Volkswagen T5

When looking for minibuses or small vans, it is almost impossible to pass Volkswagen buses. Hardly any other car like this has the same long history of success as the Van of Hanover. It began in the period of economic miracle, as a separate branch of the development of the Beetle, and in the 70s of the twentieth century became a symbol of the mobile lifestyle. Years later, the direction has become a kind of Swiss knife: today there are no tasks that a VW minibus could not perform. The variety of bodies is striking: from the passenger version to a truck with an onboard platform. The concept of the Volkswagen T5, offered since 2003, has remained unchanged since the release of the Volkswagen T4: front-wheel drive and a transverse engine located in the front. More than a decade of production has resulted in countless engines and body variations, making it difficult to find the right modification. In this case, a thorough analysis of personal needs will help. If the car is mainly used for trips together, then a budget option with a small number of seats and simple seats is suitable. A little more expensive and richer will be more versatile versions of off-road or mobile camping. The multi-seat variant of the VW T5 Multivan is well equipped and represents the best compromise between business transport and a car for personal needs. The pinnacle of comfort is considered to be the T5 Multivan Business, which is equipped with separate leather seats.

Proneness to defects

Regardless of the chosen body option, a thorough check of the car, especially the engine, is necessary. At the disposal of the T5 4, 5-cylinder and comfort-oriented 6-cylinder engines. All power units went to the minibus from passenger cars, but with minor improvements. The large weight of the van, frequent loads, rough handling and significant mileage inevitably leave an indelible mark on the state of the power units. 4-cylinder diesel engine with pump injectors has become quite widespread. But that motor is too weak. Most often here pester the head of the block and the pump-nozzles. After restyling in 2009, VW abandoned its use. Five-cylinder diesel engine capacity of 130 and 174 hp. was used until the 2010 model year. Instead of the belt, the timing is used here a more reliable scheme with the drive of camshafts through gears. Preference should be given to a stronger version of the engine. 5-cylinder unit is not free from disadvantages. Faulty starter, wear of two-mass flywheel and nozzles, flying pipes, failure of the pump (from 6 000 rubles), turbocharger (from 36 000 rubles) and cracks in the exhaust manifold (typical for 174-strong modification until 2006). The inexplicably high level of oil is caused by the ingress of fuel into the lubrication system through a tandem pump (from 18,000 rubles) or leaky nozzle seals. The most unpleasant surprise is the showering of plasma spray from the walls of the cylinders. For overhaul of 2. 5 TDI R5 will need at least 100 000 rubles.

Four-cylinder TDI after 2009

With the restyling in 2009, the 5-cylinder engine gave way to a new generation of 4-cylinder turbo diesels. The engines with the Common Rail injection system have become more powerful and comfortable in operation.

At the head of the diesel team is located 180-horsepower bi-turbo. It can easily cover long distances even when fully loaded. False modesty, forced to buy a VW T5 with an entry-level diesel engine with 84 and 102 hp, will turn into discomfort. Such an instance is forced to "vomit" in the right row, especially on the rises, along with crawling loaded trucks.

2.0 BiTDI with CFCA index often suffers from increased oil consumption. Sometimes the head of the block and turbines are brought down. In addition, there were cases of breakage of the drive belt of the hinged units, which led to the entry of his remains under the belt of the timing system. The consequences could be very sad - the meeting of pistons with valves.

Premature wear of the twin flywheel, turbocharger and injection system was not spared and the new 4-cylinder diesel. The flywheel can rattle in 10-20 thousand km. At first, the "rumble" is heard only while the engine is cold, and then (after 150-200 thousand km) does not stop after warming up. And then he starts to create vibrations. If the flywheel falls apart, it can easily damage the bell of the box. The cost of the new original flywheel is 42 000 rubles, and the analogue is about 27 000 rubles. Installation of an analogue with a new clutch set and work in the service will require in the area of 50 000 rubles.

Petrol engines

If you are afraid of problems with diesel engines, you can pay attention to gasoline modifications. The most reliable and unpretentious is considered to be a 2-liter atmospheric AXA. However, some of its owners after 500-600 thousand km have to deal with the replacement of the rotten rings.

Turbo engines with a capacity of 150 and 204 hp found their application from 2012 and 2103 model years, respectively.

Problems with the start and interruptions in the work of VR6 with a working volume of 3.2 liters can occur due to a rupture of the membrane of the valve of ventilation of crankcase gases (1 200 rubles). But it will cost much more to replace the stretched chain of the timing system. The disease occurs after 200,000 km, and to eliminate it will need about 100,000 rubles - the engine has to be removed.

