Bellows

[JuanVecino2023]

Not sure of this has been posted, but a quick search yielded no posts.

As of 9 April this year, no further bellows replacements from version 04S onward are being covered by VW warranty.

From speaking with the dealer, the performance of the 04S, 05S and 06S is the same.

I would assume of you have the previous single skinned version, it may still be covered

 

[Julesverne2000]

If correct, that is a really frustrating stance from VW. Of course the performance is different, otherwise the changes wouldn’t have been made.

Things have been quiet on the leaking bellows front but it wouldn’t be surprising that the first spell of wet summer weather brings a whole host of new complaints, particularly from people who have recently bought used 2023 vans.

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Sorry Juan, are you saying that if you’re unfortunate enough to have leaky bellows and discover it now it’s tough sh*t?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Sorry Juan, are you saying that if you’re unfortunate enough to have leaky bellows and discover it now it’s tough sh*t?

Welcome to world of VW Ownership

 

[Jimmylondon07]

Lol well I gather there must be some kind of standard that the bellows need to perform to in order to be deemed fit for purpose, does anyone know what that is?

And are they offering any alternative solutions, Aquatex for example?

Grim.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

Sorry Juan, are you saying that if you’re unfortunate enough to have leaky bellows and discover it now it’s tough sh*t?

Hi, mine is fine; just chatting with them when it went in for service yesterday.

I have 04S. I was interested to hear performance if subsequent double skinned ones similar.

 

[Corradobrit]

Lol well I gather there must be some kind of standard that the bellows need to perform to in order to be deemed fit for purpose, does anyone know what that is?

And are they offering any alternative solutions, Aquatex for example?

Grim.

The response of VW here in Germany was 'nothing to see here'. They refused to accept my 03S bellows leaked. Videos and pictures were irrelevant. I bought a can of Aquatex, yet to be applied and tested in the field. Was waiting for warmer Spring temps to ensure proper curing.

 

[GreenMissile]

I have 06S fitted to mine and so far so good, they were replaced under warranty last year after my 04S leaked. I sometimes wonder how informed and accurate the information is from some dealers.

 

[JuanVecino2023]

I have 06S fitted to mine and so far so good, they were replaced under warranty last year after my 04S leaked. I sometimes wonder how informed and accurate the information is from some dealers.

It’s directive issued from VW to all dealers dated 9 April.

I think it’s spot on info.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

From Kernow Transporters website:

//
This is the latest panoramic version 061S that has had the leaking isuues finally sorted. The inside surface has a white thermal coating which is has improved the light filtration. The standard 6.1 colour is Graphite 7MH but it is also available in blue 8NR.//

Volkswagen California Roof Bellows | Kernow Transporters

This is a brand new Volkswagen T6.1 California electric elevating roof canvas. This is the latest panoramic version 061S that has had the leaking isuues finally sorted. The inside surface has a white thermal coating which is has improved the light filtration. The standard 6.1 colour is Graphite...

www.kernowtransporters.co.uk

 

[reserves]

What bellows version would a 2023 Ocean usually be fitted with from factory?

 

[Lequimper]

Mine was built December 23 and originally had the 04S bellows, which had been fairly recently introduced then.

 

[reserves]

Mine was built December 23 and originally had the 04S bellows, which had been fairly recently introduced then.

Thanks.

Were there any revisions before 04S?

 

[Corradobrit]

Thanks.

Were there any revisions before 04S?

No. My MY23 (mid Nov 22 build) had the 03S which was the first double layered poptop and appeared in Sept 22. The 04S was introduced late in 2023.

 

[Corradobrit]

But there may have been mid production changes in an attempt to fix the leaks but these were not given a formal inventory number change. At least that's how I remember the debacle unfolding.

 

[OceanView2023]

What bellows version would a 2023 Ocean usually be fitted with from factory?

My Sept 23 Ocean had the 03S bellows. They were replaced by Manchester VW Commercial / Group 1 Trafford Park in Jan 25, for the 06 version

 

[DGB99]

My Sept 23 Ocean had the 03S bellows. They were replaced by Manchester VW Commercial / Group 1 Trafford Park in Jan 25, for the 06 version

My April '23 Ocean (bought in Feb this year) has 03S bellows. Still has.

Yet to be tested in heavy rain.

 

[reserves]

My April '23 Ocean (bought in Feb this year) has 03S bellows. Still has.

Yet to be tested in heavy rain.

I don’t have a label but going by date mine will probably be 03S

My plan is to get them swapped out rather than waiting to see if they leak

 

[Corradobrit]

I don’t have a label but going by date mine will probably be 03S

My plan is to get them swapped out rather than waiting to see if they leak

The dealer will need to demonstrate the bellows leak. Probably a good idea to confirm this first yourself to avoid labour fees when the dealer says they don't leak (happened to me if you can beleive it despite several vids showing the leaks).
Choose your dealer very carefully.

 

[reserves]

The dealer will need to demonstrate the bellows leak. Probably a good idea to confirm this first yourself to avoid labour fees when the dealer says they don't leak (happened to me if you can beleive it despite several vids showing the leaks).
Choose your dealer very carefully.

I’ll be speaking to the dealer first, got a specific one in mind, even though it’s a few hours drive

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

I’ll be speaking to the dealer first, got a specific one in mind, even though it’s a few hours drive

Don’t forget that VW has to approve the change, not the dealer. You will definitely need to prove it leaks, or else why would you need it changing.

I have 03s and so far no leaks and it has been in prolonged heavy rain. I did however use aquatex for extra peace of mind.

 

[Marco Venturi]

Don’t forget that VW has to approve the change, not the dealer. You will definitely need to prove it leaks, or else why would you need it changing.

I have 03s and so far no leaks and it has been in prolonged heavy rain. I did however use aquatex for extra peace of mind.

Does the Aquatex cause the bellows to change in appearance (e.g.discolour, etc) or touch (e.g. tacky or feel of the fabric)?
I ask because of concerns previously expressed in "threads " of VW perhaps not warranting faulty bellows which may have had Aquaseal applied.....how would VW know?

 

[lohr500]

I applied Aquatex to my 04S bellows and once dry there were no obvious signs of it being applied.
That was close to a year ago and still no signs of it being used.

 

[Maidment_Ocean]

Does the Aquatex cause the bellows to change in appearance (e.g.discolour, etc) or touch (e.g. tacky or feel of the fabric)?
I ask because of concerns previously expressed in "threads " of VW perhaps not warranting faulty bellows which may have had Aquaseal applied.....how would VW know?

No sign it has been applied once dried. I don’t think VW could tell without lab analysis.