hard a low quality oil. Thank you for those who had the guts to install a chip and TELL US about what was different since then. This is the way we can make tunning our cars a safe action. JC Happy TD'ing.

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The wife and i love our TDI it has 65000 miles today we are shooting for 250,000 we are getting around 45 mpg @ 70+ mph! there is only one thing we dont like how it will start without the clutch pushed down we have a 3yr son who knows how to put the key i . VW did not do there home work on this safety feature???

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Interesting page. I just started driving an '85 Jetta diesel (338000 kms on it), and I got 1163 kms out of the last 53 litre tank. I hope to buy a Jetta TDI in about two years or so when I'm no longer a student and have a real job.

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I have rechecked and rechecked the odometer and speedo for consistancy. Measured miles for one mile and highway markers for thirty miles. The numbers on the road and in the dash match. No other vehicle that I've owned has come close to the EPA rating. I a using the original type Goodyear Eagle GA tires 195-60-14, not skateboard wheels. My wife got 36 mpg in her Subaru, I'd get 28 in the same car. She gets 34 or so in her current Audi, I get 26 when I have to drive it. She dislikes the Passat, I wonder wha she'd get. I have no idea what the previous owner did, if anything, to the Passat. I use synthetic motor oil exclusively, I try to maintain momentum once rolling, I coast in neutral down the small hills here in New England, I run all 4 tires at 40 psi cold. On the m nus side I use full throttle to get to speed, I almost always drive faster than the posted limit (except school zones), I drive 70 with the AC on in 55 marked interstates, I run studded snows in the winter. I haven't a clue why it is so much higher than t e norm. "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth."

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I've got 75,000 miles and I get 50 mpg regularly from week to week. Sorry if some of you other owners don't believe it. Thats 930+ miles per tank ful. For those of you who have new TDIs- give em a chance to break in. My mileage kept gradually increasing t ll over 25,000 miles. Luv the power and economy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I totaly agree that $600 is a lot for a chip. Wetterauer is new to the American market and hopefully as time goes by & sales go up, their prices will go down. Not very long ago Neuspeed & the other big names were selling chips for the VR6 for $250 for on y a 7 hp increase! But they have gone down to $99. By the way, I was told that Neuspeeds TDI chip has been put on the back burner because they are busy developing all sorts of new products for the New Beetle. I think Garrett is the only other alternative. I e-mailed him last night about TDI chips but havent gotten a response yet. If anyone wants to get in touch with Garrett to express an interest in a TDi chip from him, here is his web site address...(http://www.dvol.com/~users/gal/giac.htm) Hope this help , Clay

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Clay - The chip *speaks* for itself, too? Maybe it really *is* worth the 600 bucks.... Does anyone have any word on when/if there will be a TDI chip cheaper than the Wetterauer? $600 is an awful lot of money for a little extra horsepower. I know, I know, there are lots of mods that people do, like exhaust systems, that cost as much and ad as little to performance. It's just that with those mods, one can actually see the improvements. They're steel, or aluminum, and they likely add to resale value as well. The chip, on the other hand, not only isn't an outwardly noticeable addition, and probably won't add to the resale value of the car, it doesn't seem like it should cost so much. It costs more than a Pentium II (which is also overpriced). I even understand economies of scale. But it's hard for me to believe that the Wett folks wouldn t sell three times as many chips if they were $200 instead of $600. $200 is *easy* to justify (for me). $600 is way too steep.

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Me again. Some time ago I mentioned that I would be doing 0-60 chip comparison testing. Well....I have decided against this. It would take 15-20 0-60's to get any useable data for a good comparison. 0-60's are the worst thing anyone can do to a car, and I just dont want to put my car through that type of abuse. Sorry for any disappointments. The chip will speak for itself.

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Chip better than sex?........(I'm thinking)....... uh, no. 8) Thanks for your vote at the CVO show D'nardo! I got second place in the A3 Jetta class! I heard some guy was complaining after the show becuase he got beet by a diesel. Hehe. The smoking your experiencing should gradually diminish as time goes by. As long as the car isnt pouring out smoke like it did after the initial installation, things should be ok. It probably will take a month or so for things to get back to the "normal" level.(that was my experience). Also, your car has low miles, (4000?), that 'MIGHT' play a factor as well since it's not qiute roken in. Well, I had a turbo boost & oil pressure guage installed on friday. It looks like maximum boost with the chip is 18-20 PSI. Cruising on the highway I at 70 I see 4-5 PSI and as much as 12-14 going up-hill. I'm going to put the stock chip back i the car this weekend to compare boost levels. I heard maximum boost with the stock chip is around 15-16 PSI. We were surprised to see such high oil pressure. 150 PSI with a cold engine at idle! But it drops to 30-35 with a warm engine at idle & I see 90- 5 PSI at highway speeds. That's all for now blah, blah, blah.

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Well apparently Jonathan Bartlett has a magic 96 Passat TDI that gets more mileage than either the usually optimistic EPA ratings and other Passat owners get. Like I said, to get 50mpg you can hardly leave the highway. Don't tell me you get 52mpg with a mix of city\hwy. That's BS. Maybe you should get your odometer accuracy checked. Be realistic.

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I love my passat. It gets (using the AC all the time here in the tropics) about 45mpg. The only drawback has been the vibration from the engine. Not noticeable to me inside the car but the cells in my original battery rattled apart and screws in my eyegla ses and camera equipment back themselves out. I just carry jewler's screwdrivers with me. Anyone else have this problem?

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Aaron, as Mike said, the current Jetta TDI is a great deal. The only drawback to the car is a lack of rear legroom if the driver is over 6 feet and regularly transports people in the back seat. I had a 94 Jetta (gas) and traded it for the Passat TDI becau e my 6 year old daughters just did not have enough room. VW Vortex published a news release from VW of NA indicating the 99 Golf will show up with the TDI motor. Who knows when. The Golf 4 has more interior space than the Golf/Jetta 3. I am hoping to repl ce my 88 Golf with a Golf 4 TDI. As far as your current car goes, let er' smoke and save the cash for your TDI. Al

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Aaron: Waiting for the latest model of anything is not a good idea. They will be in high demand, therefore they will be scarce for a while. Also there will be less bargins due to the car's exclusivity. You can own a jetta NOW for a song. I know the bo y design on the Passat is cool, but to me it's starting to look like all the other cars out there,(melted soap bar lines). The new M.Benz model (forgot model number) looks a lot like a current Jetta, (very european). So a TDI is out there for you now. I m having a blast with mine. I'm not afraid to rev the snot out of it either. A stick shift and 149 lbs/ft. torque can do wonders. So go buy a Jetta now, and stop waiting for the expensive car that will come "someday", and forget the Hyundai repairs (good money after bad).. Mike...Out...

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Wow! I'd love to know more about the Passat coming stateside as a TDI. VW just last week reassured me that it definitely won't be available in the US this year (but does that include Jan. 1999?). I am just about ready to get a new (partially used engin ) for my Hyundai Sonata V6 ($1600 installed w/12 mo. warranty) because I can't stand the huge clouds of smoke it blows (130,000 miles). I might be willing to not get the engine (yeah, reducing the value of my car) and put that money instead toward a TDI assat. But I don't want to wait to no avail. Otherwise I'll get the engine in two or three weeks and be less eager to get a TDI until I could get it for a great price (sometime into its model year, I'm sure). What would you guys suggest? Oh, and bring that information on!!! Thanks! -- Aaron M.

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Jonathan, I did the math for you. The number of gallons bought is $17.65/($1.039/gallon). Take your mileage and divide by this figure to get fuel economy. I calculate (948.3 miles*$1.039/gal)/$17.65 = 55.82343909348mpg. (Yes, I know about sig figs.) Pretty good mileage! As far as city vs. highway driving goes, my golf gets 48 - 50 mpg with no A/C, or 45 mpg with A/C running in the city (Washington, DC), but on a recent road trip to Pittsburgh it averaged 42 mpg! Go figure. As far as smoke problems go from the new chip go, I recommend directing it at some road-hogging cyclist. ;-) Keep posting info about the new TDI engines, particularly reliability and when/if the new one are coming Stateside (particularly as a Golf!) RJ

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I need your help, I don't know how to use a calculator to figure out my mileage. My last fillup on 8/3/98 cost $17.65, at a cost per gallon of $1.039. The trip meter which was reset at the last fillup indicated 948.3 miles had passed. Please figure out my mileage for me as I obviously can't. I think that every one of the stations I have used is cheating me by delivering less than I pay for. WAIT A MINUTE! That means that I am using even LESS fuel! This post marks the begining of my "Don't ask, Don't tell" olicy towards the fuel mileage that I get under my driving conditions in my car, YMMV. If you want the fueling history and the numbers used to calculate the 52+mpg AVERAGE, mail me and I will send you the figures.

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First off, keep your fingers crossed for the new TDI to come stateside. What was said that made you guys think it was coming here? Any word on the realistic timeframe. I want a new car . . got the new car fever but hate to part with my TDI. Second, there would appear to be a lot of people who either can't use a calculator or want to be able to boast about mileage. I've put many a mile on the original TDI and get between 35-49mpg (US). In the city you WILL NOT GET 50mpg. At 95% city driving I get 35mpg. On I75 & I95 from Florida to Rhode Island I get almost 50. When you throw in any city driving it lowers the mileage fast. The Jetta & Beetle have a weight advantage but there are design limitations of engines that cap fuel mileage at a certain oint. Constant 51mpg or other nonsense is not possible unless you live on the interstate (and your car). Happy motoring!!

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Just picked up my new black 98 Jetta from Pray Volkswagon in Greenwich. Traded in a '97 SAAB 900S with 16,000 miles. I am about to start a new job (huge promotion) in north Jersey that increases my commute by 50 miles per day. I figured that I needed b tter gas miliage and greater durability to do the commute. The SAAB would cost me a fortune to keep on the road. In any case, I love this TDI Jetta! It is every bit as fast as the 900S without all the sway and oversteer. The positive testamonials on t is page reaffirmed my decision to go with the TDI. Thanks All!

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Is my chipped out TDI "better than sex?"... no. But my girlfriend has accused me of loving my car more than her! Clay, what's your opinion?
The cost was $595 and even after driving to Chicago, I couldn't get him (Wetterauer) to knock anything off the price. If American chip makers (I hear Garrett is the best) ever come out with a TDI chip it'll be more like $150 - but none to date have one. The car is great to drive but I still see smoke when I step on it at less than 2000 rpm. I'm going to talk this over with Wetterauer to see if something can't be done about it. I'll post again when I know more. D'nardo

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Got one of the first TDI Beetle's. Love it. Has plenty of spunk and get 48 mpg. Great car.

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I hate to rain in your gas mileage parade, but ya'll are assuming that the pumps actually deliver gallons accurately. Rest assured many pumps deliver more/less fuel than the gallons accounted for due to pump variations (errors) and rigging by the station (yes, as in fraud). In my case, I go by how much money I spend a week: My Jeep Cherokee 4X4 costs me about $30/week while the TDI costs me $11/week to operate. That's good enough for me. Sometimes I get 40MPG, sometimes 43MPG. All I know is I'm haul ng ass all the time without regard for the speed laws for less money. I go with the pack and I don't like to follow, so my foot is in and out of the throttle pedal to keep up with my driving preferences--I don't baby my engine and go for the maximum outp t in the least amount of time. Come on guys, there's more to this car than fuel economy!!!! How about some maintenance tips (oil, additives, etc.), modifications (chips, trannys, exhausts, wheels, tires, lights, stereos, speakers), car care (wax, cleani g products, etc.). From now on, let us reserve any measurement activities for the shower room unless you want to report on the effects that a given product is having on your TDI, agreed? D'nardo, how about posting $$$$ for your new chip? Can we get a discount if we all get into the action? I could certainly used the extra speed as I weave my way in and out of traffic. Is it as good as you posted? Let me put it in guy terms: Is it b tter than sex? (excluding sex with the wife, of course) Regards, Jose

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Maaak: My steering wheel is a few degrees off-center, too. It has been like that since I bought it. I didn't notice it, but my brother sure did. It doesn't really bother me that much, so I'm not going to get it taken care of until I get the 5,000 mile ervice. When you said your rear remote, are you talking about when you push the button in the console to open the trunk or the keyfob remote? I've noticed that about 25% of the time I push the button in the console, it makes the noise, but it doesn't op n. It always opens the second time I push it. I just thought maybe I wasn't pushing it in far enough, but maybe there is something wrong with it...

