What's the poop on VW break in?

[Volvohead]

I cannot get a straight answer on whether VW is using special "break in" oil in their NA 2.5 for '06.

Dealer folk tell me yes (and to leave it in for 5K or I'll have a burner). In 2006? Sounds like 1956.

Other sources tell me they havn't used special oils since the '90s, but to avoid full-synthetic oils for 5K. That implies it's OK to change out the factory fill sooner.

I'm not planning to use full-syn, but I've NEVER left foundary fill in a new engine for 5K. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.

So what's the break in reality on these new VW engines? I'll tell you, VW and their oils are a real PITA.

 

[ruking77]

To cut to the quick, run your factory fill to 5,000 miles (or the owners manual or shop technical data recommendations).

Good questions. The gibberish is in the VW oil specifications. So in effect, VW actually uses so called "synthetic" oil even as factory fill.

In terms of "special break in oils" the answer is NO! But in the engine assembly process, a certain amount of assembly lube is indeed used. The oem wants it to circulate in the engine for the prescribed amount of time (5,000 miles)

The oil specifications are indeed as you say a bit troublesome at times. However once you get into the groove, those 10,000 mile OCI's can really tend to smooth out things. Some brands that meet the so call "grades" Mobil One 0w40, Motul, Pentosin, (German or GC) Castrol.

 

[williar]

I went on the factory fill for the first 5K miles in my Audi 2.7t and now after 60K it consumes almost no oil. So I agree; leave it in for the full 5K. The filter will pick up any particulate matter.

 

[tamu_man]

The Lamborghini Gallardo uses a simular design and comes with synthetic as factory fill. My dads buddy got his first change after 1,000 miles of driving like a grandpa, and now he drives it like he stole it. The dealer never gave him any crap. Don't listen to mechanics on technical issues. Most mechanics don't know there are different groups of synthetic. Read the manual and see what it says. All the shop monkeys can burn for all I care.

 

[Volvohead]

Ok, I'll leave the factory brew in for 5K and grit my teeth. At least I'm not the one driving it.

After that, it's getting Schaeffers 703 every 5K until it dies or we get sick of it.

 

[akuska]

Volvohead, all the oils that meet the VW specs are synthetic (inclusive of Group III). Mobil 1 0w40 and Castrol Syntec 5w40 meet specs and are fairly widely available. VW now calls for a 10k OCI. Why are you reluctant to go 5K with the factory fill and then to go past 5K after that? Is it a bad past experience with VW?

 

[akuska]

On a related note, the 2.0T did consume a fair amount of oil from miles 0-9500 (i.e. the first two oil changes). It is now at 12,500 and hasn't burned a drop since. The dealer uses Mobil1 0w40.

 

[moribundman]

quote:

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I'll tell you, VW and their oils are a real PITA.

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If you feel that way, why did you buy a VW?

 

[Volvohead]

Because I don't make vehicle purchase decisions based solely on motor oil.

Other than VW's oil spec hysteria, the car is a good choice.

 

[hominid7]

I think a lot of the VW Oil Hysteria came from people using too thin an oil in earlier models and then following the rediculously long OCI listed in the owners manuals.

I owned an '89 Jetta for 11 years and 225K miles and it called for (and got) 20w50 dino year-round, changed every 3000 miles or less. No problems at all. To the OP: I changed the factory fill out at less than 1000 miles and never had a problem.

The newer VW's call for 5w40/0w40 and seem to do well on it. On my old VW the oil pressure sensor would get tripped in the summer by using anything thinner than a 15wXX. The Digifant engine management system ran at a higher than normal pressure. They have "improved" them in recent models though and they seem to be more user friendly.

For the record, i think the Germans build excellent engines and transmissions. Their electronic and plastic designs have something to be desired though. Anyone thats ever owned a VW in a hot climate knows all too well about melted plastic window regulators and very tempermental electronics in general. I replaced my fuel pump relay 10 or so times over the years, and finally ended up having to pull the wires out of the fuse box and soldering them onto the relay to keep it working. If you live in a very hot-humid climate, Japanese and American cars seem to be more suited to the climate.

One nice thing about my VW though is the capacity of the oil filter must have been at 1/2 a quart. I dare say my current mazda oil filter maybe holds 4 to 6 oz.

 

[JAG]

VW/Audi and other Euro automakers deserve praise, not criticism, for having nice oil specs that separate the men from the boys. Just follow your owner's manual - it's as easy as that. And use OEM filters since they very high quality...I have seen the filtration specs for the various filter used in MK4 VWs and they are top notch.

 

[Drew]

I have 4k on my VW factory fill and it is killing me. My last new VW was in 04 and I dumped the factory fill at 1000 miles, it didn't burn any oil as a result.