Since you're mentioning the BXE... If possible, ask them to check the conrod bearings.  (Some VAG specialists offer replacement bearings as service, just to be sure)

 

The BXE (also the BLS) is known to have conrod bearing failures, resulting a conrod popping through the engine... -> engine toast.

 

I don't say the BXE is a but for the 105PD's, its the one know to have slightly more failures due to this issue (But not all engines will fail, probably depends on the usage)

 

Just google for 'BXE conrod failure' to see some devastating picures...

 

As for DMF / SMF: In my experiencing the SMF is much cheaper, and is better able to handle the additional torque caused by a remap. So if you're planning on driving it for a long time to go (or driving a lot of miles), it might, in the long end, be a better option to go for the SMF.

 

And yes, the DMF is supposed to run smoother, but I didn't notice that much difference (Mine was replaced back at 160k miles or so for a fixed sachs one). The 105PD does sound like a agricultural tool anyway

 

Edited 10 February, 20197 yr by DJSmiley

On 05/02/2019 at 11:56, MereKat said:

Being an ex police car it's been maintained to the book up to 105k then I got it.

 

Hmmm.  don't be so sure about how well maintained it was.  Just because the book's been stamped, and it was serviced in a police garage doesn't mean it was well looked after.  There was a series on the telly showing life in the Cheshire police garage.  Cars were pretty much worked into an early grave and only seemed to come to the garage when they were broke and needed fixing.  I'm sure I saw a couple come in for repairs that they also to do services on immediately, because they were (many) thousands of miles overdue.  

Apparently mine was serviced every 10k and had a new alternator and clutch at 90k, which would make sense that it needs replacing now. To be fair it's been fairly trouble free the the time I've owned it so no reason to doubt it. Cambs Police were the previous owners of it.

 

DJ, I'll be servicing it myself and a friend of mine that's an Audi mechanic is down the clutch for me, if I notice any change in the engines sound then I'll get it looked at. I'm fairly clued up on the BXE troubles and the causes, general saying seems to be that if it's lasted over 100k chances are it'll go on for 500k, most fails seem to be between 20-100k. Hopefully being on 170k  that's the case!