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Regarding the last post on the next generation of TDI (DJ from KY), a bar is one atmosphere or about 14.7 psi. So 2050 bar would be an injection pressure of about 30,000 psi (if my math is correct). I have read where VW/Bosch were developing an electron c unit injection system and that VW was not pursuing the common rail system. 2050 bar is the highest injection pressure I've heard of so far!

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Can anyone give me some information on the Wetterauer chip? I have been to the website, but I am looking for more. Like, Toledo(Detroit) area dealers, people (contacts) to ask for, current price, vehicle down-time, installation notes, etc... I am lookin for the best price and if I find it I will most likely purchase before the year is up. any help is greatly appreciated, and keep up the posts, this is a great site. Thanks, Ben Hendricks bhendri@hotmail.com

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I also have seen an article about the new TDI that JC in Portugal just wrote about. It was in "Auto Bild" magazine about two weeks ago. Dont know if you are able to get hold of German magazines, but if so, get this one. They show an off-yellow Passat hav ng the new engine...sweet! Pretty impressive numbers for the next generation of TDI's. As JC mentioned, each cylinder now gets its own pump, enabling the pressure in each cylinder to jump to 2050 bar, instead of the normal 1000 bar of today's TDI. (Now dont know exactly how to translate bar to psi, but suffice it to say that it will be twice(!) as much pressure.) This system, jointly developed by Bosch and VW, will allow the TDI to be the first diesel engine to offer that type of pressure...and that me ns less pollution, quicker acceleration times, and a projected 46mpg (if my math is correct). This new engine will be offered on the Passat starting in October(one can tell it's a new engine because the *DI* of the TDI is in red on the rear moniker), and little different than JC's info, will be in the new Bora a few weeks later, and will run for only DM1000 (USD570) extra. But regardless, it looks to be promising, and hopefully, we will be able to get them here in the US quickly. chau, dj

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A report from CVO's Treffen 98;
I made the trek to Chicago on Sunday to see the hundreds of tricked out VW's on display at this year's Treffen. There were rows of Corrados, Golf GTIs and New and old Beetles...
But I really came to see two things; 1.Clay Peyton's TDI (see his posts here) and 2. The Wetterauer booth. I was not disappointed.
Clay's car is sweet. With the Wetterauer chip and Techtonics cat-back exhaust, he's made the two major horsepower revisions I want to do. He's also put some serious effort into wheels/tires, front grill (6 headlights!), and the interior. I voted it Bes of Show.
Ricardo Davis was manning the Wetterauer booth (his Audi A4 1.8l Turbo covered in a banner). I asked him about the chip upgrade and he said "Do you want to try it out, before you buy it?". I said, "Umm... ok." Nathan from WI (who put a turbo on his 91 D esel Jetta), a guy from the CVO and his son and I watched as Ricardo put the new chips in. Piece of cake. Then we piled in for the test drive. WOW!! Four people and a dog in the car and it was a rocket! I think Ricardo knew that I wasn't going to take it out after the test drive.
Anyway, when I got back from the test drive, I complained of the black smoke that came pouring out when I would floor it. Ricardo said it takes a while to break in and Clay was standing there to confirm this. I drove back to MN (6 hrs) and for quite a w ile I was running with 4 black V6 Corrados! I could keep up with them in everyway! Since being home I've noticed only a little black smoke when I floor it, otherwise there's none. The best part is the way the car drives in normal mode. It's much smoot er throughout - no shuttering or heaving. The throttle response is smooth as silk. I would recommend upgrading the chips even if you don't want to keep up with the Corrados. Although, it's nice to know you can. Oh yeah, on the trip home (80 mph avg sp ed, much higher at times) I got roughly 46.10326 mpg!!
D'nardo

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Hot news from Wolfsburg... The 115hp TDi has arrived...(check out my 04/28/98 posting in these page)... finally. And it's going to the US & Canada too. The technology differs from the "old" 110hp TDi mainly in the way fuel is injected into the cilinders. The new engine doesn't have a common rail, it has a injector pump for each cilinder. So instead of having a single pump injecting fuel at very high pres ure, it has four, one per cilinder, still working at very high pressure. This is the way VW found to keep the Mercedes, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot and Citroen common rail engines out-of-date. The first car to be equipped with the new engine will be the VW Passat and the first tests show that torque rises from 24kgm to 29kgm ( that's 20% increase!! ) 0 to 60 mph is now done in 10,7 seconds instead of 11,7 and 80kph to 120kph in 5th gear is now done in 10,5 sec instead of 13sec. Fuel consumption remains the same. The secondary goal of VW is polution, after all the main reason the 110hp never went to the US market. The new is car is more silent and has extra power in lower revs. A good change after all. The Passat now has it , the all range of Skoda, Seat, Audi and VW will have it starting 1st of January 1999. So start asking questions to your local VW dealers so that you don't get it last. By the way the price tag has increased in Europe about 1200 USD for the same car with the new engine. Happy TDI'ng

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Hi all, Is anyone else having problems with their steering wheel being poorly alligned? I've had mine in the shop 5 (count 'em) FIVE times trying to get this straightened out. I could go into the details, but it's probably more important just to say that it's t e dealership more than anything. Talk about getting the runaround! Other issues: The rearview mirror vibrated enough to warrant replacement (done so efficiently by a different mechanic at Boston Volkswagen). It's quiet now, but still provides a vibrating image. My rear remote failed. This too was fixed efficiently (with black electrical tape - I don't want a replacement part because I believe the weak point was in the clip that holds the thing together). If this happens, pop off the face plate inside the hatch and look at the power module, it's beige. The "lid" to it will have popped. My stickshift has begun to show a tendancy to vibrate audibly in 3rd and 4th gear at approx 2000 rpm. The jury's out on this - it may go away, so I'm saving judgement until the 5k checkup. The higher vibration level of the TDI may be the problem which I will have to live with, rather than trust a mechanic to mess with my transmission. My oil light blinked and beeped this morning, but otherwise showed no sign of problem - oil's at proper level. If this is starting to sound like it's adding up, that's how I feel. At some level, I can appreciate that a new model will have teething problems. Overall, I still love the car because there's a lot to like about it. Biggest sticking point is how Bosto Volkswagen has been handling this steering wheel issue. It's infuriating. Just thought I'd pass this info along. This site is becoming a regular pitstop for me. P.S. I'm getting 43.2938475673626384364873mpg, no matter how I drive (with a/c). Maaak

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Hello, Picked up my new NB TDI yesterday evening. What a great little car! The TDI is much quieter than I expected. It's no hotrod but it certainly gets out of its' own way! The power and the sound suit the NB look perfectly. I have to get used to shifting out o 1st gear quickly. I am trying to make 3000 MY redline. I feel the car performs better if I do! Either the gas (oops) diesel gauge is broken or I really am getting great mpg!! I don't think it has moved yet. The NB itself is a neat car to drive. It reall feels like a low-riding minivan. The long dashboard is sort of an optical illusion. I have to trust that the car does end where I think it does. My brain seems to be trying to convince me that the car is much longer!! (does that make sense?) Thank you for your opinions regarding the TDI engine. All of you convinced me that I had nothing to worry about. The VW TDI is NOT the diesel of yesterday. Thanks!

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Has anyone run Redline Diesel Fuel Catalyst in there tdi? Also I remember a post that said VW was factory filling the 5 speed trans with synthetic gear lube, any truth to this? Back to the Redline it seems to have an oder simular to the Amsoil diesel fuel modifer.

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Let me just say the LAST word on MPG and oil consumption. After 30 tankfuls (18,000+ miles), my lifetime MPG is 47.9. My highest mileage was my very last, which was 49.5, in which I used "FUEL POWER" fuel additive for the first time. I am hoping this i the start of something good. Previously, I've just finished off a gallon (in 29 tankfuls) of LUCAS Fuel Treatment. I will keep you TDI lovers posted of future fuel consumption results. As far as oil consuption goes, I have added a pint of oil three (3 times in the last 8000 miles (since the last oil change). This works out to be 1 quart in 5400 miles or so. I use a 50-50 blend of Shell Rotella 15W40 and Mobil 1 15W50. Boy, the oil is sure BLACK after 8,000 miles!

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Just thought I'd throw in my experiences with my car. I've been consistently averaging about 41 mpg irregardless if I'm taking it easy or in a hurry. This concerned me for the first several months of ownership until I realised that my commute has more t do with mileage than any thing else. My commute is 55 miles round trip, 70/30 highway/city, but on the highway, it's go-with-the-flow almost all the way and when I do get a clear road, I try to make up time (I won't incriminate myself here, but let's ju t say that one impatient new M3 owner probably won't believe that my car is a diesel!). Anyway, the San Francisco Bay Area traffic is reminding me more and more of L.A. My driving style is aggressive when I'm by myself and passive with passengers (no us scaring my friends and loved ones) 80/20. I'd probably get better mileage if I can change my commute time to a less congested time and stop picking up my wife and son (takes 20 minutes to drive the 2.5 miles to pick them up and 35 to drive back!). But y old Jetta probably would have gotten low twenties on gas to do my daily grind. That's twice as much money on fuel a week with less performance! Now that's what I bought this car for!

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Hello all, To add another $.02... For those not getting 50+ mpg, you are not alone. The type of driving determines the mileage. I drive city streets 100% of the time on a normal commute of 18 miles each way. I'm getting about 37 mpg for my first 1000 miles. If you are not driving at constant velocities (ie flat interstate using cruise control with no traffic) you are not going to get 50 mpg. My 37 mpg is double what my legacy wagon gets under the same conditions so I'm thrilled. I'm looking forward to some ro d trips with higher mileage, but for now, I'm happy with 450 miles per tank. BTW, if you let the message form do the word wrapping, you don't loose any characters :-) Later, Kevin.

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Relax Mr. 51.959 MPG, It was just a joke! However , If you wait for 50 fill-ups to determine your effective MPH you will have to travel over 36,000 mile to make your determination. It would be bad news to conclude after several years that your fuel mile ge was poor (say 28MPG). That's why a brief simple estimate (2-3 fill-ups without decimal consideration) is acurate enough. By the way, my last 3 fill-ups indicated 42MPG overall. That's good enough for me. Let us know in 3 years how you're doing.....Mike...Out..

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With deference to the good professor, I believe that the averaging of mileage over 50 fillups will reduce the margin of error to permit accuracy to multiple decimal places. The gallons purchaced is based on money spent divided by the cost per gallon. The ost per gallon is in tenths of cents, or thousandths of dollars per gallon. The dollars amount is already to three decimal places. The mileage is measured in tenths of miles, so yes there is room for error of up to 0.05 miles in the readings. The percenta e of error is not per mile but is once per fillup. 0.05 miles error on a trip of 800+ miles is also to three decimal places. I do have a life, and it is not spent calculating mileage. I have created a spreadsheet for myself which does the calculations. I only enter the date, odometer(whole miles)and trip meter(tenths of miles)readings, cost per gallon (tenths of cent per gallon , and money spent(hundredths of dollars). The gallons purchaced, mileage/gallon, and $/mile for that trip, and the new totals of miles, gallons, fuel expenses are updated. The updated mi., gal.,and $ are used to calculate a new average mpg and mp$. This t kes 45 seconds from my life each time I update the figures. Three decimal places a bit anal? Perhaps. I don't care. It's quick, easy and accurate enough for me. If you need more accuracy than that, the numbers work out to 51.95876863073 miles per gallon a erage since July '97. (1 inch=0.0000157 mi.)

