AXR Disasters, Part... (I'm not even going to count anymore!!)

Hello, Schauberg community,

Those who have been following my AXR for a while will probably be familiar with the struggles I've been through.
Today, things got really bad! There's an oil stain on the garage floor, and the right wheel well is full of oil. The LLK (likely referring to a specific piece of equipment) is completely covered in oil on the bottom.

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Background: Four weeks ago, I had to top up the oil by 1 liter. After driving a little over 10,000 km, that's acceptable (consumption of approximately 0.1 liters per 1,000 km). Now, approximately 1000 km later, the fuel consumption has returned to normal, and there's a puddle of oil on the garage floor (thankfully, the floor is sealed with epoxy).

... to be continued ...[img][/img]http://mitglied.lycos.de/kraftbertil/Bilder/Oelfleck_1.jpg{MARKER}{MARKER}http://mitglied.lycos.de/kraftbertil/Bilder/Oelfleck_2.jpg{MARKER}

Oh Bertil, you're just unlucky with your Monday car! Keep your chin up, things will get better! Can I bet that your next 'VW' won't be coming from Wolfsburg again? Didn't we just talk this week about the only remaining issue being the trailer hitch? How quickly things change! Have you been on vacation yet, or do you still have that planned?

Hi Joerg,

joergs wrote:

Hey Bertil, you're just unlucky, but you've also "rented" your bad luck with your Monday car! Keep your head up, things will get better!

Hopefully.

Quote:

Can I bet that your next "VW" won't be coming from Wolfsburg again?

Currently, I don't see any alternative vehicles. I was already against buying a VW before purchasing this car, but the price and the performance it offers convinced me to buy a VW again. If I didn't need the car as a towing vehicle, there would be several alternatives – but those wouldn't be diesel vehicles!

Quote:

Didn't we just discuss this week that the only remaining issue was the AHK?

Yes, unfortunately.

Quote:

How quickly times change! Have you already been on vacation, or do you still have that ahead of you?

My wife has a new job, and she's in the probationary period. This means there's a vacation ban, so she can't take any time off right now. But getting a job in the current climate is better than being on vacation. We still wanted to take a few weekends to go camping with the campervan.

Currently, I don't see any alternative vehicles. I was already against buying a VW before purchasing this car, but the price and the performance it offers convinced me to buy a VW again. If I didn't need the car as a towing vehicle, there would be several alternatives – but those wouldn't be diesel vehicles!



Take a look at the new Ford Mondeo, model year 2004. This offers excellent value for money, and it includes extras that you can't even get from the Volkswagen Group, not even if you pay extra or try to sweet-talk them.

If I have to buy a new car soon, it definitely won't be a VW or Audi!

Regards,

Manuel.

The French have also become incredibly strong recently.
I've always believed that the German automotive industry sets the standard for the rest of the world. Meanwhile, I'm starting to worry that things aren't really 'running smoothly' there anymore.

Small update:

I just came from the workshop.
"First comment: '...I'm giving them a product to verschandeln the floor with...'." What a great service!
I can't really complain about the workshop, and they can't change the fact that the car is a "Monday car" (meaning it was likely produced on a Monday, often considered an unlucky day for production).

The LLK (liquid cooling module) is defective - there is no visible mechanical damage. Oil is leaking from the bottom, between the cooling fins and the funnel. The connection flange and the actual cooler have separated. Workshop comment: ... this happens frequently ... .
I think this might also explain the smoke emissions we've seen in recent weeks (hello Jan...).
I took a look at the construction around the low-voltage connector (LLK) on the stage, and I have to say that it's installed in a rather dangerous way. The LLK is located almost unprotected directly behind the front bumper. A pile of snow in the winter on the lower left corner, and the LLK is ruined. The damage is often not immediately visible because the front fender is flexible, while the lower control arm is rigid.

@Manuel

I've already done that, but to get similar performance to my small PD engine, I would have to get the Mondeo with the largest (and most expensive) diesel engine. The Ford dealer right next to my VW dealer lent me his own Mondeo TDCi with a tow hitch for a weekend – that way, I could even try it out with a caravan. It was very bad. It doesn't have an EU4 engine, which means higher taxes, it's significantly more expensive to insure, and the equipment is inferior compared to a Golf! ESP is only available in special models with (in my opinion) useless extras or at an extra cost. "Overall, the car is more expensive than my Golf. Granted, the Mondeo is also larger, but I don't need that extra space. The Focus isn't available with the engine option I'm looking for."

