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Meinolf Guest
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17-08-2003, 20:57 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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I'm about to buy a new small car that should be inexpensive and fuel-efficient. Only diesel vehicles are an option for me.
Besides the new small 1.3 CDTi engine from Opel/Fiat, I'm also interested in the Polo 1.4 TDI.
Unfortunately, I've heard a lot about quality problems specifically with the Polo, but many people have advised me against the 1.4 TDI engine in particular. Especially the mechanics in the workshops say it's not a good engine. Allegedly, he was often late.
I liked that, even though I still have to change the timing belt regularly, the three-cylinder engine at least provides enough space for it.
What experiences can you share with me?
Perhaps also consumption figures, but these only make sense in conjunction with the type of route and driving style.
The 1.9 TDI is not an option due to the high tax and insurance classification, even though it might be a better engine.
Based on the information I have so far, the Polo 1.4 TDi is Euro 3 and D4, which currently makes it equivalent to Euro 4 for tax purposes. Recently, I read in a car magazine that it is now Euro 4. Is that correct? |
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WarLord Guest
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17-08-2003, 21:20 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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The other day, I was at a red light next to an A2 with a 1.4-liter TDI engine. The sound is a bit unusual. That's all I can say about the machine, though.
Best regards, WarLord. |
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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18-08-2003, 13:21 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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You can find the tax classes on the VW website, and they depend on the specific car model. An A2 1.4 TDI might be classified differently than a Polo 1.4 TDI.
I've already driven the 1.4 TDI engine in the current Polo 9N.
75 horsepower and 195 Nm of torque – it's a real BEAST!
But unfortunately, it only kicks in at 2200 RPM, and then it's quite abrupt.
My 1Z also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also also
"And specifically, the 1600-2200 RPM range is my personal sweet spot (my G3 achieves 100 km/h at 2200 RPM, and the Polo 9N is roughly equivalent to the 6N2 SDI in terms of gearing, meaning it's slightly shorter)."
Therefore, I would either have to constantly accelerate the 1.4 TDI or drive it as a naturally aspirated engine.
The 100 hp TDI engine (found in the Bora Variant) provides a much more consistent and smoother power delivery (whereas the 130 hp engine, found in the G4 Variant, is again quite abrupt).
The three-cylinder sound is indeed amusing, but the torque (as I said, only 7 Nm less than my 90 hp G3 TDI) makes up for it.
I can't say anything about its durability because it wasn't my car.
m; |
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Albrecht Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 05/12/2002 Posts: 284 Karma: +10 / -0 Location: DD
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18-08-2003, 15:53 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Hello,
In many tests conducted by automotive magazines, the relatively high fuel consumption of the 1.4 TDI engine (which is high for a small diesel engine) was criticized. It might be related to the power delivery described by dieselmartin, which might not be ideal for driving at low RPMs.
"As far as I know, the engine also still has a wastegate turbocharger, which isn't exactly state-of-the-art anymore!"
Best regards,
Albrecht. 01/01-08/08 Passat Variant 35i, 08/96, AFN, 94-283Tkm (5.Gg. defekt)
08/08-07/15 A6 (C5) Av. quattro 6-Gg., EZ 10/02, AKE 189-265Tkm (Kolbenriss)
07/15-09/17 A6 (C6) Av. qu. 6-Gg. 3.0 TDI, CDYC, EZ 05/11 180-210Tkm (verkauft)
08/17-11/17 A6 (C7) Av. qu 3.0 TDI comp.(leasing)
seit 2018 Skoda Roomster 1.6 TDI 5-Gg. |
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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18-08-2003, 16:45 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Wastegate turbocharger.
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"You're right, I've been thinking the same thing." According to my knowledge, this was stated in the book "The Diesel Revolution."
This also explains the power output: One cylinder is removed (the 1412cc is exactly 3/4 of the 1.9 TDI engine!), and then an (oversized) old wastegate turbocharger is attached - This requires high RPM to generate power.
m;
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Meinolf Guest
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18-08-2003, 19:07 Subject: Wastegate or VTG |
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According to Volkswagen's specifications, this part has a VTG turbocharger. I can hardly imagine how they manage to extract 195 Nm of torque from an engine with a displacement of just 1.4 liters.
