2015 Cali SE - A few questions

[Spunyarn]

Hi All,

I've just put a deposit down on a 2015 California SE, and I've got some burning questions which I'm hoping the good community here could assist me with?

• The bellows have a horizontal tear above the drivers seat. It's right on the corner seam and is about 5-6 inches long (3 inches either side of the seam). The dealer is getting this professionally repaired before delivery at their own cost, however the fabric looks fairly tired and faded anyway and I wondered if I am better off pushing for a discount for the amount of the repair and just doing my own DIY repair after purchasing to tide me over until I decide to have the whole bellows replaced in a year or two. Are DIY repairs on bellows a bit of a nightmare? I've read on here that its about £900 to replace them with a new set and something you can even do yourself with patience.
• It has the 140 engine, and a 6 speed manual gearbox. I was really dead set on an auto (my previous 3 cars being auto), however almost all of the autos seem to also have the 180 engine which I am dead set on avoiding. I'm sure when new the 180 engine was the one to go for but obviously the fullness of time has proved the long term reliability of the 180 to be somewhat of a gamble and I'm pretty unlucky with car reliability so I wont risk it. What do people think of the 6 speed manual, and is touring on the continent (France, Alps etc) still good fun, or does the manual ruin the experience somewhat? I'm kind of unsure about going 'back' to a manual!
• There is no gas bottle so I will need to buy a Campinggaz 907 - is there anything specific I should know about this, or any tips on where to get it from.
• Service history looks good and from what I remember from the paperwork, the cambelt & water pump were changed in 2021 or 2022 at about 58k miles. Other than that there's been a variety of the usual remedial work and servicing (fluid changes, replacement springs) done annually. It will have a normal service before collection but is there anything mechanical that would be due now, on a 2015 van with 70k miles?

Overall the van seems good, its had 1 proper owner, and before that it seems it was a demonstrator for the first few months of it's life. It has clearly been well used as the surfaces and blinds etc all show some signs of wear, so it doesn't feel pristine but it seems honest and is coming from VW themselves with a warranty. Any purchase is obviously a gamble but hopefully this cali will serve me and family well with adventures and road trips for several years to come. I will of course keep you posted on how things unfold and post pictures in due course.

Any advice etc you have would be really helpful.
Thanks

 

[pchmlk]

I have almost the same vehicle, just one year older.

I had exactly the same reservations about manual but I’m finding it no problem at all. It’s a very torquey engine so you tend to sit in a high gear for quite a range of speeds. Also, I tend to drive quite sedately in it in contrast to previous cars.

The 140 is ample really, I’m sure if I drove a 204 6.1 I’d rethink this but as my first Cali, it’s fine. On long hills it may start to struggle a little but on the whole it’s very happy keeping up with traffic and sits at 130kph nicely in France. Also economical.

 

[Louis II]

I have the same year, engine and gearbox. I do find it a bit underpowered on hills, especially when fully loaded but it’s fine really. With any vehicle that age you should probably expect some repairs. Cambelt I think is every 4 or 5 years so that will come round soon. I’ve had egr and clutch need replacing recently both of which my garage said is fairly common for the vehicle and age.
Personally I would save yourself the hassle and let the garage fix the bellows.
Overall an I think it’s an awesome vehicle that I wouldn’t be without and apart from it being euro 5 not really any meaningful difference to the newer versions.
If anything I’d consider a slightly older / cheaper / higher mileage van and keep some cash aside so that you don’t have to worry about the odd thing needing fixing - but that’s just me

 

[OtterCali]

I recently bought exactly the same (2015 SE with 140 manual). If the dealer is offering to repair the bellows I’d let them do it. Mine has a couple of small holes where the canvas has been caught in the scissor mechanism that I plan to repair in the near future using Tear Aid tape. I also wanted an auto originally, but had the same issue finding a 140 DSG and settled for the manual eventually. I agree with the last poster’s comment that the 140 engine has plenty of grunt so the manual box isn’t really an issue.

The Campingaz 907 bottle is widely available from camping shops and Halfords, or check your local free ads sites. You will also need a Campingaz valve adapter which should come with the van, but is sometimes missing (mine was!). Your dealer should be able to sort this out.

