Golf III Variant 1.9 TDI: Problems & Issues

Hello!

I currently still drive a gasoline-powered car (a VW Polo 6N2 1.4).
Having driven almost 95,000 km in just under 3 years, I'm now starting to consider a diesel car.
I would appreciate some tips and advice on what to consider when buying...
Things to watch out for when buying a Golf III Variant 1.9 TDI.

Here are the vehicle details:
First registration: 06/1996
Engine: 1.9 TDI 110 hp (chipped - but I don't know which chip was used).
Mileage: 280,000 km (new engine installed at 191,000 km).

Unfortunately, I don't know any more than that.
Hoffe Ihr könnt mir ein paar Infos geben. Thank you!


Best regards,
Marco

Hello,

If it's been chipped and doesn't even have a basic understanding of what that entails, alarm bells should definitely be ringing. Furthermore, the (new) engine likely needs a new timing belt after approximately 1000 km.

So, I don't have any information about the chip yet. It should be coming from them here.
What about the timing belt? Should it be replaced every 90,000 km?


Best regards,
Marco

Hello,

Tuning a TDI isn't a big deal if the owner treats the car properly. However, if the seller gives the impression that the car has been driven aggressively, I would stay away from it. For the AFN engine (if it is indeed an AFN), the ZR service is likely due every 90,000 km.

Thank you for the information!
What about fuel injection and similar technologies?
Are these vulnerable?


Best regards,
Marco

Hello,

If all the auxiliary components (alternator, starter, water pump, fuel injection pump) have already reached 280,000 km, it's probably a good idea to start saving up for replacements... that's my opinion.
And if the engine is a 1Z, you should check if the fixed bolt (grade 12.9) on the crankshaft sprocket is present and if there have been any problems with it before.

Best regards, Rainer.

...And if the engine is a 1Z, you should check if the fixed bolt (12.9) on the crankshaft sprocket is present, and whether there have been any problems with it before.

How am I supposed to understand this now? Sorry, I don't know much about diesel engines or the Golf III yet.
I still drive a Polo.


Best regards,
Marco

Hi Bluna.

I think you know far too little about the car!

You wouldn't seriously buy a car that has "no idea" how many horsepower it has, let alone whether that's even officially registered.

Is it a 90 HP engine that has been chipped to 110 HP, or an 110 HP engine that has been chipped to a higher power output (xxx HP)?

Regarding the crankshaft bolt, please read this when it is unlocked again:
http://home.arcor.de/sgrafen/salatoel/kw_schraube/kw_schraube.html

or search here in the forum.

Furthermore, 280,000 km is quite a mileage, so you shouldn't expect a car in perfect condition – you'll likely have to replace quite a few parts in the next two years!

m;

I already said that I have no knowledge of Volkswagen diesel technology. That's why I'm asking.
It's originally a 1.9 TDI engine with 110 horsepower. It has been chipped, but I don't know yet which chip was used.
I haven't had a chance to really examine the car yet.
That's why I want to know what I should pay attention to, where the weaknesses are, etc.

But thank you for the link.


Best regards,
Marco