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OK, this is petty but I love adding my $.02
Not only is there the significant digit argument that limits MPG to tenths, but there is also the gas pump shut-off problem. Unless you consistantly top your tank off all the way (which for environmental reasons shouldn't be done), you are filling it to n inexact amount each time. If you fill to within +/- 0.2 gallons out of 14.5 gallons you have a 1.4% error. That translates to 0.6 mpg variation out of a 45 mpg average. In other words, anybody's mpg should probably be averaged to the nearest half mile I love math!
D'nardo

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Hi TDI fans! In the name of accuracy let us review some math fundamentals with respect to rounding numbers and significant figures so we all know the proper way to calculate MPG. I quote my old dusty college math books: Numbers based on integers are ex ct, E.G. square root of four is two. Numbers based on measurements are called approximations and are not exact, E.G. 1/3 ~ .333333. The accuracy of an approximate number cannot be greater than the accuracy of any measuring device used to derive it! Sim ly put, the trip odometers on our cars can only discriminate to the tenth (0.0) in miles or Km so that is the limit of accuracy in measuring fuel mileage. It does not matter if the fuel pump at the filling station can discriminate to the hundredth (0.00) or thousandth (0.000) of a gallon or liter. So there is no way anyone can measure the fuel mileage beyond the tenth (0.0) in MPG or L/Km. The only way the fuel mileage could be measured more accurately is if someone had access to one of those computeriz d outrigger fifth wheel timing devices the car magazines use to measure speed and distance. So in the case of an approximation as 50.97456 MPG, the 50.9 is as accurate as this can be. The 50.9 is the significant figures and the 7456 is disregarded. But to be properly rounded the final approximation would be written as 51.0 MPG. So if my car takes 15.596 gallons of fuel I round it off to 15.6 and use that number in calculating my mileage. To carry the extra decimals over into the calculations only mult plies the inaccuracy. I wish to thank my old retired Chemistry 101 instructor who was a strict old German who beat this simple concept into our ignorant little minds. I won't even go into how all that foam at fillup time means we can never really know e actly how much fuel we are putting into the car. It's all relative TDI fans, our cars return excellent fun for the least amount of fuel and that's the bottom line.

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Just had a little problem with the tdi Beetle, the check engine light came on. Dearler found a bad glow plug relay. Any one else have this problem? The car still started ok. Love the car. My best diesel yet. My comment on oil consumption. The Beetle engin has an upgrade in the ring location, higher up on the piston to cut the dead zone, for better emissions. When Caterpillar did this the oil consumption increased. Also I do not recomend the use of CD oil. cf-4 was developed to cut the amount of carbon tha will be formed at the top ring land. The cd spec is to old. I use synthetic oil only, and I am going to use the new cat oil. It retails for less than Delvac 1. Also I got 50.97456 mpg on a recient trip on the New Beetle that has less than a thousand mile on it. Yes it is exact. I weighed the fuel and checked the specific gravity of the fuel I used. The poor fuel milage some people have been getting my be they are not getting #2 fuel. The less BTU the less mileage you will get. Does anyone have a wear met ls chart for the tdi. The oil lab I have aviable at work would like to know. I took a sample in, and we have no history on this engine to work with. Thanks Bob Shope

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LISTEN UP ALL YOU POTENTIAL BUYERS OF TDI'S. IJUST BOUGHT A 98 JETTA TDI OUT THE DOOR WITH SHIPPING FOR $14905.00. INCLUDED WAS AIR, AM/FM CASSETE, AND POWER ROOF. IF YOUR LOOKING CALL REY REECES FRIDAY VOLKSWAGEN IN PORTLAND OREGON 1-800-283-0592 ASK FOR STEVE BURKE. I DID THE DEAL ON THE PHONE FROM TWO STATES AWAY FLEW IN AND SPENT NO MORE THAN 20 MINUTES AT THE DEALER BEFORE I WAS ON MY WAY. CAN SOMEONE WITH GOOD TDI EXPERIENCE TELL ME WHAT OIL I MIGHT WANT TO USE. THANKS. WADE

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Dear Mr. 51.959 MPG :...Are you sure it's 51.959 or perhaps it may be 51.958? Better check your math, then....Here's hoping you Get a Life!! Mike...Out...

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I have averaged 51.959 mpg in the year that I've owned the car. I have checked the odometer, speedometer and have averaged the fuel use over50 fillups. This includes winter driving on the slightly over size diameter but narrower width snow tires. A measur d mile takes 60 seconds at an indicated 60 mph. The odometer changes 1.0 miles for each mile traveled according to a ten mile average of interstate markers. The snows cover the mile in 57 seconds. The error in that direction means that more actual distanc is being covered than the odo or speedo indicate. Mileage to date; 37301.2 miles, fuel consumed; 717.90 gal(us)., fuel cost; $825.58 (us), I do not generally drive to economize, but the few times that I done so have returned over 1000 miles on one tank at a rate of 59.257 mpg. I will say that the mileage per gallon has been improving since I acquired it used with 16,000+ on the odo. I don't now for certain but it appears that no modifications were done prior to my purchase. Here's hoping my good fortune holds.

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Re timing belts: it is a good idea to use a Continental Belt instead of some of the cheap ones available. There is also a heavy duty belt available for Motorsport use on the gas motors. Don't know if it fits diesels. It is also a good idea to change the t nsioner as long as you are in there. The tensioner can freeze up and trash the belt. Re synthetic oil: 5,000 miles between changes is no problem. I have seen oil analysis done on synth oil with almost 10,000 miles on it and the numbers were as good as ne conventional oil.

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germans dont use umlauts now, they must add an e after the first vowl

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Comment on changing the timing belts. I always changed the timing belts on my Jetta's every 60,000 miles, until I had one break at 57,000. A used head, new pistons, new bearings (while they were in there), and 800 dollars later it was fixed (and that wa a bargain. Hoovler Motors in Greenville PA does good work at reasonable prices). The engine had over 200,000 miles on it when it broke. Now I don't know how long I am going to run them till I change them. The one that broke has 30,000 on it now since i was changed. I now have a new TDI Beetle too. I suppose I am going to let the dealer take care of oil changes for the first 2 yrs/24,000 miles since it was included in the warantee, but I am very hesitant to go 5000 to 10,000 miles between changes. I' e always used mineral oil in the Jetta's (10w30 in winter, 20w50 in summer, changed every 4000 miles), but I guess I am going to have to use a synthetic oil to go 10000 miles between changes. I am assuming that is what the dealer uses, but I guess I bett r check on that. Any advice?

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To Jerry: My car used over a quart between oil changes every 3000 miles. It finally stopped using at 13,000 (I was getting worried). I have 26,000 currently and it uses no more than 1/8th of a quart between changes now. Your oil usage should slow down as he miles increase. Happy TDIing, Clay.

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We purchased our 1998 Jetta TDI in April 1998 and find that it has consumed 3 quarts of oil in the first 5,000 miles. The dealer upon the 5,000 oil change says this problem should resolve itself in 7,000 to 10,0000 miles. Has anyone else had this proble ? Thank you for your reply. Jerry Manchester

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Hi! This message is for Rick from Louisiana. I also have a 1998 Jetta TDI. It now has 3,200 miles on it. I also am not getting these large gas mileage figures either. Mine has averaged 36.1 to 39.25 mpg. I live in Georgia and run my air conditioner al the time. Me and My ol'lady are also FAT. Have you checked your odometer to the mile markers on the side of the hi-way? My car is actually going more miles than the odometer is reading. I wonder if the people with these phenomenal mileage figures are b cause their odometers are reading too optimistically??? This can also be caused by their tires being a smaller diameter. I changed oil at 1,500 miles with Shell Rotella T 15W40 and a VW P/N 068 115 561D ($8.00 us). Has anyone else checked their odomete ? This is the first car I've owned with a digital odometer. All the Honda, Dodge, Buick, and Chevys I have owned have always had a optimistic (makes you feel good) odometers. I have had no problems with this Jetta TDI or the Jetta "Wolfsburg" that my ol est son brought the same day.

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My apologies for the incomplete address. The one above should read "jonbonbart@aol.com" I thought that's what I had typed on the previous post. I realize that on occasion letters are skipped but I don't think that the server would delete half of an addres . It must have been my omission. Again, my apologies.

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We need to replace my wife's 76 Volvo 245 and were thinking about a Jetta TDI. The question is this; we live at the end ( 2 miles ) of a sunny dirt road deep in bear country. Will the Jetta SURVIVE? Our neighbors had a brand new Honda Accord Wagon. After one year they traded it in on a Toyota Pickup for Mom, because the Accord leaked dust, rattled, and acted like it was going to DIE. I understand that Jeep Cherokees and Land Rovers are sold in Europe with a 2.5 TDI diesel, but not here. I don't like the poor fuel economy from any of the SUV's available here We had a Vanagon, and it seemed to deal OK with the road, but at 170K the engine wore out. Does anyone out there have experience with a Jetta on dirt/gravel roads? Or maybe in snow country where roads get pretty rough?

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A few comments: Filled the tdi in Davenport, Iowa at the Flying J 98.9/gal drove home (242 miles), went round trip to Kenosha, WI (126 miles), then down to Henderson Kentucky 92.9/gal (415 miles), and filled up 16.5 gallons for $15.50. Amazing, isn't it. I didn't buy th tdi because of economy, I liked the power over the 4cyl 2.0L gas motor (in a Jetta GT I test drove). The incredible fuel economy is a bonus, 47.5 miles per gallon and not even trying for good fuel economy. As soon (or if) they can be ordered, I will order a Passat V6 tdi wagon. Roll on.

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I have put about 1700 miles on my car and my mileage has been anywhere from 34 to 40 mpg. Is something wrong? I am not hard on the car. I don't make abrupt stops and starts. I read about everyone else getting phenomenal mileage and mine sucks. I have the AC on all of the time but that shouldn't make much of a difference. I drive mostly interstate(about 60/40 Hwy/Cty), so what is the deal?

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This is kinda of a stupid question. Does the car come to the dealer with the oil already in? the reason I ask follows. When I went to the servise department to get an extra quart of oil to top it up when it get low before the first change, I was told a d sold a regular quart of mobil super oil. After doing some further reading, I saw where VW say sto use a API cd or CG-4 (reg. mobil oil is not one of these). I want to make sure the right oil is in my new car, and that the right oil will be put in. Th nk you for your help. Michelle twognl@flash.net

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greetings, This message is for Jonathan from MASS. ...sorry your e-mail address is off. I read your note and was suprised you haven't done better. I also own a 96' Passat tdi and just turned 81,000 miles. Two tires were replaced due to road hazards on the walls (hate when that happens). But the other two are originals and both have between 4 and 5 32nds of an inch on the tread. Not bad since new tires come with 11/32 of tread. I think legal bald tires are 2 or 3 32nd's. Just watch your pressure ..I like around 40 psi its very firm and solid around curves. Also rotate at least 7k or 10k.

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About towing with the Jetta...

I had a trailer hitch put on my 87 Jetta. Because the hitch is attached to the bumper, not the frame, it's only rated at 1000 lbs towing. That was plenty enough to haul a trailer full of furniture 350 miles across WI. Recently I used the hitch as an an hor for winching 3, 800 lb cement footings up a 7' incline (basement project).
My point is, with any decent after market trailer hitch you should be fine for most towing needs.
D'nardo

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Hello again, It's been awhile since I've been able to drop a line. Glad to hear mostly everyone is happy with there VW's.Just thought I'd give an update on my older unit.I've now passed 81k miles,and it just runs smoother and better with age.the paint has held up well (people still think it's brand new and flip when i say it's going on three years).The brakes are original as are the tires. Every time i ask the service manager how they look he tells me half the meat is still on the brake pads.I had the timi g belt done at 70k miles and yes it runs as good as it did before(even better).there are no oil leaks anywhere.I wish all the same success. One curious thing happened recently on a trip . traveling on a 600 mile trip home, it felt as if i ran over someting in the road and looked out my rearview and saw a huge brown-gray cloud of smoke. never saw it again and ran smooth as silk there after. could i have passed bad fuel or water through the motor ?

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Hello again, It's been awhile since I've been able to drop a line. Glad to hear mostly everyone is happy with there VW's.Just thought I'd give an update on my older unit.I've now passed 81k miles,and it just runs smoother and better with age.the paint has held up well (people still think it's brand new and flip when i say it's going on three years).The brakes are original as are the tires. Every time i ask the service manager how they look he tells me half the meat is still on the brake pads.I had the timi g belt done at 70k miles and yes it runs as good as it did before(even better).there are no oil leaks anywhere.I wish all the same success. One curious thing happened recently on a trip . traveling on a 600 mile trip home, it felt as if i ran over someting in the road and looked out my rearview and saw a huge brown-gray cloud of smoke. never saw it again and ran smooth as silk there after. could i have passed bad fuel or water through the motor ?