I test drove a vehicle where the late onset of torque didn't register with me.
Actually, I was hoping to hear some real-world experiences. Is anyone driving that? |
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Markus H. Guest
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18-08-2003, 20:54 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Hi,
I know of a forum member – I believe his nickname is 'Olaf' – who owns a Lupo and has modified its engine.
Unfortunately, you hardly see him around here anymore.
But you could try to reach out to him by sending a private message.
Otherwise, the engine here isn't very impressive (or is it?).
@dieselmartin:
Please tell me more about this book, 'Die Diesel Revolution.'
I'm wondering if I should order it.
Is it heavily focused on Audi/VW vehicles? Is it interesting to read, or does it feel like reading a dissertation? |
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Albrecht Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 05/12/2002 Posts: 284 Karma: +10 / -0 Location: DD
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18-08-2003, 21:22 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Hello Meinolf,
Here's another excerpt from an Auto Bild article about the Polo:
Quote: | VW relies on the pump-nozzle system. The result here is a hoarse, robust TDI engine that feels very lively and responsive, but despite extensive insulation, it sounds noisy. On average, the Polo consumes 5.9 liters. Certainly, together with the Punto, the VW is the fuel-saving champion. However, as long as a 100-horsepower Golf TDI manages with 6.0 liters, and even a 131-horsepower Audi A4 TDI with 6.1 liters, it's not really that little. Due to the soft suspension, there is often noticeable jolting in the drivetrain. And combined with the agitated three-cylinder engine noise, it creates the impression of a fussy, fidgety unit. Despite its good performance, the engine doesn't quite fit the Polo, which is known for its comfortable ride.
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Best regards,
Albrecht. 01/01-08/08 Passat Variant 35i, 08/96, AFN, 94-283Tkm (5.Gg. defekt)
08/08-07/15 A6 (C5) Av. quattro 6-Gg., EZ 10/02, AKE 189-265Tkm (Kolbenriss)
07/15-09/17 A6 (C6) Av. qu. 6-Gg. 3.0 TDI, CDYC, EZ 05/11 180-210Tkm (verkauft)
08/17-11/17 A6 (C7) Av. qu 3.0 TDI comp.(leasing)
seit 2018 Skoda Roomster 1.6 TDI 5-Gg. |
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Gremlin Guest
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18-08-2003, 21:47 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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5.9l ?
My dear...
I'm currently driving the Octavia and getting 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers, and that's while driving quite fast.
Oops.
CU Gremlin. |
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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19-08-2003, 8:17 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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5.9 liters is a lot - my 1Z is happy with 5.2-5.7 liters.
About the book:
I would say it's quite heavily focused on Volkswagen/Audi. While "the others" are sometimes mentioned, it's probably only for the sake of completeness.
There's a lot of interesting information in there (e.g., that the TDI models were originally supposed to get a G-charger), and also some technical specifications (which I always find helpful).
But for true tech enthusiasts, it's probably too superficial. So, I couldn't find a single sentence about the V10 TDI engine in the entire book, even though it's prominently featured in bold on the cover.
Furthermore, several developments were announced "for the future," but some of these have since unfolded differently (regarding the latest TDIs: ARL, 16V, etc.).
Therefore, I wouldn't buy it; I borrowed it from the city library.
It was okay to browse through it in the evening.
m; |
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joergs Guest
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19-08-2003, 8:41 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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My colleague drives the current 75 hp TDI model. The car is surprisingly fast (just like her!), and she gets around 4.6 liters per 100 km with a mix of about 40 km on country roads, a short stint in the city, and 7 km on the highway. I drove the 'little' one for a bit myself. It really goes! However, I can confirm the impression that not much happens below 2000 rpm. But I think that's just a matter of getting used to it. The 3-cylinder sound also takes a little getting used to. |
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reddoppelx Guest
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19-08-2003, 10:14 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Okay, so I'll get back in touch after a long time. I have a 1.4 TDI engine in my Polo 9n, and it's a pretty good engine, but unfortunately, it has a few drawbacks.
