[s-cars] Open call for info: Audi TDI, B5 chassis

[Fred Munro]

Matt;

I just replaced my wife's '96 Camry with a 2005 Passat TDI wagon. It's the
closest thing you'll find in North America to a diesel A4 Avant since Audi
hasn't imported diesels to NA since the '80s - and the Passat uses A4
running gear. The wagon was only available in 2005 and VW has no plans to
import more diesel Passats.

Impressions so far: great ride and handling, typical diesel fuel mileage
(wowser, I like this feature - it gets better mileage around town than the
S6 gets on the highway), typical diesel noise and vibration (I'm not
thrilled with the vibration but I think there may be an issue to sort out
with this car since the vibration seems to be getting less the more we drive
it), lots of low-end torque, good fit and finish, good interior ergonomics,
rust resistance not up to UrS bodywork quality. Much more "refined" than the
Jetta, a more comfortable highway cruiser. Some of the 2.0 litre BHW diesel
engines in the Passat have had balance shaft chain drive failures around
100k miles, and since the balance shaft module drives the oil pump this is
generally not a good thing. VW has just issued a TSB to convert the chain
drive to the newer gear drive system, but it is not a recall and is done on
your dime (around 30,000 dimes) if not under warranty. If the engine makes a
"can full of marbles" sound from the crankshaft pulley area steer clear. The
car I bought sounds OK at 105K km and has a 2 year/40K full VW warranty, so
I figure I'm covered for a bit. Oh, one other item - if the oil used has not
been the VW 505.01 spec with the high wear additive,  the cam and followers
could be worn out by 100k or so. Read the B5 section of the forums at Fred's
TDI Page www.tdiclub.com for details.

So far we like the car, but have only had it a couple weeks. The top of the
wheel arch on the front fenders seems to be a weak spot for rust - I had the
dealer I bought it from replace the left front fender due to rust bubbling.
Shouldn't be happening on a 2005 with galvanized panels.

The other plus is that the TDIclub reminds me a lot of this list - high
signal to noise ratio.

HTH

Fred Munro
'97 S6


-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of matt ludwig.
Sent: November 29, 2008 11:35 AM
To: //Scar //Scar list
Subject: [s-cars] Open call for info: Audi TDI, B5 chassis


Family,

Slightly off-topic to this list I realize, but I figured I would ask
for the cheat-sheet right up front. : ) I am looking for info on the
following model(s) in North America (read: Canada) only, and really
input/advice/tips of which combos are those to steer clear of, and
those which are very well-sorted. If possible, examples currently for
sale in Eastern Canada wouldn't hurt either. Specifically:
B5 or B5 facelift (1998–2001)
A4
Avant
2.5 L V6, 6spd
1.9T, 5spd
**DIESEL**

Now, I realize this might be off-radar for many here, but if any of
the Canadian listers can point me to resources online for procuring
any of these, I would love to learn all I can. I have already found
the TDI Club (http://www.tdiclub.com/) and the TDI forum over at that
'other' Audi site... ;)

I live in Maine, so procurement of this from Eastern Canada is not
terribly difficult. I believe as well that all impact and emissions
will pass, if imported to the U.S. Additionally, I will be in Quebec
City next weekend and would love to drive any examples that seem
worthy. Thanks a bunch.

Sincerely,


matt ludwig.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1995.5 S6 Avant
South Portland, Maine


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