The verdict is in.

[SirRangeALot]

I found out what is up (unofficially) with my car.

Turns out that it's not the dreaded P0011 code...it's a P0021, (both deal with camshaft positioning, but the former is a much worse code to get; it would mean pulling the whole engine to replace.) The P0021, which if I'm reading correctly, has something to do with testing the fuses of the valves. I'm not a mechanic, of course, but mine told me it's not as serious as I think. Further testing to find out what the exact problem is requires a VAG multimeter and connector test kit, which he didn't have. I need to get a hold of the Kleiners to see what they can do. I'm not sure if they're "up" on their W8 material as much as the more 'common' VW's.

As soon as this gets fixed, the W8 is going to be traded off. As much as I love this car, it's not worth the headaches. :bawl: I only have a year left on my extended warranty, so my time is running out.

[berserker]

if its really what you want, trade it in... But you can go only so far with negative equity. I only had about 3k and I ran into a brick wall trying to obtain a different car. I only have the gti because I got lucky with an under book value car and a hell of a deal.

[bwolfgti]

I found out what is up (unofficially) with my car.

Turns out that it's not the dreaded P0011 code...it's a P0021, (both deal with camshaft positioning, but the former is a much worse code to get; it would mean pulling the whole engine to replace.) The P0021, which if I'm reading correctly, has something to do with testing the fuses of the valves. I'm not a mechanic, of course, but mine told me it's not as serious as I think. Further testing to find out what the exact problem is requires a VAG multimeter and connector test kit, which he didn't have. I need to get a hold of the Kleiners to see what they can do. I'm not sure if they're "up" on their W8 material as much as the more 'common' VW's.

As soon as this gets fixed, the W8 is going to be traded off. As much as I love this car, it's not worth the headaches. :bawl: I only have a year left on my extended warranty, so my time is running out.
have you really had that many problems with the w8?

[KooK]

Join the wild side, get a ranger! :D

[97vwgti]

you are going to lose your a$$ if you try and trade it in on something. The only way you are going to get decent money is if you upgrade and in the end that's gonna cost you more money anyways. You might as well just try and get it fixed and sell it yourself on Vortex or Autotrader.

[GetAwayFromMe]

Is that the only problem you has since you owned it? You will always have problems with cars no matter what you end up buying, they brake down you fix that's just how it is. You cant freak out if the car brakes down you remind me of my friend who wanted to return the car to the bank when it broke down. I'm sure there is a way to fix this. Dont get me wrong I'm not trying to talk **** to you but if or should i say when it brakes down i never think about trading my car in i just find a way to fix it. You might not be much mechanically inclined but with some help there is way to fix it.

[lreven]

This is why I ditched my W8. (Negative Equity sucks though, never had to deal with that) I lost $6k in value over 18 months but did put 32k on the car.

The W8 engines were all built with oil screens that are prone to coming loose in the valve area and "floating" around in there. I had both of the codes you described at one point or another under warranty. After the cam shaft postioner sensors were replaced AND the 9 quarts of syn oil changed at the same time (25k miles) I never saw the problem again.

IF your engine manages to destroy itself under warranty, the replacement engines are solid though (Kind of like the Porshe boxster engines in the late 90's!)

Long story - sorry. Take your poison and ditch it. Trade it on a new or certified A4 and you'll get over the pain on the drive home.:cool:

[SirRangeALot]

Trade it on a new or certified A4 and you'll get over the pain on the drive home.:cool:

Interesting... :cool:

I've had other problems since I've had it...transmission leak, blown coil pack (waited 1 week+ just for the part from Germany) and now this dreaded code. I guess in 2 years this doesn't seem bad, but the resale keeps taking a nosedive (moreso than a "normal" car) and I'm an hour to an hour and a half away from a VW dealership. As I said my local mechanic has been great about working on it, but this current problem is a plague within the W8 community.

