118TSI - General Discussion

[AdamD]

I'm looking at nothing less than a '12 model to maximize manufacturer warranty coverage. Are these issues where the engine just ****s itself limited to a specific year, ie only '09-'10?

I'm not aware of any 118s built since 2011 having experienced an engine failure, although there are some blurry lines with respect to second engines. The 7-speed DQ200 DSG continues to have problems in the Mk6... caveat emptor.

I wouldn't. Or, rather, I'd get a 90TSI in manual, or a 103TDI or GTI with the (better) 6-speed DSG.

[logger]

Hey guys,

I'm looking at upgrading from my '01 MK4 Golf to a near-new MK6 118TSI Comfortline w/sports package or MK7 90TSI Comfortline. It ticks all of my boxes (climate-control, auto[everything], DSG, peppy performance), but I'ma little hesitant due to all of these issues I've been seeing reported.

I'm looking at nothing less than a '12 model to maximize manufacturer warranty coverage. Are these issues where the engine just ****s itself limited to a specific year, ie only '09-'10?

Pretty much. In 2010 VW released a service campaign to address the engine issues. Since then the problems have not been as prevalent. They did keep occuring though. Perhaps because the damage was already done prior to the campaign. I would have thought with a 12 model you should be right and in any case you have the warranty. Second hand Pricing should be extremely keen too, due to peoples perception. DSG in mine has not missed a beat in the four years I have owned it. The current recall has resulted in my DSG getting an updated mechatronics unit and clutches, so I have no reason to think it won't be reliable for another four years!
I reckon my 118TSI DSG has been terrific value given I only paid 32.5k for it new, incuding APR tune to 152kw and $300 a year to service it. I could have paid heaps more for a GTI or R and while undoubtebly better cars, the cost benefit was not there for me. It has been a fun comfortable car to drive, which I enjoy owning.

[Dux]

I reckon my 118TSI DSG has been terrific value given I only paid 32.5k for it new, incuding APR tune to 152kw and $300 a year to service it. I could have paid heaps more for a GTI or R and while undoubtebly better cars, the cost benefit was not there for me. It has been a fun comfortable car to drive, which I enjoy owning.

Cheers for the detailed replies.

Could you tell me more about the APR tune? I've read about this but I don't know how much it costs/how it effects warranty/wear and tear on the car, etc. the ability to have near-GTI performance in a car costing almost half sounds appealing.

[logger]

Could you tell me more about the APR tune?

Have a look at the APR ECU Upgrade MK6 Golf - Customer perspective from 4 years ago. First 20 or 30 pages are about the 1118TSI ECU tune before it morphed into a Golf R / GTI discussion.
The basic APR tune (stage 1) adds a second enhanced software program to the Engine Contol Unit and cost $1500 when not on special. Increases performance by software modifying fueling and timing maps. So you end up with the stock program and a second program which differs by say 5% of the program, but in the areas that target performance. You can switch between programs using the Cruise control stalk when the Engine is off and Ignition on, using a simple but esoteric procedure.
Consensus is it will have no effect on warranty and it never effected mine. You may be able to pick up a second hand APR stage 1 tuned 118TSI, although some sellers may not highlight that it is fitted.

A side effect of the VW service campaign to address the Eng failures in 2009/10 was a change to hobble the stock ECU map, detuning the 118TSI to ~ 105KW making it a 105TSI! The APR tune retains the full 152KW or whatever it targeted. So the difference is even more marked when you switch between the two.

...the ability to have near-GTI performance in a car costing almost half sounds appealing

Thats what appealed to me too

[Dux]

Thanks, had a quick read of the first 10 pages and a lot of my other questions I had were answered there.

Did you get the sportspack with your car? I'm looking for models specifically with this option as I love the body-hugging seats.

[logger]

..Did you get the sportspack with your car? I'm looking for models specifically with this option as I love the body-hugging seats.

No I did not. The ECU tune was more bang for buck. At the time sportspack was 2.5 or 3k option, which included larger wheels, fog lights, Tire press monitoring and perhaps better seats. Fog lights are a wank, 1" larger wheels I would probably not have noticed (other than to look at), TPMS I retrofitted for free by just turning it on in the software. The front seats in mine I have always thought to be relatively body hugging but only cloth. Back seats are rubbish though. In any case you shouldn't be paying much if any premium for the sports pack on the 2nd hand market.

[Kiark]

Hey guys,

I'm very new to these forums and to VW in general. I'm looking at getting an automatic 2010 118TSI Golf Mk6 (used), though after browsing these forums for a bit I've noticed that it seems like a lot of people are having troubles with their 118TSI's.

Is it really as bad as people make it out to be (i.e - lots of engine problems)? I just test drove one today and it seems like a really nice drive with great power. Is there anything else I should know about?

Thanks heaps!

[anthony]

Its probably the worst car to buy,many engine failiures,as well as DSG issues.

You have been warned...

[Kiark]

Thanks for the quick reply. This might seem like a stupid question to ask, but what are the chances of having a problem with the engine or other vital parts? Is it only a select few that are being very vocal about their bad experiences? Are there plenty of people not "complaining" on the internet about it because they are having no problems?

Should anyone buy this car if it's so "bad"?

[Tobes_WIR35]

Personally I would look for the diesel, but I suspect the instances of problems with the 118 are of a much higher concentration here than in the general population. People come here because they are enthusiasts or because they have a problem.

Either way, get a thorough check done by a specialist independent VW mechanic and check the service history to see whether the usual warranty fixes have been done.

If it doesn't have detailed service history at a dealer then I would stay away. That's not to say that a non-dealer would do a bad job, but because dealer services often do maintenance fixes as directives from VW that non-dealer mechanics may not know about.