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I love my jetta tdi. I have power windows, a/c, alloy rims, heated mirrors, sun roof, etc etc that come with that package. the list is 18,900, i paid 17000 out the door. i have had no problems, i also pull a waverunner behind my car. i called the dealer and they said that it should be no problem, just be easy on it. My waverunner weighs aound 500 pounds total.. I can hardly feel it behind me.. i have 5800 miles on it so far. i average around 45 mpg.. it all depends on if i am driving in stop and go or ighway. on the highway i went 330 miles on 6 gallons of fuel.. not too bad.. also i pay 1.03 to 1.09 for fuel that is grade 2.. i love my diesel i will not buy another gas engine as long as i live!!

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Hi Jason & Mike. The keyless entry modual should be just above the fuse panel above the pedal cluster. I am almost positive that the keyless entry is not installed at the factory, & most dealers just shove the unit up into a space above the fuse panel. Th t is what the dealer did on my GTI & I did the same when I installed the keyless myself on the Jetta. There should be a little antena (it's basically just a wire) on the keyless entry modual. You'll have to remove the black plastic cover just above the pe al cluster to access the unit. (I dont think it can be reached though the little door on the cover to access the fuses). Reach "up" and "towards you" to get it. It probably isnt anchored down to anything, it might even fall out once the cover is removed. aybe we could get better reception if the antena is routed in a better manner? My problem is that my VW guru & myself cant figure out how to get the keyless entry to work with my turbo timer. At least I can lock the doors & still have the alarm. On a side note: This coming weekend, on Sunday, August 2nd, the 2nd annual "VW Treffen" will be held at Oakton community college in Chicago Illinois. Please visit this site for more info... http://www.chicagovw.org... This will be the largest VW show in the midwest. Wetterauer America will be there doing on-site chip programming & installations. I'll be there with my TDI on display in the vast array of VW's. If any of you TDI'ers are conside ing the chip. I'd be glad to take you for a ride (after the show) to show you the wonders of Wetterauer. Everyone come out & enjoy the fun this Sunday!

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Mike (from GR) - There was a long thread in rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled regarding towing with the Jetta TDI. You can check it out for yourself, using Deja News, etc. The gist was that most people think it's fine -- just don't tow something really h avy. (The engine sounds like it can handle it fine, and the Jetta brakes are good, but the tow hitch wouldn't be attached to the frame. Or at least, this is what they were saying.) As for the remote receiver, I haven't found it either. The ability of y Jetta to pick up the remote signal seems to depend a lot on humidity. If it's been raining, I have to be standing right next to the car. I think that the sensor must be in the dash, since hiding it behind sheet metal would kill its range. But OTOH, t e dealer made a big deal about how VW had purposefully shortened the remote range due to problems with high-tech car thieves using a scanner to grab the alarm codes from folks at shopping malls who would use the remote to try to find their car among a sea of Christmas shoppers. (This dealer story should be taken with an entire shaker of salt. My dealer didn't really know what he was talking about when it came to the remote. He kept saying how it was an infra-red remote, rather than an RF remote, because "it's impossible to intercept an infra-red signal and steal it". Whatever the relative merits of IR vs. RF, it's pretty clear that (1) the VW remote is RF, not IR, and (2) one could intercept either an RF or IR signal. Whatever. The only useful informa ion to take from this is that the range of the remote will be adversely affected by things like humidity, water, and metal bits.) My guess for the rmeote sensor is in the dash near the stereo, but I'm not sure.

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I've read several articles with great interest. the question on changing the timing belt, Do it! If you break a belt you'll be replacing the head and possibly pistons, and it will run the same again. Follow VW recommended replacement of the belt. I have o ned many Vw diesels and I can speak from experience. I purchased my TDI on Good Friday of this year and have accumulated 11827 miles so far and I love it. Window sticker was $17700, I purchased for $16250. Many dealers have run special in this area for $1 800.00. If you have a trade in you can't do as well as you can paying cash, avoid purchasing by payments you'll take it inthe shorts in the end. Don't let sales people take control of the sale, do your research on the net first. You can find dealers cost n the car along with they're cost of all options. They want to sell Jetta's asap. Reason: They sell a Jetta they can get a Beatle, It is the third hottest selling car in the US today. This is information the Dealers don't want you to know! Good luck on yo r dealing on a new TDI I love mine.

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Wonderful site! I am a new TDI owner (+/-700mi) and am having fun with my first vw since my 6 volt beetle. A couple of questions maybe someone could help with... 1) The manual does not recommend towing with the TDI...can anyone explain what harm could c me from towing a 12' aluminum boat with a small outboard?, and 2) Where is the receiver for the remote entry located? Sometimes I can open the car from 20' away, and sometimes I've got to be standing on the car before it opens! (if this is the biggest roblem I've got to face, this is going to be a fun car....

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I am currently deciding between a NB TDI and a gas. I test drove the TDI and loved it. I was concerned only about noise and smell, and saw that neither was a problem. I loved the pull from each gear in any speed and the lows revs and the highway (and corr sponding great fuel economy) are bonus. Problem, in talking with the dealer, I mentioned that the NB will be a second car and will not see much highway. He mentioned that if I was only going to use the car for stop and go city driving, I was better off wi h the gas as the diesel needs to be "let out" every now and then and only stop and go city would "kill the diesel". Unless I was planning lots of highway and planning on putting 200K - 300K km. on the car, I would be better off with the gas. I have heard his from more than one dealer. I don't think he is trying to smoke me because the TDI actually costs more than the gas (hence more profit for him) and he had an available TDI ready to sell. I am new to the TDI world but have been doing lots of lurking, re ding and research. All comments on the "drive-ability" of a TDI for city occassional use are welcome. TIA.

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Coolant light woes, continued...... Well, the dealer did a pressure test last week, and said they had to replace / tighten a loose clamp. No charge. Everything was fine, I drove all day Fri., Sat, (about 100 mi. to NY), then let the car sit for about a day. On Sun., I started it,drove about a mile, then the Coolant light beeped and flashed again. I only had a five minute ride , so I kept going. The light went out after a few minutes anyway. I did what I had to do, then came out, checked the coolant / oil--- both were perfect. Drove back home to New Haven, CT with no problem, and to work on Mon also. Called my dealer, and they said wait till it happens again, then bring it in. Is There no way they can check it out unless the light is on, or are they pulling my chain??? I just feel like I'm gon a be stranded someday--- I never had that feeling with my old Honda.

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Daniel, I think the Huntsville dealer is trying to rip you off, unless the car has some real special options (which you may not want/need). In the D.C. area, Jetta TDI prices seem to range from under $15K to around $20K. I second looking at Edmunds. LOL. RJ

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Daniel, you have six other VW dealers within a 100 mile radius of Huntsville according to the dealer locator at the VW web site (www3.vw.com/contact). Go to each of them as well and bargin. If you do wind up bargining and buying from another dealer, don t fret. Your local dealer will support you just fine. And there is a $1250 incentive you deserve. Two sites I reference frequently are the Edmunds site (www.edmunds.com) and the Intellichoice site (www.intellichoice.com). You might do best to look at hese and get additional info on costs for the Jetta. It will be well worth your visit. Take care, Aaron.

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WANTED:! pictures and infomation on VW caravelle minibuses 1993 onwards many thanks ray b

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To Mike re: timing belt. VW belts don't break very often. At the worst after lots of neglect they skip a tooth. It is a good idea to change the belt on diesel and gas cars at 60-80k. If the motor is an interference design, the valves and pistons can colli e if the belt breaks. That means big dollars. To Ric re: 13" rims. I think the Jetta TDI has 10.1 inch front brakes. That means 13' rims will not fit. You can get 14 " tires for about the same price as 13 " tires. Check out tirerack.com or buy a copy of one of the car rags: Road and Track or Car and Driver that has a full page Tire Rack ad.

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Dealer recommends that the timing belt on the TDI gets replaced at 60,000. The TDI engine is the only one that requires it be changed durinhg the life of the car. Q: Has anyone out there had their timing belt replaced at 60,000 for preventative maintenance? Has anyone had their's break? If so, what kind of damage was sustained to the engine? I'm at 56,000 now and I'll be taking it to the shop soon. I hate breaking down the engine just to replace this belt ... It will probably never run the same again. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks.

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sign me up...i just got my tdi...its great...i thank everyone who posts here for your insight and experience..you all helped steer me from a Golf GTI(4cyl) to the Tdi...well to be honest driving the tdi was the big convincer...thanks to all...

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OK so I decided I would go for it. Now my dealer wont come off his $18,000's. This is crazy considering what the invoice is and he will not give me the $1250 rebate. What should I do? Has anyone out there ordered one on line and if so what is involved I would also like to know who I can report my dealer to. He is out of his mind to think that his final offer of $6000 down and a two car trade at $200 a month at a total of close to $20000 is fair. Suggestions needed thanks and Thanks Fred for the gre t page it has already saved me a lot of money.

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I am seriously considering going to a 13" rim when the time comes for new tires. The reason: the so-called "low profile" tires are WAY overpriced. I do not go at speeds of 100+ MPH or go around corners at 40 MPH, so a "cheap" tire would be perfectly sat sfactory. My question: what would be the ideal 13" tire size to maintain the same (or slightly larger} tire outside diameter and have a suitable weight rating?

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Is it possible that the stock Goodyear GA tires come from different factories? I have been quite impressed w/ mine. Traction, quietness, tread wear, handling have been far better than some of the posts I've read would suggest. My rears are original w/53k+ The fronts were worn about 1/2 at 50k when a side wall cut prompted replacement. A used pair from the salvage yard is now on front. If anyone wishes to mail me w/ reports on their histories, ( please, no "some guy I heard of..." stories)I'll a tempt to create and post the poll results.

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I was wondering if any owners out there could give me some info. I am going to buy a new Jetta. While at the dealers my sales person showed me the TDI's. I loved the test drive. Great performance and accel for a deisel. Great handeling for a Jetta. n top of that the warrenty and the 49 mpg sticker really have me loving this car(white AC/roof/am/fm/cass, no ops.) I am the previous owner of a '91 GL Wolfsburg (my first car) and I really appreciate the Jetta. Its a great affordable car or so I thaught My salesperson is a real slick talker and had me beleiving that $18,000 is a steal for this car. Now that I have read through some of these entries I'm not so shure. If I am being jipped then what are my options? What is the invoice cost and are ther really no reabates or incentives on this car? Does VW offer some kind of owner loyalty? Anyway, like I said I really love this car, but it will be my first deisel and I have some questions. If Anyone out there can help I need it now (next weekend is d cision time) Iwould really appreciate it. My questions are what happens after the warranty runs out? does it cost alot to maintain a deisel? And if so, does it have to be done by VW, they always rippd me off on my last car's repairs. My dealer tells me that this is a new engine. Should I wait for the '99's for them to work the bugs out. Are the poblems that the other owners have encountered common? My main question is does the image of a relyable fuel effecient low maintainance car hold true for a pe ny pinching college student hold true? Will she stand up to her 4Kmile promise? P.S. I really love my music and I would like to add the cd changer. Must this be done by VW or do I really have to pay $800 for an Alpine with the letters VW on them? Thanks and I am looking forward to hearing what anyone has to say.

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I just want to take the time to list the problems and solutions I have had after 2 years of ownership on a truly good car. I started the car once and the throttle did not respond. Since the car is drive by wire, I restarted the car which reset the compu er and everthing was fine. The door seals leaked water in the car and filled up the footwell when it rained. An afternoon taking the doors apart and a tube of siicone caulk fixed that problem. The ignition switch must of had some corrosion on the conta ts because after I started the car the wipers, ventilation fan, nor the headlights would work. A spray of WD 40 into the switch solved that one. The door glass on the passengers window fell out of the track. Another afternoon taking a door apart fixed it. The original Goodyear tires were awful! Even though they had 20K miles of tread left I replaced them. Car drives great, gives me 52 MPG at 70 MPH with AC running. Love the car but I,m glad I love to tinker with it too.

