Increased Oil Consumption Problem (2010 T5 Cali 180 bhp)

[GSX1300R]

Interesting Letter from a Swedish Friend illustrating that VW seems to treat other Countries differently to the UK.

This is the story of my old VW California. The car is of annual model 2014, manufactured in the second half of 2013. It is CFCA engine, Bi-turbo, 180 horsepower, DSG, four-wheel drive and electric diff-lock. I don’t know the EGR-cooler type. Around 83000 miles.

During Eva's and my annual long trip, this year 18 countries and 8000 miles, over 6 weeks in both easten and westen Europe I noticed an increase in oil consumption. At the end of the journey> 1L per 620 miles. It was a fantastic trip, with the exception of the problem of high oil consumption.

When we came back to Sweden again, I contacted my local VW dealer (Motorcentralen in Umea). There it was declared that the car is indeed five years old and has covered lots of miles and all guarantees/warranties are expired, but they would examine the possibilities of support in the event of a repair. But first, an oil consumption test would be done. The engine would be filled up with a weighted amount of oil, the engine is then sealed , and then I would run 621 miles. Thereafter, the remaining oil would be drained out and weighed to calculate consumption accurately.
I did the test and it calculated a consumption of 1.53L/621 miles = 3 times higher than acceptable consumption.

My local dealer announced that VW-Germany would account for 50% of the cost of a engine replacement , I thought it was OK. After a week, I got a new phone call from the local VW dealer, he had gone through all the history of my California. History has shown that the car was exemplary well kept, all service protocols according to the service plan and all services were performed by the local dealer's garage. With this in mind, the local dealer took responsibility for the remaining 50% of the cost for the engine change.

So I will get a new engine free of charge. Since it will be a engine change I have decided to also mount a new turbo, but of course I have to pay the turbo myself.

This story, I think, has shown that VW-Germany, VW-Sweden and my local dealer (Motorcentralen Umea) have taken full responsibility for the well-known problem of high oil consumption of the CFCA engine and roof problems, without any discussions. Of course, I am very grateful indeed.


Apparently the DPF and sensors are included.

So why is VWUK so difficult and intransigent about helping UK owners?

I suppose the answer is because they can. Just look at the compensation packages that were handed out to Americans and that was just because of the emissions scandal. Not engines using a tanker full of oil then total failure. Where other countries have had buy back offers the UK customers get sod all...

 

[AlanC]

Interesting Letter from a Swedish Friend illustrating that VW seems to treat other Countries differently to the UK.

This is the story of my old VW California. The car is of annual model 2014, manufactured in the second half of 2013. It is CFCA engine, Bi-turbo, 180 horsepower, DSG, four-wheel drive and electric diff-lock. I don’t know the EGR-cooler type. Around 83000 miles.

During Eva's and my annual long trip, this year 18 countries and 8000 miles, over 6 weeks in both easten and westen Europe I noticed an increase in oil consumption. At the end of the journey> 1L per 620 miles. It was a fantastic trip, with the exception of the problem of high oil consumption.

When we came back to Sweden again, I contacted my local VW dealer (Motorcentralen in Umea). There it was declared that the car is indeed five years old and has covered lots of miles and all guarantees/warranties are expired, but they would examine the possibilities of support in the event of a repair. But first, an oil consumption test would be done. The engine would be filled up with a weighted amount of oil, the engine is then sealed , and then I would run 621 miles. Thereafter, the remaining oil would be drained out and weighed to calculate consumption accurately.
I did the test and it calculated a consumption of 1.53L/621 miles = 3 times higher than acceptable consumption.

My local dealer announced that VW-Germany would account for 50% of the cost of a engine replacement , I thought it was OK. After a week, I got a new phone call from the local VW dealer, he had gone through all the history of my California. History has shown that the car was exemplary well kept, all service protocols according to the service plan and all services were performed by the local dealer's garage. With this in mind, the local dealer took responsibility for the remaining 50% of the cost for the engine change.

So I will get a new engine free of charge. Since it will be a engine change I have decided to also mount a new turbo, but of course I have to pay the turbo myself.

This story, I think, has shown that VW-Germany, VW-Sweden and my local dealer (Motorcentralen Umea) have taken full responsibility for the well-known problem of high oil consumption of the CFCA engine and roof problems, without any discussions. Of course, I am very grateful indeed.


