'troublesome 1.4ltr twincharged' according to CarsGuide

**Hitman20** · 12-09-2012, 07:28 PM

I was reading the paper last Friday where CarsGuide had done a write up on the upcoming Golf VII and they heralded the fact that golf had dropped, what they called, the troublesome 1.4ltr twincharged (see here New Volkswagen Golf 7 revealed | carsguide.com.au, though in the online one they don't have as much emotion). Now to be honest, I don't trust the writers at CarsGuide as much as say Wheels (yes... I know there is an overlap from freelance journalists), I find the CarsGuide sometimes lacks polish and has glaring errors, which come back to good editing mostly. BUT I digress...

My question is, what fact is this founded upon, I have heard murmurings and rumours, but nothing substaintial or specfic regarding any short comings or durability / reliability issues with this engine. Has anyone on the forums heard anything about this? feel free to pitch in if your a Golf / Golf SW owner... I want to know what I might be up for in the future.

Thank you in advance, Brad

(p.s. I post on the Jetta forums, because, I own a Jetta 118tsi)

**LunchboxVRS** · 12-09-2012, 07:38 PM

Mate do a search on hear or look at the polo 6R section as the GTI has it in 132kw form. there can be many issues but if your yet to see them you should be good. high oil usage is the main problem. search is your friend

**ziggyboy** · 12-09-2012, 08:57 PM

Discussed here http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...one-76230.html

**Hitman20** · 12-09-2012, 09:06 PM

Thank you this information has helped me no end... and now I am worried and pissed in my poor decision making. Can't believe I didn't find this all out before I bought... usually I'm so good at this!

**ziggyboy** · 12-09-2012, 09:36 PM

That's ok. I've got the same car. It's a great car to drive and you've got warranty, so should be alright (while under warranty). Hehehe..

**idaho** · 13-09-2012, 11:19 AM

We have a Golf V (GT Sport) with the 125kw version of that engine. We haven't had any engine problems.

For the 125kw engine the fuel requirement is specified as 98 RON while the 118 kw versions have the fuel specified as 95 RON. Both engines have identical torque figures (240Nm from 1750 - 4500 rpm), while the 118kw is specified at 5900 rpm and the 125kw is specified at 6000 rpm. That reads to me that the engines are probably identical yet the 118 runs on lower octane fuel and quotes better fuel consumption so you would think the engine must be tuned to run leaner. Running leaner with lower octane fuel suggests to me there is far less margin for error, or a very faithful reliance that the engine controller can sort any problems out. We have only ever used non-ethanol 98 RON fuel and I think that earlier fuel specification requirement leads to the seemingly better reliability of that version. I realise there are a lot less 125kw engines around than 118kw but I think on the forum there might only be one recent problem with a 125kw whereas 118's often have problems early on.

**ziggyboy** · 13-09-2012, 12:05 PM

Hi idaho, you might be correct. I remember people telling me that older 118's require 95RON. I bought my Jetta in December 2011 and it says 98RON.The "98" is in big bold lettes next on the fuel door with "95" in a smaller size with brackets. Not sure of the exact text but it's something like 95 may be used as an alternative when 98 is not available.

It may also explain why the later 118's do not sem to have a lot of problems. VW may have changed the 95 requirement to 98 recently.

**idaho** · 13-09-2012, 04:04 PM

The Golf VI spec sheet that I have shows 95 RON so VW must have had a change of mind if the Jetta specifies 98 RON like the Golf V. To me it is a big ask for an engine with 10:1 compression that can run to 1.5 bar of boost at low rpm to run on 95 RON fuel.

**Hitman20** · 13-09-2012, 05:22 PM

Originally Posted by ziggyboy

Hi idaho, you might be correct. I remember people telling me that older 118's require 95RON. I bought my Jetta in December 2011 and it says 98RON.The "98" is in big bold lettes next on the fuel door with "95" in a smaller size with brackets. Not sure of the exact text but it's something like 95 may be used as an alternative when 98 is not available.

It may also explain why the later 118's do not sem to have a lot of problems. VW may have changed the 95 requirement to 98 recently.

Hmmmmm... this is all very interesting, I mostly run my car on 98ron, though the head of service at my VW dealer reckoned I could get away with 95 as long as it was from a decent well kept servo (he said choose BP over Shell). I've had it nearly 1 year and had NO mehcanical issues at all, albeit it's had a good life so far.

**Transporter** · 13-09-2012, 06:03 PM

The Cars Guide is in love with Hyundai and Kia, so I disregard their opinion on anything technical. Yes, it's only their opinion in the media, based on hearsay, nothing more.

Just enjoy your car, don't let them to spoil it for you.