As my wife can no longer drive my manual Syncro the advent of the new T5 GP with DSG AND 4 motion arouses more than a passing interest for me. I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on the likely reliability of this latest model as the net seems full of stories(particularly from the UK) of the previous T5 model costing owners dearly with flywheel; drive shaft, waterpump and auto problems.
Additionally I thought the following statement from caradvice.com.au might have wider interest amongst our members:
"Volkswagen’s previous 4MOTION system used to adopt a Haldex2, mechanically-controlled centre differential. The new 4MOTION system fitted on these vans incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch design which constantly adjusts torque bias – front to rear – according to traction. It can also transfer up to 100 percent of power and torque to the rear wheels if need be. Additionally, the system can switch itself off during normal highway driving conditions, putting less demand on the electro-hydraulics, aiding economic fuel consumption."
In one foul swoop it seems there might be an updated replacement for our fluid controlled VC with the added advantage of a decoupler! Was the previous Haldex a non multiplate design in which case they should resurrect the Syncro name for the new model.
Obviously the wreckers will hardly have plentiful supplies on their shelves but who knows in the future particularly if importation from Europe remains viable..
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?
Cheers
Roger
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Hi Roger, I've read a lot of those UK horror stories too but i think they represent a fairly small proportion of total sales. You'd be covered with a warranty for 3 years plus you could extend it after that point as I think Brian has done with his.
I've seen a few T5 ex Ambulances for sale at Grays Online lately, be interesting to talk to someone from there to find out how they go with reliability. They'd get a hard life.
Cheers
Gary
On 25/10/2010, at 12:26 AM, Roger Bell wrote:
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?CheersRoger
Roger,
Brian Reed has one, so he would be a good place to start.
Broadly speaking, the advent of electronics has allowed for each wheel speed to be read, compared with the other wheel speeds and compared with the actual road speed. Even this is not particularly new now. This is the system that we used on the Holden Adventra, which, for example, cleared Big Red when a flock of big name, ‘real’ four wheel drives were failing.
Les
From:
Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of Roger Bell
Sent: 25 October 2010 00:26
To: Syncro Aust Group
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia]
Upgrade your VC and add a decoupler ???
|
As my wife can no longer drive my manual Syncro the advent of the new T5 GP with DSG AND 4 motion arouses more than a passing interest for me. I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on the likely reliability of this latest model as the net seems full of stories(particularly from the UK) of the previous T5 model costing owners dearly with flywheel; drive shaft, waterpump and auto problems.
Additionally I thought the following statement from caradvice.com.au might have wider interest amongst our members:
"Volkswagen’s previous 4MOTION system used to adopt a Haldex2, mechanically-controlled centre differential. The new 4MOTION system fitted on these vans incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch design which constantly adjusts torque bias – front to rear – according to traction. It can also transfer up to 100 percent of power and torque to the rear wheels if need be. Additionally, the system can switch itself off during normal highway driving conditions, putting less demand on the electro-hydraulics, aiding economic fuel consumption."
In one foul swoop it seems there might be an updated replacement for our fluid controlled VC with the added advantage of a decoupler! Was the previous Haldex a non multiplate design in which case they should resurrect the Syncro name for the new model.
Obviously the wreckers will hardly have plentiful supplies on their shelves but who knows in the future particularly if importation from Europe remains viable..
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running? Cheers Roger
|
Roger,
I have not heard any issues with the 4wd part of the T5 range
but my brother ha a T4 and has two different mechanics in Sydney tell him
similar stories about the T5.
The top of the range TDi (high power version) is apparently a
bit of a lemon mainly due to water pump failures allowing water to get into the
oil and the turbo causing the donk to be completely kaput.
Very expensive re-builds follow.
He was warned by these mechanics to stick with his 03 T4 TDi
as they are much more reliable and he was very keen to upgrade as he prefers the
look of the T5 (even though it is just a plumbers truck for him).
Cheers,
Skot
----- Original Message -----From: Roger BellSent: Monday, October 25, 2010 12:26 AMSubject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Upgrade your VC and add a decoupler ???
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?CheersRoger
Roger
Brian Reed should be able to give some first hand and advice re T5. As you well know he did complete the Kombi to Kape adventure with you. I know that his T5 Trakka with doff lock has done something close to 80 000k's some I'm sure he'd know of any problems if there were any.
Brian Reed should be able to give some first hand and advice re T5. As you well know he did complete the Kombi to Kape adventure with you. I know that his T5 Trakka with doff lock has done something close to 80 000k's some I'm sure he'd know of any problems if there were any.
On 25 October 2010 09:31, Mr Scott Pitcher <spbconsulting@bigpond.com> wrote:
Roger,I have not heard any issues with the 4wd part of the T5 range but my brother ha a T4 and has two different mechanics in Sydney tell him similar stories about the T5.The top of the range TDi (high power version) is apparently a bit of a lemon mainly due to water pump failures allowing water to get into the oil and the turbo causing the donk to be completely kaput.Very expensive re-builds follow.He was warned by these mechanics to stick with his 03 T4 TDi as they are much more reliable and he was very keen to upgrade as he prefers the look of the T5 (even though it is just a plumbers truck for him).Cheers,Skot----- Original Message -----From: Roger BellSent: Monday, October 25, 2010 12:26 AMSubject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Upgrade your VC and add a decoupler ???