Apparently the DPF and sensors are included.

So why is VWUK so difficult and intransigent about helping UK owners?

It is good to see that some countries treat their owners with care and respect. VWUK could do well to follow suit...shame is we all know it won’t.

Alan

 

[Jonalb]

Do we have anyone on the forum who has a high mileage "pre-D" 180?

We probably won't get an answer because anyone potentially impacted thinks this thread is not relevant to them .

I’v got a sportline 180 bi turbo on 169k. Has the “a” EGR.

 

[Jonalb]

I have a sportline 180 with “a” EGR on 169k.

 

[WelshGas]

My 180 is now on 89,000 miles { 143,000 km }. Oil consumption 0 mls over past 12,000 miles.

 

[IanE]

Mine's on 70000 - no problems yet

 

[johnyboy]

69k and started higher oil use between services - having the garage take a thorough look over it this service and will send oil for analysis and check the EGR version. If it IS the worst I will run it til it gives up and go for an engine (and cooler, EGR, intercooler, probably cat too!)

 

[WelshGas]

69k and started higher oil use between services - having the garage take a thorough look over it this service and will send oil for analysis and check the EGR version. If it IS the worst I will run it til it gives up and go for an engine (and cooler, EGR, intercooler, probably cat too!)

Might also need Turbo and definitely DPF as that will be damaged by the excessive oil use.

 

[johnyboy]

getting on for Tesla conversion money eh

 

[MountainRunner]

Just a thought - if the excessive oil consumption reveals (well excessive by other manufacturers standards, even if within what VW claim is 'normal' ) itself during the first six months of ownership, would this be grounds for rejecting the vehicle under the Consumer Rights Act 2015? Any consumer lawyers out there able to comment? I am in this situation, I've had an oil analysis down which indicates critical levels of iron and aluminium - however the vehicle is running fine, with no warning lights. But clearly there is an emerging issue which will most likely require a fix at some point in the future. What are my options?

 

[2into1]

Just a thought - if the excessive oil consumption reveals (well excessive by other manufacturers standards, even if within what VW claim is 'normal' ) itself during the first six months of ownership, would this be grounds for rejecting the vehicle under the Consumer Rights Act 2015? Any consumer lawyers out there able to comment? I am in this situation, I've had an oil analysis down which indicates critical levels of iron and aluminium - however the vehicle is running fine, with no warning lights. But clearly there is an emerging issue which will most likely require a fix at some point in the future. What are my options?

Tricky. How old is the van, how many miles and what sort of dealer?

 

[GSX1300R]

You would seriously think that with all the experience VW has had with Diesel and petrol engines that they would at least now start to get it right. Alas thats NOT the case. I suppose we have been fairly lucky (Touch wood). WE have only had minor problems. WE had to roof repaired for corrosion. New Leisure Batteries and New awning mostly being done under warranty. I really feel for someone who buys a California thinking it is Gods gift to the world of camper vans only to find they could have a bill for many thousands of pounds because VW didnt get it right. These are certainly not cheap vehicles even when second hand so come on VW get your act together, OR is it you dont really care any longer..

 

[WelshGas]

You would seriously think that with all the experience VW has had with Diesel and petrol engines that they would at least now start to get it right. Alas thats NOT the case. I suppose we have been fairly lucky (Touch wood). WE have only had minor problems. WE had to roof repaired for corrosion. New Leisure Batteries and New awning mostly being done under warranty. I really feel for someone who buys a California thinking it is Gods gift to the world of camper vans only to find they could have a bill for many thousands of pounds because VW didnt get it right. These are certainly not cheap vehicles even when second hand so come on VW get your act together, OR is it you dont really care any longer..

VW arn't alone. Check the Mercedes Marco Polo forum.

 

[Lightning]

VW arn't alone. Check the Mercedes Marco Polo forum.

Check out Tesla accident repair costs and waiting times.

 

[GSX1300R]

VW arn't alone. Check the Mercedes Marco Polo forum.

Yes but I dont have a Tesla or a Merc Marco Polo I have a VW california.

 

[WelshGas]

Yes but I dont have a Tesla or a Merc Marco Polo I have a VW california.

And they ALL treat their customers with disdain and as " Cash Cows ".

