BUYING A 2nd HAND 2011 AUTO 4motion

[saltd0g]

Hey guys,

So I am looking at selling my current 2005 Manual 2.5L 4motion LWB MID ROOF, and buying a newer AUTO MATIC 2011 model. Is there anything I should ensure that the owner has had replaced before i hand over my money? It has over 160,000kms so im sure some of the mechanical parts are on the way out.

On my 2005 2.5L 4motion I have replaced powersteering pump, 3 x CV joints, waterpump, and exhaust manifold. Its a nice van. We love it, but we want a newer look and feel as we will be living out of it as we travel around australia. If any one can answer at least one of the below questions i would be grateful!

1. AUTOMATIC for driving on the sand? Anyone here done it? I drive my manual on softish sand and it is OKAY, i have done plenty of Double island point trips.
2. It has a Difflock. In sand i would assume it helps?
3. Any mechanical items that are known to break? I have heard from my mechanic that the DSG is a known problem?
4. AUTOMATIC for towing large boats out of the water at a boat ramp? I used to burn my clutch pretty bad pulling 1.8tonne boats out of the water.
5. Cheapest and best way to lift the transporter? I have lifted mine but would like to know the exact way you've done yours if you have had a really good result?
6. Anything else someone would like to add? would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Ben

If anyone is looking to buy a 4motion LWB MID ROOF, my mrs has put plenty of pictures up on instagram

Salty Summits | Ben & Scout (@saltysummits) • Instagram photos and videos

[Umai Naa!!]

DSG isn't known to be a problem in these, but I'm sure someone will chime in with an irrelevent tale of woe. There are reports of failures and issues, but nothing like what's been seen with other DSGs and auto transmissions.

Main concern is EGR issues, and this applies to both the single turbo and Bi-turbo engines. Not easily bypassed or deleted as it's all ECU-controlled. Make sure the service history is spot-on, and the correct engine oil has been used. Running gear is pretty much the same as the previous T5, but with a newer generation Haldex. If you get the Bi-turbo, they come with 17in wheels, and bigger front brakes.

Only major differences with the servicing is that you'll need to do a timing belt and water pump every 105K/7yrs, and service the DSG every 60K. Haldex is done every 3yrs from MY10, as opposed to every 60K/4yrs previously. I can't remember if the previous ones had a filter on the Haldex, but the new ones don't.

[Sunny43.5]

Umai covered most things but I might add that the DSG was not fitted to the Amarok because the DSG would burn itself out once the wheels lost traction , I am not sure if VW fitted an alternative auto to the DSG in a T5.1 so worth considering staying with a manual , one more to the list known problems with the DPF if you dont occasionally flog the bugger . I loved our 2.5 engine in our 2005 T5 but hated the auto box .

[Umai Naa!!]

The DQ500 used in the T5GP only works in east-west configuration.

[Markee]

Do your research on the EGR fault in that model specifically. It is well known in Europe that the EGR fails internally and aluminium gets into the cylinders causing excessive wear and costly damage ie. new cylinder block!
As for raising for ground clearance and off-road use I've had great success with 30mm raised King Springs front and rear and larger wheels and tyres. Only done some short rough roading and so far it's awesome.
Plenty of photos in my build thread.

[saltd0g]

Do your research on the EGR fault in that model specifically. It is well known in Europe that the EGR fails internally and aluminium gets into the cylinders causing excessive wear and costly damage ie. new cylinder block!
As for raising for ground clearance and off-road use I've had great success with 30mm raised King Springs front and rear and larger wheels and tyres. Only done some short rough roading and so far it's awesome.
Plenty of photos in my build thread.

Thanks Markee, i have been following your post! Your van looks very nice! I will most likely delete the egr and DPF. I have a friend who has it done to his van.

[Markee]

Thanks Markee, i have been following your post! Your van looks very nice! I will most likely delete the egr and DPF. I have a friend who has it done to his van.

I am going to head down that path myself but am struggling to find a DPF delete pipe that can be used with the standard exhaust?