Is VW pennypinching?

[DoggieHowser]

You can get the switches replaced under warranty even if the car is out of warranty. They are a known issue with early MkVs.
Haven't heard of problems with the windows - what was the problem with them?

I meant the switch to operate the windows. This wasn't bought in Australia and it was a grey import. So the agent wouldn't replace them.

[brad]

Yes, my MK5 had the internal release which I found quite OK. Having no internal release makes it to easy for someone to access the tank for some nefarious purpose.

How?
You lock the car & the fuel flap locks as well. My Mk3.5 Golf Cabrio had the same system (as does my Octavia). Heaps better than having to pull a leaver.

Wife's diesel Mondeo goes one better - no fuel cap. Press the flap, the door opens, insert nozzle.

[Corey_R]

I hate stupid internal releases for fuel flaps.

If it's VW's "penny pinching" which gives great features such as a fuel flap which you just push open when the car is unlocked, then yay for penny pinchers


This topic (the fuel flap) has been done a few times before. I can't remember where though. Anyone remember where the original thread is?

[triode12]

I hate stupid internal releases for fuel flaps.

If it's VW's "penny pinching" which gives great features such as a fuel flap which you just push open when the car is unlocked, then yay for penny pinchers


This topic (the fuel flap) has been done a few times before. I can't remember where though. Anyone remember where the original thread is?

Most Jap cars have the fuel cap release at the base of the drivers chair. You have to have the door unlocked to get to it too. So what is the diff?

The fact is that VW is cutting costs - good or bad - why can't that be accepted?

[walbjj]

Most euros don't have internal fuel latches, at least in Audi, BMW and Benz that I've driven or owned

[Corey_R]

Most Jap cars have the fuel cap release at the base of the drivers chair. You have to have the door unlocked to get to it too. So what is the diff?

The fact is that VW is cutting costs - good or bad - why can't that be accepted?

So just because the Japanese use a pull cable and the Europeans don't, means VW are being penny pinchers and that's a fact? Please...

[triode12]

So just because the Japanese use a pull cable and the Europeans don't, means VW are being penny pinchers and that's a fact? Please...

The fact is that the MkV was over engineered - it's build requiring many parts which extended build time for each car manufactured. VW was losing money because of this and pushed forward the introduction of the MKVI (Mk5.5) to fix this problem. They reduced the number of parts, cheapened some things and removed some features to cut costs. So they are penny pinching.

[Ideo]

I've never owned a car that has an internal fuel lever

BMW, Audi or VW.

[Mr_Bob]

Personally, I would think that the cost of the electronic fuel cap lock/solenoid and associated electronics would be greater than the old cable and lever setup?

[DDTW]

I prefer the MK6 setup to the MK5. More convenient! I hate fuel flap levers in jap cars.

[pologti18t]

The fact is that the MkV was over engineered - it's build requiring many parts which extended build time for each car manufactured. VW was losing money because of this and pushed forward the introduction of the MKVI (Mk5.5) to fix this problem. They reduced the number of parts, cheapened some things and removed some features to cut costs. So they are penny pinching.

Losing you say.... got any figures to back that up?
The fact is that on the prev/current Polo and the MKVI Golf the fuel flap is locked when the car is locked. Its a function of the central locking and I am quite sure a solenoid of some sort is required to accomplish the task.

So, really the only difference between the MKV and MK6 is that the MK5 had a separate, and redundant, button to activate the fuel flap. Probably some stupid idea to keep the Yanks happy.

What the removal of the button and wires from the door means is that another source of potential rattles or malfunction is removed. A good idea I think.

[shakespeare]

I prefer the MK6 setup to the MK5. More convenient! I hate fuel flap levers in jap cars.

+1 not a fan of the fuel release switch!

Personally I like the interior feel much more than the Mk V, whilst our Jetta is nice inside the R is so much nicer! The only thing I miss from the MV is the 1/2 degree temperature adjustments for the climatronic!

[brad]

slightly OT but my wife owned several Commodores (back in the 80s/90s) and a few (not all) had a button on the lower RHS of the dashboard. We could never work out what they did - I even tried tracing the wires. Also, various mystery buttons in the glovebox - again, no idea. Box-stock, brand new cars. Weird.

[blutopless2]

The key has to be in the ignition for the fuel release to be 'unlocked'. Take the key out, and it's just as secure as the MKV version.

Our 2010 Tiguan fuel lid will remain unlocked with the key out of the ignition. It is linked to the central locking of the car.
Something new for 2011?

[brad]

Our 2010 Tiguan fuel lid will remain unlocked with the key out of the ignition. It is linked to the central locking of the car.
Something new for 2011?

Octy is the same - linked to central lock.

The thought of leaving the key in the ignition & closing the door would freak me out. I'd be waiting for the car to self lock.