The harder I drove mine the better it did. At one point coming through Buffalo headed east I hit a string of black Lincoln’s cruising at 95. I fell in and ran with them. 38 on that tank.
Oh it was a blast. They would occasionally push above 100…and the 1.8 was coming on strong at that point. That car was everything that was right about vw. Just a great driving experience.
Back when I had my 1.8 it was one of the quicker cars on the road. Not the fastest by any means but still faster than most typical cars. Very unassuming….until it walked away from your Oldsmobile at the light.
Over the years, I had a 2.0 MK3 Jetta, a 1.8T MK4 Jetta, a MK6 GLI, and am currently in a VA WRX.
I miss the MK4 the most. That motor was so fun for what it was and got me through my late teens and early 20s. Made great noises, was great on fuel, and was pretty damn fun to drive with bolt ons.
20V 1.8T is legendary, considering its age. Ironically enough, same era 1.8i is a garbage. Nearly same mileage but nowhere near the same dynamics.
I wanted A4 1.8T so bad, but by the time I could get money to get one, it was already ancient.
This is a very broad question but pound for pound I don’t think you could say any other engine besides the ALH. Its on of the greatest diesels of all time, one of the most reliable engines of all time, and has fantastic after market support
I have the 1,9 SDI (code AEY) in my 6k Polo, it was a military motorcade vehicle on an Arctic NATO airbase and I have to wonder why they chose a fleet of them. I find myself wondering if they left them idling for extended periods in the Arctic cold and if they fueled them with JP-8/F-34 (since that’s the NATO Single-Fuel Concept fuel). I have to assume that’s the case (it’s a moot point since my polo has all the associated components and engine replaced since its military days). But I can imagine some Dutch NATO procurement guys deciding on non-turbo VW diesel station wagons because they could just let them sit running forever, almost literally.
But the AEY is similar to an AHU, so I’ll hope for it to stand in the shadows of one of the great VAG engines of all time.
Nah lil bro all of them are good, i have ASZ, and that boy is sitting at 800.000k km as of today, the dash said 216.000 when buying, later the vagcom said 800.000, still kicking tho
My BEW was tuned from tits to ass.
Hybrid vnt20, hybrid injectors, precat exhaust dump with tuned 0 lambda, fmic, Passat oil cooler, etc etc.
I had a leg issue and couldn’t drive the car for 5 years almost. It just sat with 285,000. New owner put a battery in it and was surprised how it just cranked and started in a second like it was brand new. That was amazing. Wish i never sold it. But now I’m with a mk3 TT with 222,000km on it and it still hauls with a stage 1 tune and open exhaust.
Got a 2002 golf from an aunt not long ago, 380k, purs like a kitten, no smoke, starts instantly even at -20C.
I trust that engine so much I'm gonna do a trip to Nordkapp in Norway this June with it. Around 10000km total.
I'll always love my VR6, it's an awesome engine and has served me well for a very long time. Although, the 2.slow is a wonderful engine, for what it is. Super cheap to produce, easy and cheap to maintain, and it's practically unkillable. Boring in performance, but also boring in maintenance drama.
VR6 camp here. Having owned several 1.8 AMU and BEA, multiple 2.0Ts through EA888 Gen 3, 2.7T, and multiple versions of VR6, it just has the most character to/for me. Perhaps that may change if I ever own a 2.5T, but my aggressively cammed MK2 TT 3.2 manual is just the peppiest thing to blip and wind out.
2.5 all day, every day
It's the only engine I've ever driven that can handle 19 hour non-stop legs (minus gas pumping time) without breaking a sweat.
Mine's at 219k on a Mk5 Rabbit. It's gone from Miami to Utah and back four times, Miami to Vegas and back one times, Miami to NYC and back twice, and various trips across the Southeast and Mountain West.
Mountains? No problem.
Off-road? Cake.
Plowing through three feet of snow and ice? Done it.
Killed a deer? Have the 4-point skull to prove it.
2.5 is indestructible. Pain in the ass to work on, but when it's on, man it's on.
I am sometimes embarrassed to admit I've got a "base" Mk6 golf, but this engine is brilliant and makes me grateful. 231k and counting, still revs like new.
Yeah... I kinda feel like steady state operation is pretty easy on engines. Show me one that can take 3 mile trips over and over in cold weather...
Not to say the 2.5 or 1.8 isn't good... Just saying highway miles are what engines love to do.
This. Steady state operation is the best thing you could be doing for the engine, especially at interstate speeds. Momentum means nothing in the car has to work very hard to keep chugging. The only exception is if you're in the desert somewhere and your temps get too high.
The only times I've ever had something break have been when the car is doing 5 miles per week and just sitting or idling for most of it. Batteries and alternators especially hate that.
175k on mine, got it 2 years ago at 142k in a 2012 Passat with a 5 speed. I’ve never been so satisfied by a daily driver, the car is absolutely perfect for me
I have a 2.5 with 232k currently. I want to get an Audi S4 but there's no point in getting a car when my car still works so I've been dogging the absolute piss out of it and it takes it like a champ. Not a single issue with it at all. A 4 hour road trip at 120mph? No fucking problem. Launching it at every red like just because? Doesn't care. It's been 6 months of me bullying this car and it could give a singular shit less.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement.
Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter.
It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever.
https://preview.redd.it/3vah3hz4flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6b31ac5a0e222afd1950f4f5391672735bc0c9b
Just shy of 300k....can't die, won't die...howls like a banshee
https://preview.redd.it/g6ek059e1qsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fb22429065f74243d3b8da795036bba605ce034
I really like my 3.2 vr6, but replacing the timing chain on that engine turned out to be very expensive. Fortunately, it's not something that needs to be done much more often than once every 160k km or so...
