Polo GTI High Oil Usage - Discussion Thread

[Alex_GTI]

Really?? Well its the service department who referred me to customer care in the first place when i said i was sick of paying for oil and topping it up out of my own pocket.

Thanks for all the good advise guys. This issue has really been getting to me and i just feel like im getting the run around by VW australia and the service department at my dealership. From what i've been hearing, I think i may need to change where i get my servicing done.

[gavs]

Find another dealership mate, sounds like the one you're dealing with are typical VW ar**holes. WHat oil have you been putting in by chance?

Also, I would find another dealership that will actually help you out first, then if you don't, take it to consumer affairs.

[Tigga1]

The loading of the engine would have help to push the rings into th bores so yes, mountains are the best for running in off a dyno. The service department will offer you free top ups if you ask, especially seeing as there is an issue.

my GTI has done jsut over 7K and never had an oil light come on...but after reading this thread I did check the dipstick which looks ok. My daily drive is up and down a range too, so engine gets good loading (thanks gavs). I have been careful with probably warming up engine before 'loading'...maybe its all paid off.

[Alex_GTI]

Find another dealership mate, sounds like the one you're dealing with are typical VW ar**holes. WHat oil have you been putting in by chance?

Also, I would find another dealership that will actually help you out first, then if you don't, take it to consumer affairs.

Yea i think i will do just that.

I've been using Nulon Full Synthetic 5W-30 EURO Engine Oil.

[gavs]

Maybe change to a different oil, Mobil1 for example or Shell Helix. Just make sure it complies to VW spec 502 or 504, see if that helps.

[VW Convert]

Yea i think i will do just that.

I've been using Nulon Full Synthetic 5W-30 EURO Engine Oil.

I'm amazed your dealer won't come to the party with oil given the amount you have been using. I'm curious as to which dealer it is, many members have posted over the years about dealers topping up free of charge.

Something to consider regarding your choice of oil, I can't see anywhere on the Nulon site that says the oil is VW approved. It does say:-

■Meets and exceeds VW 504.00 & 507.00 specification

And

■Recommended for modern Volkswagen and Audi petrol and diesel engines that require the VW 504.00 and 507.00 specifications

And

Meets or exceeds the performance requirements of the following vehicle manufacturer's specifications:

■Volkswagen : VW 504.00, VW 507.00

Given the issue you are having, I would think using a VW approved oil would be a good idea.

Cheers

George

[brad]

+1

Meets or exceeds isn't the same as approved.

The Penrite equivalent is approved, as is the Shell 504.00. Penrite even had a scan of the approval letter which included VWs request for payment of the test fee - a couple of thousand Euro IIRC.

[RoknRob]

Exactly. Approved means someone paid a fee to use the words. Probably nothing more. Does Penrite have a scan of the "test results"? That would be more convincing, wouldn't it...

[RoknRob]

Still, probably worth trying another oil.

I went with VW's own Long Life 3. I figure nobody at the dealer will second guess me, then.

Plus they become keenly aware of how much oil I'm using.

Plus, it gives them the opportunity to offer to top it up for free. Despite it's greater expense per litre, I've saved money thanks to the free top up... for now.

[brad]

Exactly. Approved means someone paid a fee to use the words. Probably nothing more. Does Penrite have a scan of the "test results"? That would be more convincing, wouldn't it...

The 1340 Euro fee includes analysis & testing by VWs lubrication labs.

I guess it's similar to lifting equipment. It's easy to build to a specification (drawing, chemical formula, etc) but unless you get it independently tested & certified then meeting the spec means nothing.

The service manual says you have to use an Approved Oil. "Meets or Exceeds" doesn't cut it WRT warranty. You tell the Service manager your engine is having an oil related problem (burning, spun bearings, sludging) and he looks up the VW list & your oil isn't there & he tells you your on your own or will only get partial warranty. Personally, given how cheap Shell & Penrite 504.00 are, I wouldn't give them the opportunity to weasel their way out of their responsibilities.