Jetta Oil Consumption

[bacong]

Hi! I am new to the forum.

I have a 2006 Jetta turbo FSI. I bought this new last November. I love the car, how it runs and everything in it. The car uses oil, though.

The first time I noticed this was after the car ran 1,000. The second time was after 7,500 kms. On both occassions the oil was on the minimum level of the dipstick. I returned the car for oil top up during these times to the dealer where I bought the car from and they told me that this is normal. I have since closely monitored the oil level and the last time I checked this morning the oil was just below the maximum level and the car has now ran over 9,600 kms. This also prompted me to research oil consumption issues on the internet and this is how I found this site. However, most of the discussions about oil consumption I found were in American forums. Some were saying that this is normal and some were saying this should not happen. My Jetta manual mentions that oil consumption should be expected. I've had cars of different makes, past and present, and I never have to top up the oil in between changes.

I would like to ask Jetta owners and VW turbo engine owners if you have similar experience. Is this something that I have to be concerned about or do I just have to put up with oil top ups?

I will appreciate any inputs you may have.

Thanks.

bacong

[brackie]

Welcome!

It looks like your posting problems are resolved

It seems that oil consumption is very variable. My TDI used almost no oil up to it's 7500km service and has used only a very small amount since then (15,000km service very soon). I was more worried that it wasn't using oil as this is what I normally would expect until the rings bed in.

Running in technique has a lot to do with it, I think

[geoffp]

Hi bacong,

My TDi Audi A3 caught me out as well. The dealer didn't inform me that the diesel chews a bit of oil.

I average an oil top up every 10,000k or so.

As I am trading my car in for a TDi Jetta (same motor & gearbox I currently have in the Audi) I would expect the same typical oil consumption.

[trippyfoo]

That's very interesting. Albeit slightly disconcerting.
Im with you there, as im waiting on a Jetta.

It be interesting to hear feedback from the various respective owners with the same engine.

It's not like we're running rotary engines here..
My previous car which I bought new, never had to top up the oil- (dipstick always read full on when cold) whether it used oil or not, hard to say without dropping the sump and measuring the exact amount.
No magic running in technique, just didn't abuse it.

[tofo17]

Hi bacong, I've got a 2006 Jetta TFSI too, since Feb this year. I haven't had to top up the oil and I've done about 5000km. I'm dropping it off on Friday for the ECU reflash and have asked them to change the oil while it's there, but it isn't really using any.

Cheers,
tofo

[Dooby]

Had my oil changed today at 7000km and i mentioned that my car was using a bit of oil. The service tech told me that it's normal for the turbo engines to use a bit of oil during running in because of the grade of oil used. Apparantly (this is what i was told so please don't shoot the messenger) the factory oil that they come out with (5w-30) isn't the best for aussie conditions (generally pretty hot here). Aussie cars need an oil with a higher boiling point esp the turbo ones as they tend to put out more heat. The oil molecules breakdown because of the heat and hence your oil level will decrease. As for where the oil goes i have no idea, exhaust i pressume.

i was also told this should stop after the first oil change.

That's the explanation i received, has anyone else heard different?

[Splashalot]

......The oil molecules breakdown because of the heat and hence your oil level will decrease. As for where the oil goes i have no idea, exhaust i pressume.

The VW Tech was probably referring to viscosity shear - when an oil operates at or near it's maximum heat range for a prolonged period the molecules can begin to break down, reducing the oil viscosity. For example, over time a 10W-40 can break down to be closer to a 10W-30.

This is not good if you are already operating near the top of the acceptable heat range for that particular oil, as you may end-up with inadequate protection in hot conditions or "enthusiastic" driving.

SS

[Subie25L]

The VW Tech was probably referring to viscosity shear - when an oil operates at or near it's maximum heat range for a prolonged period the molecules can begin to break down, reducing the oil viscosity. For example, over time a 10W-40 can break down to be closer to a 10W-30.

This is not good if you are already operating near the top of the acceptable heat range for that particular oil, as you may end-up with inadequate protection in hot conditions or "enthusiastic" driving.

SS

Mine used oil up to around 7500km (got to about 1mm above low mark) and has not used a noticable amount since

[geoffp]

Hi bacong, I've got a 2006 Jetta TFSI too, since Feb this year. I haven't had to top up the oil and I've done about 5000km. I'm dropping it off on Friday for the ECU reflash and have asked them to change the oil while it's there, but it isn't really using any.

Cheers,
tofo

Hi again tofo17,

Just noticed your sig.

How did you go with the APR tuning and your insurance company.

[tofo17]

Hi geoffp, no worries with insurance. I'm with AAMI and I can have unlimited mods as long as I tell them about it, no effect on my premium either!

[Goneincognito]

Mine used oil up to around 7500km (got to about 1mm above low mark) and has not used a noticable amount since

12,000km so far in my TDI Golf and used about 1.5L.

I read somewhere in the manual that it is normal to use 1L every 1000km at the begining. I'm so glad it isn't using that much, oil ain't cheap!!

[bacong]

Hi bacong, I've got a 2006 Jetta TFSI too, since Feb this year. I haven't had to top up the oil and I've done about 5000km. I'm dropping it off on Friday for the ECU reflash and have asked them to change the oil while it's there, but it isn't really using any.

Cheers,
tofo

That's very interesting to note that your Jetta is not using oil. I have now reached the 10,000 kms. mark and I checked the oil level again today and it is just under the maximum level. It is definitely using oil. I'm really just hoping that this is because the rings have not bedded in yet as brackie suggests.

From the replies it's obvious that there are different experiences among us Jetta owners. I may just have to live with top ups.

In the meantime, I'll enjoy the ride of a terrific car that really likes to be driven.

Thanks for all your replies.

bacong

[Bazzamon]

oil consumption

My 1.9l has done 705km at the moment & oil level is right on the mark. but i havenot been on the highway with her yet. Maybe thats the difference.... Bazz

[VW Convert]

That's very interesting to note that your Jetta is not using oil. I have now reached the 10,000 kms. mark and I checked the oil level again today and it is just under the maximum level. It is definitely using oil. I'm really just hoping that this is because the rings have not bedded in yet as brackie suggests.

bacong

Prior to purchasing my Jetta, I had been told that VWs generally do use a little oil. Having had four new Falcons in succession over 12 years, running them to between 100,000 and 120,000 KM and NEVER putting in any oil between services I am not used to topping up the oil.

With the Jetta, at approximately 5,500 KM I had to add 1 litre, car was serviced at 15,000 and I've just hit 20,000 KM and added another litre which worries me somewhat. 1 litre every 10,000 I can live with but 1 litre 5,000 KM after a service seems a little much as I don't thrash the car.

The unknown factor of course is was the car filled to the correct level after the service, guess I'll check that next time.

Cheers George

[acdcfan]

My TDI has done over 10000km and I put around 300-400ml of oil. Diesel engines should and will use some oil but how much I think depends on driving and how hard you go at it