Kevin (vemeister) said it best: "The W8 is the anti-Christ of VWoA." :evil:

[lreven]

I'm pretty convinced it was an experiement or the result of a bet over beers at October Fest. Something like (I'll bet you can't jam 8 cylinder in a Passat AND put more wiring and electronics in it than a nuclear submarine).

[Sinan]

Sorry to hear your troubles, Jeremy. We all know how much you love that car, irregardless of the breakdowns and what not. If it's still under warranty, why not try to fix it and then decide down the road what you will do with it?

[SirRangeALot]

I'm pretty convinced it was an experiment or the result of a bet over beers at October Fest. Something like (I'll bet you can't jam 8 cylinder in a Passat AND put more wiring and electronics in it than a nuclear submarine).

:laugh: :laugh: Good stuff!

I'm sending you a PM, Loras. :tu:


Sorry to hear your troubles, Jeremy. We all know how much you love that car, irregardless of the breakdowns and what not. If it's still under warranty, why not try to fix it and then decide down the road what you will do with it?

Yeah, I will most likely do that. I'll take my time to find a good car for a good deal. I would really like to stay in the VAG family. :) :)

[Sinan]

:laugh: :laugh: Good stuff!

I'm sending you a PM, Loras. :tu:



Yeah, I will most likely do that. I'll take my time to find a good car for a good deal. I would really like to stay in the VAG family. :) :)


of course....all other families are corrupt...:D

[John2.0T]

This is clearly a sign from the Car God's.

You need an Audi.

;)

[lreven]

This is clearly a sign from the Car God's.

You need an Audi.

;)

Agreed. A nice as the W8 was, the A4 quickly got me over it.

[SirRangeALot]

This is clearly a sign from the Car God's.

You need an Audi.

;)


Agreed. A nice as the W8 was, the A4 quickly got me over it.

:laugh:

But wouldn't an A4 be just as expensive for parts/maintenance as the W8? I'm not up on my Audis, so I'm sure a ringer-banger will chime in. :)

My goal is to lower my payments and find something that will be less expensive to maintain. :tu: (Isn't that pretty much impossible for a German car owner??) :D :D

[dub1.8t]

:laugh:

But wouldn't an A4 be just as expensive for parts/maintenance as the W8? I'm not up on my Audis, so I'm sure a ringer-banger will chime in. :)

My goal is to lower my payments and find something that will be less expensive to maintain. :tu: (Isn't that pretty much impossible for a German car owner??) :D :D

As far as maintenance is concerned, it's all about who you know, and how much you are willing to get your hands dirty. Just get a 1.8T with a warranty and you will be good to go. I'd stay away from the Jeep... cuz who on here is going to help you out with that when it has a problem? :D

[lenny]

PFfft. I won't even detail a jeep. Pretty much worthless IMHO
-Dan

[SirRangeALot]

As far as maintenance is concerned, it's all about who you know, and how much you are willing to get your hands dirty. Just get a 1.8T with a warranty and you will be good to go. I'd stay away from the Jeep... cuz who on here is going to help you out with that when it has a problem? :D

I probably wouldn't need any help with a Jeep...when I had mine it was trouble-free, which is more than I can say for any VAG product I've heard about/experienced... ;)


PFfft. I won't even detail a jeep. Pretty much worthless IMHO -Dan

That's okay. I can detail it myself. Thanks for the kind words, as usual. :rolleyes:

[97vwgti]

I probably wouldn't need any help with a Jeep...when I had mine it was trouble-free, which is more than I can say for any VAG product I've heard about/experienced... ;)



That's okay. I can detail it myself. Thanks for the kind words, as usual. :rolleyes:

touchy? I can't see how you can go from a VAG to a Jeep. Not the switch I would make. Why not sell the W8 and get a MKIII?

[SirRangeALot]

touchy?

Nope. Not at all.


I can't see how you can go from a VAG to a Jeep.

To each their own. I owned an XJ for 2 years and absolutely loved it. Cuts through snow like a knife and VERY dependable and reliable. Plus that one of the few vehicles I could actually do some work on my own.


