Which 3.0 tdi?

[Hightower]

Thinking of changing my 1.8t sline for a 3.0tdi next year but just wondering which engine type to go for for best tuneability as I've seen some adverts in magazines saying it can be remapped to 300+bhp but not sure if that's just the latest B8 models as I see there are like 3 different standard power outputs ( 205, 225, 240bhp) and a standard tdi or common rail tdv. Tis all a bit confusing.

I'm trying to go head over heart with my decision as my head says go for a bit more economy (with the way fuel prices are going) with a remapped 3.0 tdi but my heart says v8 S4.

Also what sort of real world mpg's are you guys with the above getting?

Thanks

 

[jdp1962]

I have a B7 3.0TDi Quattro Tiptronic, from September 2007, on a 57-plate. It is the TDV model, has 233PS (I think that converts to 230BHP) 335 LB/FT of torque, and is apparently tuneable up to around 275/280PS. At the moment, I get between 30mpg (typical mixed journeys) and 45mpg (long motorway cruise).

Here's a real-life (i.e. an owner, not a journo) review I read before I bought mine.

 

[Dazmo]

Agreed i have a remapped Quattro TDV S-Line pushing 275bhp and almost 600nm of torque.

Mine is also manual which is so much better than Auto on the 3.0 TDI.

My only complaint was that the S-line is far to high and i have had it lowered slightly on eibach springs.

I would love a custom exhaust, but unfortuantly there just too expensive!

 

[jdp1962]

Mine is also manual which is so much better than Auto on the 3.0 TDI.

A matter of preference, surely! Personally, I'd say that if ever there was an engine that was made for combining with an auto box, this is it.

 

[Hightower]

A matter of preference, surely! Personally, I'd say that if ever there was an engine that was made for combining with an auto box, this is it.

Would you have to get the auto box remapped too though if you had the ecu remapped?
A. Make the most of the extra power
B. To save killing the auto box off with the extra torque, as I believe they can only take so much hp & torque before you start having problems (aka the mk1 RS6 that seems to have alot of problems with slipping clutches and stuck gears)

I know if AMD remap the 3.2 V6 in the golf & A3 they also limit the torque output if they are running the DSG box and I'm sure I've read in the past about the 2.5 tdi that you have to be careful on remaps as audi limit the torque available in 1st gear as enough power to snap the drive shaft (not sure this is true though or someones pub bulls@@t talk) and some remappers remove this limiter.

 

[Hightower]

Agreed i have a remapped Quattro TDV S-Line pushing 275bhp and almost 600nm of torque.

Mine is also manual which is so much better than Auto on the 3.0 TDI.

My only complaint was that the S-line is far to high and i have had it lowered slightly on eibach springs.

I would love a custom exhaust, but unfortuantly there just too expensive!

Dazmo what sort of mpg do you get?

Have you ever timed your 0-60 times or in gear acceleration times to compare your car before remap and now or even to compare say to a 4.2 S4.

Yes I agree about the exhaust upgrade, tis expensive but from the miltek video on YouTube it does sound good for a diesel.

 

[jdp1962]

Would you have to get the auto box remapped too though if you had the ecu remapped?
A. Make the most of the extra power
B. To save killing the auto box off with the extra torque, as I believe they can only take so much hp & torque before you start having problems (aka the mk1 RS6 that seems to have alot of problems with slipping clutches and stuck gears)

I know if AMD remap the 3.2 V6 in the golf & A3 they also limit the torque output if they are running the DSG box and I'm sure I've read in the past about the 2.5 tdi that you have to be careful on remaps as audi limit the torque available in 1st gear as enough power to snap the drive shaft (not sure this is true though or someones pub bulls@@t talk) and some remappers remove this limiter.

I've no idea on that, I'm afraid. I have never looked into re-mapping mine. It doesn't seem to need it. Bear in mind though that this is not a DSG but a traditional auto box with torque convertor. It doesn't have clutches like the DSG or multitronic, and I'm not aware of any particular weaknesses with it. Others may know better, of course.

 

[Chris79]

I had a 204 bhp version, agree it never felt like it needed a remap. Manual - for the 0-60 and mpg! I got 34 mpg normal driving and maybe 2 more on a run.

Nice engine, often wish I'd driven an auto before making my mind up, a lot of gear changes especially around town.

Had an engine problem at 98k. No-one could work it out but suggested £3k timing chain replacements! I'd go younger and get an extended warranty.

Now replaced with a 2.0t SE S-Line. Same mpg, faster and sooooo much cheaper to own! (and buy)

Chris

 

[rowdyboy]

I've got the 204 aswell, no probs so far and I'm up to 106k. It's actually still sweet and runs very smooth with good power.

