Running In procedure 103tdi

[Umai Naa!!]

I thought diesels have a special running in oil, than permits a little more wear than a full synthetic 507 oil. So yes, don't change the oil in a diesel until 15,000km.

Availability of 507 synthetic oils is limited. The special Castrol one provided by VW dealers is not available retail last I looked. Shell Helix Ultra has one 507 oil.

You can buy the Castrol or VW-branded Castrol oil through your dealership. Failing that, the likes of Supercheap sell Shel Helix Ultra Extra (5W30 504/507), and Penrite Enviro+ (5W30 504/507). They all seem to be around the same price, at roughly $20 for 1L, or around $90 for 5L.

[bluey]

They all seem to be around the same price, at roughly $20 for 1L, or around $90 for 5L.

Got Shell Helix Ultra Extra 5L at Supercheap's 20% Easter Sat sale for $59.99.

[Umai Naa!!]

Gah! I should've stocked up!

[Diesel_vert]

Hi
Am about to get a Scout but would like to know if there is a Diesel Specific Running in Procedure.
A mate of mine had a Land Rover defender and he was told to drive it like he hated it to run it in.. This leads me to conclude that being too gentle during running in may glaze bores or lead to a lazy engine?
Thanks
Nick

When you eventually take possession of your car, read the owner's manual, read Motoman's guide, and then keep a nice balance between the two. IMO, you don't need to follow either guide to the letter, and certainly don't treat it as gospel.

I'm also of the opinion that just driving it normally will be completely fine. Avoid babying or labouring it excessively, and certainly don't hesitate to use the throttle and give it some revs when the mood takes you, but don't rev the nuts off it just for the sake of it.

I know it's a new car and all, but don't get too precious - they make thousands upon thousands of TDI units (even if they do get the odd one wrong).

I plan to do my 1st service at about 2k then 7 then 12 then 15k.

IMO, absolutely pointless.

Either change the oil + filter every 7 500 km/6 months (whichever of two you reach first) or 15 000 km/12 months (whichever of the two you reach first).

Despite the shoddy workmanship of VAG cars (Transporter's comments are quite valid in this respect), the suitability of the current oil change interval (OCI) has been more or less been confirmed by the TDIClub Forum in America, who (as Buller_Scott already alluded to) have a more comprehensive knowledge on all matters related to diesels.

That said, nothing is preventing you from doing otherwise - it's your car after all.

I wont be telling the dealer as ridiculously some on the forum say it might void warranty... well I'll be!!!

You won't void the warranty.

Futrhter to my post re the running in/oil change intervals my next question is
What oils are some of you using in the 103tdi with DPF?
Brands I have used in other cars are Shell helix ultra/Mobil 1
so which full on synthetic can anyone recommend?

You can use any oil as long as it's on VW's approved oil list. The relevant standard is VW 504/507. All are synthetic (Group III or higher) and SAE grade 5W-30. I've complied a list here for everyone's convenience.

Where can I get genuine oil filters.. if changing oil invalidates warranty then i need a melbourne dealer

You can purchase them from any Audi, Skoda or VW dealer. Refer to the internet for locations.

On that note, use only OEM or genuine filters.

Thanks Guys. It scares me to think that new oil causes wear.. I am not challenging the member who wrote it but I just Cant figure how it can.. if anyone knows the science behind it, then please post.
Many thanks for all your advice.
Guess i will be "working the tdi more than anticipated"
Nick

IMO, you will not greatly damage the engine even if you have an OCD, but neither will there be any great payoff further down the track.

Do you seriously envision keeping the car for over 300 000 km? Sure, the internals of the engine might have another 200 000 km to go before needing a rebuild, but by that time all the other bits on the car would be in such a state that it would render the car an economic write-off.

According to Motoman one should change the oil real quick i think it was like a few hundred miles of first thrashing err loading it during run in.
So I might just do a quick oil change at say 250 miles?

Again, completely pointless IMO.