1. Torque dip before 2000 rpm.
2. Vibrations.
3. Fuel consumption is currently at 28,000 km, averaging around 5.3 liters per 100 km.
4. My chip tuner was able to slightly reduce the torque dip, but now the gearing feels too short. 130 km/h corresponds to 3000 rpm.
For now, my little car is still tax-free, and it has very good insurance class ratings.
'Until now, I've only had one failure, and it was related to this relay (I've forgotten the number), which seems to be a common issue here.'
PS: By now, the Polo should have worked out most of its initial teething problems. |
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Manuel Thomas Guest
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19-08-2003, 10:14 Subject: Re: Wastegate or VTG, |
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According to Volkswagen's specifications, this part has a VTG turbocharger. I can hardly imagine how they manage to extract 195 Nm of torque from an engine with a displacement of just 1.4 liters.
It's embarrassing when they don't even know what they're putting in there themselves!
http://www.edv-schreiber.at/audi4ever/fdb/pics/700_b6834a27093fc6a89b59a8d81da3eb2c.jpg
Regards,
Manuel. |
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


Joined: 03/13/2003 Posts: 10121 Karma: +29 / -0 Location: in der Werkstatt 2007 Volkswagen Passat Premium Support
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19-08-2003, 11:20 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Oh, a SSP
Want to have
So, a wastegate turbocharger that is controlled externally, like in the 1Z/AHU engines!
Does it also have that noisy solenoid valve, or has it already been replaced with a pressure transducer?
My 1Z engine uses a "flutter valve" for boost pressure and a (silent) pressure transducer for the EGR system.
The rattling sound can be heard in the cold, even with the engine running, despite the noise from the engine's operation.
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brezelmann01 Profi-Schrauber

Joined: 09/14/2002 Posts: 713 Karma: +74 / -0 Location: Niedersachsen
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19-08-2003, 12:29 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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Hi!
Okay, I'd like to say something briefly. So, I have the 1.4 TDI AMF engine in my Polo 6n2, manufactured in 2000. What was written above is generally correct. Wastegate turbocharger and maximum torque at 22001 RPM.
It's incorrect to say that you can't drive it in that gear! You can also comfortably drive it at 1500 RPM. Of course, the acceleration isn't "top" at that speed, but it's more than enough for city driving. Otherwise, the car performs great starting from 1900 RPM. Fuel consumption of under 4.5 liters is possible, but you can also get close to 6 liters with EXTREME highway driving. Over the last 20,000 miles, my average fuel consumption has been 5.2 liters, which is acceptable considering that the air conditioning was almost always on in the summer, and the (commendable!) electric PTC heater also needs power in the winter.
Besides that, it's worth noting that there's a low-frequency humming sound that occurs at certain speeds, mainly when the air conditioning is on in 5th or 7th gear at around 70 km/h. Unfortunately. But it's livable. Also, it's worth noting that the timing belt interval for the 6N2 is 60,000 km. My oil consumption is minimal, but it only has 37,000 km on it. So far, there have been no engine defects. There's just a slight oil leak from the valve cover, but tightening the screws helped. Now it is dry:-).
Otherwise, if you have any more questions: Ask!
Okay, here's the translation:
"Oh yeah, and one more thing: The car with the engine is a lot of fun!!!!!!"
CU
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dieselmartin Profi-Schrauber


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19-08-2003, 12:53 Subject: 1.4 TDi: Good engine? |
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I didn't mean that "it only provides thrust above 2200" to imply that it's unusable below that level.
I usually drive my 1Z in the city as a naturally aspirated engine (unless I feel like using the turbo again).
I mainly drove the 1.4 TDI on country roads. I often find myself around the 2200 RPM mark, which is why it caught my attention.
m; |
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