Bought a Jetta TDI today

[LightmanE300]

Since there were only a few more than 6000 total E300 Turbodiesels (only made 98-99) imported, there isn't much of an aftermarket for them. I also don't speak German so I can't really search germany's web sites to see what's out there. That said, yes I've done a few upgrades It's hard to explain how smooth the engine is. It makes the TDI seem like a cummins as far as vibration/noise is concerned. It's a ton faster as well. So far the list includes:



Hella full Xenon upgrade(same as oem xenon, hella makes them)

6disc changer

20% tint

CCV re-routed to the ground/elephant hose (car is only used in warm weather)

AMG Avantgarde tail lights

Full Carlsson Body kit (full front/rear bumpers, side skirts)

H&R sport springs

Bilstein sport shocks

18" AMG Monoblock wheels on sticky Toyo T1S tires

Speedtuning+42hp/60tq ECU chip

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Wow... that makes for a pretty rare car.

I'm assuming that the MB is common rail, eh? Comparing that to the pump/nozzle VW ALH TDi is a bit unfair.



35+mpg? Not too shabby... especially for something as refined as a Benz.



Too bad the Touareg's have quality issues (ABS, electrical, turbos)... cuz I'd love to get my hands on a TDi version of one. What's odd is that the Porsche Cayenne uses the same platform and has had far fewer issues.



Maybe with ULSD we'll see more of Europe's finest headed to this side of the pond...



Matt - very hopeful for the future

 

[LightmanE300]

There aren't very many of them around, that's for sure. Actualy it's not common rail, or even DI. It's of the traditional mercedes diesel design - indirect injection. Makes for a REALLY quiet engine - much quieter than my tdi - almost no audible knock at idle standing in front of the car outside. Inside you hear nothing. I always have to TELL people that it's a diesel and they are surprised. I'm not sure I did, but I don't mean to claim 35+mpg in it... . I typically get 28-33. Adding the bigger rims/tires definitely cut into the mpg a bit. Boy you smoke lovers would certainly love it. Since I've gotten it chipped I can leave an entire intersection in a thick black cloud, hehe.



Touareg TDI's are in such small numbers and I've heard they are not going to import them any more. I've never seen one on the road but they are priced really high and like you I've heard they have some issues.



I'm also hoping ULSD will bring some previously unavailable diesels to our market. Ohhhh what I'd give for a BMW 330D! 300hp 400-something tq, 40mpg in a 3 series body. Drool.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

IDI?! Wow, I thought they would have abandoned that a long time ago.

How's the transmission in that thing? Must be pretty smooth...



That's really too bad about the Touareg's... they're really nice vehicles when they're not sitting on the lift at the dealer.



If I can get a diesel 3-series BMW with AWD... I'm selling one of the trucks and a kidney on eBay.



Matt

 

[LightmanE300]

It shares the same trans as the E320/430/55, the 722. 6, which is nice because I don't worry about it holding the extra power of the chiptuning. It's quite a smooth trans and you have no idea when the tc is locking or not, everything is seamless. It's supposed to be a lifetime fill - never change trans fluid per their recommendations. I just had mine done though, I don't know what 'lifetime' they are talking about I just turned 55k on it, she's still a baby. My truck has 42k and it's an 04



I've never had the chance to ride in a touareg V10 TDI, but I hear they are just awesome. I rode in its brother vehicle the Cayenne 450hp turbo - and while the engine was really sweet and the interior was as well - I'm just not a fan of the ride/handling/looks. Feels like a jacked up sports car. I know that's what they were going for but I guess that's just not my style.

 

[Big Mike]

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