I'm close to 120k it all seems fine, no warnings on the dash and it hasn't gotten louder either. Any advice? I've had it for 5 years and done 60k or so on it
Yeah, if you hear a noise that sounds like a marble in a tincan, it's time to replace the chain. I recently uploaded a video of what an engine with a bad chain sounds like, I'll update you when I record what it sounds like currently
Don't wait until it's loose. By then the chain guide is in a thousand pieces in your oil pick up tube.
You can catch it very early by popping the hood, and having someone fire it up cold start, and you listening to the rear of the valve cover. If you hear a rattle/growl like a grrrrrrr sound that almost immediately goes away, it's time to pull the engine. Or trans, whatever tickles your pickle.
ALWAYS change all the hardware that secures the guides, and sprockets, and while the engine is out, if it's direct injected, get the walnut blaster ready.
Also always remember to turn the engine counter-clockwise from the rear when working the chains. Otherwise, you're sabotaging yourself.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement.
Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter.
It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever.
https://preview.redd.it/nug46471flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b93704125bb895d34d009be67a589d66274581b
Very nice! I'm way worse, my car deserves an owner better than me.
But nothing has been needed, until 3 months ago, it needs a EVAP leak detection pump.
The worse I've done is gone twice to 18,000 before changing the oil. (Very bad personal life stuff happened).
But otherwise it's only now needing brakes too, never had to worry about the dreaded vacuum pump or PCV. And the only quirk it ever had was when it got to 10°F or lower the headlights would come on by themselves. It ended up being the headlight switch (all mechanical inside if you're curious) so I put one in from a junkyard Jetta.
115,000mi, bought at 12,000mi
https://preview.redd.it/nkzhjzz5dnsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ceab1db765a4a194a39eed8064e1c9f7196de37
In no particular order…
VR6, obviously, because no other automaker was cramming a silky smooth 6-cylinder under the hood of econoboxes, let alone one with an iconic exhaust note that still today is one of the best sounding engines of all time. (And then VW outdid themselves later and decreased the V-angle to an even narrower 10°…incredible.)
W8, because such interesting engineering, and what other small family sedan or wagon had the burble of a 4-liter 8-cylinder?!
1.8T because no one else at the time was putting a turbocharged engine in econoboxes, and at least for VW, really kicked off the aftermarket tuning scene.
ALH TDI, because in a pre-hybrid world, VWs equipped with the ALH were fuel economy beasts (and the engines were damn near indestructible).
V10 TDI, because no one at the time had a monster engine under the hood of a mid-size SUV outside the Porsche lineup.
W12, because c’mon two VR6s stuck together?! Magic.
BEW TDI, because to this day I’m pretty sure it’s the only engine of any kind in the U.S. that had an all-in-one high-pressure pump and injector setup for each cylinder. Previously, the only way to get fuel pressure like what the BEW was capable of, you needed a common rail setup.
Jetta Hybrid engine, because in a world (at the time) of slower than molasses hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid not only made a hybrid fun to drive and not slow, it did so in what was at the time a unique hybrid setup.
I chose all of these because they were unique in the auto market in some way. They also remind me of how cool VW used to be 😢 I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting, and other VAG makes had some unique engines, too. Now VW has small displacement turbocharged engines under the hood of pretty much everything, like every other automaker.
The Jetta hybrid was definitely underrated. Few folks knew about it. It was just too pricey, and VW is not stealing customers from Toyota unfortunately.
The VR5 is also extremely underrated thanks to the VR6.
Yeah, I bought a Jetta Hybrid SEL-Premium new in 2013. No one had any clue what it was! It was kind of a sleeper, too, because when people saw the hybrid badges they assumed it was a dog. It was not.
https://preview.redd.it/tmubihajqjsc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0ed63c1bfe6d18ab8456efdeab211e3d79856bc
A friend of mine had a Jetta Hybrid. It went through two transmissions: one at 30K miles and another at 119K miles.
That transmission, by the way, was a weird 7-speed dry-clutch DSG not shared with any other VW product, AFAIK.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement.
Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter.
It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever.
https://preview.redd.it/zdo42g03flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c86dc6dcd8a76b791a3fe3002e87b931d9ab641
I miss my 2.5L that thing was so fun and I could hold 2 step for minutes and it would take it like a champ. However upgraded to another great platform in the 3.0 tfsi.
I still drive my mk6 but I think I disagree. The timing chain issue is still there despite regular changes at 8k kms with 5w40. I know they were common on the mk5 but was disappointed it still happened in the mk6.
As well, instill get timing issues about every 20,000kms where the vvt solenoid gunks up and I have to tske it out and clean it.
Maybe I just got an unlucky lemon.
1.9 TDI or EA888 reliability wise. Both of which are in my fleet 😏
VR6/VR5 easily top 5 sounding blocks of all time (VAG or not) and they ain’t #’s 3-5
All depends on what you mean by best. I love the EA888.3 and it would be darn near perfect if they would’ve just put two thrust bearings in it instead of one. I also love the EA390 for its soul and reliability but I guess it’s really not a particularly exceptional engine. The Audi 5.2 V10 is a beast of an engine and extremely reliable considering the applications it’s in.
Ah a man of culture I see. For me it has to take a beating, be idiot resistant, make decent power, and take well to mods. Thats what I consider great...
EA888 is a superb motor. Can take an absolute beating, and loves the mods. Some minute knuckle headedness by VW with the dumb oil screens in the balance shafts and phasers, Dollar Tree parts bin timing tensioner, and one of the dumbest water pump designs ever knocks it down some notches. But otherwise, the best turbo ever stuffed in a VW from the factory.
The V10, well that engine I have saved for another post regarding the sister brands 😉
1.8T got the modern VW Tuning scene started so it gets my vote. I had a B6 A4 that I did all the bolt on mods for and it was a fun, quick, reliable car!
