Oil Comsumption / Engine Problems with 2010/2011 Cali's

[calicasas]

Alan, Very frustrating indeed. Whilst VW did go some way to helping, their lack of transparency regarding this whole problem leads to my mistrust of the product and the brand. This is the reason why when I change my vehicle it will not be a VW.
Furthermore I get asked regularly while I am on campsites (weekend just gone) whether I would recommend to buy a VW camper... I think you can guess my reasoned answer...

 

[Spartan]

Does anyone know when Type EGR's started to appear on Calis?

I guess it's not a definitive answer but if you look at EPC, the VW part numbers have these date 'restrictions':

03L115512 > 31 Oct. 2011 > 03L115512A > 23 Nov. 2014 > 03L115512C > 30 Nov. 2015 > 03L115512D

It's worth repeating that these VW part numbers do not reflect the Pierburg part numbers - the manufacturer has stated that they have only produced 2 variants (see here). I think this can mostly likely be explained by realising that the part is made of a number of separate components - two separate castings, bracket, EGR valve, vacuum controlled flap valve with actuator & linkage, oil filter, oil cooler element, gaskets/seals, etc. Although it's tempting to think that each new VW variant presages an improvement to the overall design (like a new coating for example), it's possible that all it really means is that one of those individual components has changed (and not necessarily an improvement, just a change of manufacturer possibly).

This is far from the only component that has been changed over the lifetime of this engine's production that could be significant to this issue. You could spend a lifetime researching EPC for the details but I have noticed that the engine (including head) was changed around May 2014, piston dimensions were changed around May 2011, turbos changed September 2011 & January 2013, oil-spray jet (distinctive feature of this engine that directs cooling oil up inside piston crown) changed October 2014 ...

N.B. Those date restrictions in EPC might not indicate the component variant that was originally fitted to your vehicle.

 

[SimonVW]

Sorry to drag this up after a while of quiet. I was unaware of this issue until tonight. I was seriously considering buying a 2.0 180 but on inspection on the service history I noticed “oil consumption”. Also the Cali hadn’t had the cambelt and water pump replaced from new. Six years old and 85k on the clock.

Sadly, despite being an excellent looking Cali, I’ve walked away from it.

 

[sidepod]

Sorry to drag this up after a while of quiet. I was unaware of this issue until tonight. I was seriously considering buying a 2.0 180 but on inspection on the service history I noticed “oil consumption”. Also the Cali hadn’t had the cambelt and water pump replaced from new. Six years old and 85k on the clock.

Sadly, despite being an excellent looking Cali, I’ve walked away from it.

Go back and negotiate a £5k reduction on the basis of oil consumption etc, then pop a new mill in the old girl.

 

[SimonVW]

The seller is adamant he will not budge on his price and stated that if he doesn’t get what he wants for it, he will keep it. Good luck to him if he keeps it and pity the poor person that sticks £32.5k into buying it if they don’t know about this. I was lucky and found this thread and several others like it and know enough to walk away when necessary.

 

[WelshGas]

Sorry to drag this up after a while of quiet. I was unaware of this issue until tonight. I was seriously considering buying a 2.0 180 but on inspection on the service history I noticed “oil consumption”. Also the Cali hadn’t had the cambelt and water pump replaced from new. Six years old and 85k on the clock.

Sadly, despite being an excellent looking Cali, I’ve walked away from it.

Never mind the oil consumption but the fact the owner has not had it serviced correctly would put me off. If that’s of been done then what else hasn’t been.

 

[SimonVW]

Never mind the oil consumption but the fact the owner has not had it serviced correctly would put me off. If that’s of been done then what else hasn’t been.

That was the first thing that I discussed with him. I asked if the cambelt/water pump had been done. That led to the service history being dug out and all was revealed.

The search for one continues...

 

[westfalia]

The seller is adamant he will not budge on his price and stated that if he doesn’t get what he wants for it, he

would rather smash it up.

