Questions re: R5

[njg02]

Hi peoples. I recently sold my transporter and regret it it. I got hold of a 2005 105 series cruiser, thinking it would tow my boat fairly well. How wrong am I. Anyway, one of the reasons that I sold the van was it had ~160,000km and I had to get the gates couplings changed a/c seizure.I'd completely forgotten about the Touareg and it's ability to tow 3.5t. Now, the R5 has the same motor but north/south. Are the gates couplings an issue on the R5 and are they easy to get to being down the side of the motor?
The only ones for sale at the moment are all fairly high km, all over 150,000 and ~$30k Should I be concerned about high km? The electrics seem robust cos I don't hear many bad things about them. Please tell me more and give me an idea what to look out for.
Thanks. Neil

[Umai Naa!!]

Same mechanical problems apply to the R5 engine in the Touareg as they do in the Transporter. Water pumps, oil coolers, Gates couplings, exhaust manifolds, EGR valves, exhaust pressure sensors.

As with any car, look for one that is well-looked after, and has a spot-on service history with a dealer, or brand-specific specialist.

[njg02]

Thanks Umai. I only had the couplings done on my transporter at about 165,000km. No other problems except fwd on dirt boat ramps! I'm not sure if the couplings were a serviceable item. I had to do the alt one when it stripped the teeth and stopped charging. At the same time I had the air con one done as well. Very hard to get at on the transporter and hopefully easier on the R5.

[Umai Naa!!]

The couplings are meant to be done every 150,000klms from memory. Although, some fail sooner than that. The couplings are serviceable, as they look just like little circular timing belts. You just throw them away. Sometimes the one-way clutch on the alternator can fail, causing accelerated wear on the couplings. This can be replaced separately, though.

On the Touareg, they're a lot easier to replace, as they're on the passenger's side of the engine. MUCH easier than on the Transporter.

[njg02]

Towbars. Is the Hayman Reece equal to the factory one. I've got my eye on a car without a towbar, which is good, no towing, but it means that I have to get one.
Also, does anyone know of an independent inspection outlet in or around Melbourne, or would the RACV be ok?
Neil G

[Flipper Dog]

Towbars from Hayman Reece are fine as the OEM (Best bars in NZ) are almost the same - the problem lies with the electronics. The interface with the Touareg's CAN-BUS can stuff up the vehicle if not done correctly. I have not heard of anyone installing a Hayman Reece bar in a Touareg yet as most fork out the dollars from VW, but saying that prices can change between dealers.
There is also the option of buying the electronics kit overseas on the web and having a dealer/VW specialist "wire" it up for you.

[njg02]

Thanks Flipper. The HR is about 1/2 price. I'll check with H/R to see if it fully integrates. I would have thought it would by now.
There is a big difference in kits from o/s. I'll get a part number from the dealer and see what I'm up against.