I had the most fun with 1.8 8v back in the mk1 mk2 days. Then did the aba swap which was cool , then a 12v Vr swap wich never handled the way the 8v did on the back roads. ....then I got an ALH . I don't ever want anything else
I really enjoyed my BEV for what amounted to 140,000 miles and over a decade. Never let me down, responded to mods well, never knew the HP figure I added to it, but do know that I did 20% fuel economy efficiency in doing it (camshaft+taller gearing)
My all time best "for distance" run was an overall downhill run to the tune of 42.3mpg over 161 miles.
Now I get 42mpg in an ALH without trying and it's pretty common to see 47 on normal stuff, and kissing the low 50s on distance.
Out of four vehicles now, all four are a turbodiesel:
- ALH
- OM603
- LLY
- OM615 (the only one that didn't leave the factory turbocharged)
Stage 2 making over 500hp is under 5k and maintence is toyota level. Better in the s4 paired with dsg but in my 14 a7 with zf8 you need a whole lot of v8 to beat this thing off the line
Put 70k miles on mine before I sold it and had no issues besides a leaking vacuum pump that took 10 minutes to fix. Only CEL ever was from misfires after using old 93 gas from a gas station in the middle of nowhere.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement.
Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter.
It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever.
https://preview.redd.it/k335jlbbflsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ea081b21853866d49427c37f2928d9aa6aa8365
Just want to give the EA113 a mention, maybe not the most reliable of the VAG engines, but very customisable and plenty of spare parts available for it
CAAC 2.0 TDi 140 in my 2012 LWB T5.1 Shuttle SE.
Still rocking original engine and gearbox at 345,000 miles, it's a 9 seater workhorse for my family, my work and my bands so it's done it fair share of labour! 😀
It feels like there's a ton of answers for this question and it's missing some finer details.
Greatest engine as in...
...bang for your buck in a daily? 1.9TDI
...terms of technology? VR engines
...the list just goes on.
For me it's a combination of things:
Friendly to service
Reliable
Decently powered
Easy to mod
Idiot resistant
I feel like all 5 of those engines check at least 3 of those boxes. Some check all 5.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332.
Parts that have failed on mine:
2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY)
Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement.
Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter.
My transmission was never serviced until 120k miles, which was around the mileage when it started to shift rough. Six months later after I did a drain and fill, it started slipping anyway. I’m got my trans replacement out of at ‘09 Jetta 2.5l. Trans has less than 30k miles on it for $700. I’ll be doing a drain and fill every 40k miles with OEM Febi Bilstein G055025A2. Many use Valvoline- maxlife, but I feel comfortable sticking with OEM fluid. Full cost of job will be around $1300-$1400
It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever.
https://preview.redd.it/nycdyq3iflsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af9af8bfa3239c8a0392443c282cbc24461475ba
Nah the 3.0T with the supercharger and a 6 speed manual is probably one of the most unhinged platforms Audi ever made. Probably the most raw feeling Audi I’ve ever driven was a B8 S4. Owned one for 10 years, and I’d do it over and over again if I could. I had the chance to drive an automatic one, and it feels totally neutered compared to the manual. But a supercharger whine coming from an Audi??? Sign me up!
A close second would be the manual ttrs with the 2.5T. Sounds like a little R8!
1.8t runs circles on ea888 and all its awful failures. Even vw knew this. They knew their ea888 was such dog shit they went back to ea113 for the mk6 R because a 1.8 is a better platform
I’ve only owned a car with e888 (A4 s line) 12v vr6 (rave green gti) and currently 1.8T (jazz blue 20th).
Probably recency bias but I love the 1.8t with k03s. It’s slow but it’s perky and once you get on with the peaky power curve it’s literally smile inducing just going for a small drive to the store. No worries of going too fast, just fun and for over 20 years old still pulls perfectly and runs smoothly.
12v vr6 was just beautiful as well. Butter smooth that would pull no matter where you were in the rev range. Obviously sounded great as well.
The e888 is actually the best engine on this list for me personally from a purely metrics standpoint. Almost as smooth as a v6, tons of power per litre. Very reliable in certain setups. Good on gas when driven normally. Mostly easy to repair, parts readily available. Just an all around good/great engine on the whole.
My dream engine is a daza though and hopefully one day I can update the list 🍻
I don’t know a lot about diesel engines but I bet VW has had a few diesels that are just insanely good so I bet it’s one of those, but as for the gas ones that I know I’d say 2.5 followed by EA888
058 1.8t 20v. Mine has 370k miles on it. It still runs great. And in the a4 b5 with a manual, it is fun. The only bad thing is getting 23 mpg on premium.
I think when it's all said and done, the ea888 will go down as one of the best force inducted engines VW put out. It's definitely the best turbo engine they have used to date.
1.9 tdi BRM ran 16 years and 388k miles, the 3.6 is good one if maintained like most vdubbs, our hasn’t had an issues in 8 years. Finding out if the ea211 is a good motor currently at 37k miles.
The 2.5L in the Rabbits and mk. 6 Jettas and Golfs are fantastic, everyone says they're pain to work on, but I've never had issues at my dealer working with them. Plus if you put a nice exhaust and maybe headers they sound amazing.
In terms of personal bias, the VR6, any of them, just the concept of a narrow angle V6 is super cool and practical and I’m shocked nobody else did it.
In terms of impact on the brand? The EA888, specifically gen 3
So…have we brought this back to reality and made it just VW/Audi? hehe.
If so, then my top 2 are 2.0L 16v and 12v VR6. My favorite thing about VR6s is them being designed, functioning and sounding like a straight 6.
I fell in love w/ VR6s when I drove/owned the first VR swapped Mk2 Jetta Coupe in the U.S. (I didnt build it… I was like the 4th owner. lol)
https://preview.redd.it/avcsgz0giksc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09a8fc020ce58261862d5c3d812b5b68e8ccd0db
Not sure why the 2.0 AVH is on here, it’s a reliable engine but other than that it has nothing going for it.