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?CheersRoger
--
Regards
Michael
Michael Rayner East Light Photography
PO Box 144
MALLACOOTA VIC 3892
MOB: 0409 241 672
BUS: 0351169401
A/H: (03)5158 0346
Web: www.michaelraynerphotography.com.au
Email: michaelrayner@exemail.com.au
Roger and Crew
Sorry for tripling up on Brian Reed lead. Had'nt seen other posts. Poor Brian, he's gonna be inundated with T5 advice.
Sorry for tripling up on Brian Reed lead. Had'nt seen other posts. Poor Brian, he's gonna be inundated with T5 advice.
On 25 October 2010 00:26, Roger Bell <bellrmit@yahoo.com.au> wrote:
If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?CheersRoger
--
Regards
Michael
Hi Roger,
A T5GP with DSG and 4 Motion has also tweaked my interest. Let me know if you find one available for test drives, because they are still apparently very thin on the ground. I have had a short drive of a 2wd DSG 132Kw van, and was pretty impressed.
I wouldn't be too put off by all the (Pommy) whingers on the Brickyard site. After all, that is partly what these sites are for. Similar to what some-one else said, I think the overall fault rate is probably better than most new vans. On the other hand, as with any modern car, some things that go wrong can be very expensive, so I'd be getting an extended warranty. You may even be able to negotiate one as part of the initial purchase deal.
The new 4th generation Haldex does sound like an improvement (not that I've found my gen. 2 version lacking). What I don't know, is if the 'switch off' function is driver selectable, to aid in being towed, or having to use an odd size tyre in the event of a puncture, for instance. VW also have an 'off-road' option pack now (probably not as severe as the Siekel kit that Trakka offered on the previous model, but not as expensive either).
A T5GP with DSG and 4 Motion has also tweaked my interest. Let me know if you find one available for test drives, because they are still apparently very thin on the ground. I have had a short drive of a 2wd DSG 132Kw van, and was pretty impressed.
I wouldn't be too put off by all the (Pommy) whingers on the Brickyard site. After all, that is partly what these sites are for. Similar to what some-one else said, I think the overall fault rate is probably better than most new vans. On the other hand, as with any modern car, some things that go wrong can be very expensive, so I'd be getting an extended warranty. You may even be able to negotiate one as part of the initial purchase deal.
The new 4th generation Haldex does sound like an improvement (not that I've found my gen. 2 version lacking). What I don't know, is if the 'switch off' function is driver selectable, to aid in being towed, or having to use an odd size tyre in the event of a puncture, for instance. VW also have an 'off-road' option pack now (probably not as severe as the Siekel kit that Trakka offered on the previous model, but not as expensive either).
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Roger Bell <bellrmit@...> wrote:
>
> As my wife can no longer drive my manual Syncro the advent of the new T5 GP with DSG AND 4 motion arouses more than a passing interest for me. I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on the likely reliability of this latest model as the net seems full of stories(particularly from the UK) of the previous T5 model costing owners dearly with flywheel; drive shaft, waterpump and auto problems.
> Â
> Additionally I thought the following statement from caradvice.com.au might have wider interest amongst our members:
> Â
> "Volkswagenâs previous 4MOTION system used to adopt a Haldex2, mechanically-controlled centre differential. The new 4MOTION system fitted on these vans incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch design which constantly adjusts torque bias â" front to rear â" according to traction. It can also transfer up to 100 percent of power and torque to the rear wheels if need be. Additionally, the system can switch itself off during normal highway driving conditions, putting less demand on the electro-hydraulics, aiding economic fuel consumption."
> Â
> In one foul swoop it seems there might be an updated replacement for our fluid controlled VC with the added advantage of a decoupler! Was the previous Haldex a non multiplate design in which case they should resurrect the Syncro name for the new model.
> Â
> Obviously the wreckers will hardly  have plentiful supplies on their shelves but who knows in the future particularly if importation from Europe remains viable..
> Â
> If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?
> Cheers
> Roger
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Â
>
> showCommentsLogin();
>
Thanks everyone for your helpful and reassuring opinions particularly Brian. That's interesting info about the factory off road kit. Can you give me a link to it? I notice Trakka seem to be converting more DSG 4 motions than other configerations so perhaps that's where they have all gone. (Around $107,000!! depending on specs.) We'll have to talk some more at the DOTVW and preceding night's campover. (I can offer you this special deal on roof insulation if you and Les view my entry favourably for the show and shine.)