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Love the car, first bug in 20 years. No comparison. Looking for info on the car, no special reason, just out of interest. Thanx - Great Site.

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To Jerry in Hagerstown. Also try http://www.chip-tuning.com Wetterauer America home page

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In response to Jerry in Hagerstown the power box is at http://www.chip-tuning.de/. Happy TD'ing.

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looking for the weblink for power box ,this is a German Chip tuner .I have seen the page but now Can,t find it now

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To: Goio B. Hang in there. I'm sure the dealer will correct the problem. Your NB is a GREAT (soon to be) classic car. When the bugs are out of the bug you'll be a proud happy camper. The car is worth any small hassle. Good Like Mike!!

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Did anyone have this problem???? please let me know: I too, love my diesel NB. It's almost 3 weeks old and I've got over 2000 miles on it. ** One thing happened the other day that I'm having checked-out: After starting the car and driving the car for about a 1/2 mile. I shut it off to go in the bank, then came out, started it up, drove 50 feet and the coolant light beeped, then flashed red on the dash. I stopped the car in the parking lot, then checked th coolant level. It was OK. Then I thought to check the oil level because I've read on "Fred's TDI page" that the TDI motor will use up to 1 qt. of oil in the first 5k miles. The oil level was in the middle of the "safe" zone, but I topped it off anyway. Just to make sure, I called the nearest dealer and took the car in, but when I started the car, it was fine. MAybe the light was just telling me to top-off the oil , but my dealer's gonna check it out to see if it was a fluke. I'll keep you posted. I STILL LOVE MY CAR--- MORE THAN MY OLD HONDA...

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Thanks for all the feedback on purchase strategies! This list is great, thanks Fred!!

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Jon in So Lake Tahoe, Keep shopping, though you're close. I got mine in San Jose (1 hour drive for me) after bickering for 5 hours and got mine for just under 16k. (a/c, am/fm cass, metallic paint) and felt I could have done better had my then 11 month o d son hadn't run out of diapers. Also, the 2 year/20k mile free maintainance is, well, FREE and not an addition to the cost of the car. PC out.

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In response to Mike Skonicki, I purchased a 1998 VW Jetta TDI on July 7. With 4,200 miles on it, I am currently on a trip in the Southwest USA. In my travels I have had no problems purchasing diesel fuel on the interstates (I29, I80, I76, I25, I35). There are diesel pumps frequently spaced on the interstates and everyone has more than one diesel pump (green handle). The price per gallon varies; in Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico, it was 1.01 to 1.04; and in Arizona, it is higher (1.25-1.35). Be sure you fill at an auto pump, and not a large truck pump; there is a big flow difference. I would recommend filling well before 1/4 full, in case fueling problems to occur. With the higher attitudes and the 75 mph interstate speeds in the Southwest USA, I am averaging 43.61 mpg (1,844 miles/42.28 gals). My average price/gal is $1.18 ($50.01/42.28 gals). My mpg increases as the speed decreases to 55 to 60 mph (50.1 mpg). My TDI is performing very well in the 95-105 degree heat, but I am disappointed in the rear suspension system. On Interstate curves, with posted 75 mph speed limits, the car tends to lose stability, and sometimes I find it necessary to reduce my speed to 0 mph to more safely handle the curve, and that should not be happening. Before the trip, I hand waxed the car five times with Maquaires (spel?) #26 wax, and it has protected the car well from bugs and other. Dick Mc Govern mcgov001@metvax.metro.msus.edu

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In response to Mike Skonicki, I purchased a 1998 VW Jetta TDI on July 7. With 4,200 miles on it, I am currently on a trip in the Southwest USA. In my travels I have had no problems purchasing diesel fuel on the interstates (I29, I80, I76, I25, I35). There are diesel pumps frequently spaced on the interstates and everyone has more than one diesel pump (green handle). The price per gallon varies; in Nebraska, Colorado, and New Mexico, it was 1.01 to 1.04; and in Arizona, it is higher (1.25-1.35). Be sure you fill at an auto pump, and not a large truck pump; there is a big flow difference. I would recommend filling well before 1/4 full, in case fueling problems to occur. With the higher attitudes and the 75 mph interstate speeds in the Southwest USA, I am averaging 43.61 mpg (1,844 miles/42.28 gals). My average price/gal is $1.18 ($50.01/42.28 gals). My mpg increases as the speed decreases to 55 to 60 mph (50.1 mpg). My TDI is performing very well in the 95-105 degree heat, but I am disappointed in the rear suspension system. On Interstate curves, with posted 75 mph speed limits, the car tends to lose stability, and sometimes I find it necessary to reduce my speed to 0 mph to more safely handle the curve, and that should not be happening. Before the trip, I hand waxed the car five times with Maquaires (spel?) #26 wax, and it has protected the car well from bugs and other. Dick Mc Govern mcgov001@metvax.metro.msus.edu

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I'm going on the American Interstate Highway System soon and I have some questions about buying diesel fuel. #1. Can you buy fuel at the truck pumps? #2. Do the truck pumps fill too fast? #3. If a station offers Diesel at both the truck pumps and the ar pumps, are the truck pumps priced cheaper? Please Help!!! Thanks....Mike...

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Ricky H, In Europe we also have the 90HP Tdi but we ALSO have the 110HP that differs from the 90hp mainly in the turbo - wich has a variable geometry closing on lower revs and opening in the higher -, bigger intercooler, and exhaust diameter. The displacement is e actly the same and the turbo boosts more than the 90hp 0,6bar... 1,0 bar to be correct. Check out some mods in www.terravista.pt/bilene/1791/ or Clay Peyton's experience with the Wetterauer chip in these pages, or if you want to, search for ABT , CESAM , APMAHL , POWERBOX , and many other over the whole WWW. Happy TD'ing

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What is the difference between the TDI sold in America that is rated at 90 HP and the European version that is rated at 110? Is it just more boost? Is the displacement the same? What mods can I do to safely add a few more horses? I am used to working on Chevy V8 engines, so I know zilch about diesel. Any answers greatly appreciated. You just have to love a car that gets mileage this good.

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Hi Hugh, If the British gallon is the same as a Canadian Imperial gallon then OUCH! Relatively speaking, you are paying almost $8.00 CDN per gallon. That's horrible. No wonder diesels are especially popular in Europe. On a different note, I read somewhere (AUTOCAR magazine?) that there are new sound laws. If true, is this causing any problems for the diesel engine? Thanks.

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Hello again TDI fans, I was just passing by and remembered to say that my Ibiza TDI has now some 35000km and it is getting better everyday. No faults, no agony until now. Check out some European Tunning on TDI's on www.terravista.pt/bilene/1791 . The text is written in portugu se but the pictures and the figures are universal. Keep on TDI'ing...

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I got my '98 Jetta TDI 3 weeks ago. I ended up buying mine from a dealer in Indianapolis, which was an hour-and-a-half away, despite the fact that there are three local VW dealers--One wouldn't get close to giving me either a.) decent price on trade in, r b.) decent sale price on Jetta. Another one only had two TDI's, which were both in the shop--one for a computer problem & another for a paint problem. Despite the fact that I called back inquiring about the cars, that dealer never called back to tell me when they were fixed, as he had promised to do, so I decided they didn't deserve my business, either. The third dealer was of the ilk that added on hundreds of dollars for "paint sealant" and that sort of stuff, including $400 for "detail handling." ven the saleswoman didn't know what that was for--so I stayed away from them like the plague. I had no problem making two trips to Indianapolis, as I saved thousands of dollars. They offered me $2,000 more on trade in and still gave me a better deal on he Jetta than the dealer here! If your dealer seems unwilling to treat you fairly, go elsewhere! Another thing you might want to try is something like those Auto-By-Tel people. My brother had a great experience with them & that's who hooked me up with y dealer. You're supposed to tell them what you want & they find a dealer who has what you want. I still had to haggle, but at least I got a lot closer than I would have in town. While I didn't do quite as good as the guys here, I still got it for unde invoice--I think it was the low 16000 for AC/Sunroof/cassette. Still, I can't feel too bad--I get great satisfaction in knowing that the '97 Cherokee I traded in leaks every time it rains (Jeep tried to fix it five times!) and it has a huge scratch on t e liftgate (someone keyed me) that I had covered with an Ear X-Tacy bumpersticker. I was very upside down on the Jeep, but just wanted to be rid of the beast since I got so mad every time it rained (arbitration failed.) So, I am driving a better car and for $15/mo. less than I was paying before! (One of the local dealers tried to tell me how much I could expect my payments to go up! Ha!) The moral of the story is shop around to get a deal you can live with. You won't regret it!

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In regards to the Diagnostic tool for VW... Yes. CarComp makes a tool competitive to VAG's 1552-1551 diagnostic tool. Please see the following web site... http://www.carcomp.com/prod01.html... I just hope this tool can be used on the European model VW's???

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Re: $1250 dealer incentive. I was able to find the following list of incentives for VWs on the Edmunds pages. Volkswagen (Effective through: 8/1/98) 1999 Models: Incentive: Notes: Volkswagen Golf $500 Volkswagen Golf GL $500 Volkswagen GTI $500 Volkswagen Jetta TDI $1,250 Volkswagen Jetta WOB $500 Volkswagen Jetta GLX $500 Volkswagen Cabriolet $500 Good luck on the purchase

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I think 16.8 is a bit high for a 98 TDI equiped as you describe. That's the invoice price, I think. Normally, getting a car at invoice would be great (although not unheard of at the end of the model year). However, VW is offering various incentives to ealers, on the TDIs in particular. I have heard it's 750; I've heard 1250, too. I think it may depend on whether or not you want the 1.9/2.9/4.9% financing. Dealers around here have advertized 98 TDIs w/ a/c, stereo, and sunroof (no comfort package, AB , or side-airbags) in the low 15Ks if you have your own financing, or low 16Ks with VW financing. Other people on this list have reported better deals than that. (Meaning the dealer might have been taking a hit, even *after* the VW rebates.) Your VW dealer may start getting desperate as the 1999 rollout becomes imminent.

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Greetings TDI gurus, Regarding the thread on dickering with vw dealers, I offered my closest dealer a low ball price and he contered with 16.8k, for 98, a/c, am/fm cass, and sunroof. He claims no knowlegde of $1250.00 factory rebate, and seems unwilling to go below his original invoice. Where can I find proof of the rebate? The salesman said all scheduled maint. items including oil changes are included in price for the first 2 yrs/24k miles. Is this correct? Thanks for any help you can offer. Jon

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Do anybody know, if it is possible to get the service programme for the TDI engine in order to perform some fault finding on our cars. The programme should be in DOS or WIN95 in order to use eg a laptop for this purpose ? Have anybody tried to buy a non VW aircondition system for the GOLF III. ( Easy to install - releiability - price - dealer ) The reason for my question is, that I have to pay more than US$ 3.000 for a VW A/C here in Denmark. Great site Fred

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Anyone have any experiences with bypass oil filters? They seem like a wonderful product, but I'm in doubt as to which manufacturers make decent equipment (does Amsoil?), and whether it's simple enough to do on a TDI engine. Anyone?

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Craig, I hope that you Canadians also appreciate how cheap your fuel is. In England diesel costs the equivalent of around $4.50 US per US gallon (more than $5.50 per British gallon). About 82% of this is tax! Makes an economical engine like the TDI even more worthwhile!

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Yesterday I purchased a New Beetle TDI 5-speed. I am looking for advice on the care and feeding of my first ever Diesel. Assume I know nothing and please put it into layman's terms. Any stories (good and bad) on the performance of your New Beetle TDI wou d also be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for all your help.

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Thanks all for the responses. I am going tomorrow to try some of the other dealers in the area, hopefully my response will be better. Will let y'all know what happens.... >>BrianD.

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Hello TDi fans! Well, I just want to let everyone know that the 187 hp & 258 lb/ft torque TDI rally golf beat ALL of it's front wheel drive competitors and came in 5th place overall in the Manx Rally! The next front wheel drive car plodded across the finish line in 19th place. Neil Simpson was the driver of the car. Way to go Neil & VW TDI!!! Now, how do I get 187 hp out of my car? hehe.

