But TDIs don't get hotter when stationary... You can't just sit on the driveway in the morning and wait for the engine to warm up, 'cos it won't. It needs to be driven.

First car I've owned where the engine temperature drops if you get stuck in traffic...

Rob.

Just idling isn't good enough, oil will be at minimal pressure, or even low if it has been a hard run, you need about 2 k revs, fluctuating to get enough "flow" through the turbo to try and dissipate the heat from the bearings.

Why rather than moving off when you start the engine, dont you park on a hill and bump start every time That way there is NO delay

OK I admit it - I don't take special care of my turbo (in bog-standard PD100).

I probably naturally take it easy if I'm coming home (near my house I usually just potter at 30 in a high-ish gear). If I'm going somewhere else, I don't specifically have a cool-down.

I also don't wait before setting off - I'm usually in motion about 2 seconds after turning the key.

Result = blown turbo at 114K miles. :eek: :eek: :eek:

So maybe I need to change my strategy somewhat...

Quote from the Turbo Technics website FAQ:

Q: Should I leave my engine ticking over before it is turned off ?

A: Not for normal every day driving, but still worthwhile if the engine has been under load or raced before being turned off. e.g. Towing a caravan or after climbing a long incline.

Apart from motorway service area stops, I can't think of any situations where I haven't followed a sustained high-speed run with a short stretch of moderate speed urban/village/whatever roads, which (IMHO) are just the thing to settle the turbo down.

I do keep the engine running for a couple of minutes (with an occasional throttle blip) when stopping in motorway services, though.

210/225 bhp VAG engines and also the SEAT MK3 Ibiza Cupra use a run on pump that keeps going after you have switched off the engine to keep water circulating around the turbo.