@kenny

The Peugeot 307 Break was once the biggest competitor to the current Golf, but a poor tax classification (EU3) and high insurance premiums ruined its chances. I've had the "pleasure" of driving the 307 HDI FAP as a rental car (from my company) several times, and my impression was quite negative. If I were to attach a caravan to it, it wouldn't even make it up the hills. Subjectively, it pulls worse than my old 1Z.

PD engines simply have more torque, and there's no substitute for that. If the car didn't have to serve as a towing vehicle, there would be plenty of alternatives, but unfortunately, that's not the case.

:
@Manuel

I already did that, but to get similar performance to my small PD engine, I would have to get the Mondeo with the largest (and most expensive) diesel engine. The Ford dealer right next to my VW dealer lent me his own Mondeo TDCi with a tow hitch for a weekend – that way, I could even try it out with a caravan. – It was very bad. It doesn't have an EU4 engine, which means higher taxes, it's significantly more expensive in insurance, and the equipment is inferior compared to a Golf! ESP is only available in special models with (for me) useless accessories or at an extra cost. 'Overall, the car is more expensive than my Golf. Granted, the Mondeo is also larger, but I don't need that extra space. The Focus isn't available with the engine option I'm looking for.'


Unfortunately, you're doing the Mondeo 2004 a disservice! I can't currently deny the insurance claim, because I don't have a comparison to a Golf, but everything else is fine. I don't know what you're spending on your car, but I'm trying to get the most features with good workmanship and a quality feel for as little money as possible. And right now, the Mondeo is unbeatable in that regard. J&K offers new cars, registered in Germany for a single day, with a 25% discount (available upon request).

My ideal Ghia model with a 130hp TDCI engine and manual 6-speed transmission, fully equipped (except for navigation), but with features like climate-controlled front seats and leather/Alcantara upholstery, would cost just around €25,000. What kind of golf club can you get for that price?

Ah yes, the 130 hp TDCi engine, with the facelift in the 2004 model year, also meets the EU4 standard!
ESP is standard equipment, and there are no unnecessary packages?

I don't want to sell you the car or force it on you, but please take a look at J&K's price list and see for yourself that your claims are not correct!



Regarding LLK (likely referring to a specific car part or issue), I can say that these symptoms are increasingly common in Golf and Bora models, especially those manufactured in 1999.

On eBay, there is a seller offering a profit tuner that provides enhanced LLK (likely referring to a specific type of product or service). Check this out:





Regards,

Manuel.

P.S. The Mondeo, up to the model year 2004, was really terrible and cheap!http://www.juetten-koolen.de/preislisten/Ford/mondeo_d_01.08.03.pdfhttp://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2428340578&category=14767

@bertil

With your wife's new job, that's certainly understandable. Work comes before everything else!

Regarding your faulty turbocharger, I have to tell you that this isn't an isolated case. My Passat 3BG had a similar problem with the previous owner. It happened at around 35,000 km. In that case, the turbocharger itself also failed! Fortunately, it was covered under warranty. Before I took over the car, the dealership, due to my persistent questions, offered to replace the turbocharger again as a goodwill gesture and to install a reinforced turbocharger coupling for a small fee. They did that in my presence! I have to agree with you about the quality of the turbocharger coupling. It's a real masterpiece... or rather, a disaster. It's the same on the Passat.

Unfortunately, you're right; it's difficult to find a comparable vehicle when you need a towing capacity. And if you do find something, it's usually very expensive. Earlier this year, I test drove a BMW 330td Touring with around 130 horsepower. It was a great car, no doubt. But it was significantly more fuel-thirsty and expensive to maintain than my 130 horsepower PD Passat. So, a VW was the only option that made sense. I can't really comment on Ford, as there's a saying here: 'He drove off in a Ford and returned by train.' Sorry, I don't mean to be discriminatory! But from conversations with Ford owners, I know that the build quality and engines aren't always the best.

Hi,

@Manuel

The Ghia trim level already has too much for me, and as I said, the 130 TDCi engine is a great engine, but when you have a caravan attached to the back, things look really bleak.

When comparing EU-spec cars, please also include the Golf.
"I wouldn't even consider buying a car from the EU! They're not really cheap either - a carefully calculated offer from a dealer comes quite close to the price of a new car from the EU." I don't have a good opinion of J&K - a neighbor might be able to tell you more about it... (No further comment!!)
For example, with EU re-imports, EU4 vehicles are only available from 2005 (possibly even from the beginning of 2004) onwards!
By the way, the Mondeo is simply too big and bulky for me. You really don't need that thing on the narrow country roads around here; even a Golf is too bulky!

@joerg

The BMW 320d has 150 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque and performs incredibly well (even when towing), but affordable offers (especially as a station wagon) are rare. The maintenance costs are also too high for me, unfortunately...

