T5 Water Pump in R5 5cyl.TDI (discussion thread)

[Transporter]

I'm pretty disappointed to be frank. I've owned VW vehicles all my life and the T5 has been the most disappointing compared to the others (T2; Golf I, III, IV, V; Polo II, III).

50,000 km out of a water pump is pathetic. I am doubly cheesed off as I asked the VW dealer on several occassions, whilst the van was under warranty, if my water pump was part of the recall. Evidently it was not. If this is the performance of a standard production water pump...

The cost of ownership is starting to climb on this van. I planned to keep the vehicle and was trusting that it would remain reliable provided I maintained it. This coming "service" will exceed the $1000 mark. That's Lexus territory!

I received a letter from VW yesterday for a fix on the cooling fan electrics. Another trip to the dealer.

EDIT: Thanks Transporter. The head gasket was worst case and I have no other symptoms to suggest it.

I understand you.
In my T5 it was ony the water pump that failed otherwise it was quite smoot sailing and van never left me stranded on the road. But I agree the 50,000km life of the water pump is ridiculous, especially if it cost a lot to replace. However there was never recall on the w/pump in the T5, the Touareg with the same engine had the recall that included w/pump replacement.

It is possible to detect the w/pump leak before it goes into the oil,
but IMO the dealer will not do any extra work when servicing your van. The service that is done by VW dealers are only the checks that VW specifies, nothing more, unless they get instructed by VW headoffice, they don't care that your pump is leaking. Otherwise the w/pumps would be replaced at the service. Remember the small diameter black rubber hose at the back of the engine, that will have the signs of the coolant leak long before the coolant level gets bellow the min. mark.

[Umai Naa!!]

There is a bulletin that outlines the hows and why-fors of replacing the water pump on Transporter R5 motors up to a certain engine number break-point . The reason, as far as I know for the Touareg campaign on it, is that it's an absolute cow of a job to do . I've done one. It's not fun. Give me a Transporter to do any day.

[Transporter]

There is a bulletin that outlines the hows and why-fors of replacing the water pump on Transporter R5 motors up to a certain engine number break-point . The reason, as far as I know for the Touareg campaign on it, is that it's an absolute cow of a job to do . I've done one. It's not fun. Give me a Transporter to do any day.

Still unfair, since many T5s were driven with the coolant in the oil and this affected the engine's life and reliability, costing the owners a lot of money. Many bought the van paying premium for top notch engineering and design, when in reality were let down by poor service and let pay for a dodgy w/pumps costing hundreds of dollars to replace every 50,000km.

Instead fitting the same pump, VW could easily convert it to the electric w/pump. That's what my T5 gets, if it fails and I still own it.

[MHAuto]

I was told by VW when they started the exchange program it was because of German recycling laws, that all companies have to offer recycling as Germany was going to 0 landfill, which i think they are there now.

[Transporter]

I was told by VW when they started the exchange program it was because of German recycling laws, that all companies have to offer recycling as Germany was going to 0 landfill, which i think they are there now.

Oh well, it's good to know at least we can put this conspiracy theory to the rest.

Thanks.

[Umai Naa!!]

Sounds plausible. There's so many parts you can order on exchange basis, that it's quite eye-opening.

[Sunny43.5]

But do they pay you for your parts ?????? remember you have already paid for the original , if they want to be the good guys and recycle let them pay for our parts or at least give a discount !!!!!

[Transporter]

I'm not sure, but I know where you're coming from, it's like the deposit on the coke cans. Nothing wrong with that.
Some could also see it as to be kind to the environment, but again if you would have to drive your car just to return prematurely failed part, then I don’t know what is worst?
Is it the poorly design component that impacts on the environment in the way that a lot of engine oil and coolant go to waste unnecessarily?
Or is it that you pollute the air driving the car, who knows how far just to return the part to be recycled?

Either the way, it's too late to worry about the environment.

[Umai Naa!!]

Exchange parts are usually around 20-30% cheaper than buying outright. It's usually only the dealership itself, and trade customers that get the exchange option.

[Sunny43.5]

I,m sorry but I have not heard this before from a dealer . you ring up they quote a price and you pay that when picking up no mention of exchange being offered or discount for exchange .