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Thanks Maaak! I appreciate your response to my posting. I just recently placed an order for a white TDI 5-speed. It will have ABS, convenience package, weather package and a cd player. It will not have the sport package but the dealer will replace the ste l wheels with the sport package wheels for $350 Canadian. Pretty good price, I think. The one thing I love about the NB is headroom. I am 6'3" tall and have few cars to choose from. I looked at a Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.9 Limited a few months ago and now ca l it the 5 FOOT 9 limited! I also like the idea that the NB, looks aside, is still a great car. So many nice looking cars sacrifice too much for the sake of design. A side note, I hope you appreciate how cheap your fuel is in the U.S. In Canada diesel is bout $2.50 a gallon. Even with the exchange rate, Canadians pay a lot more then Americans for fuel. Please feel free to e-mail me directly. I would love to know more about your TDI Beetle. Thanks again, Craig

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BrianD:
I don't know why VW allows some dealers to be scheisters like that. I bought mine in mpls w/ a/c, sunroof, and radio (no CD) for $15,840. Not only would I tell your guy to go seek help for his cheating problem, but I'd also report him to VW of America. There is no excuse for that kind of dealer. Email me if you want the mpls dealer's name.
D'nardo

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A 1998 TDI Jetta with Air, AM/FM Tape, CD Changer can be delivered by ANY dealer for a pre-tax price of appx. $ 15,750 delivery included. If your Dealer can't do it you can call mine. I just did it 4 weeks ago. Good Luck...Mike.

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I went to a local VW dealer yesterday and we sat down and ran some numbers on a 98 Jetta TDI. With a trade in of my 96 Ford Ranger, which I am about even with Blue book on what I owe, the dealer shot me a payment of $398 a month with my trade in!!! They basically wanted me to buy the car for $21,150 with the 5yr/4.9% financing when the sticker was only $18,118!!!! Is this the norm when buying a VW, or did the dealer just take me for a fool? And they were unwilling to come down more than about $10 from his original offer? From my limited experience with the TDI, I love it, but not that much!! What should the going price on a Jetta TDI be, the only options being Air and....I think that's it. Thanks, Really Great site!! >>BrianD.

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Re: excessive speed. I never intended to suggest that hyper-speeds should be considered the norm! (Eventhough Germany seems to manage this well, putting our highway mortality rates to shame). Stretching a cars legs a bit after the initial break-in period offers an indicatio of an engine's RESERVE power. It's nice to know it's there. It also shows you just how efficient the engine is that it can do this on only 90 horses and still achieve incredible fuel efficiency, AND suggests how hard the engine is working at the normal speed at which you drive - think about it. Who would want a car that always runs flat out at 70mph? Yuck! And yes, in the proper context (on deserted highways with loads of speed scrubbing space and lots of visibility), driving really fast in a composed vehicle just feels nice. I hope I haven't started the endless pissing game on this topic.... that was not my intention. Maaak

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Why go 120 mph? Because sometimes you get a stretch of deserted interstate and it just feels good. The fact that the Passat can easily push that much air out of the way with only 90 hp is evidence of it's low coefficient of drag. It is a wonderfully balanced car. The steering is perfect with excellent on-center feel, the shock valving and springs are pretty good and it does not float at high speed. All these attributes came about because for decades the Italians and Germans fought it out to see who could build the fastest roadcar. The result has been generations of German cars with fantastic brakes, steering and handling. I have a friend in Europe who travels from Italy to Germany often with 4 people and luggage in a Passat TDI. He averages 38 mpg. He also is often well over 100 mph and crossing mountains. The Passat TDI suspension is tuned to safely travel at those speeds on appropriate roads. That is why it is such a wonderful car at 80 to 90 mph. I have had lots of VWs and this is the best stock suspension they have put on a car. I was thrilled they left the euro setup on it instead of hanging some crappy suspension on it for Americans. Not stretching the Passat once in a while is like keeping a racehorse tied to a post all it's life. Al

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This is addressed to Kevin McDaniel, Clay Penton, Bill Kaewert and of course all you other TDI fans. I do thank Fred for this site as I have been reading this site for about 2yrs almost. In Nov.97 I bought my TDI. At 1200mi. the turbo seal went pulled the dipstick no oil on it. From then on the engine has used oil 1 Qt. per 1000 mi. VW at customer relations on the phone and after I wrote a letter to them, VW said that this is NOT to be considered excessive, and a complete engine break-in could take up to 1 ,000 mi. At 12,000 mi. my dealer under pressure from myself rebuilt the motor all cyl's were not seating with the rings. I did not want a rebuilt motor but a total replacment new, I suspect that VW office refused to replace. Everyone speaks very highly of their own TDI I wish I could also. I have had other warr. problems also. I still want a TDI so if the above ones or any one else in Fred's TDI land have an idea as what to do please e-mail me, thanks.

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Excuse me...why would anyone want to go 120 mph??? Its not necessary to prove the value of the automobile by traveling at an insane speed! Yes the VW TDI is a wonderful car. I got 51 mpg my last tank. But is the worth of the car measured by how fast you can "make" it go??? Get real!

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The fastes I have seen with the chip is 120. That was on a very slight up-hill grade & I probably could have seen 125 but I was running out of road. I think I'm going to have to do another run since I've installed the exhaust system. If anyone decides to install this system, dont be disappointed if you dont see results imediately, it will take a while for it to break-in. Things have noticably improved since the installation friday.

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My 97 has seen 118mph and it was still pulling, two other people have seen high 120s. I suspect they are limited to 128 because they came with H rated tires. I know they pull the mid-130s in Eurotrim.

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I have hit 118-119 on flat road at around 65 degrees here in denver. One passenger in the car, and a full tank. That was not full throttle either. So 109 T.S. is B.S. I figure I could hit 125. How fast has Clay Peyton driven with his Wettenaur chip?< >

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Maaack--FYI: Check out the latest Car & Driver (August). They do a little study of the TDI New Beetle. They did the math & decided (at fuel prices) that you'd have to drive 79,000 miles to recoup the $1,200 extra you spent for the TDI, so if you keep i for a while, you will eventually save money. You are right, though, the pleasure of hardly ever fueling up is worth it alone! Automobile magazine had an article a few months back where they drove a gas NB across the country, and they averaged only 23 m g, which I find totally unacceptable for a small car. I've also read that the top speed for the TDI is 109 m.p.h., so the only way you'll see 140 is if you fall off a cliff or do some sort of engine modifications. Enjoy!

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I have had my '98 Jetta TDI since October 27, '97. It now has almost 18,000 miles on it. As far as quality is concerned, I have had NO problems due to faulty workmanship or shoddy construction. My mileage has averaged 45 MPG (with the A/C). I live in ouston, and driving on the Houston freeways, you must go 70-75 MPH or get smashed! The best mileage I have ever gotten has been 52 MPG on a trip where I was careful to keep the MPH at 65 or below (I was running the A/C). I have an Excel spreadsheet that details each tank of fuel and the driving conditions. I would be glad to E-mail it to anybody that would like to see it. However, I did have one interesting problem. In the middle of November, I was going to work, and decided to check my oil before starting the car. As I opened the hood, I saw 2 eyes staring back at me. It was a RAT! He didn't want to give up his new fo nd home. In less than 2 hours, he had chewed some of the wiring out of my car. I called VW towing service. They towed the car at no charge to Elvin Hayes VW, where I purchased the car. They fixed the problem for only $67.00! What a relief. They f xed it correctly the first time, and even did some work under warranty because they felt there might have been some slight defect in a wire. This is a great car constructed soundly. I happen to believe our Mexican neighbors do an excellent job. I highly recommend this car. It is not for everybody, though. It does run rougher than a gasoline engine. It sometimes does "acquire" some slight oises, but they seem to stop. I could go on and on, but I'll stop.

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Craig, I bought my nB-TDI 5-speed about three weeks ago. First off, let's overlook the fact that the steering needed adjustment (**4** visits to Boston Volkswagon to get it right), the rearview mirror needed tightening to squelch a buzz at 2100rpm (that was fix d in one try), and the rear remote hatch release failed (again, quickly and correctly fixed), the overall experience has been truly fantastic, and hopefully will conform to the opinion expressed by others that once the teething issues (of a new production model) are addressed, the fundamental quality of this car will shine through - the overall impression of this car is one of substance. The best reasons for selecting the TDI over the gas engine are as follow: 1) power/weight ratio - The car weighs 2700lbs and the full thrust of the 149 lbs torch is basically ALWAYS there. The thing screams and hasn't given me less than 45mpg!! This makes for some pretty sunny motoring. 2) While the added cost of the diesel option is not likely to be recouped anytime soon based on fuel consumption alone, there is peace of mind knowing I've got the more robust engine solution, and that I'll *never* have to tune it. Also, if you like things mechanical, the moderate diesel sound, along with the turbo wine sounds cool to me. It actually makes the Beetle sound unique, like the ori inal. 3) Can you say, "Gee, when WAS the last time I stopped for fuel?" I wonder when this feeling will wear off! 4) The TDI is quieter on the highway than the gas engine, has grunt waaay down low in the rpm's (1800) so shifting is often optional, and so far as I've been able to tell, the 140 on the speedometer is, uh, rational. Need I say more? Well, perhaps. As for the basic car, the trunk turns out to be taller than you'd expect, so I'm finding it to be quite adequate for a couple of people doing a weekend somewhere. And speaking of interior space, if you are under 6 feet tall, the back seat is better than any car in it's class. Reason: The car is taller than most, so the seat height is more chair-like. Tall torso's beware though. If your head reaches above the headrest there's no hope. As I've mentioned in an earlier entry, initially I was concerned by the deep dash in terms of outward visibility. Not a problem. VW should put the front seats at their highest position as the default setting. I provides additional room in back and give a very SUV-like command-of-the-road feeling to your view out of the car. The seats were set in their lowest position when I took posession of the car and I though (uh-oh, this ain't pretty. You feel like you've been swallowed by the car!) The stereo is quite good for a standard issue 6-speaker stereo/cassette. Bud vasse makes a groovie pen holder too. The car has a very low center of gravity. This, along with the wheels being out to THERE means you feel very composed even in high speed corners. Don't ask me, I just know. I've got the winter package. The heated seats have five (count 'em, 5) settings - much better than the all-or-nothing variety found in the few cars that offer this feature (none that I know of in this catagory). The laser blue dash lights are not only very cool, they are easy on the eyes and very legible at night. The headlights have a Boxster family resemblance. Basically, I feel as though VW captured the essence of the original and added the kind of details that, like Chrysler, make you delight in the details. Just a comment on the public reaction to this thing. It boarders on a liability. On the one hand, it's great to get so much positive feedback. When you buy a new car, it's great to have so many people agree with your choice. Down side, it gets a weeee it tedious answering questions and hearing other peoples "bug stories" and can be dangerous when people want to talk to you at highway speeds. Well, I better cool it. Bottom line - I love the car.

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sorry guys, format problems.... the plug has 3 rows of four pins (almost square) and the 4th row is a single pin centered.

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Kevin- the pins in my plug look like this and perfectly match my changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . the changer is a clarion pro audio cdc635. On your deck in the car, the door that the cassette tape goes into should have a rib on the left part of it which means that the deck is a clarion. If not, you have a panasonic. It sounds like you have a totally different plug than myself (97 tdi) and my boss (98 tdi 3 weeks old). This is puzzling- perhaps this is why Crutchfield believes you need an adapter. I think VW has put a bunch of different cables in their cars and have no idea which cars need an adapter for cd changers. I actually like Crutchfield and have had good luck with them in general, I was just a bit pissed when I found out that I didn't need anything- just 10- 20 minutes to mount the changer and 10 seconds to plug it in. Even the guy here locally at a place called soundtrack told me I needed the adapter... Maybe the Colorado cars are a wierd bunch? (Kevin's plug is about 1 1/2 inches long and has a completely different pin layout... Sounds like we all have slightly different plugs.)

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I have been a Quality Engineer for both industry and government for over 20 years. Most, if not all, quality problems can be traced to human situations. Poor components or processes are easy to spot if a team-like atmosphere exists within the workplace. While it may be true that the adverse relationship between GM and the UAW displays itself in the form of poor quality stats, that is not true of a Mexican VW worker. Placing target production deadlines (second cause of poor QA)on the new BUG may have ca sed it's new process quality failures. But I don't think it's the fault of the MEXICAN culture. Mike...Out...