Transmission

The manual transmission can make noise after 150-250 thousand km - bearings wear out prematurely. In addition, sometimes the shaft moves along the axis, or synchronizers fail. The cost of bulkheads is about 40-50 thousand rubles. The service life of the clutch largely depends on the operating conditions and driving manner, but the average life, as a rule, exceeds 200-300 thousand km. The cost of the new set is about 10 000 rubles.

The automatic transmission was offered in a pair of diesel R5 or gasoline V6. The Aisin machine is quite hardy. Restorative repairs are usually not required before 250-300 thousand km, which will require about 80-100 thousand rubles.

The robotic transmission appeared after restyling. Owners with DSG7 start to apply to services after 100-150 thousand km. Often, refashioning and adaptation help.

After 150-250 thousand km, the slits of the right intermediate drive shaft wear out. The original wash is available for 30 000 rubles, the price tag for analogues starts from the mark of 5 000 rubles.

In the model range there are also machines equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The rear wheels are connected when the front wheels are slipped. The possibility of forced blocking is not provided. The Haldex clutch is responsible for the distribution of thrust. The system is pretty reliable. The clutch fails only with large runs as a result of wear of the brushes of the electric pump. The cost of the new pump is about 23 000 rubles. Suspension bearing driveshaft (3-4 thousand rubles for an analogue) is given after 200-300 thousand km.

Walking

Heavy weight, high loads and considerable mileage are the main reasons that at some point put the suspension of any car on its knees. The same thing happens with the Volkswagen T5. However, its complex chassis does not cause characteristic problems with regular maintenance, timely replacement of silenth blocks, shock absorbers and brakes. But keep in mind that after 150,000 km, the suspension often requires major repairs and parts prices are high. At the segment of 100-200 thousand km, rear hub bearings are inevitably handed over (5-7 thousand rubles). The front will serve more than 200-300 thousand km.

The planned bulkhead suspension has at least one positive aspect: the owner of the T5 can choose which way to go. For Multivan, there are countless suspension components that allow you to get a comfortable bus, sports van or lifting van.

In any case, it is necessary to check the condition of shock absorbers for leaks or "swinging". In old age, springs and drive shafts are handed over.

With age, the steering rack will also require attention. The cost of repair is about 18 000 rubles, and the restored reiki is 25 000 rubles.

The brakes are quite effective. If the debt of the "service" often have to move with a trailer, then you can upgrade the brake system by installing components from the Audi RS6. With such brakes, you can be sure of safety even on mountain serpentine.

Bodywork

All models of the Volkswagen T5 are prone to accumulation of body defects. Metal is not prone to corrosion (galvanized), but the paint flies off it regularly. Many owners complain of failed electric windows or electric sliding doors (knocking, vibrating, slowing down or completely refusing to obey). With age, the side window seals leak, and the rollers of sliding doors wear out. Door locks must be lubricated with every maintenance. It seems that this is forgotten in this case. The quality of interior details is also not up to the ideal. At the same time, the rule applies: the more tools that increase functionality and comfort, the more failures. Suffer the central lock, folding table Multivan and electric chair modification Business. Do not trust the owner’s words, but check the work of all systems. Folding table - accessory popular, expensive and very unreliable. Don’t expect much from older headsets with a navigation system. Until 2005, they could only play CDs. Later, a DVD-ROM came along. Playing CDs became possible only after the intervention - flashing the head device. Later systems work and think faster, but by modern standards, it is a stone age technique. Frequent GPS antenna issues are another argument to dismiss the factory system and install a more modern device instead. The rest of the interior suffers from typical Volkswagen defects, such as the knocking of plastic parts and the wear of soft coatings.

Expenses

The Volkswagen T5 is not a cheap car. Restyled copies with decent equipment will cost from $ 15,000. Don’t be tempted to use more affordable and older models, which have almost 1,000,000 km of mileage behind them. Add to that the high maintenance cost comparable to premium sedans.

Rust on the sliding door is a common occurrence for the T5.

Model history

At the end of summer 2003: there was a version with gasoline engines 115 and 230 hp and diesel engines - 104 and 174 hp. The ESP is available as the base equipment for the V6.

December 2003: introduction of 6-speed automatic transmission.

2004: 1.9 TDI with 84 hp and a version of Caravelle.

March 2005: the possibility of using the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

2006: Multivan Beach is the new base model of Multiven.

2006: serial use of the particulate filter.

2007: The long wheelbase version and the Miltivan Starline are the new base models.

September 2009: a large restyling; abandonment of the 5-cylinder diesel engine; 4-cylinder diesel engines received a Common Rail injection system, modifications - 84 hp, 102 hp, 140 hp and 180 hp; increased the service interval of replacing the belt with the rearm; updated body, list of additional equipment and assistance systems.

