As a 'self fixed' vRS owner, i have done some research on the possible MOT issue and my findings are encouraging.

Basically the emissions test on a diesel vehicle is done very differently to a petrol powered vehicle. A petrol vehicle'ss exhaust gasses are analysed for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hydrocarbons (HC) Lambda and Oxygen (O2) levels, and have to be within the parameters specific to what that particular vehicle is meant to be running at. So, if the vRS was a petrol car and had the same problem, it would indeed fail an MOT as the emissions would be higher than intended by the manufacturer.

Diesel vehicles however, are tested differently. They are tested on the density of the smoke, which has to conform to a universal standard for all cars manufactured after 1st August 1979. Therefore, if an 03-55 plate vRS can pass an MOT then so will an 06-onwards running the 'wrong' gasket, as the parameters are non-specific.

The issue is that EURO IV means that the vehicle can't be sold or fixed under warranty if it fails the tighter CO2(g/kg) regulations, albeit that it isnt detectable. Skoda would still have the mens rea that they are intentionally contravening the new regulations.

Frustrating, considering the fact that EUROIII engines emit 146(g/km) CO2, while EURO IV engines emit 140(g/km). So - the problem we all share here is down to 6 ****ing GRAMS of CO2!!!

In conclusion, IMO it's a cracking little car, and although it's frustrating that it can't be fixed under warranty, it's a piece of p*ss to fix yourself and the car runs like a dream. Bags of torque - bags of fun. I found the Skoda fix to actually sap it's power slightly. As for mpg, it's still spot on. Much more economcal than my old MG ZS, although less fun around corners but thats not for here

As a 'self fixed' vRS owner, i have done some research on the possible MOT issue and my findings are encouraging.

Basically the emissions test on a diesel vehicle is done very differently to a petrol powered vehicle. A petrol vehicle'ss exhaust gasses are analysed for Carbon Monoxide (CO) Hydrocarbons (HC) Lambda and Oxygen (O2) levels, and have to be within the parameters specific to what that particular vehicle is meant to be running at. So, if the vRS was a petrol car and had the same problem, it would indeed fail an MOT as the emissions would be higher than intended by the manufacturer.

Diesel vehicles however, are tested differently. They are tested on the density of the smoke, which has to conform to a universal standard for all cars manufactured after 1st August 1979. Therefore, if an 03-55 plate vRS can pass an MOT then so will an 06-onwards running the 'wrong' gasket, as the parameters are non-specific.

The issue is that EURO IV means that the vehicle can't be sold or fixed under warranty if it fails the tighter CO2(g/kg) regulations, albeit that it isnt detectable. Skoda would still have the mens rea that they are intentionally contravening the new regulations.

Frustrating, considering the fact that EUROIII engines emit 146(g/km) CO2, while EURO IV engines emit 140(g/km). So - the problem we all share here is down to 6 ****ing GRAMS of CO2!!!

In conclusion, IMO it's a cracking little car, and although it's frustrating that it can't be fixed under warranty, it's a piece of p*ss to fix yourself and the car runs like a dream. Bags of torque - bags of fun. I found the Skoda fix to actually sap it's power slightly. As for mpg, it's still spot on. Much more economcal than my old MG ZS, although less fun around corners but thats not for here

that is what i was thinking with regard to the MOT , unless they bring out newer/better smoke testers that can tell how much EURO4 CO2 content there is , the car will always pass an MOT smoke test unless there is a problem or the remap is to rich (sooty)

how have you modified yours Markyvrs ?

Other than the 9mm gasket which cost

What is this self fix you talk of?

I also have a new Fabia vrs, it has the stutter, it did it twice in the firse mile i drove it away from the dealer. 1000 miles later and it hasent done it again, I just drive round it. Its more fun that way.

What is this self fix you talk of?

I also have a new Fabia vrs, it has the stutter, it did it twice in the firse mile i drove it away from the dealer. 1000 miles later and it hasent done it again, I just drive round it. Its more fun that way.

The self fix is fitting an EGR gasket with a hole of 9mm in diamater. This is a standard part for the EUROIII engine. The Skoda fix is to order one of these and then crudely drill it out to 14.5mm. The one they replace is around 22mm. Stutter is reduced but not completely fixed, plus in my case the car became more tame to drive and ran rough. Skoda won't fit a 9mm one due to reasons stated above, but there is nothing to stop you doing it yourself.

I have had the EGR gassket done on my fabia, and it is a massive improvement. I have rattled off 30,000 miles in the last 10 months, of which the last 20,000 miles since I had the gasket done, have been pain free and a pleasure!

Mine was an absolute pig to drive before having the gasket done. I have heard people suggest that it doesn't fully cure the problem? All I can say is that as far as i'm concerned the problem no longer exists:thumbup: Surely if it jumps all over when your wife drives it, you should say 'It must be your driving...';)

I have had the EGR gassket done on my fabia, and it is a massive improvement. I have rattled off 30,000 miles in the last 10 months, of which the last 20,000 miles since I had the gasket done, have been pain free and a pleasure!

Mine was an absolute pig to drive before having the gasket done. I have heard people suggest that it doesn't fully cure the problem? All I can say is that as far as i'm concerned the problem no longer exists:thumbup: Surely if it jumps all over when your wife drives it, you should say 'It must be your driving...';)

If it's cured the problem and your happy with it -excellent!

Would be interesting to see what gasket your running. Some dealers may just put in an un-drilled gasket to avoid customer care issues.

So how does this affect the earlier models? I'm running a Euro III engine.....if I were to turn the EGR valve right down using VAG-COM would it still be an issue?