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Regarding First Oil Changes: VW uses a special factory fill oil which is designed to help the piston rings and seal break in correctly. The oil must be in for at least 5k miles. Changing the oil early will result in poor ring seals and high oil consump ion for the life of the engine. VW tdi engines are robotically assembles in a clean room environment in Germany and are exceedingly clean from the start. In Europe the first oil change is at 10k miles and it used to be 7500 miles in the US except for to many owners couldn't beleive it and changed the oil too early. Do not believe oil company advertising (jiffy lube especially). New cars do not need an oil change every 3k miles. My tdi will get oil changes as the factory recomends at 5k, 10k, 20k ... ntervals. Happy motoring, Kevin.

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TO JOHN- That cd changer jack in the back will fit a Clarion changer. Don't bother listening to the dealer, or people like mail order Crutchfield who say you need an adaptor in order to fit the clarion. My boss just baught a 98 TDI and his fit the clarion as wel . It takes about 20 minutes to install. The changer cost me 289.

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There have been a few comments on quality control of German cars compared with Jap cars. Remember thet the Golf/Jetta for NA sales are really MEXICAN cars! I had a 92 Jetta that was always in the dealership for quality control problems, I ended up trading it in for a Dodge. The first NBeetle I saw showed the poor QC from Mexico, it was fallin apart on the showroom floor! That is why I wish VW would import the Passat TDI built in Germany. Of all of the watercooled VWs I have had the German built cars were the best. 77 Dasher SW - Great car I wish I still had it. 78 Rabbit - Fast and easy to work on. Died of cancer years after an accident repair gone bad. 84 Jetta - A reliable fun car. 84 Rabbit GTI - Problems are with the "American" parts, GM headliner trim etc. Poor quality American workers ruin a great design. 92 Jetta - Mexican junk.

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To John, Diesel is more expensive in neighborhoods because a lot of fuel stations market the diesel as "automotive diesel." Truckers are more price sensitive, plus fuel stations on the interstate sell volume to the over the road truckers. Tax exempt fuel is refe red to home heating oil in my state. This is fuel oil which would be used to heat home, space heaters, any application which does not use the roadway and therefore is not subject to the state fuels tax. It is not legal to pump tax exempt fuel oil into y ur tank. Currently, in PA diesel fuel is $1.099 and I think fuel oil is $.599, the difference being the road tax. It is tempting. Oil changes; Your dealer is full of .... Your first oil change is for break-in, to remove metal fragments from the newly machined surfaces. This change should be performed after the first 500 miles. After that I would recommend changing at least every 5000 miles. I go every 5000 in my Cummins diesel and it has an 11 quart capacity. Smaller capacities should be changed more frequently. It also depends on the type of oil. Synthetic oils such as Mobil Delvac 1 can extend oil changes much further. As far as the carpet, I can tell you my dealer said VW revised some interior pieces including the carpet late in the 1998 model year. The model he pointed out to me had the plush carpeting that you talked about. You must have bought an earlier model. Hope this helps.

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Pook in Dallas: I also had a range problem with an aftermarket alarm system on my 84 GTI. It would only work a few feet from the car, but somewhere, I heard of this little trick that greatly increases the range, if needed: simply push the remote alarm s itch onto the bottom of your chin as you press the button. This way, your body acts as a type of "transmitting antenna." Dont know if this will help you in your case, but it sure did for me. As far as the reliability of VW's...I'd have to admit...they m y not be as totally trouble free right out of the box as some other cars on the road today seem to be (I've had my shares of VW hiccups), but in the long run, it will be hard to beat a VW. My father has an 81 Vanagon that just passed the 300,000 mile mar . While in Germany, I had an 83 GTD that had 380,000 kms (about 237,000 miles) on it, when it had to be sold to some guy in Turkey because it would no longer pass the German emission test. Both of these vehicles are/were running on their ORIGINAL engines I'd rather put up with a few minor problems here and there and have a car that is a joy to drive and will last a long while, than to have a totally perfect car that I would probably crash anyways, due to falling asleep at the wheel out of total boredom o driving such a ho-hum car. Just my thoughts..... chau, dj

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I've only had this 2 weeks, but I truly love the thing. A few questions--is diesel cheaper at truck stops just for truckers or do we get the same price? The SuperAmerica in my neighborhood sells diesel (and would see no semi-truck traffic) for $1.19--ab ut 10 cents more than they charge for gas, yet at truck stop-type places along the interstate, diesel seems to be cheaper than gasoline. What's up with that? The reason I'm asking is that in Greenwood, IN, where I bought my car (Louisville dealers were oo stupid to deserve my business), I saw one station that had diesel for .89, but had the words "tax exempt" after it. Another station up the road had it for $1.19. So who's tax exempt? The truckers or everyone else? Is that everywhere (a federal law) or does it vary from state to state? Another thing, I have had a heck of a time trying to figure out the maintenance intervals (oil changes) on this thing. The owner's manual doesn't seem to be very clear on the subject. The dealer said the first oil change is at 5,000 miles, the second an 10,000 and the third at 20,000, but I can't find any evidence in the manual of this. Am I just stupid or what? And I read the note that the CD wire just works for the official VW changer. Is that true? Who makes VW's changer? Wouldn't someone sell some sort of adaptor or something? I'd like to get one someday down the line, but I won't be paying $800 for the p easure! That's ridiculous! One last thing--I looked at a Jetta TDI here in town & it had fancy carpet--looped just like they did back in the old days. Although mine is a '98, I think it sat around a while--it has the felt-like pseudo-carpet my '95 Golf had. Also, the one in Louis ille had a different radio in in, even though they were both "premium" AM/FM cassette units. Mine has the same radio as my 1995 Golf had, although it doesn't seem to sound as good. Does anyone know what I'm talking about? Were there some sort of mid-ye r changes on these items? The dealer I bought from acted like he didn't know what I was talking about--I checked their other Jettas & they had the "old style" equipment, also, but I know I didn't imagine this carpet & radio! Thanks a bunch!

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I have been watching this site for about 5 weeks now, and I have to say it is one of the best sites that I visit regularly. My question is about the front passenger door. When driving I can hear a howl from the door, which gets louder as I accelerate. I know this is wind related, but how do I get it to stop, or at least quite it down? Oh yeah, my dealer offers an optional undercoating for the car, has anyone done a similar option to their Jetta? If so, is it more quiet now? Thanks, Ben

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I have seen alot of problems regarding build quality on the Jettas so I thought I would relate to you my expereinces with a 1995 Golf. Yes, a gas engine, but I had alot of quality problems with the car. At 10K the Alarm broke on the car which the dealer fixed at no cost. At 15 K I had several lights burn out in the dash which the dealer replaced. At 38K. the paint started to fad badly. Despite the fact that the car was out of warranty VW had the whole car repainted at no cost to me. At 42K I was still unhappy with the paint job so they repainted it again. This time they did it right. As a matter of fact it was 3 times as good as the factory job. 50K..I had many many rattles which I fixed myself So, this Golf(a Jetta without the trunk) has had its share of build problems, but after they were fixed the car has been great. I now have over 75K on the car and mechanically the vehical has been perfect. German cars are finiky, but once you get the ki ks worked out they will go forever.

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To Pook in Dallas: Being a Toyota/Mazda car owner myself I also find it difficult to get used to these minor quality problems we find in our German VWs. Im told that after they are corrected the cars will be bulletproof and will provide years of reliable service. I believe this statement, for the most part, to be true. As for your alarm's remote range that kind of performance is typical of most systems. For now (break-in) the oil burning is also OK. Just hang in there! When the kinks are out you'll hav a great German car. With or without problems the Jap cars can NEVER be like a VW!!! MIke...Out..

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Hi all. Me again. I forgot to mention that I added another few HP to my TDi this weekend. I installed a "Techtonics Tuning" 2.5 inch cat. back exhaust system. This system is for the VR6 engine but it can be used on our cars as well. If you order one, be s re to let them know that it is for a TDi because the pipe that clamps onto the catalitic converter must be tappered down to 50mm to fit. Or, one can cut off the old 2 inch pipe on the cat and have 2.5 welded onto it so one will have 2.5 inch piping all th way back (this is what I did). The system is available in either aluminized piping with a 100% stainless steel Borla muffler or, 100% stainless piping & muffler. I chose the alunimized system to save some money. The alunimized is around $370 & the stainl s is close to $500. The kit is available for the Passat & Jetta and comes with all the necessary clamps & mounting brackets. Our stock exhaust is 2" in diameter & T.T.'s is 2.5. That's a pretty substantial increase and the T.T. resonator is VERY small w th a "staight through" flow as well as the Borla muffler. The power increase is noticeable. It's most noticeable at higher rpm's a full throttle. I think there is better response at low rpm's though. I think it's fair to say I got a 5-10 hp increase. That s not going to win any races or let you get home any faster but it is more power and it's not going to void your warranty. I'm also really suprised and pleased to say that the exhaust system is almost completely silent. There is just a slight bit of noise that can be heard only standing right next to the tail pipe with the car at idel. It can't be heard anywhere else. The phone number for T.T. is (503) 843-2700 PST.

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Brian is absolutely right about the Bently manuals being the best. They have helped me a great deal as well with my GTi VR6. The manual for the Jetta TDi was slated to be released sometime this summer, but Bently pushed the release date back to sometime n xt year. Bummer.

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Hello. I would greatly appreciate anyone and everyone willing to e-mail me a reason why I should buy a New Beetle TDI. What is good and what is bad about the TDI engine. I can get a TDI Beetle in a few weeks or wait about 6 to 8 months for a gas version. have never owned a diesel anything before and am a little nervous about buying one. Any help would be great. So far it seems as though the only real positive thing about the TDI is the fuel economy. Are there other reasons for choosing the TDI over gas? lease e-mail me with your thoughts. I would would greatly appreciate hearing from you. Thanks to all in advance. Craig

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Hello TDI fans! My theory on the blue smoke: When my car was new it smoked a little too. It went away by 5,000 miles. So until the piston rings seat, some oil is burning off. It is very common for a new VW TDI engine to use up to a few quarts of oil duri g the break-in period and get the worst fuel mileage. It takes almost 10,000 miles to completely break in the engine so give it some time. As for Jon's theory on when the injectors start, I cannot confirm or deny. The engine has all kinds of electronic se sors and the ECM computer can very well wait until the engine has turned a few times before injecting fuel. Part of VAG's goal was to reduce as much smoke as possible on cold startup and the fuel injection system set up like that would reduce smoke on a c ld start. The Robert Bentley repair manuals are way ahead of the others even though they are the most expensive. Mine has already paid for itself a few times by allowing me to fix some stupid little things myself instead of taking the car in to the dealer The cheapest way to buy one is to get the ISBN number of the manual you want from www.rb.com. Then use the ISBN number to do a search at all the online bookstores. Take care TDI fans.

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I have had my Jetta tdi 3 weeks it has 3,600 miles. The shifter vibrates at 2200 rpm in 4th gear.My alarm can only be turned on a few feet from the car.It has used 1 1/2 quarts of oil so far.I found out that the plug in the trunk will only fit a factory c changer ($800). I don't like the horn honking when I set the alarm, or the daytime running lights.I have a spot on my hood where the paint is comming off. I traded in a accort for this jetta, I don't know if that was good move or not????.On the other si e it gets about 51 mpg,rides and handled good. This is my first German car , have owned hondas and toyotas I have my fingers crossed, ok I am off the soap box.

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I have never had a diesel before. Can someone tell were to find some info on the VW TDI. Basic stuff like filter changes, and care of the engine. I have a '98 Beetle, And plan on doing the maintenance on it after the warranty expires. Are the manuals VW o fers worth the money? Thank you Chuck.

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Hey all. Car & Driver does a short road test and review of TDi Beetle in the latest issue (8/98) Check it out.