 

[WelshGas]

I have the same year, engine and gearbox. I do find it a bit underpowered on hills, especially when fully loaded but it’s fine really. With any vehicle that age you should probably expect some repairs. Cambelt I think is every 4 or 5 years so that will come round soon. I’ve had egr and clutch need replacing recently both of which my garage said is fairly common for the vehicle and age.
Personally I would save yourself the hassle and let the garage fix the bellows.
Overall an I think it’s an awesome vehicle that I wouldn’t be without and apart from it being euro 5 not really any meaningful difference to the newer versions.
If anything I’d consider a slightly older / cheaper / higher mileage van and keep some cash aside so that you don’t have to worry about the odd thing needing fixing - but that’s just me

VW have officially changed the Cambelt replacement to the same as the EU, 140,000 miles with No Time Limit.

 

[Louis II]

Interesting, have they changed it for vans originally sold with the 4/5 year time limit? Or just for newer vans?

 

[WelshGas]

Interesting, have they changed it for vans originally sold with the 4/5 year time limit? Or just for newer vans?

All VW Transporters T5/5.1/6 and 6.1.. Your Dealership will confirm.

 

[Spunyarn]

Thanks for the responses guys - I'm due to collect the cali tomorrow so quite excited as you would expect!

I managed to get a campigaz 907 today which was a bit of a faff as the cheapest place for the bottle (empty) was halfords for £40 by using a £5 off voucher. The annoying thing is they aren't licensed to do swaps so I then had to take the empty bottle to a garage who relieved me of £55 but atleast it's sorted. Hopefully it will last a fair amount of time.

The bellows have been repaired using adhesive patches which I am generally happy with (have been sent pics) but was initially a little concerned about the lack of any 'mechanical' closure. I would have thought that a few stitches would be necessary just to stop the tear from increasing when the canvas is under tension but it looks like the repair works fine. I can always put a few stitches in there in future if necessary and if it's not too difficult I may even remove the bellows and use a machine to stitch a better quality repair. The only thing I'm considering is applying fabsil to them - which is something I've done to many outdoor and waterproof products in the past and apart from it ruining any breathability in my experience it improves waterproofing but also improves the look of some tired and faded fabrics, atleast in terms of making them a little darker and more uniform in colour which is just what the bellows on this van look like they could do with. As mentioned in my original post - potentially plans to replace them anyway but if running repairs buy me a few more years use then happy to put replacement on the backburner!

I'm pleased to hear those with 140 manuals are quite happy with them and not despairing at the relative lack of power and inconvenience of changing gear. I drove manuals for many years before changing to autos about 8 years ago and I remember being one of those people who used to say 'I'm never driving an auto' lol In more recent years I've also said 'I'll never go back to a manual' so it shows how fickle I must be, but I'm quite content that my choice to go with this van is a safe one!

I've got a bunch of jobs in mind to do tomorrow once I get the van home including installing the gas, installing a bugee around the bellows, applying silicon to the cupboard door runners and window blind runners, setting everything up on the drive and getting familiar. I've already purchased a thetford 335 and mattress topper (original one missing), and will need to take a trip to go outdoors or decathlon to pick up the bits and bobs like cutlery plates, kettle etc. Will keep you posted and thanks again for responses.

 

[WelshGas]

Thanks for the responses guys - I'm due to collect the cali tomorrow so quite excited as you would expect!

I managed to get a campigaz 907 today which was a bit of a faff as the cheapest place for the bottle (empty) was halfords for £40 by using a £5 off voucher. The annoying thing is they aren't licensed to do swaps so I then had to take the empty bottle to a garage who relieved me of £55 but atleast it's sorted. Hopefully it will last a fair amount of time.

The bellows have been repaired using adhesive patches which I am generally happy with (have been sent pics) but was initially a little concerned about the lack of any 'mechanical' closure. I would have thought that a few stitches would be necessary just to stop the tear from increasing when the canvas is under tension but it looks like the repair works fine. I can always put a few stitches in there in future if necessary and if it's not too difficult I may even remove the bellows and use a machine to stitch a better quality repair. The only thing I'm considering is applying fabsil to them - which is something I've done to many outdoor and waterproof products in the past and apart from it ruining any breathability in my experience it improves waterproofing but also improves the look of some tired and faded fabrics, atleast in terms of making them a little darker and more uniform in colour which is just what the bellows on this van look like they could do with. As mentioned in my original post - potentially plans to replace them anyway but if running repairs buy me a few more years use then happy to put replacement on the backburner!