 

[Ocean Spirit]

A wee story for you....
All the years I was contemplating grabbing myself a Cali I frequently watched a neighbour lovingly brushing out his new 2011 plate SE 180 auto and popping the top every time he returned from a wet trip. He is a vehicle enthusiast with a few old classic cars and motorcycles in the garage and under winter covers etc. But old school hence no real internet interaction.
My thought was always that if I ever found out he was going to sell it I would pounce on him.
Low and behold after getting into advanced stages of sorting my finances a different neighbour mentioned that the said Cali was up for sale. I could not have planned (ha ha) it better. Fate had struck I thought and I knocked his door. He was delighted in my interest but stated I would have to give him the same offer as trade in.
This all sounded great but then this forum lent a hand. Roof corrosion was past the extended warranty period, present on the cali and unaddressed. Then he mentioned freely that he had never needed to top up the oil in ever but 'last week' the oil light came on. It had done 65K. Now at an asking price of circa £30k, I could have maybe changed the necessary engine lumps but the roof corrosion was also required and it would not have been the glorious start we generally seek. The local motorhome dealer did take it in part ex and it was sold by the week end for just under £40k. I couldn't honestly say if oil consumption was as per topic here but the 2 most feared things on the forum looked to be present. It was a sad day to walk away from that.

 

[SimonVW]

A wee story for you....
All the years I was contemplating grabbing myself a Cali I frequently watched a neighbour lovingly brushing out his new 2011 plate SE 180 auto and popping the top every time he returned from a wet trip. He is a vehicle enthusiast with a few old classic cars and motorcycles in the garage and under winter covers etc. But old school hence no real internet interaction.
My thought was always that if I ever found out he was going to sell it I would pounce.
Low and behold after getting into advanced stages of sorting finances a different neighbour mentioned the said Cali was up for sale. I could not have planned (ha ha) it better. Fate had struck I thought and I knocked his door. He was delighted in my interest but stated I would have to give him the same offer as trade in.
This all sounded great but then this forum lent a hand. Roof corrosion was past the extended warranty period present and unaddressed. Then he mentioned freely that he had never needed to top up the oil in ever but 'last week' the oil light came on. It had done 65K. Now at an asking price of circa £30k, I could have maybe changed the necessary engine lumps but the roof corrosion was also required and it would not have been the glorious start we generally seek. The local motorhome dealer did take it in part ex and it was sold by the week end for just under £40k. I couldn't honestly say if oil consumption was as per topic here but the 2 most feared things on the forum looked to be present. I t was a sad day to walk away from that.

A lucky escape and quite probably you did the right thing. It is sad when you have to walk away. Having read this entire thread now, and several others, I really feel for those owners who have been caught up in this. Its awful. Glad you managed to avoid a potential money pit.

From my own perspective, I have £x to spend. That's it. Nothing more. I've saved up for a while and I have realistic expectations of what I can buy. I knew about the roof but not the 180 engine. I'm glad I've found out and will probably have to go back to my original plan of a Beach and retro fit a heater rather than an SE. I'll find one that works for me, I'm sure

 

[Max-Felix]

It's not a big deal - personally even though the risk is small I would not touch a 180 with a bargepole due to that risk of it going on my watch.

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/increased-oil-consumption-problem-2010-t5-cali-180-bhp.15142/

https://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/new-engine.26416/


Just no need to go near one when there is plenty of choice out there of non bi turbo models and if you really crave the power over a 150 then a simple remap gets you there for a lot less cash and a lot better value and peace of mind.

 

[SimonVW]

It's not a big deal - personally even though the risk is small I would not touch a 180 with a bargepole due to that risk of it going on my watch. Just no need to go near one when there is plenty of choice out there of non bi turbo models and if you really crave the power over a 150 then a simple remap gets you there for a lot less cash and a lot better value and peace of mind.