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I was concerned about the BLUE PUFF on start up until I thought of how a diesel works. Please bear with me and tell me I'm full of sh t after I've finished. When any reciprocating four or more cylinder engine is stopped, at least ONE of the four cylinders is in the compression stroke. The partially compressed air leaks out of the cylinder past the piston rings, eventually equalizing with atmospheric pressure, When the engine is re-started, the reduced amount of air remaining in that cylinder can not be com ressed sufficiently to ignite the fuel which is injected at or near the top of the stroke. The unburned fuel is sent down the exhaust system and emerges as THE BLUE PUFF. Now, if someone were to say that the injectors are kept closed until 2 crank rotatio s have been completed, and that this is specifically to prevent the injection of fuel into a partially compressed charge of air, then I will return to the fold of the concerned. for now I'm blissfully ignorant.

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Anyone interested in the North American VW 1999 model line up should take a look at www.vwvortex.com

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Hi All
Well, I got back late last week from my trip to europe, but things were so busy when I got back to work I haven't had a chance to update anything, but I'll just have to make time.:)

Anyways, when I was over there I visited Wolfsburg, and toured th VW plant. It was pretty interesting seeing the cars being made. (First ever visit to a car plant) Wolfsburg is definatly a VW town. At least 8/10 cars were made by the VW group! I definatly recommend visiting Wolfsburg VW plant if you are a VW fan.

There were also many interesting cars available there (besides VW). The Ford KA was an interesting little car. Diesels are also very common in not just smaller cars, but in Jeep Cherokee's & Chrysler Mini Vans, which seem to be increasing numbers. Luck ly I only saw 2 neons there during my whole trip.
I did get to drive a VW there, not the fastest though ('98 VW Golf Wagon, w/ 75hp 1.6l engine), but it could still travel. (Traveled a sustained topspeed of 180km/h for over 5 min, what a rush):)
Anyways, gota go now, but will post some more info and p ctures like the Golf country, etc when I get a chance.

Fred

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The Puff of blue smoke is normal. You are burning a tye of fuel oil and when the engine is cold the computer tweaks in a different aif/fuel combustion formula until it warms up. It's a little less efficient for a while to support cold operations, hence, the blue puff of smoke. I had what I thought was a central dashboard rattle. I was the gearshift handle vibrating a a certain RPM. Don't be so sure it will get worse. Reonant oscilations (rattles) can be funny things. They can WEAR themselves out of scilation frequency and cease to exist. Until then happy hunting with pushing panels and bending wires until you find the demon. (Hate those little devils myself) Mike...Out...

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I like to see TDI fans getting all riled up over the comment that we're "jerks"! My "not even a high performance vehicle" just took me 105 mph before I backed off the pedal (I didn't want to go over 4000 rpm) on the farm roads of SW Minnesota. Oh, by th way, did I mention that I averaged 43 mpg on this trip?
I do have some concerns though. When I start the car after sitting overnight I usually get a big puff of blue smoke. Others here have mentioned this and said it will go away after a while. I'm still taking it back to the dealer - 2 year warranty y'know Also, there's a slight rattle in the dash after only 2k miles. I bet this is going to be annoying after 50k miles. My $0.02....
D'nardo

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Thanks for the support and defense our VW's. You're right about the SUV illusion. Now there's a good idea. Let's spend big bucks to buy a big vehicle that wastes lots of fuel, has a lot of interior noise, transmits a rough ride, pulls heavy 4WD hardwar around everywhere to use on a flat surface (only 11% of the USA population lives in mountains)and try to convince ourselves that we are getting back to nature every time we go for a ride. Give me a break, that's crazy. For me I'll stick with my fuel si ping TDI. Mike...Out..

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Hi TDI fans. I totally agree with Al. This is the most fun I ever had with owning a car. I have had more fun in a car, but that's a different story and we won't go there... Don't ever let anyone tell you that our cars are not high performance. Any en ine that can extract this much power on so little fuel is absolutely a high performance engine. High efficiency is high performance, pure and simple. Using more energy than what is needed to perform some work is called inefficient and low performance. ntentionally using more energy than needed is wasteful. This simple concept is totally lost in America. The downside of owning a VW TDI is looking at all the people driving pick-up trucks, minivans, and SUVs and realizing how much money and energy these people are wasting. I've have better things to do with my money than spend it on unneeded fuel. Have a good weekend TDI fans.

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Sorry about the double post. Don't know why. I logged back on and the original message had been posted twice

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Hi Mike, Regarding your "friend". No, we are not crazy. Diesels are unknown in this country and there needs to be a place to exchange information. Fred's site is the best for that. And as far as a TDI being "just a car", there is nothing else which combines the economy, interior room and performance of the Passat and Jetta TDIs. German cars inspire passion because they are not "just cars". German Drivers care about how they get there as much as getting there. Driving is a passion for some people and some people just don't get it. That is why mind-numbing major appliances like the Taurus and Accord top the sales chart. What kind of SUV does your friend drive?

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Hi Mike, Regarding your "friend". No, we are not crazy. Diesels are unknown in this country and there needs to be a place to exchange information. Fred's site is the best for that. And as far as a TDI being "just a car", there is nothing else which combines the economy, interior room and performance of the Passat and Jetta TDIs. German cars inspire passion because they are not "just cars". German Drivers care about how they get there as much as getting there. Driving is a passion for some people and some people just don't get it. That is why mind-numbing major appliances like the Taurus and Accord top the sales chart. What kind of SUV does your friend drive?

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I thought I would share with you the comments of a close friend of mine. I was telling him how much I like my car and led him to my E-MAIL terminal to view some of the messages on this WEB site. After reading a few he made the following comments: "You g ys are jerks, making a hobby out of burning fuel oil. Get a life will you !! It's just a car, not even a high performance vehicle. Don't you have anything better to do?" I did'nt like what he said but he is a good friend. Any comments out there...are e crazy? Mike Out...

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After I drive my Passat for approx. 15-20 Min. in hot weather I find that the hyd. clutch will be twice as hard to push in and this condition will be intermittent. I have also heard a noise on two seperate occasions (depressing the clutch with the engine off) which appears to be coming from the slave cylinder. Has anyone else experienced this? Please help.

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Love the site Fred, but please update (come home from Europe). I just ordered a new 98 Jetta TDI. However my dealer could not locate one. Anyway my dealer informed me to wait another week and a 99 Jetta TDI will be arriving! He stated he already had 9 gas Jetta's. Pricing will be only a few more hundred dollars. However, he said VW is carrying over the 98 body due to demand. If anyone could clarify this by all means, please do. In addition, there is supposed to be a higher hp TDI in the works. I' l keep everyone informed as to what I finally end up with and any new information on the 99's. Later.

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More comments on the hybrid cars. Hybrids are out there, but they have years to go before the public will by them (The Toyota car outputs about 24 hp).
I bet that by the time these hybrids become a factor, fuel cell technology will be a viable alternative. In 10 years we'll start seeing fuel cell c rs w/ >75 hp and zero emissions. I expect my Jetta TDI to last at least that long. That's why I bet my next car will be fuel cell powered. Ballard Power Systems has a good site; www.ballard.com
D'nardo

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I would like to add my thoughts to the VW "quality" discussion. I presently have 4 VWs: a mint 84 GTI(150,000 mi), an 83 GTI track car, an 88 Golf (141,000 brutal city miles and some tracktime) and the 97 TDI Passat. I have also had two Toyotas. It is true the initial quality of VWs is not as good as the average Japanese Car. That means a couple trips to the dealer for adjustments might be necessary. Depending on the competence of the dealer, this can be routine or annoying. Once the VW is sorted, they are incredibly durable and absolutely bulletproof. The drivetrains and tubs last forever. They are also safer than Japanese Cars because they handle better (active safety) and are more crash worthy (passive safety). They are also easier to work on and parts are inexpensive due to a huge aftermarket that has developed around VW Motorsports activites. My Golf has been MUCH less expensive to drive 140,000 miles than my Corolla was. Now I am hoping VW will send over the Golf 4, Synchro TDI. That is the 130 HP diesel Rally Car they sell in Europe. We will never see it here :-(

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Hi TDI fans, lots of questions on several posts here so I'll just add what I can. Audi is testing a TDI/electric hybred in Europe. It was featured in Car & Driver magazine some time ago but I forgot which issue. Almost every major European make has a TDI engine option in Europe including Ford and GM. Detroit Diesel has several small TDI engines for the car market that could easily be made available over here. Most TDI engines in Europe are using a more advanced fuel injection system that what VAG is using and the mileage numbers should continue to go up as the technology improves. It is very interesting to notice that diesel and gasoline technologies are crossing over to each other with DI for gasoline engines and common rail fuel injection for diesel engi es. Each is a borrowed technology from the other. Cheap efficient battery and motor technology is still a long way off so the hybred cars will not take over yet. Toyota is selling its hybred cars at a huge loss to gain market share. We should be able to e joy our cars for many years. The diesel engine is still the most efficient internal combustion engine for its size. A DI gasoline engine can have very high mileage numbers, but will never be able to do the work that a diesel can. The TDI diesel still has a future. Spread the word TDI fans.

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How about a hybrid with a tdi powered recharger/generator? Consider the mileage and range of a 600 c.c. diesel running at a constant speed and tuned for minimal emissions at that speed. The battery pack could be used alone in urban areas.The fossil fueled power plant would only need to be large enough to recharge the amount of current consumed during constant, non-accelerating driving, plus a minor amount for a/c, seat heaters, 600 watt stereo, and such. The batteries would be an energy accumulator with re enerative charging on the down hills to put back some of what was used going up. AS IF!... VW won't even bring into the states the new Passat with the TDI, so don't hold your breath waiting. If you want a diesel/electric hybrid today, buy a railroad locomotive. I'm waiting to see the space packaging of two complete drive units in the Toyota. As long as gasoline stays $1/gal. I don't expect too many converts out of their S.U.V.s and into a Prius. I also didn't think I'd be in a diesel, so that is what my opinion s worth.

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In answer to your PRO's and CON's ALmost all PRO when you consider a VW Diesel. For me the shortcomings were in non-engine areas. I've been a Jap car owner for decades and it's pretty hard to beat their Quality record. My complaints from delivery were: Back-up light failure, steering w eel not centered, and minor vibrations. All of this delivered to me with a post card on the dash signed by VW Mexico's Quality manager(s) Gomez and Hernandez. This would not happen at a Jap plant. Still, all that aside, it's still worth it. BUY THIS CAR!!!! Mike...Out...

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i've been looking at a 98 tdi and was wondering what other 98 tdi owners could tell me about the car, pros and cons. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks clay

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Does anyone know if any other manufacturer other than VW might be bringing in a TDI engine for 1999? I know that Mitsubishi and Toyota both make them for other markets (including a very nice 6 cylinder in the Land Cruiser). I was wondering if there were any other options if VW decides not to bring in the TDI passat (the Jetta is too small for my needs). You can reply by either e-mail or (preferably) by posting a message here.

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Another oil comment: when I bought my Jetta it was getting somewhere around 46mpg. I've changed the oil once since then, and I've found that since that point I've been getting between 35 and 38 mpg. I'm guessing the cause is the oil: I've got Rotella-T n there now (15-40) because it was the only conventional oil I could find that met API CD. I'm _really_ tempted to buy some Mobil Delvac-1 (5-40)and give that a shot once my 5,000 mi service comes up. Comments? Anyone have any experience with this oil or Mobil 1? Anyone think it's too early to switch to a synthetic?

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TDI...Great for now. I've been looking at all the positive comments about the TDI diesel and it's great mileage; however, there is a limit to our grandeur. In the next 3 to 5 years advances in gasoline engines will seriously compete with current diesel technology. Toyota wi l release (late 99) in the USA the first production HYBRID. This 70 mpg car, with 1/10 the emissions of today's fleet, is now offered in Japan. Popular Science praised this car for it's power and got 69 mpg to boot. Other car companies will follow with advances and other HYBRIDS. So I will enjoy the uniqueness as long as I can, but I know full well, all glory is fleeting. Mike....Out...

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Why don't VW allow me to use a 0W oil such as Mobil 1 (Turbo Diesel)? The manual approves synthetics of various grades including 5W-30 and 5W-40 but not 0W-40 (or 0W anything). I'd prefer a 0W oil because of the extended warm up time of this fuel efficient engine. My only guess could be it is to do with additives that improve the viscosity range of the oil which are bad for diesel engines, even though there should be less of these in a synthetic formulation.