GTI First Oil Change......

[harbour2929]

Hi everyone,
I have a question concerning changing the oil and oil filter on a new MkV Golf GTI. My car went in for its 1500km service a few weeks ago. When I left it at the dealership I asked them to change the oil and oil filter. When I picked it up they had not changed the filter and oil and told me that the original oil was a special "run in" oil and it stays in the engine until the 15,000km/12 month service. In fact they stated that VW Aust indicated that if the original oil was replaced then the warranty could be voided in regard to the engine if anything goes wrong with the engine. This was a huge surprise to me!!! Anyway, the car has now only done 2,500kms but the oil is getting quite black and I am worried about how dirty the oil will be in another 9 months time. I have written 2 emails to VW Aust asking them to elaborate on what I have been told but to date there has been nothing from them at all.

My question is: What is normal practice regarding a change of oil and filter for new GTI's? I would be interested to hear what others have done concerning this matter too. Thanks everyone for reading this and any comments you may have.

[Maverick]

Change the oil when you want, I do an extra change in between the 12 monthly service as a precaution. My first change was at around 6000km.

As for the colour of the oil, this is normal for any oil.

[multi97]

this engine is reknowned for using oil, so save you money and just wait until around 7,500kms... u'll probably need to top up 2-3 litres by then anyway... if not done fortnightly... The 1st batch of oil seems to be pretty thin and the engine drinks its heavily.

But as for changing oils, after the 1st 5000kms... you can change it as often as you like... its also good for the engine to have fresh oil... but then it becomes a cost vs benefit question... I usually stick with the 15,000km service interval, but find that i am topping up around 1 litre per month anyway. (using the Castrol 0-40 Oil)

[Maverick]

this engine is reknowned for using oil, so save you money and just wait until around 7,500kms... u'll probably need to top up 2-3 litres by then anyway... if not done fortnightly... The 1st batch of oil seems to be pretty thin and the engine drinks its heavily.

Some engines may use oil but there are plenty that don't use any. I've never had to top my oil up.

[brad]

There is no official VW 1,500km service.

You're dealership (Wakelings?) is correct. It's all written in the service & owners manual. The services are every 12months/15,000km (whichever you hit first). The factory fill is VW Long Life oil and is good for 30,000km+ under ideal operating conditions.

There's a list of Severe Service conditions in the manual. If you feel you're usage matches any of the Severe Service categories then get the car serviced every 7,500km. If you still feel uncomfortable about it then get it serviced whenever you want - you don't have to go to the dealer - just use genuine parts and and VW Approved oil. If you are doing short changes you can use VW502.00.

Make sure you check you're oil level every 500-1000km. Some use oil, some use none, so you need to get a feel for your engine.

Oil is supposed to get black - worry if it doesn't.

edit: If you are going to Wakelings, you realise it's ~$300-$350 for an oil service?

[DionM]

If VWA turned on the variable servicing option, you'd be up to 2 yrs between changes. I wouldn't stress - annually is fine.

Mate has a supercharged Mini that I think went 2 yrs between services as it does have the variable servicing.

[Transporter]

If VWA turned on the variable servicing option, you'd be up to 2 yrs between changes. I wouldn't stress - annually is fine.

Mate has a supercharged Mini that I think went 2 yrs between services as it does have the variable servicing.

Or it could come on much sooner than 15,000km, that's why it is called variable service interval. When I set my T5 to variable interval, it asked for oil change at 8,000km I have to say that I do verry short trips.

[DionM]

Or it could come on much sooner than 15,000km, that's why it is called variable service interval. When I set my T5 to variable interval, it asked for oil change at 8,000km I have to say that I do verry short trips.

Yes true, I should have said "up to 2 years". It could also be shorter, you are right.

[GTI32]

I didnt add any oil in my 1st 15k. It came up in less than 3 months but I havent noticed a drop at all. If I had to add oil between services, I would be thinking about offloading it. I mean, how can one engine lose that much oil and others nothing?!?

[ENERG1]

I have the oil and oil filter changed every 7500km just to let her know that

i love her!!

As the saying goes treat her right and she'll treat you right.

cheers

Luke

ps I also have a obsessive compulsive disorder thats what my wife says lol.

[brad]

I didnt add any oil in my 1st 15k. It came up in less than 3 months but I havent noticed a drop at all. If I had to add oil between services, I would be thinking about offloading it. I mean, how can one engine lose that much oil and others nothing?!?

IMO, run-in procedure counts for a lot. /pandoras box opened.

PS: Your name isn't Shane is it?