 

[MountainRunner]

Tricky. How old is the van, how many miles and what sort of dealer?

6 years old, 65K miles and it was an independent dealer (i.e. not a VW-owned dealership). I'm not a legal expert, however my understanding is that the Consumer Rights Act applies equally to second hand vehicles as it does to new ones. The issue here, I believe is the vehicle is not currently showing any symptoms (other than high oil consumption, that is within VW's 'normal' range), however other people's experience indicates it will have an issue in the future...

 

[WelshGas]

6 years old, 65K miles and it was an independent dealer (i.e. not a VW-owned dealership). I'm not a legal expert, however my understanding is that the Consumer Rights Act applies equally to second hand vehicles as it does to new ones. The issue here, I believe is the vehicle is not currently showing any symptoms (other than high oil consumption, that is within VW's 'normal' range), however other people's experience indicates it will have an issue in the future...

Quite possible.
My 2014 SE 180 is now on 92,000 miles and Oil Consumption is 250 mls/10,000 Miles.

 

[2into1]

Yep, unfortunately VW's measure of 'within range' is a ridiculous number put alongside other engines (virtually no consumption of oil). Quite how that daft rule impacts you legally obviously isn't clear.
If the consumption is anywhere near VW's limit, then the engine is for sure knackered (save for a turbo fault). An engine compression pressure test might be the way through this. From memory I can't remember the target numbers (and allowed variation across the cylinders) but it's on the Facebook forum somewhere and will be offered if you ask there.
I feel your pain.

 

[pjm-84]

Just had my oil analysed. Aluminium particles at 70 / silicon at 26. Only 5500miles on this oil. Time for an annual oil change. No oil usage and I'm glad I've fitted a "kit"

 

[Haves1979]

Is there any indication on how may vehicles are affected, and precautions you can take to avoid this? I'm about to pull the trigger on a 180 btdi with 30k, and regular servicing and wondering if there is a way to avoid issues. It has not needed any additional oil between services and the last one was 8.5k milesbetween service so hope it's ok.

I've read quite a few threads now and seems a bit of a gamble, but this seems pretty solid. That said, my local vw specialist has said dont touch any 180btdi, which seems excessive...

 

[Meoncoast]

Is there any indication on how many vehicles are affected,

Being an ex180 owner it is like Russian roulette. We had no issues but it turned out the issue was starting which was found after we sold it to VW where the next possible owner had a pressure test and oil analysed and decided not to buy it. "I'm about to pull the trigger" just think where you are holding the gun. It is a great engine unless you have the fault.

 

[reserves]

Is there any indication on how may vehicles are affected, and precautions you can take to avoid this? I'm about to pull the trigger on a 180 btdi with 30k, and regular servicing and wondering if there is a way to avoid issues. It has not needed any additional oil between services and the last one was 8.5k milesbetween service so hope it's ok.

I've read quite a few threads now and seems a bit of a gamble, but this seems pretty solid. That said, my local vw specialist has said dont touch any 180btdi, which seems excessive...

Is there something very special about this Cali? Price?

Otherwise why not just buy a 140 from the same year and avoid the risk.

 

[Spartan]

Is there any indication on how may vehicles are affected, and precautions you can take to avoid this? I'm about to pull the trigger on a 180 btdi with 30k, and regular servicing and wondering if there is a way to avoid issues. It has not needed any additional oil between services and the last one was 8.5k miles so hope it's ok.

I would question what "regular servicing" means on a vehicle that has only done 30K and is presumably at least 5 years old? If the vehicle is on the VW long-life service plan, a mileage of 30K might mean it's only had one oil-change service.

I suspect that an annual oil change (regardless of low-mileage) would mitigate most of the issues. I use the same regime for oil changes that I do for baths, "Once a year whether I need it or not".

 

[TripleBee]

I would question what "regular servicing" means on a vehicle that has only done 30K and is presumably at least 5 years old? If the vehicle is on the VW long-life service plan, a mileage of 30K might mean it's only had one oil-change service.

I suspect that an annual oil change (regardless of low-mileage) would mitigate most of the issues.

There is at least an oil change due every 2 years OR 30000 km. What comes first here is 2 years, so oil change. 4 years, oil change. Every 2 years also an inspection service.
I am lucky I get about 15000 km every year, so every 2 year and 30000 km complete service.