For longtime Volkswagen diesel enthusiasts, the allure of high mileage and robust engines is well-known. Generations of VW diesels have delivered exceptional longevity, often reaching hundreds of thousands of kilometers with routine maintenance. Engines like the ALH are celebrated for their straightforward durability, requiring little more than regular oil changes, timing belts, and brake jobs to achieve incredible mileage. Many owners fondly recall racking up close to 500,000 km on ALH engines with minimal serious issues, often on original components like clutches and alternators.
However, the landscape shifted with later TDI engine generations like the BEW. While still offering the diesel driving experience that VW fans appreciate, the Bew Tdi engine, and others that followed the older ALH, presents a different ownership experience. While not without its merits, the BEW TDI can be more demanding in terms of maintenance and may exhibit a few more common issues than its predecessors. Owners sometimes report experiences with components requiring replacement sooner than expected. This can range from more frequent clutch replacements, hinting at potentially higher stress on these parts, to electrical quirks that can be frustrating to diagnose.
One common area of concern, potentially relevant to the BEW TDI based on experiences with similar era engines, revolves around the engine’s valvetrain. Camshaft and lifter wear have been noted in some cases, requiring more significant repairs compared to the simpler maintenance typically associated with earlier TDI engines. Furthermore, intake manifold blockages due to EGR system operation can occur, impacting performance and requiring cleaning to restore optimal engine function. Addressing the EGR system through modifications might improve engine operation, but could also trigger check engine lights, necessitating diagnostic tools.
Despite these potential drawbacks, the BEW TDI engine still retains the core appeal of a Volkswagen diesel. Fuel economy remains a strong point, often achieving impressive figures on both highway and city driving cycles. And for those who are hands-on with their vehicles, tools like VAG-COM (VCDS) become invaluable for diagnostics and maintenance, allowing owners to understand and address issues effectively. While it may not be quite as bulletproof as the older ALH, the BEW TDI engine offers a blend of diesel economy and VW driving character, albeit with a need for more diligent maintenance awareness.
