[Bimmerhead557]

Serviced my 2015 Jetta TDI MT at home myself

Hello Bhpians!

After I replaced my timing kit in July, I got my Jetta serviced at home within a couple of months. I had been too busy to write about it. Now I decided to do it myself for two primary reasons: first of all, even the nearest A.S.S (some 100 kms from my home) does not use a torque wrench during periodic service (though they did while they replaced my timing kit and water pump). Secondly, I wanted to use Liqui Moly Toptec 4200 5W30 in my TDI. I know that the authorised service centers use 5W40 but ILSA (VW workshop manual) recommends 5W30 for flexible service. Moreover I knew I would be changing the oil immediately before the onset of winter so I felt it would be alright. Along with this oil, I also used Liqui Moly engine flush and Ceratec. Got the other parts from boodmo delivered which include Air filter (Mahle), Oil filter (Mahle), Cabin filter (Purolator), Fuel filter (Mann), Replacement drain bolt (OEM).

Got the front of the car raised on two layers of bricks driving the front two wheels on it. Got under the car and removed the splash guard. Poured the flush and kept the engine running for 10 mins and waited some time before draining the old oil. While the oil was draining, I replaced all the filters including all o-rings (always dip the new rubber o-rings in fresh oil before putting them on). I replaced the old drain bolt with the new one and tightened it with the torque wrench. I also tightened all the other bolts of filter housings (oil filter and fuel filter) to the specified torque. Poured the new engine oil carefully measuring and checking the level considering the fact that the car was raised on the front. This helped in draining the old oil though, as the drain bolt is towards the back

Since Jetta 2.0 TDI takes about 4.3 litres of engine oil, I put 300 ml of Ceratec and 4 litres of engine oil. I reset service from the MFD and reset inspection as well.

Started the car after all these and it ran fine. I took it on a 500 kms trip shortly after the service without any issues. The car now feels smoother and more silent after the Ceratec and Liqui Moly Toptec 4200. Unfortunately I couldn't take photos on the day of the service as I did everything myself without any aid.

The following are the specified torque values for Jetta:
Oil filter housing: 25 nm
Drain bolt: 30 nm
Fuel filter housing screws: 8 nm

Planning to upgrade my RCD320 head unit with an RCD 340G plus along with an OEM style reverse camera. Will keep you guys updated. Any suggestions from the fellow members will be appreciated.

Regards
Moloy

[SunnyBoi]

Originally Posted by Bimmerhead557

I wanted to use Liqui Moly Toptec 4200 5W30 in my TDI. I know that the authorised service centers use 5W40 but ILSA (VW workshop manual) recommends 5W30 for flexible service.

I did the same for my Jetta and used Castrol Edge LL 5W30. Its been about 3000KMs since the engine oil change and the engine is running smoother than ever!

[Bimmerhead557]

Well thanks @SunnyBoi for your feedback. Though I haven't faced any issue yet with 5W30, your feedback makes me feel a lot better now.

[AKSarkar1]

Preventive maintenance in old German cars is very important and the biggest problem with the Jettas are the timing belts, worse for the petrol with the timing chain. It is great that you have got this changed. Pls also keep an eye out for the engine mounts, diesel engine mounts generally go bad faster.

Liquimoly is definitely an added plus in higher end German cars. I have found Liqui moly to be more effective in my Jetta than Vento.

As for your RCD, pls make sure that you get one from a reliable source. It is one of the best upgrades that one can do, and very simple at that! For the most of it, the entire installation is plug and play and should take a max of 10 mins. I have skipped the reverse camera part for now since it requires routing of wiring from the boot to the RCD unit, a very doable task but one that requires expertise and efforts.

All the best and do keep us updated!

[GladRagu]

I'm looking to replace my preowned 2015 Jetta (175K, still drives like new) and shortlisted 530d, X5 30d, 320D, 520d.

Yesterday, I did a test drive of 2017 BMW 3GT (80K, single owner) and took the 3 series off the list.

The moment I sat on the driver's seat, I realized how big Jetta is and the power is nothing extraordinary compared to Jetta.

