VW Heritage T5 Buying Guide

[Umai Naa!!]

Camshaft wear and driveshaft stubshaft failures are common on both the 1.9L and 2.5L TDIs.

The automatic gearbox may fail regardless of servicing. This applies to pretty much all VW and Audi vehicles with a conventional (non-DSG) auto. I've even seen rebuilt ones that were subsequently serviced correctly thereafter, die. They're just junk.

Seriously, if you have to have an auto, get a T5GP (facelift, MY10-onwards) with the DSG. Waaay less trouble with them.

[jets]

Camshaft wear and driveshaft stubshaft failures are common on both the 1.9L and 2.5L TDIs.

I came across this reconditioning site related to the camshaft wear problem. [Thanks Sharkie]

SSCH Southside Cylinder Head Service, ERA Engine Reconditioning Australia

Go to Reconditioning Process page & click on VW Turbo Diesel Camshaft Issues.

[Transporter]

I came across this reconditioning site related to the camshaft wear problem. [Thanks Sharkie]

SSCH Southside Cylinder Head Service, ERA Engine Reconditioning Australia

Go to Reconditioning Process page & click on VW Turbo Diesel Camshaft Issues.

The camshaft wear problem in T5 AXD and AXE engine, only if you don't use VW506.01 oil in the engine. Which probably many didn't.


The naives who always know better than the manufacturers:
PD cam failure - Data collection thread - TDIClub Forums

[jets]

I must say I was surprised to read what Southside Cylinder Head Service said "The exact cause of the failure is still yet to be pinpointed but poor lubrication to the top end is likely to be playing a major part" I would have thought that they would speculate that the correct oil was probably not always used, as I would have.
I tried reading the link provided to the TDI Forum but after a couple of pages I got bored with some of the nonsense & stopped reading.
My main interest in this is my Mk5 TDI PD engine that has ALWAYS been treated with the correct oil, works perfectly.
Transporter, have you serviced many high mileage PD engines without camshaft related problems?