April 2011: BlueMotion - uses energy recovery systems during braking and start-stop; new 2.0 TSI gasoline engine with 204 hp (possible use of 4Motion system); for a surcharge, xenon headlights with daytime running lights were installed.

January 2013: DSG transmission with free-range clutch.

An expensive nuisance is a broken doorknob ($50).

Proneness to defects

• Regardless of the chosen body option, a thorough check of the car, especially the engine, is necessary.
• After restyling in 2009, VW abandoned its use.
• The preferred version is a stronger version of the engine.
• Faulty starter, wear of two-mass flywheel and nozzles, flying pipes, failure of the pump (from 6 000 rubles), turbocharger (from 36 000 rubles) and cracks in the exhaust manifold (typical for 174-strong modification until 2006).
• The most unpleasant surprise is the showering of plasma spray from the walls of the cylinders. For overhaul 2.
• The condition of the particulate filter installed since January 2006 should also be checked.
• With large runs, it is possible to form production or cracks in the wells of the pump-nozzles.
• The problem is typical for diesel engines of 1.9 and 2.5 liters.

Four-cylinder TDI after 2009

• Premature wear of the twin flywheel, turbocharger and injection system was not spared and the new 4-cylinder diesel.

Petrol engines

• If you are afraid of problems with diesel engines, you can pay attention to gasoline modifications.
• Problems with the start and interruptions in the work of VR6 with a working volume of 3.2 liters can occur due to a rupture of the membrane of the valve of ventilation of crankcase gases (1 200 rubles).
• But it will cost much more to replace the stretched chain of the timing system.

Transmission

• Recovery repairs are usually not required before 250-300 thousand.
• The clutch fails only with large runs as a result of wear of the brushes of the electric pump.

Walking

• However, its complex chassis does not cause characteristic problems with regular maintenance, timely replacement of silenth blocks, shock absorbers and brakes.
• But keep in mind that after 150,000 km, the suspension often requires major repairs and parts prices are high. Between 100,000 and 200,000.
• In any case, it is necessary to check the condition of shock absorbers for leaks or "swinging".
• The cost of repair is about 18 000 rubles, and the restored reiki is 25 000 rubles.

Bodywork

• Metal is not prone to corrosion (galvanized), but the paint flies off it regularly.
• Many owners complain of failed electric windows or electric sliding doors (knocking, vibrating, slowing down or completely refusing to obey).
• With age, the side window seals leak, and the rollers of sliding doors wear out.
• At the same time, the rule applies: the more tools that increase functionality and comfort, the more failures.
• Do not trust the owner’s words, but check the work of all systems.
• Frequent GPS antenna issues are another argument to dismiss the factory system and install a more modern device instead.
• The rest of the interior suffers from typical Volkswagen defects, such as the knocking of plastic parts and the wear of soft coatings.
• Head unit with characteristic wear of the keyboard covering.

Expenses

• Rust on the sliding door is a common occurrence for the T5.

Model history

• September 2009: big restyling; abandonment of the 5-cylinder diesel engine; 4-cylinder diesel engines received a Common Rail injection system, modifications - 84 hp, 102 hp, 140 hp and 180 hp.

Like its predecessors, the Volkswagen T5 is a very popular car. Its shortcomings are more than compensated for by functionality, a large selection of engines and a small loss in price. Until now, the German van could not beat the popularity of either Mercedes or Fiat. The T5 is not only more practical, but also more reliable. This was facilitated by the extended warranty and the constant work of the manufacturer to eliminate the shortcomings. But popularity has affected the price. It is best to pay attention to the copies produced after September 2009 with a mileage of up to 100,000 km first or second hand. The advantage of this model is that it remains in demand even in old age. The most comfortable version of the California is guaranteed to passengers.

• Defective propensity: After restyling in 2009, VW abandoned its use.
• Four-cylinder TDI after 2009: Premature wear of the twin flywheel, turbocharger and injection system was not spared and the new 4-cylinder diesel.
• Gasoline engines: If you are afraid of problems with diesel engines, you can pay attention to gasoline modifications.
• Transmission: Recovery repairs are usually not required before 250,000-300,000.
• Driving: However, its complex chassis does not cause characteristic problems with regular maintenance, timely replacement of silenth units, shock absorbers and brakes.
• Body: Metal is not prone to corrosion (galvanized), but paint flies off it regularly.
• Costs: Rust on a sliding door is common for T5.
• Model history: September 2009: a large restyling; rejection of the 5-cylinder diesel engine; 4-cylinder diesel engines received a Common Rail injection system, modifications - 84 hp, 102 hp, 140 hp and 180 hp.

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