VW 2.0T FSI Good, Bad, Ugly?

Little sis is car shopping again, last year she decided to do the maintenance her old S70 needed, and save up for another year.

Looking at Mk5 Jettas, 2.0T FSI DSG. SWMBO & I know and love our Mk5 DSG TDI Jetta, but outside of the diesels I'm not too familiar.

I've read some issues with DI HPFP/cam follower and PCV system, but most other "common" issues are under extended factory warranty/recall.

Coming from the Volvo world she's familiar with timing belt and similar maintenance. I know the ins and outs of DSG maintenance, and VAG specific fluids.

So how's the 2.0T FSI? Doesn't appear to have the sludge issues of the 1.8T, the 2.0T makes more power than the 2.5l and gets a little better MPGs than it too. I've read enough hate for the 2.5l to not consider it.

In a perfect world I'd be getting her in a TDI, but for whatever reason, she doesn't seem interested.

Any info, or experiences better than anecdotal would be greatly appreciated! I value the knowledge of the GRM hive far above anything the typical VW forums have provided.

• Lee

In all seriousness, FSI is a good motor. Responds to tunes/flashes very well. If I had any concerns, it would be what you have already posted: Cam Followers and High Pressure Fuel Pumps. Plus timing belts/water pumps.

Also, avoid the 2.5's. Get the performance of a 4 cylinder with the fuel consumption of a 6...

that is a really cool shirt!

I got the same motor in my audi. Ive replaced the cam follower twice as preventive maintenance. each time , it had less then .003" wear over the course of 50-60k miles a piece. I have an apr chip and i have passing power on the highway when i need it. I just recently serviced my pcv system.

http://www.bshspeedshop.com/bshstore/products/BSH-2.0T-FSI-PCV-Revamp.html

So far so good, but its been only a week. The timing belt is a expensive job at $1200.

i had a coil pack die on me and replaced them with the ones from the R8 http://www.hstuning.com/product_info.php?products_id=3606 i think its like $16 a pop on rock auto.

The only think I've heard is that VW's deposit up a lot more than other DI engines. If you find that it's not true for this engine, very cool. (and it sounds like you are aware of that)

It's more on the V6 engines that I've seen the deposit issues. The 4's do like to use oil though.

The FSI's are a bit more problematic that the TSI's...all of them should really have a catch can installed. one of the issues is that w/ direct injection (any direct injection systems) the oily gunk never gets washed off of the intake valves. The 2.5l is a great motor, especially the later one that has variable valve timing, it is a pooch in stock form cuz it is made to run on crap gas (87 octane). A chip, intake, exhaust, and header, put it at 200+ whp & wtq

I had a 2006 Audi A3 and loved the performance of that engine. I don't recall any major issues or problems with it but I only had it for 20k miles or so.

Thanks for the info folks, unfortunately I believe it's all for not. I think she's going to wind up in an '09 S40. Women?

• Lee