Don't suppose any of our German speaking members are reading anything of the happy absence or instance of teething troubles showing up for the new model. Cheers
Roger
|
Hi Roger,
Sorry, I don't have a link to the VW 'off-road pack'. It's just something I saw in a brochure at a dealership recently. As I recall it involved about a 50mm lift, and (I think) heavier shocks. Not sure about what, if any, underbody armour was included, or the cost. Mind you, if you are trying to convince your better half, and want to minimise screaming from the passenger seat, it is probably all you'd need.
You prompted me to look at Trakka's current site, and you're right about all the DSG 4Motions they have on offer. One I saw listed at $132K (with a deposit taken). I'd love to see a spec sheet on that one. I'm also still on the look out for any sort of road test in 4wd conditions, as I wonder how the DSG would suit rock hopping etc.
Brian
Sorry, I don't have a link to the VW 'off-road pack'. It's just something I saw in a brochure at a dealership recently. As I recall it involved about a 50mm lift, and (I think) heavier shocks. Not sure about what, if any, underbody armour was included, or the cost. Mind you, if you are trying to convince your better half, and want to minimise screaming from the passenger seat, it is probably all you'd need.
You prompted me to look at Trakka's current site, and you're right about all the DSG 4Motions they have on offer. One I saw listed at $132K (with a deposit taken). I'd love to see a spec sheet on that one. I'm also still on the look out for any sort of road test in 4wd conditions, as I wonder how the DSG would suit rock hopping etc.
Brian
--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Roger Bell <bellrmit@...> wrote:
>
> Thanks everyone for your helpful and reassuring opinions particularly Brian. That's interesting info about the factory off road kit. Can you give me a link to it? I notice Trakka seem to be converting more DSG 4 motions than other configerations so perhaps that's where they have all gone. (Around $107,000!! depending on specs.) We'll have to talk some more at the DOTVW and preceding night's campover. (I can offer you this special deal on roof insulation if you and Les view my entry favourably for the show and shine.)
> Don't suppose any of our German speaking members are reading anything of the happy absence or instance of teething troubles showing up for the new model.
> Cheers
> Roger
> Â
> --- On Mon, 25/10/10, breed@... <breed@...> wrote:
>
>
> From: breed@... <breed@...>
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: Upgrade your VC and add a decoupler ???
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> Received: Monday, 25 October, 2010, 7:51 PM
>
>
> Â
>
>
>
>
>
> Hi Roger,
>
> A T5GP with DSG and 4 Motion has also tweaked my interest. Let me know if you find one available for test drives, because they are still apparently very thin on the ground. I have had a short drive of a 2wd DSG 132Kw van, and was pretty impressed.
>
> I wouldn't be too put off by all the (Pommy) whingers on the Brickyard site. After all, that is partly what these sites are for. Similar to what some-one else said, I think the overall fault rate is probably better than most new vans. On the other hand, as with any modern car, some things that go wrong can be very expensive, so I'd be getting an extended warranty. You may even be able to negotiate one as part of the initial purchase deal.
>
> The new 4th generation Haldex does sound like an improvement (not that I've found my gen. 2 version lacking). What I don't know, is if the 'switch off' function is driver selectable, to aid in being towed, or having to use an odd size tyre in the event of a puncture, for instance. VW also have an 'off-road' option pack now (probably not as severe as the Siekel kit that Trakka offered on the previous model, but not as expensive either).
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Roger Bell <bellrmit@> wrote:
> >
> > As my wife can no longer drive my manual Syncro the advent of the new T5 GP with DSG AND 4 motion arouses more than a passing interest for me. I'd be interested in anyone's opinion on the likely reliability of this latest model as the net seems full of stories(particularly from the UK)ÃÂ of the previous T5 modelÃÂ costing owners dearly with flywheel; drive shaft, waterpump and auto problems.
> > ÃÂ
> > AdditionallyÃÂ I thought the following statement from caradvice.com.au might have wider interest amongst our members:
> > ÃÂ
> > "Volkswagenââ¬â¢s previous 4MOTION system used to adopt a Haldex2, mechanically-controlled centre differential. The new 4MOTION system fitted on these vans incorporates an electronically-controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch design which constantly adjusts torque bias ââ¬" front to rear ââ¬" according to traction. It can also transfer up to 100 percent of power and torque to the rear wheels if need be. Additionally, the system can switch itself off during normal highway driving conditions, putting less demand on the electro-hydraulics, aiding economic fuel consumption."
> > ÃÂ
> > In one foul swoop it seems there might be an updated replacement forÃÂ ourÃÂ fluid controlledÃÂ VC with the added advantage of a decoupler!ÃÂ Was the previous Haldex a non multiplate design in which case they should resurrect the Syncro name for the new model.
> > ÃÂ
> > ObviouslyÃÂ the wreckers will hardly ÃÂ have plentiful supplies on their shelves but who knows in the future particularly ifÃÂ importation from Europe remains viable..
> > ÃÂ
> > If I seek a test run in the new model do you think they will get suspicious if I ask them to wait outside my local bank with the engine running?
> > Cheers
> > Roger
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ÃÂ
> >
> > showCommentsLogin();
> >
>