2016 TDI Maintenance Opinion

Tarpon · Jan 27, 2021

I bought my 2016 from a dealer (not VW) at 38,000 mi. They did oil change, new tires, and brake pads. Now I'm over 40,000 and wondering about the 40,000 mile scheduled maintenance.

The book says I'm due to replace the fuel filter. I'm not a DIY car guy so I'm curious if you all would bring it in just for the fuel filter or wait for next scheduled service? I want to keep the car in top shape but also don't want to throw away money.

Anything else you'd do at 40,000 miles given the circumstances? Thanks for the input!

Troystg · Jan 27, 2021

Being new to you, at 50k plan to change front and rear differential and transmission fluid.. Brake fluid, cabin and engine air filter. Diesel fuel filter can make it to 50k but they are easy and cheap so it wouldn't hurt to do it now.

I would also verify they used approved oil. Most non dealerships have no clue about DPF safe oil.

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volkswagens-for-life · Jan 27, 2021

Don't let some non Volkswagen shop touch your car. They don't have any clue about the proper oils and fluids to use.

The fuel filter can wait until your next service, such as an oil change.

Tarpon · Jan 27, 2021

Troystg said:
Being new to you, at 50k plan to change front and rear differential and transmission fluid.. Brake fluid, cabin and engine air filter. Diesel fuel filter can make it to 50k but they are easy and cheap so it wouldn't hurt to do it now.

I would also verify they used approved oil. Most non dealerships have no clue about DPF safe oil.

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Thanks for the info. I'm curious why you'd change the differential and transmission fluids? I looked through the manual (which goes to 150,000 mi) and those are not mentioned. I know it won't hurt and might help, but wondering why you'd do it if it wouldn't even be recommended if I bought the car new.

volkswagens-for-life said:
Don't let some non Volkswagen shop touch your car. They don't have any clue about the proper oils and fluids to use.

The fuel filter can wait until your next service, such as an oil change.

Agreed. The service was done before I bought the car. I asked what oil they used and the guy told me they always use "the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer". I'm on the fence if I should have it changed by the VW shop now.

Troystg · Jan 27, 2021

Haha, start reading the forums... And buy a VCDS..

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Tarpon · Jan 27, 2021

Well I do read the forums quite a bit.
For information.

Seems like lots of good people on here so someone will probably join in and help educate me.

Pretty sure I'm not buying a VCDS but thanks for the advice.

Jimbuffalo2 · Jan 27, 2021

My 2016 TDI was purchased new. I have it serviced by a local dealership.

If you say you want it in top shape and also don't want to throw away money, err on the first and not the latter.

Mine has 82000 miles on it now. I have the oil changed and the DEF topped off every 7500 miles or thereabouts or before a significant trip. My dealer is usually throwing service coupons and specials, so I feel like I am keeping it in top shape AND not throwing away money.

My cars need to start and go and get me there and back when I need them to, so my recommendation is to build that relationship where they value your valuing good service. I bring my car in clean and always get it back cleaner.

I can go thru service receipts to see what I did at 38000 and circle back if I see anything relevant. Brakes, tires, recalls, oil and DEF is all I've done. One NoX sensor crapped out but the recall warranty covered all of that.

VW claims that lifetime sealed diffs, trannies etc. don't need fluid swaps. Purists would argue differently; Dealers generally go by the book. I've had my dealer service writer/mechanics go beyond the book for me on other cars (a Tiguan, different beast and another story) but again - we've developed that level of rapport so it goes both ways.

Enjoy your new car for many safe miles. Mine's been very reliable and I've asked a lot from it.

TommiT · Jan 27, 2021

VW says the transmission oils are in components that are "sealed for life".

Over nearly 20 years of Touaregs many owners have learnt that that is nonsense.

I'd go with 80K on the transmission fluids but less if you tow something heavy a lot of the time.

And don't rely.upon dealer knowledge of the Touareg - most have got none!

The Touareg (and the Phaeton) was a very, very low volume seller at best (usually sold at cost or even a loss just to get shot of stock) that was foisted upon the dealers and it was a nuisance sale among the masses of their little tin boxes.

Jimbuffalo2 · Jan 27, 2021

TommiT said:
VW says the transmission oils are in components that are "sealed for life".

Over nearly 20 years of Touaregs many owners have learnt that that is nonsense.

> I've driven almost 250,000 Touareg miles since 2005.

Click to expand...

I'd go with 80K on the transmission fluids but less if you tow something heavy a lot of the time.

> Can't hurt. Like I said, many dealers won't touch it because it's not in the manual.

Click to expand...

And don't rely.upon dealer knowledge of the Touareg - most have got none!

> Mine takes good care of me. Even had VW swap out my 2005 at 10,000 miles for a new one.

Click to expand...

The Touareg (and the Phaeton) was a very, very low volume seller at best (usually sold at cost or even a loss just to get shot of stock) that was foisted upon the dealers and it was a nuisance sale among the masses of their little tin boxes.

> Halo cars can be a nuisance, I guess. We could never get my first one sorted, so they swapped it out for a rlater build date. You should've been on this forum back then.

To my dealer, the Touareg slot between the Q7 and Q5s that they sold.

Tarpon · Jan 28, 2021

Jimbuffalo2 and TommiT - Excellent info, thank you. Yes I do err on the side of doing the work rather than waiting or skipping it as you suggest. Particularly when I have a nice car that I like - and this one qualifies.

RobL · Jan 29, 2021

I would just go to your local vw dealer and have the recommended 40k service performed. Who knows what that shop put in, "we use the recommended viscosity" ok so they use 5w30.....is it 504/507??? Did you ask? Can they answer? Chances are you have been racking up miles with the wrong oil. The fuel filter should be changed every 20k, so yes change it now. Don't cheap out over $50 and end up voiding your extended emissions warranty.