I agree or at least I do now I have more understanding. I ran a 2009 Caravelle 2.5 130 for several years. Wasn't the quickest but it had loads of torque and hauled the ex and I around Europe very pleasantly on many occasion. I've just drawn a line through 180's as you suggest and am now seeing what else I can find. It'll happen when its good and ready

 

[sidepod]

Just playing Devils avocado, any van you buy will need cash spending. For all you know the “peach” you buy may need wheel bearings, cam belts etc etc.
You could easily spend £2-3k.

If the rest of the van is nice then just do it and put a new engine in. One nice summer later and you’ll have forgotten all about the cash.

Sadly these vans are sought after so you’ll always struggle to get a good deal.

Once the new engine is in you’ll actually have a pretty special unit.

 

[calikev]

Mine was 140 it’s now 188 thanks to a little wizardry

 

[Max-Felix]

Simon - what's your budget if you don't mind me asking? You will find the early Beaches are scarce and consequently not great value. Very rare to find a heater on one and to add it is at least £800 if fitted yourself more like £1000+ if professionally.

The 140/150 SE is fine and a lot easier to find and IME easier to sell on than a Beach. Also consider the earlier T5 174 - a cracking 5 pot with all the torque you could need and a proper old bulletproof VW engine. The interior and fittings are 99.9% the same as the later Calis bar trim/'wood' colours and depreciation on the early ones is virtually nil or the reverse now.

I have to disagree with Sidepod - why on earth go anywhere near anything that might need a new engine with all the incredible hassle involved as well as detriment to value to future owners - it puts people off.

There is plenty of choice of pampered Calis out there of every description and if there isn't this week there will be in a week or two. Be patient and buy the right one. And again buy right and no, it should not need work doing or a service - wait/search for one where the owner has done all that and had it serviced in the last few months!

 

[SimonVW]

Simon - what's your budget if you don't mind me asking? You will find the early Beaches are scarce and consequently not great value. Very rare to find a heater on one and to add it is at least £800 if fitted yourself more like £1000+ if professionally.

The 140/150 SE is fine and a lot easier to find and IME easier to sell on than a Beach. Also consider the earlier T5 174 - a cracking 5 pot with all the torque you could need and a proper old bulletproof VW engine. The interior and fittings are 99.9% the same as the later Calis bar trim/'wood' colours and depreciation on the early ones is virtually nil or the reverse now.

I have to disagree with Sidepod - why on earth go anywhere near anything that might need a new engine with all the incredible hassle involved as well as detriment to value to future owners - it puts people off.

There is plenty of choice of pampered Calis out there of every description and if there isn't this week there will be in a week or two. Be patient and buy the right one. And again buy right and no, it should not need work doing or a service - wait/search for one where the owner has done all that and had it serviced in the last few months!

Thanks for the input Max. I'm somewhere between £30k-£35k on budget and appreciate that I will need to spend some money once I get one. I can go either way with a Beach or an SE. I have loads of stuff from using the Caravelle for six years, kitchen pod, fridge etc and would be happy to have a two rear seater Beach, with the side storage. Retro fit a heater and job done for me.

On the flip side, I could happily go with a 140/150 SE as you suggest, sell the accumulated kit and be up and running with some spare cash for anything I find out I need. The heater is an essential regardless of which one I get. Obviously with the SE its fitted anyway.

I did like the 2.5l TDI 130 engine in the Caravelle. Same as the one you mention but a lower power output. It just rolled along all day, every day.

Thanks again for the encouragement. I'll keep going until I find one!

 

[calikev]

sorry to be perdantic but you cant buy a 150 se

 

[sidepod]

Agree Max, I’m more a “what’s good for me” kinda guy. I rarely think about resale/future etc. How can I get what I want. I’m also prob more practical than most. I’d happily pull the motor out and rebuild it. Sadly and prob sensibly the OP wouldn’t.

