It's here- at last!

[Buzy_Robot]

Essendon Volkswagen just sent me a letter outlining the complimentary checkup:

We recommend dropping in between your first 2,000 and 4,000 kms for an oil check and top up (if needed). This is free of charge and no booking is required. Then, your service intervals will be every 12 months or 15,000 kms- whichever comes first.

I'll actually be taking in my B7 Passat in about two weeks to sort out some silly rattles (only covered by VW Warranty in the first 1,500 kms of the car's life), but it's good to see a dealer looking after their customers.

Any other Passat TDI owners been told or contacted about this free checkup?

[maxim]

Any other Passat TDI owners been told or contacted about this free checkup?

that sounds the same as my dealer's 1000-1500k check up. I'll be booking mine in this week - just covered 1000k's over the weekend

[dopey]

Haven't been contacted about it myself. Also got annoying rattle in the boot of my wagon I've been unable to pinpoint which is driving me mad. Approaching 1k kms now so better give them a ring I suppose!

My TDI Passat seems a little more rattley and "diesel like" than my TDI Golf did, don't know if there's something wrong or if it's just how its supposed to be.

Hmmmmm so about that health check then......

[Buzy_Robot]

Dopey, I don't think all VW dealers have this courtesy checkup. Here in Melbourne, Essendon VW certainly have it, but Werribee VW make no mention of it. I would like VW Australia to make this mandatory across all dealerships, but it might be more complicated to set in place. If you don't hear from your dealer, ring them and ask. My understanding is that the checkup pertains to the oil consumption by the diesel donk, so kudos to the dealers who offer this free service.

Yes, the rattles are annoying and they only happen when it's cold. The wretched rattle from the C-pillar on the right hand side is the most frustrating, but this morning I also had one coming out of the dash to the right of the steering column. Seems like the aluminimum strip is loose because when I pressed it, the rattle stopped for a while. Oddly enough, the rattle from somewhere on the passenger's side didn't happen this morning.

Hopefully these silly glitches can be fixed because my 2010 Mazda6 had no rattles or squeaks after 12,000kms at trade in. Hmmmmm....... indeed!

Still, the B7 TDI Passat is a glorious piece of kit and is better than the Mazda6 in many regards eg. overall refinement, interior comfort, torque and fuel economy.

[wai]

I don't think all VW dealers have this courtesy checkup.

I got my Caddy Maxi Life from Nepean Motor Group at Penrith and they told me of this when I picked it up. I am down in Bendigo at the moment on a bit of a holiday which has ended up with me doing work over here. When I get back I should have something like 3,000 to 4,000 km up. So far no real problems. I am keeping a list of things to be done, and so far it is just two items.

The first is to disable the lane change flash. It sounded like a good idea, but has almost seen me have a couple of accidents. Here in Bendigo I wanted to make a left turn, only the intersection was a bit complex. I cancelled the left turn indicator, but it went on for 2 more clicks. Foolishly I ended up signalling right, and again when I tried to cancel it, it continued with two more flashes! Much too dangerous.

I might have been able to fix this with the MFD where under Lights and Vision, there is a setting called "Comf.Light" or something like that. The manual does not list it. It shows two settings; one for daytime running lights, and one for lane change. This can be checked on or off. Turning it off sees the lane change disabled, but I don't know what else it does.

The other thing I want to get changed is the powering of the lighter/accessory sockets. At the moment they are live all the time, even though the manual says they are turned off with the ignition key switch.

[dopey]

Any other 125TDI owners had any issues arise yet?

Mine has just ticked over 1500km on the odometer and it has developed a slight clunking on the left side when you turn right. Sounds just like it's CV/Uni Joint related. I've heard of this on previous model Passat Diesels. Should be fixed under warranty but a bit of a disappointment, though these things happen. Hopefully VW look after me with the fixing part.

[maxim]

3000k's so far so good. When can I give some herbs though? Haven't given it full throttle yet, so don't really know how good it can actually go - or not

[dopey]

There's a million opinions on this, if you read the manual it does specify the Volkswagen recommended procedure as well.

I usually baby it for 1500km and then progressively drive it a little harder from then on. Don't be afraid to give it the beans every now and then with 3000km on the clock!

[Highland Laddie]

and it's sitting in my garage too! Couldn't be happier with it. Gave it the Nanolex treatment straight away yesterday and taking it out today in the sun, I couldn't believe the difference.



The interior that I was a bit hesitant about, is perfect too. Interestingly, the dash and tops of the doors aren't black, they're a really dark brown that looks much better than black would. The hood lining is the same colour as the plastic trim in the centre roof console, I wouldn't call it grey, it's more a bone colour. Black carpets are spot on.

The only thing I don't like about it is the crappy daytime driving lights. That dull yellow light in the bottom of the front bar just looks like I forgot to turn off the parkers. Might have to do something about that (I know there are some LED options for those bulbs, see what fits and works). The only other thing I have to look up in the manual is I keep getting a reminder to check Safe Locking something or other? Not sure what all that is about.

But the passat is great to drive, definitely made the right decision.

Glad your happy with the Passat, looks great.
Get mine at end of the month, want to Nanolex it too, did you clay bar yours first?
Cheers

[Jmac]

Very nice. i looked at one a short time ago for a service and the sump plug was loose, there was oil stain around the plug. Im sure it was a one off though but would be nice if they check it whist doing the bum wipe service. car had come from down south somewhere but hadnt been serviced, only had the obligitory 1st check up. back in the day the belly pans were taken off and the sump plug torque checked along with ball joints etc. there is plenty time to do it during PD

Enjoy, looks the goods

Jmac