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Hati Guest
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30-11-2004, 18:58 Subject: |
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If your invoices clearly show that the workshop definitely used the wrong oil, or oil not approved for the engine, it doesn't really matter whether it was a Klingon from ATU or a VW dealership. Ultimately, the people at VW themselves manufactured the corresponding standard. So, if it was the wrong oil, even a relatively inexperienced lawyer can sue Volkswagen for the resulting damage. You just need to be able to provide proof, and the easiest way is through the invoice(s). But even if you no longer have the original invoices, as far as I know, any other VW workshop can check the repair history to see exactly what was done and charged. However, you always just say 'my workshop.' Was it a VAG workshop or an independent one that also repairs VWs?
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:29.
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Silverseraph Guest
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30-11-2004, 19:27 Subject: |
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Hello,
'By 'my workshop,' I mean a Volkswagen authorized service center. Whenever I have problems with my car, I always take it there. In any case, a new engine is definitely going in, but I need to double-check about the oil.'
Okay, here's the last invoice from my inspection:
'OEL Pd./0W30'
They poured some oil in for me; I hope it was the right kind of oil???
Okay, as mentioned above regarding the goodwill gesture, I should receive a notification within the next 14 days about whether Volkswagen will contribute. However, I will get back to you again later.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:30.
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Hati Guest
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30-11-2004, 19:56 Subject: |
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'Oil with the specification PD 0W30 sounds like it's likely a 506 01 oil, which according to Olaf's post, would not be approved.'
But why do you hope it was the right oil? Since your engine is being replaced anyway, you should hope it was the WRONG oil.
As far as I know, there is no M.W. product with a viscosity of 0/30. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
If Olaf and I are right, you might want to start looking for a lawyer.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:32.
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fd Guest
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30-11-2004, 20:47 Subject: Oil Standards: Types & Regulations |
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Here's a link to the confusing Volkswagen oil standards:
http://www.motorenoelshop.de/abc/v.htm
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:33.
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Hati Guest
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30-11-2004, 20:52 Subject: |
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Well, that definitely means he's using the WRONG oil.
Congratulations  . Therefore, he doesn't have to rely on goodwill but can demand compensation. Not only for the engine, but also for the downtime of the vehicle. Alternatively, a free replacement car.
My first step would be to consult a lawyer. After all, we're talking about several thousand euros here.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:33.
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Roger Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 10/11/2002 Posts: 3035 Karma: +88 / -0 Location: Rodgau 2017 Volkswagen Golf Premium Support
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30-11-2004, 21:22 Subject: |
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It looks good with the oil  .
By the way, the AMF costs:
- Cylinder block + pistons: approximately €1,600.
- Inline engine for AT (automatic transmission), approximately €2,300.
- New engine (inboard): approximately €4,500.
Alles natürlich zzgl. Monday.
For this amount in dispute, a lawyer is already involved  .
Good luck! Gruß
Roger
MJ 2018 GTI Performance DLBA
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:35.
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chris11 Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 10/02/2002 Posts: 326 Karma: +3 / -1 Location: Münster
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Olaf
Joined: 04/16/2002 Posts: 307 Karma: +0 / -0 Location: Bargteheide
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30-11-2004, 23:54 Subject: |
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Please only schedule a meeting with the lawyer once you receive a response from the Volkswagen Group (you can get the fax number for complaints by calling 0800-volkswagen). Everything else is wasted money that is unlikely to be refunded even if a settlement is reached. For drafting a lawsuit, you can also use public legal advice services (ÖRA). These are often staffed by judges, and the advice is often better than what you get from lawyers (not to mention the cost). If you have problems with the workshop, you can also contact the arbitration board of the automotive trade association; this is usually much cheaper and faster.
Picking up the car shouldn't be a problem in this case, as a regular customer can certainly pay on account. That invoice can then be forwarded directly to Volkswagen.
Possible excuse from Volkswagen: Specification 50601 was not approved for use with the 2000 AMF engine because that type of oil did not exist at the time.
@ Roger
Do you have a repair manual for a current 2004 AMF model? I only have an old one. If it still doesn't list the 50601 part number, then the situation would be quite clear.
In this case, it might be helpful to talk to a lawyer specializing in this area to get their opinion. Perhaps contacting Castrol (since VW also uses that oil) with a preliminary inquiry could also help clarify the situation. If you receive written confirmation from them stating that the 506.01 oil has not been tested for PD engines without the longlife specification, that might be sufficient.
In the ATU case, it probably wasn't long-life oil back then (Dirk, correct me if I'm wrong), so I have no idea. What really surprises me is why the "long-life" oil was so cheap. Usually, VW adds a premium to that type of oil to ensure that the workshops don't suffer too much financially due to the longer maintenance intervals. Something might be completely mixed up (e.g., an incorrect article number linked to the wrong price in the computer system, or something like that).
It's crucial that, regarding whether the oil had the agreed-upon quality (suitable for the AMF) at the time of service, the workshop is responsible for providing proof within the first 6 months. After that, you are in a difficult position and have to figure out how to get a clear statement from VW, and you'll likely be more reliant on the court's discretion. I would base how quickly I involve a lawyer on whether this 6-month period (from the oil change) has already expired. This deadline only matters if VW refuses to provide a definitive answer about whether 50601 is approved or not. If the oil was definitely not approved by VW, there's a clear breach of contract by the workshop, as an oil change according to manufacturer specifications was required. In that case, a court might quickly accept the causality between the incorrect oil and the defect in the engine. Otherwise, a VW engine oil approval would be practically worthless.