Is it an issue at all on any of the engines including BLT as Skoda insist? Sorry.....I didn't find your post conclusive. Maybe I was reading it wrong?

So how does this affect the earlier models? I'm running a Euro III engine.....if I were to turn the EGR valve right down using VAG-COM would it still be an issue?

Is it an issue at all on any of the engines including BLT as Skoda insist? Sorry.....I didn't find your post conclusive. Maybe I was reading it wrong?

It doesn't. There is a sticky post dedicated to it.

Turning the EGR down on a euro 3 will only really produce less gunk in the system, there are not any real performance gains.

Does this affect the vRS only (ie the 130PD) or does it affect the 105 BHP PD engines too? I don't know whether they are different engine codes. I cannot belive that VAG are still making engines that stutter and saying that there is nothing wrong with them , having a stutter or a flat spot at a certain part of the rev range is one of the most annoying things to have in a car.

Did you not test drive before you bought it?

If you spend money on a car you need to make sure you have driven it comprehensively, and researched into this before you buy.

He's talking about his current problems..... unfortunately... he's clearly not like you, who comes prepared to find all faults. Blimey... I wish I was like you ...

I wouldn't have any problems...

Before I got my Fabia vRS I spent ages on here reading about the stuttering problem and I must admit it did make me think a bit about getting one.

Suffice to say I did get a new Fabia vRS (07' Plate), and it did have a slight stutter to begin with, but nothing at all to hinder its drivability; but since I took it to JabbaSport for a remap its been as good as gold, but I'm sure they turned the EGR right down as it now smokes a fair amount. If this is related to the cured stutter, I don't know.

Something I posted about diesel emissions a while back - EGRs, euro III, IV & V mentioned.

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/general-car-chat/article-about-diesel-emissions/54066/#post613793

As to the difference between Euro III and IV, its not just 6g of CO2, hydrocarbon, particulate matter and NOx must be significantly lower at euro IV than III

Cheers for all the help and support. I have been driving it about tonight and its still playing up, I went over to the dealers to have a word and what a surpsrise they all went home! Need to call them tomorrow to speak to the dealer principal and get it booked in.

I must confess I do love the car, just had the shine taken off my new toy with the stutter.

My Audi had the jabba remap, but i thought I wanted to enjoy a warrantied car for a while before toying with it. Fat lot of good that has done me so far. So if you see a race blue car on the way to Peterborough give me a wave!

Chris, why so grumpy? Did you thouroughly research the car, read about the stutter and then take the risk? No need to be quite so patronising. I thought forums were meant to help people, not berate them when that have a problem.

I am not grumpy just bemused by the fact you didn't know about the issue before buying the car seen as it's been known since march 06 and covered on here.

I honestly would expect anyone how little or how much money they have to do a little research into something that is going to cost them

Cheers Chris, Am speaking to the head guy at the dealership today. But may well take it down to my dads dealer as they have always been good to him. It is a bit of a trek though, I would like the one I brought it from to sort it.

Fingers crossed as it does make me grin when I look at it.

It doesn't. There is a sticky post dedicated to it.

Turning the EGR down on a euro 3 will only really produce less gunk in the system, there are not any real performance gains.

Not quite true, turning the EGR down on a remapped car makes it run cooler because hot exhaust gases aren't been returned to the engine this gives a bit more power.

I'm glad somone has spoken some sense and deflated the myth that fitting a modified gasket to the BLT engine will have any effect on MOT's.

As was mentioned it's simply a case that Skoda cannot get involved in modifying a car that does not meet the EU standard under which it was sold.

If it really concerns you Robert I would suggest an immediate rejection. I have been made aware of the recent outcome of the court case mentioned and I'm afraid to say it was not favourable.

The wife had a word with the dealership and now they are coming to collect it from her work on Wednesday and then bringing it back all better (hopefully).

She does wear the trousers before anyone comments. Oh, and she is a divorce lawyer so I just keep quiet and agree :-)

Roll on Wednesday. Am off to Cornwall in it this weekend so will see how a few hours driving does me.

Good luck , I hope you get it sorted!

changed from an octy mk vrs,

hated the fab vrs to start with then had her re mapped, just had a jabba arb and mintex front pads fitted. can now drive the old fabaru miles harder and feel safer.

the wee beastie does see off many a boy racer sat up your exhaust and many v expensive motors that are always shocked that a tiny skoda has left them behind on a tight quiet road. Think my car stutters a wee bit but still manages 40 plus mpg when driven briskley. still looking at a focus st or maybe new civic type r at the end of the year but maybe I'll wait till the 2008 vrs arrives because the one I have is excellent value for money.

dp.

^^

so does VAG-COM'ing the EGR down on the BLT stop the stuttering then?

also, the 1.9 PD TDI's still available are 105bhp. that's the problem, any more power and they get sketchy with the emissions. Skoda obviously couldn't replace the engine in a car with only a year of so left on it, so made do with what they could.

my car stutters, but I know where the stutter is, and I drive around it. same as any other characteristic on any other car I've driven.

so does VAG-COM'ing the EGR down on the BLT stop the stuttering then?

I'd imagine so. Effectively you're reducing the amount of exhaust gases it's shoving back in. The stutter is a misfire caused by simply too much exhaust gas going back into the intake resulting in a slight misfire. The PD 130 simply cannot handle that level of recirculaton.

When Skoda fit a smaller gasket they're restricting the amount of recirculated gas by making the hole smaller. Trouble is, the hole is not small enough as they drill it out from 9mm to 14mm to try and maintain the euro IV standard.

righteo, cheers