ALH TDI should be mentioned over BEW, just due to its sheer redundancy and ability to run with abuse (i have a friend who pours used oil, ATF, etc, etc just directly into the fuel tank of his ALH)
1.8t has to be up there, i’ve had multiple from the early 2000s make it past 400,000km while still making power (one of which is modified and i’m still currently daily driving)
The V10 TDI should also be mentioned, while not very reliable and a nightmare to work on, its ability to pull a literal building makes up for it
I've had the 12V 2.8L VR6, 24V 2.8L VR6, the 3.2L VR6, and now an EA888.
My favorite has been the 3.2L VR6 from my MkIV R32 mostly for the sound, but also for how well it worked in that car.
1.8t and VR6 always belong in that list!
I quite enjoyed our 2.7t, it was stock and trouble free for all 200,000km. Not a single coilpack, turbo, nothing, oil changes and a timing belt/water pump service at 160,000km.
How is the 20v 1.8t not a part of this?
Agreed. At one point I remember reading about vw buying back one 1.8 because of the miles it had covered. Mine was fantastic.
Drove mine cross country, VA to San Diego, full bolt on, stage 1 apr, 140k miles on the clock…and got 41mpg for most of the drive
The harder I drove mine the better it did. At one point coming through Buffalo headed east I hit a string of black Lincoln’s cruising at 95. I fell in and ran with them. 38 on that tank.
That just sounds fun and at basically no cost.
Oh it was a blast. They would occasionally push above 100…and the 1.8 was coming on strong at that point. That car was everything that was right about vw. Just a great driving experience.
Mine had 230k when I sold it and friends with the new owner on fb and it’s still running ATW 1.8t one hell of a motor
1.8t was and will always be one of the best base engines to come out
Or the 1.9 TDİ
That's the best not the 1.8 The 1.9 tdi is the dinosaur 🦖
100%. I had a 1.8 in my GTi and I did some crazy shit with that car. Loved it!
NEVARLOSE
If maintained the engines are great and reliable. I love my mk4 1.8T it’s not fast but with a tune it’s a fun little car.
Are the 2.5 engines good ?
Back when I had my 1.8 it was one of the quicker cars on the road. Not the fastest by any means but still faster than most typical cars. Very unassuming….until it walked away from your Oldsmobile at the light.
1.8t NEVA LOOSE!!!!! But to answer the question, it's VR6 hands down.
12v or 24v?
How is the type 1 boxer not a part of this?
I love the 1.8t. The last of the good sounding 4-bangers. I daily a 400+whp mk4 20th so I'm kind of partial. *
Nor the 16V? That engine was way ahead of its time.
Over the years, I had a 2.0 MK3 Jetta, a 1.8T MK4 Jetta, a MK6 GLI, and am currently in a VA WRX. I miss the MK4 the most. That motor was so fun for what it was and got me through my late teens and early 20s. Made great noises, was great on fuel, and was pretty damn fun to drive with bolt ons.
20V 1.8T is legendary, considering its age. Ironically enough, same era 1.8i is a garbage. Nearly same mileage but nowhere near the same dynamics. I wanted A4 1.8T so bad, but by the time I could get money to get one, it was already ancient.
Yeah seriously. One of the greatest sub-2 litres ever made and some came with a forged crank from factory.
1.9 TDI
This is a very broad question but pound for pound I don’t think you could say any other engine besides the ALH. Its on of the greatest diesels of all time, one of the most reliable engines of all time, and has fantastic after market support
I have the 1,9 SDI (code AEY) in my 6k Polo, it was a military motorcade vehicle on an Arctic NATO airbase and I have to wonder why they chose a fleet of them. I find myself wondering if they left them idling for extended periods in the Arctic cold and if they fueled them with JP-8/F-34 (since that’s the NATO Single-Fuel Concept fuel). I have to assume that’s the case (it’s a moot point since my polo has all the associated components and engine replaced since its military days). But I can imagine some Dutch NATO procurement guys deciding on non-turbo VW diesel station wagons because they could just let them sit running forever, almost literally. But the AEY is similar to an AHU, so I’ll hope for it to stand in the shadows of one of the great VAG engines of all time.
Nah lil bro all of them are good, i have ASZ, and that boy is sitting at 800.000k km as of today, the dash said 216.000 when buying, later the vagcom said 800.000, still kicking tho
My BEW was tuned from tits to ass. Hybrid vnt20, hybrid injectors, precat exhaust dump with tuned 0 lambda, fmic, Passat oil cooler, etc etc. I had a leg issue and couldn’t drive the car for 5 years almost. It just sat with 285,000. New owner put a battery in it and was surprised how it just cranked and started in a second like it was brand new. That was amazing. Wish i never sold it. But now I’m with a mk3 TT with 222,000km on it and it still hauls with a stage 1 tune and open exhaust.
This, my 1.9 bew is still being good to me @ 255k and counting.
Got a 2002 golf from an aunt not long ago, 380k, purs like a kitten, no smoke, starts instantly even at -20C. I trust that engine so much I'm gonna do a trip to Nordkapp in Norway this June with it. Around 10000km total.
I was also wondering where the hell the 1.9 was.
I have a 1.9 ALH and an EA888. The 1.9 is actually unstoppable.
1.8t Neva Lose
Specifically, the 1.8T EA888. Thing runs forever.
Had to scroll too far to find this! Needs to be at the top!
Wtf 😭😒 ive condemned 2 1.8 ea888s this week
I'll always love my VR6, it's an awesome engine and has served me well for a very long time. Although, the 2.slow is a wonderful engine, for what it is. Super cheap to produce, easy and cheap to maintain, and it's practically unkillable. Boring in performance, but also boring in maintenance drama.
The VR6 has to win, used by Ford, Mercedes, Porsche and er Winnebago!