 

[Max-Felix]

sorry to be perdantic but you cant buy a 150 se

True - but after so many years I'm still stuck in the Cali is either a Beach or an SE - never got used to calling it an 'Ocean'!

 

[SimonVW]

Agree Max, I’m more a “what’s good for me” kinda guy. I rarely think about resale/future etc. How can I get what I want. I’m also prob more practical than most. I’d happily pull the motor out and rebuild it. Sadly and prob sensibly the OP wouldn’t.

Totally get where you are coming from Sidepod. I am like that with my motorbikes but not with the vans. Too much effort since I had a triple bypass a few months ago. The van will be my escape and I want to know its there and I can take off whenever I like.

 

[Max-Felix]

Thanks for the input Max. I'm somewhere between £30k-£35k on budget and appreciate that I will need to spend some money once I get one. I can go either way with a Beach or an SE. I have loads of stuff from using the Caravelle for six years, kitchen pod, fridge etc and would be happy to have a two rear seater Beach, with the side storage. Retro fit a heater and job done for me.

On the flip side, I could happily go with a 140/150 SE as you suggest, sell the accumulated kit and be up and running with some spare cash for anything I find out I need. The heater is an essential regardless of which one I get. Obviously with the SE its fitted anyway.

I did like the 2.5l TDI 130 engine in the Caravelle. Same as the one you mention but a lower power output. It just rolled along all day, every day.

Thanks again for the encouragement. I'll keep going until I find one!

Well, you're in a great price bracket there with usually lots of choice. I've bought/sold three in the last three years - a Beach (manual 2013 114hp) that I fitted a pod to, early SE (Tiptronic 2008 174) and a 2011 SE manual 140. All different but all did the job perfectly and were fine up and down mountains, round town and along autoroutes. Like I say if you are planning on keeping one then just hold out for the right spec/history and seller. Buy one that the servicing/tyres/MOT is bang up to date and you should not need to spend a penny really. But search non stop every day and if you find the right one act fast

Just to add as well - a lot of 180 owners will rightly dislike all this scare mongering but again IME it does not matter one inch if selling your 180. Probably 90% of people I've chatted to when buying/selling a Cali are unaware of any vehicle wide roof corrosion issue and certainly virtually no-one is knowledgeable of the potential issue with a 180 engine.

Most don't study this forum the way us lot do!

 

[sidepod]

Think I’ll give my 2003 Freestyle 4 and extra hug tonight

 

[Borris]

I'm somewhere between £30k-£35k on budget and appreciate that I will need to spend some money once I get one. I can go either way with a Beach or an SE. I have loads of stuff from using the Caravelle for six years, kitchen pod, fridge etc and would be happy to have a two rear seater Beach, with the side storage. Retro fit a heater and job done for me.

Hello Simon,
I hope you find what you're looking for.

My only comments are:
1. Ensure you are certain which model suits your circ's best before buying.
2. You would get a much newer Beach for your £35k.
3. Don't rush into purchasing as the right van will come along.


Having lived with a Caravelle for six years you should have a good idea of your priorities by now.

 

[WelshGas]

One could say that the 140 engine has the power of a milk float and the Beach is just a van with a pop top.
To rubbish ALL 180's shows a complete lack of knowledge relating to the problem that affects SOME vehicles. To my knowledge there have only been a handful of owners on this forum that have suffered oil consumption problems. People comment about spending £5000 to fix the engine and others rave about fitting air suspension at a similar cost.
Unfortunately VW should show more generosity to owners with this problem, but they don't because it is not widespread.
And who knows what problems the T6 will have. There are already a few appearing. Cracked cylinder heads, excessive oil consumption.

 

[motacyclist]

Having lived with a Caravelle for six years you should have a good idea of your priorities by now.

I seem to recall the Caravelle seats can be folded flat to form a bed, are they a different arrangement than those in one of the Beach variants? If you put an elevating roof in a Caravelle, would that make it a Beach alternative?

Just thought though, no seats in the tailgate or table in the door