I'm pleased to hear those with 140 manuals are quite happy with them and not despairing at the relative lack of power and inconvenience of changing gear. I drove manuals for many years before changing to autos about 8 years ago and I remember being one of those people who used to say 'I'm never driving an auto' lol In more recent years I've also said 'I'll never go back to a manual' so it shows how fickle I must be, but I'm quite content that my choice to go with this van is a safe one!

I've got a bunch of jobs in mind to do tomorrow once I get the van home including installing the gas, installing a bugee around the bellows, applying silicon to the cupboard door runners and window blind runners, setting everything up on the drive and getting familiar. I've already purchased a thetford 335 and mattress topper (original one missing), and will need to take a trip to go outdoors or decathlon to pick up the bits and bobs like cutlery plates, kettle etc. Will keep you posted and thanks again for responses.

Don't apply silicone to the Blind Runners unless you absolutely have to and if you do just to the top 4-6" otherwise the blinds will not stay down. They depend on friction on the wire runners L and R to stay down.

 

[FiFiLaDrew]

Thanks for the responses guys - I'm due to collect the cali tomorrow so quite excited as you would expect!

I managed to get a campigaz 907 today which was a bit of a faff as the cheapest place for the bottle (empty) was halfords for £40 by using a £5 off voucher. The annoying thing is they aren't licensed to do swaps so I then had to take the empty bottle to a garage who relieved me of £55 but atleast it's sorted. Hopefully it will last a fair amount of time.

The bellows have been repaired using adhesive patches which I am generally happy with (have been sent pics) but was initially a little concerned about the lack of any 'mechanical' closure. I would have thought that a few stitches would be necessary just to stop the tear from increasing when the canvas is under tension but it looks like the repair works fine. I can always put a few stitches in there in future if necessary and if it's not too difficult I may even remove the bellows and use a machine to stitch a better quality repair. The only thing I'm considering is applying fabsil to them - which is something I've done to many outdoor and waterproof products in the past and apart from it ruining any breathability in my experience it improves waterproofing but also improves the look of some tired and faded fabrics, atleast in terms of making them a little darker and more uniform in colour which is just what the bellows on this van look like they could do with. As mentioned in my original post - potentially plans to replace them anyway but if running repairs buy me a few more years use then happy to put replacement on the backburner!

I'm pleased to hear those with 140 manuals are quite happy with them and not despairing at the relative lack of power and inconvenience of changing gear. I drove manuals for many years before changing to autos about 8 years ago and I remember being one of those people who used to say 'I'm never driving an auto' lol In more recent years I've also said 'I'll never go back to a manual' so it shows how fickle I must be, but I'm quite content that my choice to go with this van is a safe one!

I've got a bunch of jobs in mind to do tomorrow once I get the van home including installing the gas, installing a bugee around the bellows, applying silicon to the cupboard door runners and window blind runners, setting everything up on the drive and getting familiar. I've already purchased a thetford 335 and mattress topper (original one missing), and will need to take a trip to go outdoors or decathlon to pick up the bits and bobs like cutlery plates, kettle etc. Will keep you posted and thanks again for responses.

Happy Cali Gotcha Day!

I have a 2014 140 SE - my first California, but far from my first VW. I opted for the 140 for the same reasons you did and honestly, it's a lovely torquey (is that a word?!) engine. A proper chuggy diesel - I love it. No problem going up hills (although not tested loaded to the hilt), and if it does slow up, well then we can just change gear and chill
I too have some wear on the bellows, and I repaired with TearAid which has worked well - although mine were scuffs and nicks rather than a big tear. Like you, I will think about bellows replacement in the future...but...I'm in no rush to get rid of my perfectly serviceable set and replace with leaky ones (enjoy those threads on the forum! Leaky bellows are a thing!). Before I get to that point, I thought I'd go down the fabsil route, maybe even buy a topper...so I think your plan to leave replacement for a while is sound.
You mention kitting out your van with camping bits - I took a trip to IKEA...there's tonnes of goodies in there to be had! Not just storage boxes that fit perfectly in the cupboards, but plastic plates, the octopus peg thingy (if you know you know! ), collapsible bowls for doggos, floor mats etc etc. Have at it!
I also bought a RidgeMonkey sandwich toaster which is brilliant, wouldn't be without it.
Enjoy your van, I adore mine and just wish I'd had the opportunity to own one earlier...but it really is such a practical vehicle (I use mine as a 'car' often too) that I'm sure you'll love it Enjoy your day.

