Tiguan service life issues between 200-250k km. Now with fuel issue

[ethosguy]

Hi all

I'm looking for some insight to help decision making how to approach a potentially expensive fuel system repair.

What can I expect for other known failures and costs associated with Tiguans between 200,000 & 250,000km's
What can I expect the diesel specialists to report and how do I read best their pending diagnosis?

Background.
Our much appreciated '09 Tiguan TDI has just ticked over 200,000km. We plan to replace in 2yrs when payments for the Focus RS are complete.

The Tig has fallen into a bout of expensive mechanical issues and is now slumped into the 3rd round of potentially expensive repairs.

Given the age, value and lost confidence of reliability (mainly of my wife) we are debating scenarios around continuing to repair, repairing and moving it on, or cutting our losses...subject to diagnosis & repair cost.

Details
Owned since new.
Manual.

Is clean and in good general condition.

Vehicle has been maintained correctly throughout, driven appropriately, meaning city driving mix with plenty of regular sustained highway work. Wife (her car) does a decent job. Not laboured, over revved, driven lightly when cold...tows a dirt bike trailer regularly.

Has an APR tune, for ever...otherwise engine is stock.
Brakes & dampers replaced & in good order.
Clutch is original. Expect to wear out within the next 2yrs, assume $2,000-2,500?

6mths ago A/C compressor -$2000
3mths EGR replacement and turbo bearings - $3200, believe should have been much more.

Last Friday it failed to restart after a hot park.
nearby non-VW, non-diesel mech had a first pass over it today.
Identified the fuel filter is contaminated with algae.
Tank is usually refilled between 5/8 & 3/4 empty.
Hasn't been run close to empty recently.
As a rule, we use brand fuel and target 'new' fuel stations.

He replaced the fuel filter and the engine now runs but with returning engine light and flashing glow plug light - in limp mode.

Suspects risk of damage to high pressure fuel pump due to poor lubrication citing algae.

Mentioned a possible temporary fix (unfamiliar sch???) but I didn't understand the parts. He advised against.

I called our usual VW specialist (CVWC) who are unfortunately booked solid for 2 mths. They recommended a diesel specialist. I intend to follow that advice.

If the H/P fuel pump is damaged, I assume, say, >$4000??

Insight appreciated.
Rgds
Pete

[Lucas_R]

Good news is that the TDI HPFP is less than $1k and quite easily accessible on the engine if that is in fact the problem. High Pressure Fuel Pump for 2.0TDI - 03L130755AC – VAGPARTS Australia

YouTube

Are Fuel Pump Failures Sidelining Volkswagen's Diesel Engines?

[Transporter]

I’d expect and from my experience the turbocharger bearings last much longer, when the engine oil is changed as it should be. Though the 15,000km oil change doesn’t suit everyone’s driving conditions.

[ethosguy]

$1000 sounds 4x better than presumed
I did find the Humble Mech vid in checking background...good info.

Did consider if the tune extra boost affected turbo bearings...inspected and had generous axial and radial play.
This has been the only car I've ever not reduced oil change intervals, generally I halve. I'll own that mistake.

[ethosguy]

Diesel specialist diagnosed to a incompletely connected sensor plug. New filter confirmed clean fuel system.

Fair to say I feel like a bullet dodged.

Will run into the next issue..was kindly loaned a Nissan X-Trail (boxy, 2014 with 100,000km). Respectfully, the newer, half as used X-Trail isn't a patch on the Tiguan, power, steering, suspension, refinement, user interface, feel, quality...name all but luggage space and 4wd system is better for unbogging from snow.

Should mention ours has Bilstein B6 dampers, Hawk Ceramic pads on DBA rotors (no dust), Oettinger stage 1 tune.