The 330d has even 204 hp/410 Nm of torque, and I'd like to test drive one sometime. But the 530d is just amazing...


The golf game is going okay, and I think I also know where the LLK failed...

Hi,

@Manuel

The Ghia trim level already has too much for me, and as I said, the 130 TDCi engine is a great engine, but when you have a caravan attached to the back, things look really bleak.

When comparing EU-spec cars, please also include the Golf.
'I wouldn't even consider buying a car from the EU! They're not really cheap either - a carefully calculated offer from a dealer comes quite close to the price of a new car from the EU.' I don't have a good opinion of J&K - a neighbor might be able to tell you more about it... (No further comment!!)


It's not a new car imported from the EU, but a German car with a temporary registration. But that doesn't matter. I have several acquaintances who have imported cars from J&K. Besides occasionally taking longer than promised, there were no problems.

What are you planning to do next? Are you going to get a new LLK (likely referring to a specific piece of equipment), or are you going to try to repair it? Sometimes, you're supposed to be able to press the two parts together!

Regards,

Manuel.

Hello Bertil,

I've been following your posts for a while now, as I also bought a Golf IV with the AXR engine as a young used car.

Fortunately, I haven't experienced any major drama in my life, except for a few minor things.
Mine is an MJ2003 model, first registered in May 2002, and manufactured in Bratislava.

The engine and transmission have been a real pleasure so far. Compared to older TDI models, I appreciate the smoother power delivery, the precise and easy-to-use gearshift, and the incredibly smooth clutch – very comfortable and with a nice amount of power, wouldn't you agree?

Therefore, I would like to ask you: Please don't always speak so negatively about your MKB AXR engine when components like the catalytic converter or, as recently, the shock absorbers are defective. The problem is more likely related to the 'Golf IV' manufactured in Wolfsburg or/and the previous owner(s). Workshop.

I certainly wish you a used car warranty until the planned sales date, and I think you'll probably get it fixed better than new by then.

Regards,

Marcus.

Hello Bertil,

I've been following your posts for a while now, as I also bought a Golf IV with the AXR engine as a young used car.

Fortunately, I haven't experienced any major drama in my life, except for a few minor things.
Mine is an MJ2003 model, first registered in May 2002, and manufactured in Bratislava.

The engine and transmission have been a real pleasure so far. Compared to older TDI models, I appreciate the smoother power delivery, the precise and easy-to-use gearshift, and the incredibly smooth clutch – very comfortable and with a nice amount of power, wouldn't you agree?

Therefore, I would like to ask you: Please don't always speak so negatively about your MKB AXR engine when components like the catalytic converter or, as recently, the shock absorbers are defective. The problem is more likely related to the 'Golf IV' manufactured in Wolfsburg or/and the previous owner(s). Workshop.

I certainly wish you a used car warranty until the planned sales date, and I think you'll probably get it fixed better than new by then.

Regards,

Marcus


Why shouldn't he? After all, it's a Monday car, and things are bound to break down occasionally.

You're probably from VW or some other VAG enthusiast who can't handle criticism!

...
@joerg

The BMW 320d has 150 horsepower and 330 Nm of torque and performs incredibly well (even when towing), but affordable offers (especially as a station wagon) are rare. The maintenance costs are also too high for me, unfortunately...

The 330d has even 204 hp/410 Nm of torque, and I'd like to test drive one sometime. But the 530d is just amazing...




Sorry, that was a typo! It should have been a 320d. But according to the seller, it didn't have 150 hp. Ultimately, it was just too expensive, and the condition wasn't *that* great.
But it was an amazing driving experience!

Nuckelpinne_72 wrote:

Therefore, a request to you: Please don't always speak so negatively about your MKB AXR engine, especially when add-on parts like the LLK (oil cooler) or, as recently, the shock absorbers are defective. The problem is more likely due to a "Golf IV" manufactured in Wolfsburg or/and SchXXX - previous owner or workshop.

Hi Markus,

Welcome to Dieselschrauber.

For simplicity, I've always referred to my cars by their engine code (MKB), as this code is never the same.
Small correction - the LLK (charge air cooler) is part of the engine package.
The AXR is a great engine, and I have emphasized that repeatedly. I would choose it again and again. However, mine is a monthly engine - with a blown head gasket, faulty injectors, a defective oil cooler, and a leaking turbo - are these not engine defects? I've stopped getting worked up about minor issues like a faulty exhaust silencer or the trailer hitch, which has already been replaced twice and needs to be replaced again next week.
The workshop is top-notch - so far, they've done everything to my satisfaction. There was only one instance where there were problems because a mechanic believed that the modification requested by VW would not be effective (unfortunately, he ended up being the one who solved the problem).
The used car warranty has covered everything so far. I am currently in negotiations with my dealer regarding an extension.
I've often thought about evolving or trading my Pokémon, and my dealer even offered me a great deal (unfortunately, there wasn't an AXR included), but so far, I've preferred to decline all the trade offers. Why is that, I wonder?
I am aware of Volkswagen's internal Q-statistics regarding the parts that were defective in my car, and they are embarrassing for Volkswagen!


