@jule5n

Interesting 🤔

 

My guess could be that VAG at that time were more focused on producing the newer 2.0 TDI PD / CR engines compared to the old 1.9 PD.

They might of had engineers who were new trainees making them but left the more experienced technicians to assemble the 2.0 TDI?

I don't know 😅

 

BXE is fine. My 2008 BXE Octy is on 185K and sweet as a nut.

The car is only worth about a grand, so if it blows, it won't owe me anything.

Still on original turbo and second DMF went in about 20k ago. Timing belt every 60k. 507 Mannol oil every 10k. I know some have worried about Mannol, but I've used it for about 15 years with no problems whatsoever.

Been used to pull trailers and caravans, a lot of short work (no DPF).

I did have a 2000 Octy with ALH engine. At 158k it was very smoky, had a problem with one of the solenoids (wouldn't start at times), needed a clutch and timing belt, so sold it for £350 to get rid. I had about 30 phone calls, and the geezer who collected it was an Eastern European from Bradford. It's probably still being used as a taxi even now.

Whish mine was still on the road. Have an Octavia and a Seat with same engine and both around 140k I bought them at around 80k and never had any problem with them. Alas rust killed both cars but mechanicaly they are still spot on Keeping them for parts. Excellent MPG (60-70plus) and go like a train when you want them to plus no DPF to worry about and plenty torque for towing. I did around 8000 miles a year so just serviced annually.

Alasdair