2010 118 TSI with issues - sell or keep ?

[bbz1000]

i bought a 2010 118 TSI with 37,000 on the clock from vw dealer less than a year ago.
They did some work on it before handing it over and failed to disclose the 3 recall stickers on the car.
VW dealers know very well these cars are full of problems.
Since buying it the engine light has come on roughly every 1.5 months.


1. The clutch has been replaced. – warranty
2. The Timing belt + associated works replaced. – warranty
3. Cam shaft timing sensors cleaned – warranty
4. cam shaft timing sensors replaced – just out of warranty I paid ½ the $700 bill after complaining.


I was told "one" of the recall stickers was a metronomic replacement.
The engine light has come on again recently! it stayed on for a week or so, a scheduled minor service was just about due so I thought it may have been that.


I tried clearing using the service reminder clear – i.e. turn engine to 'on' positon without starting whilst holding the right dash button, then hitting the left dash button.
This did indeed clear the engine light – however i came on again within 50Kms. I did this once or twice. The light remained on, however it has recently switched off again !


I have read a lot of reading on how terrible these engines and cars are – but I'm hesitant to sell it because i figure with so many components replaced with new -what else could possibly go wrong!! It only has about 43,000kms now!

Its due for a service – but for the timing belt replacement the engine was basically completely opened up and has its oil replaced. Doesn't seem necessary to change the only again 2 months later!


I have just emailed VW australia for suggestion of a long term solution..
any advise?

[bbz1000]

recall stickers :

1 which i cant read
24s4 - 1/6/2010
35c1 -10/2/2014

[Umai Naa!!]

These are chain-driven. No timing belt.

The chains are an issue with these, well more specifically, the chain tensioner.

You need to get it scanned to find out what the Check Engine Light is coming on for.

Recalls aren't all bad. It means they've fixed a common issue. 24S4 was a software update, from memory. Not sure if it was for the engine ECU, or the transmission.

Fix it as cheaply as you can, and sell it.

[bbz1000]

These are chain-driven. No timing belt.

The chains are an issue with these, well more specifically, the chain tensioner.

You need to get it scanned to find out what the Check Engine Light is coming on for.

Recalls aren't all bad. It means they've fixed a common issue. 24S4 was a software update, from memory. Not sure if it was for the engine ECU, or the transmission.

Fix it as cheaply as you can, and sell it.

yes your right - timing chain inside the engine was replaced.

just checked my workshop invoice, It is a long list of parts but does mention:

chain
tensioner
enginie oil
oil filter
water pump
gaskets, washers, bolts, screws etc etc

on my clutch replacement it states:
DSG repair kit
bolts, nuts, washers etc.

[ope126]

recall stickers :

1 which i cant read
24s4 - 1/6/2010
35c1 -10/2/2014

24S4 Service Campaign - Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

35C1 Recall - https://www.recalls.gov.au/content/i...nItemId=952567

[Mk R]

These are chain-driven. No timing belt.

The chains are an issue with these, well more specifically, the chain tensioner.

You need to get it scanned to find out what the Check Engine Light is coming on for.

Recalls aren't all bad. It means they've fixed a common issue. 24S4 was a software update, from memory. Not sure if it was for the engine ECU, or the transmission.

Fix it as cheaply as you can, and sell it.

I'd tend to agree. If you aren't willing to invest just get it sorted and sell it. Maybe see what the same dealer will do for you on a trade in for a 103TDI, they seem to have less issues from what i've heard.

[bbz1000]

I'd tend to agree. If you aren't willing to invest just get it sorted and sell it. Maybe see what the same dealer will do for you on a trade in for a 103TDI, they seem to have less issues from what i've heard.

I definitely don't want to invest any more money in this car. I just want it to run without the constant thought that it may have major issues.

I do enjoy driving the car, so I know where your coming from. And I honestly did think that with so many parts and issues already replaced that I would be set for years of trouble free driving.

The engine light is off and the car is running well at the moment. But who knows...

I think your both right about selling, I have 2 kids and too many bills to want to tune it before a piston head goes.