 

[Spunyarn]

So the collection went well - I didn’t want to share specifics before the deal was done but I’m happy to now. I purchased from Marshall VW in bridgewater who had the van as an approved used product (only just due to it being 9.5 years old). I believe it was taken in part ex prior to coming up for sale. I found the dealership to be good, and yesterday at collection everything including me part exing my 2010 freelander, went as expected. One small hiccup due to a 3 month instead of 12 month warranty being on the paperwork but once I challenged them (and was genuinely considering walking away if not sorted) they said they would honour the 12 months I had been told I would get. Not sure if that was some sort of bait and switch dodgy tactic they tried, or if the salesman genuinely made an error when he told me a week ago that it would come with 12 months warranty. Either way it was sorted quickly so not an issue. The dealership seemed helpful, and professional although my only other experience of VW was at listers Droitwich a couple of months ago, when I enquired about the new T7 calis. It was a weekend from memory and very quiet but the salesman seemed to be humouring me rather than actually trying to sell me a van. I hadn’t made an appointment but was still expecting to be sat down, offered a coffee etc when I said I was in the market for a new or used cali. I’d done my homework and could definitely have been convinced to pull the trigger on a new coast there and then if he had given me the right feeling and sold me the dream, but when I asked for a test drive he couldn’t find the keys with one and said there was something wrong with the other demo they had and I came away from there fairly deflated, half heartedly agreeing to book a test drive for a time that was more convenient for the dealership than it was me, and spend 2 hours driving back there. It may be that the salesman didn’t realise quite how serious I was, or perhaps had hit his quota and was hoping to delay any potential sale to me until the next month or quarter, but enough doubt in my mind had been sewn in my mind to reconsider the T7s altogether and when I looked at used prices, interest rates on used stuff, it just seemed to make more sense to buy something a bit older and cheaper outright. Hopefully the residuals remain stable and I’m not proved wrong, and in any case a few years from now the T7 will be much more tried and tested and I might revisit things.

Back to the actual van…. It drove great on the way home, manual feels a bit antiquated but hey it gives me something to do. Spent the rest of yesterday playing with everything, sterilising the water, fitting the gas, etc. and getting to grips with all the features. Must have spent a couple of hours scrubbing the fridge, cooker etc as well just to make it my own. Then today we all went to a couple of camping and caravanning shops and I did the obligatory purchase of cutlery, utensils etc. I also purchased a cadac safari 30 which wasn’t my intention just yet, but it was on offer and with a discount I fortunately have meant it was only 87 quid so struck while the iron was hot. Have also ordered a ridge monkey xxl which everybody seems to use, so am feeling thoroughly spoilt at the moment and like a kid at Christmas.

As first trips in the van go the only hiccup what’s my five year old vomitted on the way home!! Not through car sickness I hasten to add but due to a bug that he’s picked up from our 18 month old who was like it on Thursday. Quite unfortunate especially after cleaning the van yesterday but these things happen and as me and the mrs stood next to the van using the few wet wipes and hand sanitiser we had with us to clean up a very messy child and car seat we had to laugh. On one hand it’s tragic that on the first day of using the van that this would happen but on the other, what better car to be in when you kid chucks up, than one with 30ltrs of water on tap, a sink, and a rubber floor! Lol

No pics as yet as today didn't quite go as planned but I’ll post some in the next few days and no doubt I’ll sneak out and manage a mid week night out in the van to test it out. All in all though, so far so good!

 

[Spunyarn]