Why not sell the W8 and get a MKIII?

You (amongst most people) obviously do not know much about W8's. No one is in the market to buy a 6 year old 8 cylinder which was only produced in limited quantities for 3 years with 73k miles on it and costs an arm, leg, and left nut to buy parts for/work on. Resale and reliability are out the window. You find a dealer that I can trade this in on with a $10k negative equity for an MK3, and I'll sell you the Golden Gate Bridge at cost.

Seriously. :rolleyes:

NOW I'm touchy. ;) :D

[97vwgti]

you should talk to your bank then and see what they have to say.

[SirRangeALot]

...

[SirRangeALot]

Hmmm...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/searchresults.jsp?num_records=25&search_lang=en&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&search_type=both&distance=100&address=52001&marketZipError=false&style_flag=1&make=AUDI&model=A4&make2=&start_year=1997&end_year=2004&min_price=&max_price=&transmission=Manual&engine=&drive=&doors=&fuel=&max_mileage=60000&color=&keywords_display=&sort_type=priceDESC&body_code=0&certified=&advanced=y&default_sort=priceDESC&awsp=false&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&rdpage=sip

:firedevil:

[John2.0T]

Yessss

[SirRangeALot]

:drool: :drool:

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/9/27/231/155/2973999053.231155915.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

[John2.0T]

Walk towards the light!

Quit being a wimp and trade in the W8 already ;)

[SirRangeALot]

Walk towards the light!

Quit being a wimp and trade in the W8 already ;)

:laugh:

I have to get it fixed first... :dunno:

[crywolf]

*whispers quietly* um, I traded from VAG to a Wj... :finger: I miss my Dub every single day.... that it doesn't snow...

[turboA4]

Walk towards the light!

Quit being a wimp and trade in the W8 already ;)

:word:!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SirRangeALot]

You Audi guys are a bad influence...I now have a black RS4 as my desktop wallpaper... :drool:

[twooly]

You Audi guys are a bad influence...I now have a black RS4 as my desktop wallpaper... :drool:

Just ignore those guys you want another dub :D

[berserker]

Just ignore those guys you want another dub :D

x2!

if you are going to trade it in, definately get one of the better fuel efficient cars. No more 4+ cylinders for you. Think of it this way.. all that negative equity you're gonna take up the ass.. if you're not spending as much on gas.. you have more money to put towards paying your car off!

[SirRangeALot]

if you are going to trade it in, definately get one of the better fuel efficient cars. No more 4+ cylinders for you. Think of it this way.. all that negative equity you're gonna take up the ass.. if you're not spending as much on gas.. you have more money to put towards paying your car off!

True...

I just told Adam about my latest setback on this problem...

So I finally got around to calling my warranty company, and guess what, not only is the part/sensor NOT covered but they only cover a tow up to 50 miles. LuJack's is the closest shop that can repair/diagnose the problem, so I'd have about $250 in just towing and finding out what the actual problem is with the car. Then add in labor/parts... WTF did I get warranty for if it didn't even do anything for me?!?

So, another W8er told me that he had the same CEL and had the light reset, changed the oil and it was fine. So I'd rather spend $75-80 to (temporarily?) fix the problem rather than spending even MORE money...

And yeah, my next car (whatever it will be) will either be a four or at the very most six cylinders. I learned my lesson there too... :D

[GetAwayFromMe]

Damn Jeremy that sucks. It doesn't hurt to try and do the oil change and if it works than go and try to trade it in for a different vehicle while your car is still running. Does your car run? What i mean to ask is how does your car act?

[turboA4]

And yeah, my next car (whatever it will be) will either be a four or at the very most six cylinders. I learned my lesson there too... :D

well i guess that RS4 on your wallpaper is off limits....too bad...:D:D

[SirRangeALot]

What i mean to ask is how does your car act?

