Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

[Alok]

Hi all,

I'm doing research on a new 118 tsi. These issues I have read about are quite worrying. Can anyone confirm that they have been resolved in MY11 models?

Thanks

[Corey_R]

If you're purchasing a new 118TSI, and it hasn't been sitting in the dealer since 2010, then it'll likely be a MY11.5. If you order one from the factory, it'll at least be a MY12.

The 24S4 update has been around since well before the MY11 spec change.

[darkfriend]

I'm new to the site but was hoping I could get some opinions/help on a problem that I have a sneaking suspicion relates to the previous engine failures. I bought my manual 118tsi in Feb last year and had the 24S4 update done in Sept. At the time of the re-flash I asked them to look at an intermittent engine rattle which occurred under acceleration and was accompanied by fairly thick, black smoke from the exhaust. At the time I assumed this was directly related to the engine troubles widely reported. After the service I was told by the dealership that no problems were apparent and that the software update should improve it. Following the service the problem didn't show up for a while but recently I've noticed it occurring again.

When the problem occurs there doesn't appear to be any noticeable loss of power and no warning lights appear, not surprisingly when it occurs I back off the accelerator and it disappears and doesn't occur again during the trip. It seems to only occur perhaps once a week, if that. I've only ever noticed the problem in 3rd and 4th gears, between 2000-3000rpm. The only comparable reference I've been able to find so far on the site was in this thread from ozgti who referred to it as a 'death rattle'. I guess it may be useful to note that the car has only ever been run on 98 since purchase.

Has anyone else experienced this post re-flash or any ideas what this might be or the tact I should take with VW so that it doesn't get passed over again as I would really like to get this resolved as I'm certain it's not healthy for the car.

Thanks for your help!

This has happened to me. I believe it has been mentioned before in this or some other thread- I don't remember as it was some time ago. There was speculation that the noise came from a 'waste gate' or something opening?? Sorry, I don't really remember. Have had a service since and apparently all is fine. I forgot to mention this noise though so they didn't check for it, but the computer interrogation was all OK with no faults. I haven't heard it for a while... I had actually forgotten all about it!

Sorry I can't be more help, but at least you know that you are not alone...

[Alok]

If you're purchasing a new 118TSI, and it hasn't been sitting in the dealer since 2010, then it'll likely be a MY11.5. If you order one from the factory, it'll at least be a MY12.

The 24S4 update has been around since well before the MY11 spec change.

Thank you Corey_R for that information. I guess I am asking about the MY11.5/MY12 then, as I am looking to purchase a new one.

To be clear, what I really wanted to know was, if anyone can confirm that the 24S4 update fixed the issue? Otherwise I'd probably look at downgrading to the 90TSI, which to my knowledge wont have this issue due to the lack of a supercharger.

Thanks

[Ryan_R]

I haven't heard anything about engines dying in quite a while now, so I'd say it's fine now. Mine hasn't skipped a beat.

[Frankenstrat]

Otherwise I'd probably look at downgrading to the 90TSI, which to my knowledge wont have this issue due to the lack of a supercharger.

Alok, if you're likely to be moving away from the 118TSI you could also consider the diesel Golf which doesn't suffer the problem either.

[Brendan_A]

Thank you Corey_R for that information. I guess I am asking about the MY11.5/MY12 then, as I am looking to purchase a new one.

To be clear, what I really wanted to know was, if anyone can confirm that the 24S4 update fixed the issue? Otherwise I'd probably look at downgrading to the 90TSI, which to my knowledge wont have this issue due to the lack of a supercharger.

Thanks

No problems with mine. My car was in transit when a few people had engine failure. I was very concerned too! As soon as my car got to the dealers it had the 24S4 update.

The 118tsi is a very impessive little engine. Don't let this thread discourage you from buying one.

[mr gee]

heh, latest problem now is the clutch judder from the 7 spd DSG. mine started juddering 1st to 2nd gear in drive mode. going in to dealers next week

[Flighter]

heh, latest problem now is the clutch judder from the 7 spd DSG. mine started juddering 1st to 2nd gear in drive mode. going in to dealers next week

Mine does that too, and in this fashion: move off slowly in first and when it engages 2nd (quite early as DSG owners all probably know) it judders. Doesn't do it in other gears though.

Do let us know the outcome of your dealer inspection.

[Ozram]

+1

Mine's been back for 2 DSG re-flashes and it still does it. Came into it about 30,000km ago. Shudders in reverse when going up our reasonably steep driveway too (same clutch pack).
Let me know how you go Mr Gee.

[mr gee]

Will do. Had a DSG reflash that changes the rpm that the gears change up to but it doesn't fix the judder problem.

[kaanage]

The piston failure seem to still be occuring - the latest user report in carsguide is today
Volkswagen Golf 118TSI warning | carsguide.com.au

As for the 7 speed DSG judder, this user report in yesterday's carsguide said a clutch pack replacement was needed (but then the car also had the piston problem + total DSG failure)
VW Golf Comfortline TSI 118 multiple issues | carsguide.com.au

[triode12]

Good grief! no wonder the 118 TSI resale values have been taking a beating.
Why didn't they just use the same tune as the GTs and GTSports? They didn't have any issues. "if it ain't broke...don't fix it"

[fully]

The piston failure seem to still be occuring - the latest user report in carsguide is today
Volkswagen Golf 118TSI warning | carsguide.com.au

As for the 7 speed DSG judder, this user report in yesterday's carsguide said a clutch pack replacement was needed (but then the car also had the piston problem + total DSG failure)
VW Golf Comfortline TSI 118 multiple issues | carsguide.com.au

Those reports are old and both relate to 2009 models.

[Ryan_R]

I might have to start looking for a 2nd hand GTI; I've had reason for concern over my DSG recently.