Even the vanity mirror is puny compared to Jetta. 3GT looked like compact sedan compared to Jetta.

[turbowhistle]

Originally Posted by GladRagu

Yesterday, I did a test drive of 2017 BMW 3GT (80K, single owner) and took the 3 series off the list.

The moment I sat on the driver's seat, I realized how big Jetta is and the power is nothing extraordinary compared to Jetta.

Even the vanity mirror is puny compared to Jetta. 3GT looked like compact sedan compared to Jetta.

Maybe the F34 you drove needed an overall refresh after enduring 80k km on Indian roads which would have skewed your expectations but in my experience any F3X chassis drives way better than Jetta.

Also while I understand having owner's bias but still I don't understand this comparison at all. No offense but 3GT is a much bigger (dare I say better?) car than the Jetta segment, even the wheelbase should be 30 cms bigger. It's as good as the F10 5 Series we had on sale in India. The comparison with vanity mirror is just nitpicking once you don't like it.

[Bimmerhead557]

Originally Posted by AKSarkar1

Preventive maintenance in old German cars is very important and the biggest problem with the Jettas are the timing belts, worse for the petrol with the timing chain.
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All the best and do keep us updated!

Thanks a lot for your suggestion and feedback. Actually I have already placed order for my RCD 340G plus with VolkSkod based in Kerala along with an ISO to Quadlock connector and trunk handle OEM style reverse camera. It is already in transit and I expect to receive it by the weekend
VolkSkod seems to be only genuine seller of these headunits and a few Bhpians are already his clients. The seller is a great guy and he is willing to assist with anything regarding installation. I have spoken to a couple of them and got very positive feedback. I can share his details if someone is interested. He uses VCDS to do any coding required so the client will not have to do anything except the installation which is very easy. Will keep you guys updated.

[BrakingBad]

Originally Posted by GladRagu

Yesterday, I did a test drive of 2017 BMW 3GT (80K, single owner) and took the 3 series off the list.

The moment I sat on the driver's seat, I realized how big Jetta is and the power is nothing extraordinary compared to Jetta.

Even the vanity mirror is puny compared to Jetta. 3GT looked like compact sedan compared to Jetta.

I humbly disagree with your view. I have owned both. I owned a 2014 GT3 for a year and half and your observation is way off the mark. I am 6’1” and I can sit behind the driver seat which was adjusted my comfortable position. Cabin space is easily 30% more on GT3, In fact it has more rear seat space than 5 series of 2016. On the engine and gear box, Jetta is far far behind. The gear shifts in GT3 is unnoticeable, Jetta you can feel the shifts in low gears and sport mode is just high revving in comparison with GT3. As per my family, Jetta is just a bit better than linea (on passenger comfort) whereas GT3 is Luxury. May be the vehicle you saw was not a well maintained or the owner bias.

[Reinhard]

In my Highline TDi, swapped out the following -

1. OE circular steering wheel
2. OE 510 head unit
3. OE speakers (4 from 4 doors)

And put in the following -

1. Flat bottom Polo GT type steering wheel with paddles (same as the one that I have put in my Polo GT as well). So basically the look is now "MK 6.25 ".
2. Android head unit with PQ platform specific design - without needing the surrounding fascia plate. Fits precisely in the slot of the OE 510 HU. Also added a reversing camera in the bumper. Full CANbus integration.
3. Infinity Reference Components (Speaker + tweeter in each door)
4. Zook under-seat powered sub-woofer

Except for the speakers and tweeters - everything else was DIY at home. Speakers need drilling in the doors to remove the factory rivets and install the new ring+speaker. Can't push myself to do this in a car.

So - in case anyone needs, I have the following with me -

1. Stock 510 touchscreen HU (considered to be the one with the best output and built-in amplifier, but does NOT have Android Auto / CarPlay integration). I needed navigation within the HU - so replaced with Android.
2. 4x OE VW speakers (Tweeters had gone bad, so they aren't really useful. Didn't remove them from the doors even. Just disconnected the wiring.

DM if needed.