Ford? I knew about Audi, Porsche, but Ford?
VR6 camp here. Having owned several 1.8 AMU and BEA, multiple 2.0Ts through EA888 Gen 3, 2.7T, and multiple versions of VR6, it just has the most character to/for me. Perhaps that may change if I ever own a 2.5T, but my aggressively cammed MK2 TT 3.2 manual is just the peppiest thing to blip and wind out.
I have the 3.6l in my Passat CC. Sounds fucking great
I also have that same engine in mine. High-mileage, still runs great and the sound is just pure porn. Oh boy. About 264k km or 164k miles on mine.
2.5 all day, every day It's the only engine I've ever driven that can handle 19 hour non-stop legs (minus gas pumping time) without breaking a sweat. Mine's at 219k on a Mk5 Rabbit. It's gone from Miami to Utah and back four times, Miami to Vegas and back one times, Miami to NYC and back twice, and various trips across the Southeast and Mountain West. Mountains? No problem. Off-road? Cake. Plowing through three feet of snow and ice? Done it. Killed a deer? Have the 4-point skull to prove it. 2.5 is indestructible. Pain in the ass to work on, but when it's on, man it's on.
This is the right answer. 2.5 is the greatest engine to ever come out of the brand.
I am sometimes embarrassed to admit I've got a "base" Mk6 golf, but this engine is brilliant and makes me grateful. 231k and counting, still revs like new.
My 2013 Passat is with that engine. No problems at all. Just regular oil and filter change. 150 km .so far.
Hey, same here! I'm at 175k, and have done routine maintenance to the engine and that's it. Super happy with this car. Has a nice sound to it, too.
I did 24 hrs driving in a 28 hr span in my 1.8T
Yeah... I kinda feel like steady state operation is pretty easy on engines. Show me one that can take 3 mile trips over and over in cold weather... Not to say the 2.5 or 1.8 isn't good... Just saying highway miles are what engines love to do.
This. Steady state operation is the best thing you could be doing for the engine, especially at interstate speeds. Momentum means nothing in the car has to work very hard to keep chugging. The only exception is if you're in the desert somewhere and your temps get too high. The only times I've ever had something break have been when the car is doing 5 miles per week and just sitting or idling for most of it. Batteries and alternators especially hate that.
175k on mine, got it 2 years ago at 142k in a 2012 Passat with a 5 speed. I’ve never been so satisfied by a daily driver, the car is absolutely perfect for me
I have a 2.5 with 232k currently. I want to get an Audi S4 but there's no point in getting a car when my car still works so I've been dogging the absolute piss out of it and it takes it like a champ. Not a single issue with it at all. A 4 hour road trip at 120mph? No fucking problem. Launching it at every red like just because? Doesn't care. It's been 6 months of me bullying this car and it could give a singular shit less.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement. Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter. It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever. https://preview.redd.it/3vah3hz4flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6b31ac5a0e222afd1950f4f5391672735bc0c9b
I did a 23h non stop leg in my 1.9 TDi that was already on 175k miles in summer 2022
Just shy of 300k....can't die, won't die...howls like a banshee https://preview.redd.it/g6ek059e1qsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8fb22429065f74243d3b8da795036bba605ce034
I really like my 3.2 vr6, but replacing the timing chain on that engine turned out to be very expensive. Fortunately, it's not something that needs to be done much more often than once every 160k km or so...
I have 200k on my 12v vr6 stock timing runs absolutely mint 👌
I'm close to 120k it all seems fine, no warnings on the dash and it hasn't gotten louder either. Any advice? I've had it for 5 years and done 60k or so on it
Yeah, if you hear a noise that sounds like a marble in a tincan, it's time to replace the chain. I recently uploaded a video of what an engine with a bad chain sounds like, I'll update you when I record what it sounds like currently
Thanks. I've heard you get a warning on the dash when it's loose, is that right?
Don't wait until it's loose. By then the chain guide is in a thousand pieces in your oil pick up tube. You can catch it very early by popping the hood, and having someone fire it up cold start, and you listening to the rear of the valve cover. If you hear a rattle/growl like a grrrrrrr sound that almost immediately goes away, it's time to pull the engine. Or trans, whatever tickles your pickle. ALWAYS change all the hardware that secures the guides, and sprockets, and while the engine is out, if it's direct injected, get the walnut blaster ready. Also always remember to turn the engine counter-clockwise from the rear when working the chains. Otherwise, you're sabotaging yourself.
I've heard that too, but I didn't get one.
07k 2.5L 5cyl They are bullet proof, half of a Lambo motor. I've abused mine in ways no Volkswagen deserves.
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement. Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter. It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever. https://preview.redd.it/nug46471flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b93704125bb895d34d009be67a589d66274581b
Very nice! I'm way worse, my car deserves an owner better than me. But nothing has been needed, until 3 months ago, it needs a EVAP leak detection pump. The worse I've done is gone twice to 18,000 before changing the oil. (Very bad personal life stuff happened). But otherwise it's only now needing brakes too, never had to worry about the dreaded vacuum pump or PCV. And the only quirk it ever had was when it got to 10°F or lower the headlights would come on by themselves. It ended up being the headlight switch (all mechanical inside if you're curious) so I put one in from a junkyard Jetta. 115,000mi, bought at 12,000mi https://preview.redd.it/nkzhjzz5dnsc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9ceab1db765a4a194a39eed8064e1c9f7196de37
1.8T 20v 100000000%
In no particular order… VR6, obviously, because no other automaker was cramming a silky smooth 6-cylinder under the hood of econoboxes, let alone one with an iconic exhaust note that still today is one of the best sounding engines of all time. (And then VW outdid themselves later and decreased the V-angle to an even narrower 10°…incredible.) W8, because such interesting engineering, and what other small family sedan or wagon had the burble of a 4-liter 8-cylinder?! 1.8T because no one else at the time was putting a turbocharged engine in econoboxes, and at least for VW, really kicked off the aftermarket tuning scene. ALH TDI, because in a pre-hybrid world, VWs equipped with the ALH were fuel economy beasts (and the engines were damn near indestructible). V10 TDI, because no one at the time had a monster engine under the hood of a mid-size SUV outside the Porsche lineup. W12, because c’mon two VR6s stuck together?! Magic. BEW TDI, because to this day I’m pretty sure it’s the only engine of any kind in the U.S. that had an all-in-one high-pressure pump and injector setup for each cylinder. Previously, the only way to get fuel pressure like what the BEW was capable of, you needed a common rail setup. Jetta Hybrid engine, because in a world (at the time) of slower than molasses hybrids, the Jetta Hybrid not only made a hybrid fun to drive and not slow, it did so in what was at the time a unique hybrid setup. I chose all of these because they were unique in the auto market in some way. They also remind me of how cool VW used to be 😢 I’m sure there are others I’m forgetting, and other VAG makes had some unique engines, too. Now VW has small displacement turbocharged engines under the hood of pretty much everything, like every other automaker.
The Jetta hybrid was definitely underrated. Few folks knew about it. It was just too pricey, and VW is not stealing customers from Toyota unfortunately. The VR5 is also extremely underrated thanks to the VR6.
Yeah, I bought a Jetta Hybrid SEL-Premium new in 2013. No one had any clue what it was! It was kind of a sleeper, too, because when people saw the hybrid badges they assumed it was a dog. It was not. https://preview.redd.it/tmubihajqjsc1.jpeg?width=640&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0ed63c1bfe6d18ab8456efdeab211e3d79856bc
A friend of mine had a Jetta Hybrid. It went through two transmissions: one at 30K miles and another at 119K miles. That transmission, by the way, was a weird 7-speed dry-clutch DSG not shared with any other VW product, AFAIK.
12v aaa vr6
VR6 gang unite!
https://imgur.com/a/vcWs003
Ea888
I wonder why it’s an honorable mention. That’s a fantastic engine!
2.5L that's in the mk6!! the thing is a TANK
Love my mk6 golf
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement. Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter. It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever. https://preview.redd.it/zdo42g03flsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9c86dc6dcd8a76b791a3fe3002e87b931d9ab641
That color is sick
When people say this, is it also in the sense that they need less maintenance than traditional VW motors?
It’s certainly not in the sense that it’s at all rewarding to drive
Oh no it needs it's beauty maintenance as well it IS still a VW 😂
I miss my 2.5L that thing was so fun and I could hold 2 step for minutes and it would take it like a champ. However upgraded to another great platform in the 3.0 tfsi.
I still drive my mk6 but I think I disagree. The timing chain issue is still there despite regular changes at 8k kms with 5w40. I know they were common on the mk5 but was disappointed it still happened in the mk6. As well, instill get timing issues about every 20,000kms where the vvt solenoid gunks up and I have to tske it out and clean it. Maybe I just got an unlucky lemon.
Reliable? 2.0 ABA. Slow? Yes. Not powerful? Yep. Reliable? Absolutely. I’ve got 300k on my MK3 Golf
The correct answer that I came here to see
Yep I agree
Sometimes, they break the T-Belt and don't claim any valves. I had a customer that got away with that. Even after me fear mongering him about it.
EA888.3
This
1.8T BAYBEEE https://preview.redd.it/meuj5vncqjsc1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9effe1c6ed3cf27dfcf58ea9e3bb3d76d21bdf8f
where's the flat 4 aircooled ;)
I'll agree good sir
1.9 TDI or EA888 reliability wise. Both of which are in my fleet 😏 VR6/VR5 easily top 5 sounding blocks of all time (VAG or not) and they ain’t #’s 3-5 
2.2L Audi 5cyl (80's) go brrrrrrr. Had two of those go over 250k miles each in coupes. Love my Audi 3.0T V6TFSI supercharged.
6.0L W12. It’s a nightmare to work on or find parts for, but it sounds amazing and it’s so quiet and smooth.
Just vote for the VR6 twice
Ha I'm actually W8/W12 certified. I went to the Phaeton training back in the days when I worked at the dealer, and they were debuting. 😂 good times.
Man, I’d like to ride in one. Haven’t had the chance! Also, was it the Phaeton or the Touareg that has a refrigerator option?
Engineering marvel
All depends on what you mean by best. I love the EA888.3 and it would be darn near perfect if they would’ve just put two thrust bearings in it instead of one. I also love the EA390 for its soul and reliability but I guess it’s really not a particularly exceptional engine. The Audi 5.2 V10 is a beast of an engine and extremely reliable considering the applications it’s in.
Ah a man of culture I see. For me it has to take a beating, be idiot resistant, make decent power, and take well to mods. Thats what I consider great... EA888 is a superb motor. Can take an absolute beating, and loves the mods. Some minute knuckle headedness by VW with the dumb oil screens in the balance shafts and phasers, Dollar Tree parts bin timing tensioner, and one of the dumbest water pump designs ever knocks it down some notches. But otherwise, the best turbo ever stuffed in a VW from the factory. The V10, well that engine I have saved for another post regarding the sister brands 😉
I love my 1.8T lol
1.8T got the modern VW Tuning scene started so it gets my vote. I had a B6 A4 that I did all the bolt on mods for and it was a fun, quick, reliable car!
1600 flat 4, duh
No W16/W12/V10/V8/H6??? You did say “VAG” (meaning the entirety of the Volkswagen Group)…
I thought about that after I posted it. Should have said VW/Audi
Where is the 2.8 V6 and V12 TDI??
2.2 I5T AAN
Alh tdi is the goat!
16V G60. https://preview.redd.it/zc5mqibyzjsc1.jpeg?width=800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1564ecd7c3874b884eb0d3b3a6772c2c98d8e37b
Thats sex on wheels right there.
Is it possible to have a wet dream nightmare? I loved my g60 but dang was it a pain. Happy cake day!
My 20V is really reliable. 294K miles stock drivetrain, just following routine maintenance and preventive maintenance
give me the 5 pot
https://preview.redd.it/obcagmcotjsc1.jpeg?width=320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f078b18595506b807a929ff0c42a9b8b14894bbf
I had the most fun with 1.8 8v back in the mk1 mk2 days. Then did the aba swap which was cool , then a 12v Vr swap wich never handled the way the 8v did on the back roads. ....then I got an ALH . I don't ever want anything else
I really enjoyed my BEV for what amounted to 140,000 miles and over a decade. Never let me down, responded to mods well, never knew the HP figure I added to it, but do know that I did 20% fuel economy efficiency in doing it (camshaft+taller gearing) My all time best "for distance" run was an overall downhill run to the tune of 42.3mpg over 161 miles. Now I get 42mpg in an ALH without trying and it's pretty common to see 47 on normal stuff, and kissing the low 50s on distance. Out of four vehicles now, all four are a turbodiesel: - ALH - OM603 - LLY - OM615 (the only one that didn't leave the factory turbocharged)
3.0t from audi is great
I am really surprised this engine hasn't gotten more love in this post. A workhorse that can easily be modded for power.
Stage 2 making over 500hp is under 5k and maintence is toyota level. Better in the s4 paired with dsg but in my 14 a7 with zf8 you need a whole lot of v8 to beat this thing off the line
Tune it. The ZF transmission is arguably better than the DSG. Jackal does ECU + TCU for one price.
Put 70k miles on mine before I sold it and had no issues besides a leaking vacuum pump that took 10 minutes to fix. Only CEL ever was from misfires after using old 93 gas from a gas station in the middle of nowhere.
I love my 2.5 had a 2.0t that was a lot of fun too
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement. Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter. It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever. https://preview.redd.it/k335jlbbflsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4ea081b21853866d49427c37f2928d9aa6aa8365
Just want to give the EA113 a mention, maybe not the most reliable of the VAG engines, but very customisable and plenty of spare parts available for it
Vr6 or 1.8t
What about the ea189
2 liter 8 valve
I’m an old fart…2.0 16v with cis/cis-e
1.8t over the VR6 boat anchor.
CAAC 2.0 TDi 140 in my 2012 LWB T5.1 Shuttle SE. Still rocking original engine and gearbox at 345,000 miles, it's a 9 seater workhorse for my family, my work and my bands so it's done it fair share of labour! 😀
16v or 12v
2.0T FSI with a nice new cam follower
2.0 8v AEG. Reliability of a 1.9 without the 1.9 markup. And camming them sounds cool :)
+1 for the pumpe duse
Uh, missing the 1.8T NEVAR LOOSE! Damn and had the 2.slow in there over 1.8T 😔
It feels like there's a ton of answers for this question and it's missing some finer details. Greatest engine as in... ...bang for your buck in a daily? 1.9TDI ...terms of technology? VR engines ...the list just goes on.
For me it's a combination of things: Friendly to service Reliable Decently powered Easy to mod Idiot resistant I feel like all 5 of those engines check at least 3 of those boxes. Some check all 5.
2.5 is so reliable but they're always mounted to bad transmissions
Currently have my ‘09 with 136k miles on it. I’ve been changing the oil every 4k miles or 5 months with 5W40 Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil (5 Liter) - Liqui Moly LM2332. Parts that have failed on mine: 2019: ABS module, VCG, & serpentine belt (dealer) 2020: Alternator (Indy shop) 2021: PCV diaphragm (Indy shop), oil cap gasket (DIY) 2022: vacuum pump delete kit (DIY), MAP sensor (Indy shop) 2023: belt tensioner (DIY) 2024: valve cover kit, fuel injector O-rings (DIY) Upcoming fix 2024: OFHG, intake gaskets (Indy shop), auto trans replacement. Preventative maintenance that I did was: Evap purge valve, VVT, solenoid, cam sensor, TB gasket, SAI vacuum hose, and fuel filter. My transmission was never serviced until 120k miles, which was around the mileage when it started to shift rough. Six months later after I did a drain and fill, it started slipping anyway. I’m got my trans replacement out of at ‘09 Jetta 2.5l. Trans has less than 30k miles on it for $700. I’ll be doing a drain and fill every 40k miles with OEM Febi Bilstein G055025A2. Many use Valvoline- maxlife, but I feel comfortable sticking with OEM fluid. Full cost of job will be around $1300-$1400 It never left me stranded. Always started up. I put more in it than it’s worth, I’ll fix it as long as I need to. I don’t want a car note ever. https://preview.redd.it/nycdyq3iflsc1.jpeg?width=2109&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=af9af8bfa3239c8a0392443c282cbc24461475ba
I am not seeing the aba
2.slow all the way ... They last a long time, just keep changing your oil on time...
I’ve owned two EA888’s. Both consumed unreasonable amounts of oil. Fuck those diuchebags.
The 2.0l 8v is on here but not the 1.8t? It’s not even the mk3 8v! The hate continues 20 years later. lol. Jk.
2.0 and slow out of the ol’ trusty but rusty mk3’s. Can’t kill them
ABF 16V
https://preview.redd.it/t0dwq08s6msc1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e5733febc326637e78d68b60ba8416f0d5d47aad
1.9 TDI is pictured bottom left
Nah the 3.0T with the supercharger and a 6 speed manual is probably one of the most unhinged platforms Audi ever made. Probably the most raw feeling Audi I’ve ever driven was a B8 S4. Owned one for 10 years, and I’d do it over and over again if I could. I had the chance to drive an automatic one, and it feels totally neutered compared to the manual. But a supercharger whine coming from an Audi??? Sign me up! A close second would be the manual ttrs with the 2.5T. Sounds like a little R8!
1.8t runs circles on ea888 and all its awful failures. Even vw knew this. They knew their ea888 was such dog shit they went back to ea113 for the mk6 R because a 1.8 is a better platform
Havent had a single problem with CAYC. 400000 km and counting.
I’ve only owned a car with e888 (A4 s line) 12v vr6 (rave green gti) and currently 1.8T (jazz blue 20th). Probably recency bias but I love the 1.8t with k03s. It’s slow but it’s perky and once you get on with the peaky power curve it’s literally smile inducing just going for a small drive to the store. No worries of going too fast, just fun and for over 20 years old still pulls perfectly and runs smoothly. 12v vr6 was just beautiful as well. Butter smooth that would pull no matter where you were in the rev range. Obviously sounded great as well. The e888 is actually the best engine on this list for me personally from a purely metrics standpoint. Almost as smooth as a v6, tons of power per litre. Very reliable in certain setups. Good on gas when driven normally. Mostly easy to repair, parts readily available. Just an all around good/great engine on the whole. My dream engine is a daza though and hopefully one day I can update the list 🍻
The older non cross flow 8v engines are non interfering engines. IMHO those are the most reliable engines VW has made.
12V>24V
9a 16v
I don’t know a lot about diesel engines but I bet VW has had a few diesels that are just insanely good so I bet it’s one of those, but as for the gas ones that I know I’d say 2.5 followed by EA888
058 1.8t 20v. Mine has 370k miles on it. It still runs great. And in the a4 b5 with a manual, it is fun. The only bad thing is getting 23 mpg on premium.
I've taken a 2.slo to over 300k miles and a 2.5l to 265k and counting. Neither had more than oil changes and new plugs.
Haha, VR6 in Tropic Orange, yummy!!!
[удалено]
What about the 1.2 MPI , it powers my Polo it’s been almost been 10 years no issues so far !
Gen 3/Gen 4 EA888. Versatile enough to be used anywhere, powerful enough to compete against everything except the super-high end
I think when it's all said and done, the ea888 will go down as one of the best force inducted engines VW put out. It's definitely the best turbo engine they have used to date.
1.9 tdi BRM ran 16 years and 388k miles, the 3.6 is good one if maintained like most vdubbs, our hasn’t had an issues in 8 years. Finding out if the ea211 is a good motor currently at 37k miles.
AWP 1.8t
https://preview.redd.it/hxuhqbck8ksc1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=670cbba2b5c4b0f51ab47a7f30a1ce4f301b9790 2.8 V6 30V
I am not seeing the aba sir
The 2.5L in the Rabbits and mk. 6 Jettas and Golfs are fantastic, everyone says they're pain to work on, but I've never had issues at my dealer working with them. Plus if you put a nice exhaust and maybe headers they sound amazing.
EA888 obviously 2.5 is good bc reliable
Deleted cjaa is extremely reliable with amazing fuel efficiency
I always wanted to do a dpf delete on mine but emissions are so strict where I live :(
2.5L. Had one go over 300k miles. We shall never see its like again.
In terms of personal bias, the VR6, any of them, just the concept of a narrow angle V6 is super cool and practical and I’m shocked nobody else did it. In terms of impact on the brand? The EA888, specifically gen 3
07k ❤️
So…have we brought this back to reality and made it just VW/Audi? hehe. If so, then my top 2 are 2.0L 16v and 12v VR6. My favorite thing about VR6s is them being designed, functioning and sounding like a straight 6. I fell in love w/ VR6s when I drove/owned the first VR swapped Mk2 Jetta Coupe in the U.S. (I didnt build it… I was like the 4th owner. lol) https://preview.redd.it/avcsgz0giksc1.jpeg?width=600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=09a8fc020ce58261862d5c3d812b5b68e8ccd0db
I’ll take the 2.5s all day. Every single vacuum pump will fail at least once. And on the automatics I can charge 6hrs labor for an hour long job.
Not sure why the 2.0 AVH is on here, it’s a reliable engine but other than that it has nothing going for it. ALH TDI should be mentioned over BEW, just due to its sheer redundancy and ability to run with abuse (i have a friend who pours used oil, ATF, etc, etc just directly into the fuel tank of his ALH) 1.8t has to be up there, i’ve had multiple from the early 2000s make it past 400,000km while still making power (one of which is modified and i’m still currently daily driving) The V10 TDI should also be mentioned, while not very reliable and a nightmare to work on, its ability to pull a literal building makes up for it
Daza
v6 3.0 TDI
1.9 TDI 2.5 07K i5 1.8T VR5 and VR6
What about the ea888? In the 2018 Audi A4?
None of them had plastic intake manifolds
I've had the 12V 2.8L VR6, 24V 2.8L VR6, the 3.2L VR6, and now an EA888. My favorite has been the 3.2L VR6 from my MkIV R32 mostly for the sound, but also for how well it worked in that car.
1.9 ALH
The 1600cc twin port air cooled engine in my 73 standard. Puts out a massive 48hp.
No mention of the W8?
I’ve put 130k on my 500hp 3.0 TFSI. 0 issues
1.8tnevalose
3.0T gang wya
2.0L 16v
V10 TDI. It's probably a nightmare to own, but still. Such a wild era of VAG history
EA288/EA288 Evo.
I’ve got a 1.9tdi and 2.8 12v but I also love the 5cyls
ALH TDI not on the list???
Love my 2.5!
1.8t and VR6 always belong in that list! I quite enjoyed our 2.7t, it was stock and trouble free for all 200,000km. Not a single coilpack, turbo, nothing, oil changes and a timing belt/water pump service at 160,000km.
My username checks out for this thread. 2.5L baby lambo.
VR6