I totally agree with the above MPG figures aswell. You'll get people claiming more but in reality, 30 - 35 is average. I've got a mate at Audi and he says 35 is good from the 3.0 engine.

I couldn't recommend these cars highly enough if you can afford to run one.

Mine is a manual aswell, I'm not quite old enough for an auto yet!!!

 

[Hightower]

I couldn't recommend these cars highly enough if you can afford to run one.

Are these expensive cars to run then?

I wouldn't of thought a 2.0lt turbo would have better mpg and be faster unless it's just fwd??? My B6 1.8t quattro has given me an average of 23.86mpg in 13 months of ownership and that's using super unleaded due to the remap

 

[rowdyboy]

Are these expensive cars to run then?

I wouldn't of thought a 2.0lt turbo would have better mpg and be faster unless it's just fwd??? My B6 1.8t quattro has given me an average of 23.86mpg in 13 months of ownership and that's using super unleaded due to the remap

It's all relative really and I suppose it's what you are used to and how many miles you do etc. I go through a set of tyres a year (all 4). I service it myself, so that's not too bad. Main dealer servicing is a lot more though, I got quotes of £450 ish for a major one.

 

[Chris79]

I didn't say better - it's the same! Ok tyres etc are going to be the same -it's the same car!

I mean booking a service, I was quoted over £400 last year for an oil change on the 3.0 tdi, this year paid £350 at the same dealer for a major service, all filters inc pollen, all 3 wipers, brake fluid and a mini valet!

And when I said faster think there is only 0.2 of a second in it 0-60 but faster is faster...

I do miss the surge of power from the tdi but no-one could fix it, any local place had never heard of a 3L tdi. If I could have bought another avant with either engine, low miles for the same price the tdi would win every time.

Fact is there was 2k or more in it and the tdi's all had more miles.

And before anyone says it, I know they should last forever (except the timing chains which a life expectancy of 200k .... Mine didn't!)

Drive many is my advice. (listen for a slight rattle the split second it fires - with the door open)

Chris

 

[Dazmo]

Not bad chris, i just paid £160 for a full service at VAGTECH on mine as i always buy my own oil.

I recently bought 18 litres of castrol edge for £100. Audi wanted £140 just for 8 litres of their own oil.

Dont trust the dealers anymore, much prefer the service at VAGTECH.

I drove both an auto and manual before buying and too be honest i could'nt stand the auto, boring and lazy if you ask me.

When i buy a car i want to drive it not sit there and let it drive itself!

 

[Chris79]

Hi Dazmo,

My car is out of warranty now so can be flexible with choice of service, it's hard to find someone to trust as much as anything! A friend of a friend used to do our repair work, did a good job with a golf tdi turbo, not so good with my b6 2.5 tdi belts - damaged the bumper getting the front off! Last golf service was about £20 cheaper than vw so justified the cost as a better job, it came back as normal with the steering wheel oily! But also with an oil leak. The sump had "split itself" cost me for a new one and then fitting and more oil. Total price was double the cost if vw - not good value!

I'm near a german car specialist in Ilkeston, read some good and some bad reports. I wasn't filled with confidence when I asked them to look at my rattly tdi and over hearing them with another customer they're expensive to boot!

You got a bargain with that oil!

Chris

 

[jdp1962]

Not bad chris, i just paid £160 for a full service at VAGTECH on mine as i always buy my own oil.

I recently bought 18 litres of castrol edge for £100. Audi wanted £140 just for 8 litres of their own oil.

Dont trust the dealers anymore, much prefer the service at VAGTECH.

I drove both an auto and manual before buying and too be honest i could'nt stand the auto, boring and lazy if you ask me.

When i buy a car i want to drive it not sit there and let it drive itself!

I have the best of both worlds. When I am in the mood to change manually, which is quite often, I can, but without having to stamp my foot on a clutch pedal a thousand times a day. When you think about it, it's ridiculous that cars are still being built with a clutch operated by a foot pedal. It's a hangover from the 19th century, never mind the 20th!

 

[Hightower]

I have the best of both worlds. When I am in the mood to change manually, which is quite often, I can, but without having to stamp my foot on a clutch pedal a thousand times a day. When you think about it, it's ridiculous that cars are still being built with a clutch operated by a foot pedal. It's a hangover from the 19th century, never mind the 20th!

Thanks for the replies guys.

I quite fancy a semi auto box but the expense of repairs on them if they go wrong puts me off, as you say best of both worlds.

I guess I will have to test drive both manual & auto, would be good if I could get a drive in a remapped one too.

Thanks

Simon