i have just bought my daughter a 19 sdi, its a 2000 model with 131k but has full history, the problem i have its got no power it will drive but only to 40 mph , it very slow on pick up. i have just replaced the fuel filter and air filter also had the timing checked and that was spot on,, these made no differences can any one help

There are a few vacuum hoses going to the EGR valve in the engine bay - make sure that none of those have a split in them.

Also if that doesn't appear to be the case try unplugging the MAF sensor (looks like this.. http://img.alibaba.com/photo/233016349/Mass_Air_flow_sensor_applicate_for_AUDI_VW_SEAT_SKODA.summ.jpg) and see if performance is any different. If not, my bets would be on the MAF needing replacing. I seem to remember the MAF sensor is betwene £60 and £80 from Skoda.. though I can't remember exactly.

There's a number of things this could be; the MAF's easy to test, as are the various vacumn hoses (be sure and actually handle them rather than just looking at them though; it's not unknown for splits to be invisible to anywhere you can look, or for internal bracing to break down so the hose collapses under load, but will feel squishy).

If it's neither of those issues, get the fault codes read next. If that doesn't point to something, give us a go at the report.

i have had a look at it and cant find a maf meter lick the one on the link, i will check all the pipes in about 1 hour i will let you know how i get on.. thank you for this information

all so meant to mention i have had it link to a computer twice and no fault codes recorded

i have checked all the pipes they are all good any more ideals

MAF faults usually dont show on diagnostics. I'd be pretty certain its the MAF sensor, its located in the air pipe coming out of the air filter box going to the inlet manifold. Disconnect it and see if it goes any better.

I don't have an illustration, but the MAF is connected to the wiring plug on the air intake, between the air cleaner and the throttle body.

sorry no maf meters on the airpipe, but i have a conection on the airbox i will take a pictureand post it

I forgot the intake is different on the non-turbos; there's only one wiring plug on that route between the filter element and TB though.

whats tb?

TB - short for throttle body. See the darker bit between the air cleaner to engine plastic pipe and the inlet manifold (plenum chamber by the look of it), that.

Anyway, I think the MAF must be the sensor with the wire atached to it on the air cleaner housing, next to the manifold pipe (but the layout's a little different to I'm used to). If you disconnect that, and the car runs better, then that's the fault. If the car doesn't run better, then it's something else (as well or instead).