It runs as if it's not running on all cylinders/misfiring. Very low power. It idles very rough. :bawl:


well i guess that RS4 on your wallpaper is off limits....too bad...:D:D

It would still be off limits even if I went after an 8-cylinder car. I'm looking to lower my payments a little. Maybe someday... in my dreams maybe... :rolleyes:

[dub1.8t]

It runs as if it's not running on all cylinders/misfiring. Very low power. It idles very rough. :bawl:

So you wouldn't necessarily need a tow... just start driving towards your dealership of choice and hopefully you get in range of 50 miles then call a tow truck...:D
But seriously if you want to try and make the trek to Dick Witham in Cedar Falls I'll follow you there and give you a ride back here if you want... some things I need to grab in Waterloo.

[SirRangeALot]

But seriously if you want to try and make the trek to Dick Witham in Cedar Falls I'll follow you there and give you a ride back here if you want... some things I need to grab in Waterloo.

I appreciate the offer but I'm going to take it to Richardson's (where I bought it) and have them reset the light and change the oil. I'm hoping that will hold me over until I can find something that won't give me hell. :censored:

:firedevil:

[Sinan]

Kia Ftw! :D

[berserker]

Kia Ftw! :D

Coming from that which drove a Focus... :nono:

I KID I KID!!! :laugh:

[SirRangeALot]

Coming from that which drove a Focus... :nono:

HAHAHAHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! :laugh:

[SirRangeALot]

I finally got the Dubya8 back tonight...man, did I ever miss her! (Especially after driving a Cavalier Z24 in that time while my car sat...) :yippee:

BUT...

Within 30 seconds of turning it on, the CEL came back on, HOWEVER, it's not running as rough as it used to be. Figuring that my car has been sitting for a week and I switched back from synthetic to regular oil, I'm going to drive the piss out of it (especially since the GTG is this weekend!!) and see what happens. I think she just needs to be taken out and driven for awhile. A W8er had the same problem I went through, and the problem rectified itself after 250 miles. The GTG couldn't come at a better time!! :D :D :D :D

Meanwhile, I'm going to continue to pray to the W8 Gods as I pay a visit to VW.com for a good deal! :)

[twooly]

Meanwhile, I'm going to continue to pray to the W8 Gods as I pay a visit to VW.com for a good deal! :)

They have good apr going right now, can't beat 2.9 for 3 years!

[stollen]

I finally got the Dubya8 back tonight...man, did I ever miss her! (Especially after driving a Cavalier Z24 in that time while my car sat...) :yippee:

BUT...

Within 30 seconds of turning it on, the CEL came back on, HOWEVER, it's not running as rough as it used to be. Figuring that my car has been sitting for a week and I switched back from synthetic to regular oil, I'm going to drive the piss out of it (especially since the GTG is this weekend!!) and see what happens. I think she just needs to be taken out and driven for awhile. A W8er had the same problem I went through, and the problem rectified itself after 250 miles. The GTG couldn't come at a better time!! :D :D :D :D

Meanwhile, I'm going to continue to pray to the W8 Gods as I pay a visit to VW.com for a good deal! :)


If you need I am sure someone at the GTG can bring a vag-com. I might be able to get ours back from Todd and bring it if you need to check anything out. Not sure if Kevin is coming but he may be able to bring his too :tu:

[twooly]

If you need I am sure someone at the GTG can bring a vag-com. I might be able to get ours back from Todd and bring it if you need to check anything out. Not sure if Kevin is coming but he may be able to bring his too :tu:

I can get it to you Gary before I leave for Chicago Thurs.

[vwmeister]

I can get it to you Gary before I leave for Chicago Thurs.

I'll be there with vag-com so don't sweat it if you can't.

[SirRangeALot]

Cool, thanks guys! :tu:

The Dubya8 was running a little better this morning...normally as soon as it turns over it starts the rough idling/misfiring. But it didn't do it until I started to get closer to work (maybe she's trying to tell me something...?) I really do think I just need to take her out on the highway and go for a joyride. GOD, did I ever miss my Dub! :bawl:

[SirRangeALot]

UPDATE:

As some of you already know, my CEL shut off Friday night!!!!! :yippee: She's running fine and the problem has disappeared!