As promised here are some pics of the new van. I’ve already been busying myself making a few changes such as
- swapping the pioneer stereo out for an xtrons unit with car play (very impressed considering it’s a cheap Chinese model and works very well).
- ordered and used the carista obd2 scanner to turn off the airbag light after accidentally turning the ignition on while the airbag switch was disconnected when fitting aforementioned stereo (silly mistake but you live and learn).
- took of the ghastly (in my opinion) sportline 18 inch alloys and replaced with some Clayton alloys and all terrain tires.
- fitted some push fit connectors in the gas system so that I can easily swap between the feed to the stove, and a 5m hose which I can run to the cadac safari grill.
- I’ve ordered some standard height suspension so will be getting that put on at some point in the next few weeks. It’s currently on -30mm springs but I want the extra ground clearance and a less crashy ride on our appalling local roads.
- I don’t think the seats have ever been fitted with Gardx or any such product as after scrubbing them back to pristine condition last week I’ve noticed that a single droplet of water from a drinks bottle appears to leave a horrible dark watermark. The fabric seats are in great nick and I don’t want to trash them with kids or have to continuously clean them due to marking so easily so I managed to nab a second hand set of Inka second skin seat covers (in a rather jazzy beige!) off eBay for a decent price. Hopefully fitting them doesn’t send me loopy and they beige fake leather wont clash with the standard grey floor and interior. I can see straight away that the key to enjoying these vans is keeping things as practical as possible and not treating them like show ponies.
- I’m going to order a pop up tent for use at campsites (for kids car seats and other bulky items). My budget won’t stretch to a brand new Cinch tent, but I’ll keep an eye on eBay for when one comes up, and in the meantime I’m sure a £40 festival jobby will be fine.
- I need to order some rubber mats but there are so many choices it’s hard to know which to get. The front carpet is soft but already getting dirty and dusty and is thick with dog hair. Perils of a very malty yellow lab.


So far ownership has been nothing short of incredible! We’ve had a few days out as a family and have been able to stop somewhere scenic and make bacon sandwiches etc in the van. Me and my boy had a night out on the drive away a few days ago and it was a roaring success, the last time he was that excited about anything was Christmas Eve so it’s fair to say we’ve got not reservations about having a few nights away in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Spunyarn]

Van when purchased

 

[Spunyarn]

Van now

 

[WelshGas]

As promised here are some pics of the new van. I’ve already been busying myself making a few changes such as
- swapping the pioneer stereo out for an xtrons unit with car play (very impressed considering it’s a cheap Chinese model and works very well).
- ordered and used the carista obd2 scanner to turn off the airbag light after accidentally turning the ignition on while the airbag switch was disconnected when fitting aforementioned stereo (silly mistake but you live and learn).
- took of the ghastly (in my opinion) sportline 18 inch alloys and replaced with some Clayton alloys and all terrain tires.
- fitted some push fit connectors in the gas system so that I can easily swap between the feed to the stove, and a 5m hose which I can run to the cadac safari grill.
- I’ve ordered some standard height suspension so will be getting that put on at some point in the next few weeks. It’s currently on -30mm springs but I want the extra ground clearance and a less crashy ride on our appalling local roads.
- I don’t think the seats have ever been fitted with Gardx or any such product as after scrubbing them back to pristine condition last week I’ve noticed that a single droplet of water from a drinks bottle appears to leave a horrible dark watermark. The fabric seats are in great nick and I don’t want to trash them with kids or have to continuously clean them due to marking so easily so I managed to nab a second hand set of Inka second skin seat covers (in a rather jazzy beige!) off eBay for a decent price. Hopefully fitting them doesn’t send me loopy and they beige fake leather wont clash with the standard grey floor and interior. I can see straight away that the key to enjoying these vans is keeping things as practical as possible and not treating them like show ponies.
- I’m going to order a pop up tent for use at campsites (for kids car seats and other bulky items). My budget won’t stretch to a brand new Cinch tent, but I’ll keep an eye on eBay for when one comes up, and in the meantime I’m sure a £40 festival jobby will be fine.
- I need to order some rubber mats but there are so many choices it’s hard to know which to get. The front carpet is soft but already getting dirty and dusty and is thick with dog hair. Perils of a very malty yellow lab.


So far ownership has been nothing short of incredible! We’ve had a few days out as a family and have been able to stop somewhere scenic and make bacon sandwiches etc in the van. Me and my boy had a night out on the drive away a few days ago and it was a roaring success, the last time he was that excited about anything was Christmas Eve so it’s fair to say we’ve got not reservations about having a few nights away in the next couple of weeks.

Watermarks on the fabric seats is always a problem but a damp cloth rubbed over the whole panel and they disappear. Aytoglym Interior is your friend.
NB it is recommended by the Parking Heater makers , VW do not mention this, that the heater should be run monthly for 30 minutes + upto temperature. It will not work if fuel tank under a 1/4 full or Leisure battery voltage drops to 11.5v . The fridge won't run either if voltage drops to 11.5v. Also should be plugged into EHU monthly for 12 hrs or so to keep Leisure batteries in good form, even if used daily as alternator will only charge to 80% capacity in normal use.

 

[colintfcolintf]

If you are changing the suspension and ride height it would probably pay to get a decent 4 wheel alignment check done by someone who really knows what they are doing afterwards