@Manuel

The used car warranty will cover the damage.

Regarding the Mondeo: it's unsuitable as a towing vehicle! While the permissible towing capacity is great, you can't fully utilize it because the permissible gross weight when the car is fully loaded is only 1200-1300 kg. By the way, this also applies to the French manufacturers (Renault, Peugeot, etc.).

@Bertil

Hello again,

By the way, you were a great help to me in choosing the vehicle.
There are no fewer than 7 diesel engine options available for the Golf IV.
Before I bought my AXR in January 2003, I spent a lot of time researching here to figure out which engine was the right one for me.

Your contributions to the technology in the AXR have convinced me of the merits of the machine (improved PD elements, longer maintenance intervals thanks to a better timing belt, etc.).
VW salespeople, incidentally, had no idea about it.
In addition, the insurance classification was significantly more favorable compared to the established 90 and 110 hp VP TDI models, and of course, there was the D4 tax exemption.
After some research, it seems that the 'buggy' 115HP PD model, which was readily available as a used car, is fortunately not the one we're talking about.

With mine, the 'good' MSG 038906019AT was also included, so he's completely unfamiliar with engine misfires (did they perhaps replace your PD elements with 'bad' ones back then?).

I hope you continue to use your AXR for a while longer, and that more AXR users will join us here so that we can advise those who are 'uninformed' when troubleshooting is hopefully less frequent.

For the Mondeo 2K:

I drove that one as a new company car from February 7th to March 1st, still with the 115 hp TDDI engine (without common rail). Like the Focus, the car had a fantastic suspension, and it was a lot of fun to drive. Events covering 35,000 km:

After 4000 km, the air hose from the turbocharger detached. It was attached with a type of plastic cable tie, which was very cheap. Result: 'Russwolk' (likely a technical term) and zero performance; the issue was then resolved by modifying the mounting.
This has happened to me before, with an Opel Astra 2.0 DI16V (although the SDI engine is probably even worse).
Oil consumption on the Mondeo (35,000 km): 2.5 liters, which is unusual. My colleagues' and my Focus cars have not consumed any oil between inspections.
Most recently, it produced noticeable vibrations when running at full load.

The Ford diesel engines have a noticeable lack of power when starting in first gear, and they can unexpectedly stall, especially when the air conditioning is on (making them unsuitable for towing caravans). The diesel consumption for the Focus 90 PS was an average of 7.5 liters, while for the Mondeo 115 PS it was 8.5 liters.

The newer Ford models aren't bad; their chassis offer a driving experience that far surpasses current VW models. However, in my opinion, you won't find cars with the same level of sophistication and refinement as those from Audi and VW.
And then, the majority of potential life partners also tend to prefer products from the latter group of producers.

Okay as a company car, but I wouldn't bet 25K on it.


Happy Sunday and see you soon.

Marcus.

Hi,

I'm glad to hear that you did your research beforehand (especially here).
My AXR is a very early model (first installed in the G4: 09/02, first registered by me: 09/03!), and with early models, "childhood diseases" are normal, but always annoying.
By the way, my G4 was manufactured in WOB (possibly by Karmann Osnabrück). The engines, on the other hand, come from Györ in Hungary or Salzgitter.

Nuckelpinne_72 wrote:

"Mine came with the 'good' MSG 038906019AT right away, so he's completely unfamiliar with engine misfires (did they perhaps replace your PD injectors with faulty ones back then?)."

No, the PD elements were definitely defective - I received feedback from the workshop confirming this.
I had even forgotten to include the incorrect SW in the engine control unit in my defect list .

Quote:

I hope you continue to use your AXR for a while longer, and that more AXR users join us here so we can advise those who are less knowledgeable when troubleshooting issues arises (hopefully rarely).

I'm staying the course - the AXR will continue.

Quote:

...The Ford diesel engines have a noticeable lack of power when starting in 1st gear, and they can even stall unexpectedly when the air conditioning is on (not suitable for towing caravans).

That's exactly the biggest problem!

Quote:

The newer Ford models aren't bad; their suspensions offer a driving experience that far surpasses current VW models in terms of fun.

Absolutely.