Now, onto the tougher decisions...

MK4 OR MK5 GTI:

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/9/27/231/162/2974565906.231162221.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jp g

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/9/20/230/714/2922882391.230714623.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.565x377.jp g

MK5 Jetta (TDI maybe):

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/10/9/231/612/3060770878.231612526.IM1.08.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

Audi A4:

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2007/10/4/231/155/3020933216.231155916.IM1.02.565x421_A.562x421.jpg

Of course, my decision is up for some bias... ;)

[iadubber]

I'd say A4, but what engine in the MK4?

[Sinan]

MK. IV GTI and/or TDI would be my choices.

[SirRangeALot]

but what engine in the MK4?

1.8L...but the one I have pictured above is a 2.8 V6...

[fahrenheit201]

I love my MKV GTI. I haven't driven a MKIV so I'm kinda biast but I wouldn't go back on my choice. In my opinion, my fahrenheit is the best car I've owned or driven for that matter.

[SirRangeALot]

I love my MKV GTI. I haven't driven a MKIV so I'm kinda biast but I wouldn't go back on my choice. In my opinion, my fahrenheit is the best car I've owned or driven for that matter.

I'd really like to drive a MK5...or an A4... :hehehmn:

[berserker]

I love my MKV GTI. I haven't driven a MKIV so I'm kinda biast but I wouldn't go back on my choice. In my opinion, my fahrenheit is the best car I've owned or driven for that matter.

I'd have to say MkIV is the best generation.. and thats not just biased because I own one.. though it is partial reason why I do own one :) I have driven a B4 Passat regularily, and MkIII's and MkV's occasionally, and I'd still have to say the MkIV's own :)

[iadubber]

I'd have to say MkIV is the best generation.. and thats not just biased because I own one.. though it is partial reason why I do own one :) I have driven a B4 Passat regularily, and MkIII's and MkV's occasionally, and I'd still have to say the MkIV's own :)

You are mistaken, MKIII > all!! :twisted:

[DSV]

You are mistaken, MKIII > all!! :twisted:

word. :rockon:

[SirRangeALot]

The pictures speak 1000 words. This W8er had similar problems to mine, so I think my clock is ticking.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/josh25175/PICT0491.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/josh25175/PICT0496.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/josh25175/PICT0494.jpg

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/josh25175/PICT0494.jpg

http://w8.spinner.dk/forum_posts.asp?TID=428&PN=1

Adam and Todd, are you free on Saturday for a trip to Lithia?? :D

[twooly]

Looks almost like the fix Pete did at Lithia a couple weeks ago on a W8 :eek:

I"m around all day since the wife works, so I can always browse around :drive:

[berserker]

Have you contacted VWOA like the guy in that thread did? It seems as if they are repairing all of his problems based on goodwill service. Have you looked into this?

[OrangeDUB]

You are mistaken, MKIII > all!! :twisted:

O RLY?? :sly:

[SirRangeALot]

Have you contacted VWOA like the guy in that thread did? It seems as if they are repairing all of his problems based on goodwill service. Have you looked into this?

Goodwill service?? He's under factory warranty!! The engine has been out of his car TWICE!

[berserker]

Goodwill service?? He's under factory warranty!! The engine has been out of his car TWICE!

Goodwill. As in, service in obligation. Whether that be warranty, or "they owe it to him" service. Perhaps I should have clarified better.

The point is, you should probably decide how much you love your car. It seems, at least in his case, Volkswagen is willing to keep fixing it at no cost so far, since its an apparant design fcuk-up as its plaguing a large majority of W8's. If you can live without your car here and there and you want to deal with VWOA (which I think you should contact first and see what they say and see if they will send a field technician and cooperate), I would go that route instead of screwing yourself over more than you already are with your negative equity. It doesn't hurt to contact them and see what they will do. If they won't play ball, they won't play ball.