Tarpon · Jan 29, 2021

RobL said:
I would just go to your local vw dealer and have the recommended 40k service performed. Who knows what that shop put in, "we use the recommended viscosity" ok so they use 5w30.....is it 504/507??? Did you ask? Can they answer? Chances are you have been racking up miles with the wrong oil. The fuel filter should be changed every 20k, so yes change it now. Don't cheap out over $50 and end up voiding your extended emissions warranty.

Thanks RobL - I agree completely. The car is at the VW shop now getting all of the above done. Had them do the brake fluid replacemant as well.

RobL · Jan 29, 2021

Here is what I've spent on dealer service 90,000 miles, what I've spent.

Tarpon · Jan 30, 2021

RobL said:
Here is what I've spent on dealer service 90,000 miles, what I've spent.

Great info, thanks for posting. Seems like the warranties have really helped.

Dajamess@gmail.com · Feb 3, 2021

Tarpon said:
I bought my 2016 from a dealer (not VW) at 38,000 mi. They did oil change, new tires, and brake pads. Now I'm over 40,000 and wondering about the 40,000 mile scheduled maintenance.

The book says I'm due to replace the fuel filter. I'm not a DIY car guy so I'm curious if you all would bring it in just for the fuel filter or wait for next scheduled service? I want to keep the car in top shape but also don't want to throw away money.

Anything else you'd do at 40,000 miles given the circumstances? Thanks for the input!

Hi Tarpon, I didn’t see any mention about your vehicle having the diesel emissions serv

Tarpon said:
I bought my 2016 from a dealer (not VW) at 38,000 mi. They did oil change, new tires, and brake pads. Now I'm over 40,000 and wondering about the 40,000 mile scheduled maintenance.

The book says I'm due to replace the fuel filter. I'm not a DIY car guy so I'm curious if you all would bring it in just for the fuel filter or wait for next scheduled service? I want to keep the car in top shape but also don't want to throw away money.

Anything else you'd do at 40,000 miles given the circumstances? Thanks for the input!

I don’t see any mention of diesel emissions updates. Assuming this has been done I would recommend factory authorized service, there are some good private shops that have this as well as dealers. I would normally do regular maintenance myself but the extended power train, emission and fuel system warranty can be worth thousands later on. My 2013 has 87k and has been almost trouble free except it needed a diesel particulate filter plus the part they broke a bolt off in. I didn’t see the bill but the service guy said that was one bill I would not want; it was covered by extended warranty. I am not going to give VW a reason to deneigh a claim. Service manager has seen claims as high as 20k and buy backs.

Tarpon · Feb 3, 2021

By "diesel emissions updates" you mean the "fix" that all of these needed?

Dajamess@gmail.com · Feb 4, 2021

Hi Tarpon

Tarpon said:
By "diesel emissions updates" you mean the "fix" that all of these needed?

Hi Tarpon, my old iPad hates this site! Yes I do mean the “fix” it has two phases. I bought my Touareg from VW with 58k and complete service record with phase 1 fix which is just firmware I think. There were no issues other than normal maintenance. VW sent me the appointment for phase 2 and there was no change that I could detect, I got 32 mpg on the 70 mile ride to the dealer and 32 mpg on the way back. If you haven’t taken it in for the updates then I suggest you do. At least call the service manager and let him explain what happens if you don’t. There is an expiration to the emissions updates, don’t let the purists talk you out of it until you get all the facts. Protect that warranty, Touareg’s can be very costly in middle age. By the way I love mine
Cheers

Tarpon · Feb 4, 2021

Dajamess@gmail.com said:
Hi Tarpon

Hi Tarpon, my old iPad hates this site! Yes I do mean the “fix” it has two phases. I bought my Touareg from VW with 58k and complete service record with phase 1 fix which is just firmware I think. There were no issues other than normal maintenance. VW sent me the appointment for phase 2 and there was no change that I could detect, I got 32 mpg on the 70 mile ride to the dealer and 32 mpg on the way back. If you haven’t taken it in for the updates then I suggest you do. At least call the service manager and let him explain what happens if you don’t. There is an expiration to the emissions updates, don’t let the purists talk you out of it until you get all the facts. Protect that warranty, Touareg’s can be very costly in middle age. By the way I love mine
Cheers

Interesting info about the phase 2 notification you received.

I just brought my car in to the dealer for 40,000 mi. maintenance and did all recommended service. I always bring my cars in on time and do everything that's recommended. Also called the manufacturer (3x for 3 different tdi's) to get the dates of fixes and the date/miles that the warranties expire for my records.

I've never heard of any required updates in any of this. I doubt I could void a warranty if I maintain the vehicle and am never notified to do an update.

Can't remember reading anything about that on this forum either.

I'm interested to hear if others comment on this.

RobL · Feb 4, 2021

IIRC there was something to improve the driveablility but I dont remember what it entailed. It may have been applied during a regular service interval.

volkswagens-for-life · Feb 4, 2021

RobL said:
IIRC there was something to improve the driveablility but I dont remember what it entailed. It may have been applied during a regular service interval.

Yes I think that was 2013 or 2014 and up. It basically made them as responsive as the 2012 and prior, post fix

2016 TDI Maintenance Opinion

Tarpon

Troystg

volkswagens-for-life

Tarpon

Troystg

Tarpon

Jimbuffalo2

TommiT

Jimbuffalo2

Tarpon

RobL

Tarpon

RobL

Tarpon

Dajamess@gmail.com

Tarpon

Dajamess@gmail.com

Tarpon

RobL

volkswagens-for-life

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