If the 6-month deadline passes and VW doesn't provide a statement, you should definitely consult with a lawyer. Having to commission an expert opinion later on to salvage the case is quite risky and can be very expensive. In practice, no one would do that.
Therefore, to determine the next steps, it is necessary to find out whether the postal code 50601 has been approved for use by the AMF.
0W30 is definitely not a 50501 oil, so the oil itself cannot be what's being referred to.
I hope these few thoughts have shed some light on the two key issues that need clarification: the date of the oil change and the approval status of fluid type 50601 for the current engine (which might suggest a connection to an engine from the 2000s).
Regards,
Olaf.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:41.
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Roger Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 10/11/2002 Posts: 3035 Karma: +88 / -0 Location: Rodgau 2017 Volkswagen Golf Premium Support
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01-12-2004, 0:23 Subject: |
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Quote: | | Do you have a repair manual for a current 2004 AMF | ?
Something similar. For the automatic transmission fluid (ATF) in the Polo 9N manufactured in 2005, only specification 50601 is required. Otherwise, it wouldn't fit with the longlife concept.
However, for the 6N2 AMF, the part number 50501 was required. Gruß
Roger
MJ 2018 GTI Performance DLBA
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:46.
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Olaf
Joined: 04/16/2002 Posts: 307 Karma: +0 / -0 Location: Bargteheide
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01-12-2004, 0:35 Subject: |
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I suspected as much... of course, it's a mess because Volkswagen's expected defense is clear (see above). In this case, I would be careful about legal fees... you might end up spending money unnecessarily. If the oil change was less than 6 months ago, things look good; you still have a good chance of winning (because the workshop won't be able to prove the suitability of the oil). Even without a lawyer, it shouldn't be too much of an issue in that case. For disputes involving amounts over €5000, you must go to the regional court, which requires legal representation.
Otherwise, without a clear statement from Volkswagen, it will likely remain an uncertain situation.
Regards,
Olaf.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:48.
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Silverseraph Guest
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01-12-2004, 1:23 Subject: |
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Hello,
I need to clarify something again. I double-checked, and the oil, as I mentioned earlier, cost €10 per half liter (I meant bottle = 0.5 liters).
The oil that was added during my last inspection is described above, and I don't think I mentioned this before: the damage occurred 5 days after my last inspection. I'm going to have to look into the oil now. Thank you again for your help.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:49.
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Olaf
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01-12-2004, 12:09 Subject: |
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Okay, I hadn't really considered that before (or I must have overlooked it when reviewing).
In this case, there shouldn't be a problem, as the workshop initially bears the burden of proof. The only thing that could potentially intervene is if VW claims that part number 50601 is suitable. However, even then, this would only benefit the workshop if they can provide an expert opinion to support that claim.
Hold on: I had carelessly assumed all along that an oil change was a work contract for goods that are unsuitable for resale (§§ 651, 91 BGB), to which the standard purchase law would apply (it's just a habit, sorry, I was too late yesterday). However, even if the oil is purchased at the workshop, an oil change should be treated according to normal work contract rules, because the "oil-changed" car itself, as the object to be provided, is not suitable for resale.
It has the minor disadvantage that consumer protection law §476 is not applicable in this case, and therefore the six-month reversal of the burden of proof does not apply. Consequently, from the point of acceptance (as it's a contract for work), you are obligated to prove the absence of defects. The standard procedure in such cases is described here: http://ruessmann.jura.uni-sb.de/rw20/faelle/oelwechse.htm
For the present case, this means that ultimately everything depends on the statement of Volkswagen or the oil manufacturer.
Regards,
Olaf.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:51.
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brezelmann01 Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 09/14/2002 Posts: 714 Karma: +75 / -0 Location: Niedersachsen
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01-12-2004, 12:24 Subject: |
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Regarding the 2004 AMF: it doesn't exist! With the introduction of LL, the AMF was renamed to BAY. So, that problem is already resolved  .
Dirk. Audi A3 Sportback [8PA], 2.0 TDI CR [CFGB], STH mit FB
[VERKAUFT] Polo 6NF 1.4TDI (AMF) mit nachgerüstetem DPF, STH+FFB, Bj. 2000, 222tkm
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:54.
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chris11 Profi-Schrauber

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01-12-2004, 12:31 Subject: |
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Hello,
If possible, take an oil sample from the old engine, about 100ml. This could be used for an oil analysis if necessary. This can help determine with reasonable certainty whether "inappropriate" long-life oil was used. VW is usually quite clear that long-life oil is not suitable for engines not designed for it. The fact that the damage occurred only a few days after the oil change performed at the workshop is already a good starting point.
Best regards,
Christian.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:55.
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Olaf
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01-12-2004, 12:36 Subject: |
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If that's the case, it should be a straightforward process. In most cases, the invoice itself will probably suffice as proof. An oil sample would of course be even better, but it's likely not necessary.
If Volkswagen were to really promote this widely, I strongly believe that the issue would resolve itself if someone simply brought it to their attention with a small note.
Regards,
Olaf.
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:56.
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Roger Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 10/11/2002 Posts: 3035 Karma: +88 / -0 Location: Rodgau 2017 Volkswagen Golf Premium Support
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01-12-2004, 15:34 Subject: |
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@ brezelmann01 :
However, in the RLF (presumably a vehicle configuration system), for the 9N model manufactured in May 2005, an AMF (likely a specific feature or module) can be selected, and there is a note indicating "50601" associated with it. This is strange. Gruß
Roger
MJ 2018 GTI Performance DLBA
Translated on 11-08-2026, 14:57.
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