Things that would help you working with VWOA, I would get That Guy's case number or whatever it is that VOlkswagen has tabs on him. Whether it be his customer number, service case number, ETC ETC, use it as a reference and say that he is a contact of yours and see if they will cooperate with you as they have with him.

If not, you can say you tried, and move on, and try to take it in the ass as lightly as possible trading the W8 in.

[iadubber]

O RLY?? :sly:

yah, rly

[SirRangeALot]

yah, rly

http://images.ausimages.com/upload/2005-11-05/orly.gif

[Black86gti]

Goodwill. As in, service in obligation. Whether that be warranty, or "they owe it to him" service. Perhaps I should have clarified better.

The point is, you should probably decide how much you love your car. It seems, at least in his case, Volkswagen is willing to keep fixing it at no cost so far, since its an apparant design fcuk-up as its plaguing a large majority of W8's. If you can live without your car here and there and you want to deal with VWOA (which I think you should contact first and see what they say and see if they will send a field technician and cooperate), I would go that route instead of screwing yourself over more than you already are with your negative equity. It doesn't hurt to contact them and see what they will do. If they won't play ball, they won't play ball.

Things that would help you working with VWOA, I would get That Guy's case number or whatever it is that VOlkswagen has tabs on him. Whether it be his customer number, service case number, ETC ETC, use it as a reference and say that he is a contact of yours and see if they will cooperate with you as they have with him.

If not, you can say you tried, and move on, and try to take it in the ass as lightly as possible trading the W8 in.

if VWOA wont play ball your aren't trying hard enough. I am a warranty claims admin. for Toyota and we are more than willing to help a customer out thats in a tight spot of has had lots of problems with a similar system of component hell we would probably buy a new motor if thats what it was gonna take to fix this issue

[SirRangeALot]

Holy old thread bumpage Batman...

[kastegir]

I gotta agree. I've had pretty good luck in getting VWOA to deal with stuff under warranty. I started having front driveline clicking and it turned out that both of my CV boots were torn and the joints had already sustained damage. After initially telling me that the boots are "wear and tear parts" and thus the subsequent damage to the joints wasn't covered, they later agreed to replace both axles under warranty. It's at the shop now and I'm cruising around in a 2007 Rabbit loaner car. :-)

In the end the trade-vs-keep decision comes down to how much you like the car. I've had my W8 for 5 months and I still really love it. I had an A4 2.8Q and an A6 2.7T before. The A6 was too big of a car, it drove like a yacht. I really enjoyed the A4, and when I decide I've had it with the W8, I'd definitely consider another A4. I think that'll be a while though (knock on wood) as I really love the W8.

[SirRangeALot]

In the end the trade-vs-keep decision comes down to how much you like the car. I've had my W8 for 5 months and I still really love it. I had an A4 2.8Q and an A6 2.7T before. The A6 was too big of a car, it drove like a yacht. I really enjoyed the A4, and when I decide I've had it with the W8, I'd definitely consider another A4. I think that'll be a while though (knock on wood) as I really love the W8.

Agreed. I love my car to death. I admit I am too quick to push the panic button as soon as another W8er has a huge issue. I am under an extended warranty until October of next year, and hopefully will be able to purchase another extended warranty for another year or two. :tu:

Besides, I have big plans for the dubya8, anyway! :D

[SDKmann]

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t290/josh25175/PICT0496.jpg


Wow thats a good looking motor. Me like W8.

[kastegir]

I am under an extended warranty until October of next year, and hopefully will be able to purchase another extended warranty for another year or two.


I've got the same plan. I checked with the finance person at my dealership and I can buy a 2 year extension to the CPO warranty anytime before I hit 75k or (I think) 6 years from the original in-service date. I plan to pick that up when I get close to 75k, probably late next year. That'll cover me almost up to 100k. Considering I'm only at 61k now, I'm a happy camper.
:cool: