W8 4.0 (BDN/BDP) vs 2.0 8V
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
W8 4.0 (BDN/BDP)
"Volkswagen's 4.0 W8 (2001-2004), sold only in the Passat W8 4motion: two narrow-angle VR4 banks, 275 PS, three timing chains at the back of the engine. Smooth, but extremely complex. The plastic chain tensioners and guides wear and the camshaft adjusters fail (about EUR 4,000), and the chain drive and even the lambda sensors need the engine out. It is sensitive to overheating, which can scuff the cylinders. Ignition coils fail. Buy only with proof of chain work."
2.0 8V
"Simple VW 2.0 eight-valve petrol (115 hp, belt-driven) in the Golf IV, Bora, New Beetle, Octavia, Fabia, Superb, Alhambra and T5. Slow but very long-lived: 300,000-400,000 km is common with belt changes. The known weakness is oil consumption from worn rings or valve-stem seals, sometimes up to a litre per 500 km, plus occasional coil pack failures. Valves usually survive a snapped belt."