1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS) vs 1.8 NA
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
1.8 NA
BUY
80/100
+19 points over 1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS)
0
/ 100
CAUTION
1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS)
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BUY
1.8 NA
Volkswagen
Specifications
1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS)
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
61
80
Years
2000--2010
1991--2000
Displacement
1896 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
100--160 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
8
1
Total Risk Cost
€2,086--€7,650
€200--€400
Character
1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS)
"Pumpe-Duese successor to the VE. Strong and tunable, but the camshaft also drives the unit injectors and wears, and the 105 PS BXE/BLS (2006-2008) can put a con-rod through the block. Buy on history: oil spec 505.01, no long-life intervals, cold-start listen for top-end ticking or bottom-end knock."
1.8 NA
"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."
Issues Comparison
1.9 TDI PD (AJM/ATD/AXR/ASZ/ARL/BKC/BXE/BLS) 8
◆ CRITICAL
Con-rod and main bearing failure - rod through the block (BXE/BLS 105 PS, 2006-2008)
▲ HIGH
Timing belt - interference engine, 90,000-120,000 km interval by variant
▲ HIGH
PD camshaft and lifter (roller rocker) wear
● MODERATE
Dual-mass flywheel wear
● MODERATE
Unit-injector (PD element) wear and quantity drift
● MODERATE
VTG turbo vanes and actuator sticking
○ MINOR
Tandem (fuel/vacuum) pump leak
○ MINOR
EGR valve sooting and intake clogging
1.8 NA 1
▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference)