2015 TDI Passat (EA288) with oil smell

ktpett

New member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Location
Vancouver, WA
TDI
2015 TDI Passat SEL
My wife and I just purchased a 2015 Passat TDI with the new EA288 engine. This is our 4th VW TDI so we have been around other VW diesels and recognize normal diesel smells.

We have 150 miles on the new Passat and keep noticing a burned oil smell. It doesn't seem to be coming from the tail pipe and isn't something we have noticed with prior TDIs including our prior 2010 Sportswagen. Has anyone else noticed this with the new engine or prior versions of the TDI?
 

hudsonian

Veteran Member
Joined
Oct 13, 2013
Location
Calgary, AB
TDI
2013 Passat Highline TDI
Have you had a TDI with a DPF before? When my 2013 was new it took a few regens for the DPF to burn off the new smell.....
 

knownikko

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 6, 2014
Location
CA
TDI
2014 Passat 6MT
I noticed similar odor from my 2014 for the first few hundred miles. I wrote it off as "new car" smell and it went away soon enough without incident.
 

ktpett

New member
Joined
Sep 5, 2014
Location
Vancouver, WA
TDI
2015 TDI Passat SEL
My 2010 Sportswagen didn't have it. That could be the issue. I will give it a few hundred miles to works itself out. Thank you.
 

BPofMD

Veteran Member
Joined
Mar 12, 2013
Location
Maryland
TDI
2012 Passat SE
I would also keeps VERY close tabs on your oil level! And if your dealer isn't TOO far away let them look at it and document your concerns for obvious reasons.
 

rotarykid

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 27, 2003
Location
Piedmont of N.C. & the plains of Colorado
TDI
1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
If your car has the new EA288 engine it has a few things designed different than the previous models. The smell you are sensing is likely related to a new component burning in, getting hot for the first time....

If that is the case after a few heat cycles the smell should go away....
 

big_ole_truck

Veteran Member
Joined
May 23, 2010
Location
NW FL
TDI
2015 VW Passat TDI SEL
2015 TDI owner here. Initially, a couple of short trips around town left a smell but it wasn't reminding me of oil burning. It reminded me of a cross between new electrical burn-in smell and a plastic deforming smell. After 400 miles, that smell is no longer noticed.
 

tdiatlast

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jan 21, 2009
Location
Fort Worth, Texas
TDI
2009 Sportwagen (boughtback); 2014 Passat TDI SEL (boughtback)
^^^THAT'S a perfect description of the smell I've noticed in every new DPF equipped CR VW. 2009 Jettas (2), 2012 Passat, 2014 Passat.
 

jrm

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2013
Location
Oregon
TDI
2013 Passat SE with nav (totaled)
very noticeable when parking in a garage, even our HVAC system caught some of the smell and distributed it threw our home.
 

no-blue-screen

TDI Nut
Joined
Feb 9, 2006
Location
Maryland
TDI
TDI
Ditto on everything that was said. Just to be safe keep an eye on the oil level as was already suggested. Keep us posted on your experience with the new engine.
 

czeetah

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2014
Location
Mountains, NC
TDI
2014 Passat 6MT / Opera Red
Watch oil level, look for spots under car.

If it's still there after a few hundred miles call dealer.

Maybe do some poking around. When ya get home pop hood run out and look. Smoke? More strong smell?

Since none of us can experience what you are ... the folks saying "yeah, I smelled this when new" could very well, if they could teleport to you, smell the smell you are talking about and go "oh my god no that's nothing like what I was referring to!!"

Then again new engine burny-smells are pretty common.
 

FormerOwner

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 16, 2006
Location
Alabama
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SE 6spd; Former Owner 02 MkIV wagon
Get on the Interstate... open it up... put about 500 miles or so on the car, and that "live in fear" smell is gone. Don't worry about it. Keep an eye on your fluid levels.

One more thing... too many of you belong in Area 51 with your conspiracies! It's a dang car, nothing more. My Gawd there are too many conspiracy folks on here these days... I guess that's what keeps Jim Janos (aka Jesse Ventura) smiling...
 

rotarykid

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Apr 27, 2003
Location
Piedmont of N.C. & the plains of Colorado
TDI
1997 Passat TDI White,99.5 Blue Jetta TDI
My wife and I just purchased a 2015 Passat TDI with the new EA288 engine. This is our 4th VW TDI so we have been around other VW diesels and recognize normal diesel smells.

We have 150 miles on the new Passat and keep noticing a burned oil smell. It doesn't seem to be coming from the tail pipe and isn't something we have noticed with prior TDIs including our prior 2010 Sportswagen. Has anyone else noticed this with the new engine or prior versions of the TDI?
Did you notice a higher epa rating than was on the 2014s??

From what I was just reading the DSG is now epa rated 30/42 ( 2 higher than last year highway ) and the manual is now rated 30/44 ( 1 higher than last year ).....

I am curious to see what the real world numbers will now be on both. I'd expect mid to high 40s on the DSG with the manual breaking the 50 mpg mark a lot easier in everyday mixed driving......

Here is the article I just spent some time going over from Aug.27,2014..........

2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: BUILT IN AMERICA, FOR AMERICA
Aug 27, 2014


Outstanding fuel efficiency, class-leading rear-seat legroom, priced from $21,120

New 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder TDI® Clean Diesel engine; brings enhanced horsepower and fuel economy
Only TDI® Clean Diesel option in segment with EPA estimated 44 mpg highway fuel economy and range of nearly 814 miles
Rearview camera now available on S and Wolfsburg trims
Windshield wiper rain sensor now available on SEL trims
Herndon, VA – The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is an American-built mid-size sedan with the amenities and space of many full-size models, with best-in-class, stretch-out rear-seat legroom and trunk space to match.

The Passat TDI® version—the only clean diesel option in the segment—delivers an EPA estimated 44 miles per gallon on the highway with the manual transmission, giving a range of almost 814 miles. The previous-generation diesel engine, matched to a six-speed manual transmission, and driven using special, highly efficient driving techniques and tires, set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® achievement for the “lowest fuel consumption—48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car” category with a stellar 77.99 mpg—more than 10 mpg better than the previous mark of 67.9 mpg.

New for 2015

Headlining the Passat’s changes for 2015 is a new 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine TDI Clean Diesel engine that produces 150 horsepower and carries the designation EA288. This engine is also more fuel-efficient than the previous version; when paired with a manual transmission, it returns an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 30 in the city and 44 on the highway (an improvement of 1 mpg, respectively), while the six-speed DSG® automatic now returns 42 mpg on the highway (a 2 mpg improvement).

Additionally, a Technology Package is now available on S and Wolfsburg trims, and includes a rearview camera, Premium VIII audio with eight speakers, and satellite radio. Lastly, SEL trims receive rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Exterior

The Passat’s clean design, with a predominance of horizontal body elements, reinforces the Passat’s position as the sophisticated choice in the mid-size segment.

The Passat’s front end displays the horizontal brand face, with the three-blade grille and headlights forming a single unit. The Passat’s grille is sculpted in a three-dimensional shape and makes a distinctive and elegant impression because of its strict geometry. Beneath the front bumper is a large, lower intake with a striking honeycomb surface and available foglights housed at each end.

To emphasize the aerodynamic styling of the Passat, the roof lines flow toward the back with a nearly coupe-like cut of the rear window. Three side windows create luxury-class style with a long, extended glass surface.

The lines of the taillights rise toward the sides, underscoring the dynamics of the elegant rear styling. Another unique feature here is the design of the two-part taillights that are integrated in the rear fender and trunk lid.

This is a generously-proportioned four-door sedan and the largest Passat ever. Nose to tail it measures 191.6 inches and features a stretched 110.4-inch wheelbase and 72.2-inch width, which allows such exceptional rear seat space.

The Sport model offers two unique color combinations that differentiate it from the Passat family. When clad in Candy White, the Sport is outfitted with a black roof and mirror caps, while the second color offered on the Sport—Urano Gray—is exclusive to this trim.

Interior

Designed and specifically tailored for the U.S. market, the Passat delivers plenty of space for five adults to comfortably stretch out. Ingress and egress is made effortless with the large, wide-opening doors.

The instrument panel is similar to that of Volkswagen’s flagship model, the Touareg. Available chrome-trimmed gauges surround a digital multifunction display. A high-end chrome look is also applied to the air vents in the cockpit, and to the surrounds of the radio, navigation system, and the climate control panels. The rotary light switch and parking brake handle button are also treated in chrome.

The seats are exceptionally comfortable, with an emphasis on providing extra thigh support for long-distance road trips. Even in the base version, the driver’s seat adjusts eight ways, including lumbar, while most models feature eight-way power adjustment. Inviting cloth trim is offered with the base S model, while the Wolfsburg and higher trims feature Volkswagen’s characteristic perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces. Two-tone seating is offered on SE models, and SEL models move up to leather seating surfaces.

All trims, with the exception of the base S model, receive VW Car-Net® connected services, and rearview cameras are available across the lineup. Sport trims are distinguished with comfort sport seats, carbon-look trim accents, aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), stainless steel door sills, and Sport-specific floor mats.

Fender® Premium Audio

There is no shortage of entertainment system options with the Passat—but the most exciting is the Fender® Premium Audio System, which was designed to bring the raw emotion of a live music performance to the driving experience.

The system was developed through collaboration between Fender, the legendary music amplification experts, who also make some of the coolest guitars for the rock star elite, and Panasonic®. It cranks out 400 watts of power played through nine speakers, including a trunk-mounted subwoofer.

And the same cool, chromed Fender logo that has graced the guitar “amps” of some of the world’s music legends is featured on the Passat’s Fender system.

Engines and Transmissions

The 2015 Passat lineup features three engine options, including a powerful 3.6-liter VR6®, the 1.8-liter TSI® turbocharged four cylinder, and the new EA288 2.0-liter TDI Clean Diesel.

The 3.6 liter VR6 makes the 2015 Passat a top-flight sport sedan. Producing an impressive 280 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, it offers power and luxury-class driving comfort, with European-type restraint in its fuel consumption—the EPA highway estimate is 28 mpg. Shifting on the Passat VR6 model is handled by a standard six-speed DSG.

Volkswagen pioneered the use of small displacement, highly efficient direct-injection and turbocharged engines in the U.S., starting with the EA113 engine in the 2006 GTI and Jetta GLI. The 2015 Passat features a EA888 Gen 3 turbocharged and direct-injection four-cylinder engine that is made in Silao, Mexico. This 1.8-liter engine produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and posts gains of 1 mpg in EPA estimated highway fuel economy over the 2014 models. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 24 mpg city and 35 mpg highway when equipped with the five-speed manual transmission, and 24 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway with the six-speed automatic.

All-new diesel engine: The 2015 Passat TDI Clean Diesel is powered by the EA288 turbodiesel engine, Volkswagen’s all-new diesel engine family. The EA288 engine family is designated the modular diesel matrix, or MDB, and will form the basis for the majority of future U.S.-market Volkswagen diesel products.

The EA288 in the Passat is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection diesel engine, a thorough update from the engine in the 2014 Passat TDI. Despite the similarity in basic specifications, the only aspect that carries over from the previous EA189 unit is the cylinder bore spacing. The new engine produces 150 horsepower—10 more than before—at 3,500 rpm, as well as 236 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm. This high torque output is another compelling argument for diesel engines, along with their fuel efficiency. It delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 44 mpg on the highway when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, giving a range of up to 814 miles on one tank of ultra-low-sulfur clean diesel.

The compact EA288 engine has the intercooler for its turbocharger system integrated directly into the intake manifold, which serves a two-fold purpose of increasing throttle response and performance as well as helping lower emissions. The engine block is cast iron, with a forged steel crankshaft that runs in five main bearings and has four counterweights. In order to counteract engine vibration and maintain smooth operation, the EA288’s crankshaft is connected to two gear-driven counter-rotating balancer shafts that spin at twice engine speed. Friction has been reduced by about 15 percent in the engine, thanks to the use of roller bearings for the drivetrain side camshaft, increased piston-to-wall clearance, and lower piston-ring tension, among other measures.

The aluminum-alloy crossflow cylinder head has a number of unique features. First, the camshafts are integrated into a separate housing by a thermal joining process, ensuring a very rigid camshaft bearing while keeping the weight low. Second, each overhead camshaft operates one intake valve and one exhaust valve per cylinder (as opposed to one camshaft for intake valves only and one for exhaust), allowing for greater air delivery and swirl. The engine features variable cam phasing on the intake and exhaust valves.

Like its gasoline-powered brethren, the EA288 Clean Diesel TDI engine places strong emphasis on thermal management, which is evident in the cylinder head’s two-section coolant jacket, as well as a three-part cooling circuit and switchable coolant pump. Compared to the previous engine, emissions are reduced by up to 40 percent, helped by siting the exhaust after-treatment module close to the engine and by the use of a low-pressure exhaust gas recirculation system.

Optional on the Passat TDI Clean Diesel is Volkswagen’s DSG® six-speed automatic. This dual-clutch transmission is considered one the most-efficient automatics in the world. It incorporates a dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear, while the clutch from the previous gear is released.

The results are crisp, quick shifts, without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox. It’s the perfect choice for drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision of an automatic.

Suspension

The Passat has been designed to feature the kind of dynamic, involved handling and precise steering that drivers have come to expect of a Volkswagen.

Its front suspension features the proven Volkswagen formula of damper struts with robust lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, there’s a sophisticated four-link independent layout with telescopic dampers and an anti-roll bar.

The new electro-mechanical power steering is perfectly weighted to provide a balance between precision at highway speeds, and lower steering weight at parking speeds. Swinging into that tight, mall parking spot is easy, thanks to the Passat’s 36.4-foot turning radius and three turns lock-to-lock.

Safety

Every 2015 Passat comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) that helps compensate for oversteer or understeer by applying individual corrective forces to each of the wheels. Also standard is an Anti-lock Braking System, Hydraulic Brake Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, and Volkswagen’s acclaimed Intelligent Crash Response System. In the event of a collision it automatically unlocks the doors, shuts off the fuel pump, and even turns on the hazard warning lights.

The six standard airbags include front and side thorax airbags for the front-seat occupants, together with Side Curtain Protection® airbags front and rear.

Scheduled Maintenance

Peace of mind in owning a new Passat comes from Volkswagen’s no-charge Carefree Maintenance® Program. It covers scheduled maintenance for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Model Line-up

The Passat is offered in five trim levels—S, Wolfsburg Edition, SE, Sport, and SEL—with a total of 12equipment levels. All offer first-class safety and comfort.

1.8T S

With pricing starting at $21,120 for the five-speed manual transmission model, its key features include: air-conditioning; hill hold control (manual transmission only); multifunction steering wheel with audio and phone controls; powered exterior mirrors; automatic headlights with “coming home” function; trip computer; RCD 310 radio with CD player and six speakers; aux-in; Bluetooth® technology; 60/40 split rear seat; lumbar for driver seat. The S is also available with a six-speed automatic transmission for $22,220.

1.8T Wolfsburg Edition

Priced from $24,135, the Wolfsburg Edition adds a six-speed automatic transmission; 16-inch “San Jose” alloy wheels with all-season tires; heatable front seats; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, power driver seat with power lumbar; VW Car-Net™ connected services; leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake; SiriusXM® Satellite Radio; and a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable.

1.8T SE

Starting at $26,020, this trim, equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission, builds on the features already offered in the Wolfsburg Edition with:17-inch “Sonoma” aluminum-alloy wheels with all-season tires; rearview camera; power driver seat and lumbar; highline instrumentation cluster with multifunction display; rear passenger air vents; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio and phone controls; auto-dimming rearview mirror; power and heated exterior side mirrors; heated front washer nozzles; leather-wrapped hand brake and shift knob; Premium VIII touchscreen radio with six-CD in-dash changer and eight speakers. The SE with Sunroof and Navigation ($27,830) incorporates the RNS 315 navigation system, Keyless access with push-button start, chrome bumpers and door trim, comfort sport seats, and front foglights.

1.8T Sport

Priced at $27,835, the Sport adds: a six-speed automatic transmission;19-inch “Luxor” aluminum-alloy wheels; a rear spoiler; foglights; a unique interior with sport comfort seats, carbon trim accents, aluminum sport pedals, paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), stainless steel door sills, and Sport-specific floor mats. Three exterior colors are available for the Sport: Urano Gray (an exclusive color for this model), Candy White, and Tungsten Silver. Candy White and Tungsten Silver are accompanied by a black roof and black mirror caps. A 1.8T Sport with five-speed manual is available for $26,635 as a sold-order vehicle.

1.8T SEL Premium

With a starting price of $31,475, this adds RNS 510 navigation; Fender Premium Audio System; remote start; partial leather seating surfaces; front foglights; rain-sensing windshield wipers; rear seat pass-through; driver seat memory; and eight-way power passenger seat.

TDI Clean Diesel SE

Opens at $26,825 and features a six-speed manual transmission; 17-inch “Sonoma” aluminum-alloy wheels; V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces; eight-way power driver seat; heated front seats; Premium VIII touchscreen radio; rearview camera; multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel; VW Car-Net; sliding front center armrest; and rear passenger air vents. The SE with Sunroof ($28,840) adds a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, 18-inch “Bristol” wheels, and a power tilt and slide sunroof. The SE with Sunroof and Nav ($30,545) includes: side moldings with chrome accents, the RNS 315 navigation system, Keyless access with push-button start, comfort sport seats, and front foglights.

TDI SEL Premium

This adds leather seating surfaces; comfort sport seats; rain-sensing windshield wipers; RNS 510 navigation; Fender Premium Audio System; driver seat memory; wood grain interior trim; and an eight-way power passenger seat. Starts at $33,585.

3.6 SEL Premium

This flagship model starts at $35,660 and adds to the SE equipment previously listed: six-speed DSG automatic transmission; foglights; 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; eight-way power driver and passenger seats; driver seat memory; partial leather seating surfaces; Keyless access with push-button start; RNS 510 navigation; Fender Premium Audio System; iPod cable; wood grain interior décor; interior chrome accents and chrome dual exhaust tips.

Building in America

Volkswagen’s Chattanooga plant that produces the Passat is part of a $7 billion investment by the company in the North American market (2014-2018). The facility was designed to keep environmental impact to a minimum and includes a revolutionary paint shop that significantly reduces emissions, and is the only automotive plant in the world to be certified Platinum in Leadership in Energy &Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council. A state-of-the art $40 million employee training center ensures adherence to Volkswagen’s exacting quality standards. Volkswagen will be investing a total of approximately US$900 million in the production of a newly developed, seven-passenger SUV, and creating 2,000 additional jobs in the US. About US$600 million will be invested in Tennessee, production of the new vehicle will start end of 2016. For more information go to: www.volkswagengroupamerica.com/chattanooga.



About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers.

Notes:

This press release and images of the 2015 Passat are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews

“DSG”, “RCD”, “RNS”, “TDI”, “TSI”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Carefree Maintenance” , “Car-Net” and “VR6” are registered trademarks of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Android” is a registered trademark of Google, Inc. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. “Fender” is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “Homelink” is a registered trademark of Johnson Controls Technology Company. “iPhone” and “iPod” are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. “Panasonic” is a registered trademark of Panasonic Corporation.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Available EPA fuel economy estimates are provided and identified as such. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer estimates for the USA; EPA estimates for those models were not available at time of release. Individual mileage will vary and depends on several factors including driving habits and vehicle condition. Range claim is based on the 18.5 gallon tank and EPA estimated 44 mpg for the manual transmission.

Rear legroom claim based on a comparison of manufacturers’ published data.

All prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.

VW Car-Net services provided by Verizon Telematics, Inc. Available only on select models. See applicable Terms of Service and Privacy Policy available at www.vw.com/carnet for details. Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.

The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate.
 

weebl

Veteran Member
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Location
Edmonton, AB
TDI
2004 Golf (BEW)
I can't say for sure what you are smelling nor did I experience such a smell on our 2014 when it was new. But on several non VW gassers I've had, a smell similar to what you described occurred in the first few hundred miles. I've always attributed it (be it rightly or wrongly so) to an oil film on new metal parts that is getting burnt off.

As others have said, monitor your oil level just to be reassured.
 

montyypythonss

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 8, 2007
Location
illinois
TDI
2002 jetta
I bought a 2015 Passat tdi and it also has the smell of leaking oil burning on a hot engine, i mentioned it to the salesman and he said it was the new burning off, new engines do smell somewhat when coatings and what not burn off, i will keep an eye on my oil, i pulled the cover off of the engine and inspected all i could see and didn't see any indication of an oil leak. i feel it should go away soon. If there are leaks found, please post so i can monitor mine.
 

BKmetz

Administrator, Member #10
Staff member
Joined
Sep 25, 1997
Location
Illinois
TDI
2015 Passat, titanium beige, 6MT
My car had that hot plastic/oil smell when new. It was especially strong when I shut it off and stepped out and the cooling fans were running. It will subside after a few thousand miles.

Drive more and worry less.

:)
 

srs5694

Veteran Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2014
Location
Woonsocket, RI
TDI
2015 Golf SE TDI, MT
I can't say for sure what you are smelling nor did I experience such a smell on our 2014 when it was new. But on several non VW gassers I've had, a smell similar to what you described occurred in the first few hundred miles. I've always attributed it (be it rightly or wrongly so) to an oil film on new metal parts that is getting burnt off.
I also smelled something similar on the 2008 Chevy Aveo that I bought new and am still driving (until my Golf is built and arrives). It's been a while, but as I recall, the smell disappeared after a few hundred miles. I agree with others: Don't be overly concerned unless the smell persists or worsens.
 

dedalos

New member
Joined
Dec 29, 2014
Location
USA
TDI
2015 TDI pasat
I just bought 2015 TDI Passat the car has 3000 miles and i get a warning to change the oil. I check the oil and they look dark black and smell burn. I took back to the Dealer and they replace the oil sensor but i was sceptical at 3000 miles that need new oil sensor. I call VW of America open case and i bring the car back to the dealer. I can't see that this oil will last 10.000 miles with out change it.
 

Lightflyer1

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Sep 13, 2005
Location
Round Rock, Texas
TDI
2015 Beetle tdi dsg
The warning can be set to "any" miles and was probably set by the dealer to 3k miles. Services are generally needed every 10k miles according to VWoA. Dealers sometimes use this as an income stream. Get the dealer to set it to VWoA specs at 10k miles. Oil in diesels generally turns black almost instantly after starting the car after a change. Generally takes a little longer in brand new cars. Turning black for diesel oil isn't a concern. Better to start your own thread than to jump into another persons.
 

VeeDubTDI

Wanderluster, Traveler, TDIClub Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 2, 2000
Location
Springfield, VA
TDI
‘18 Tesla Model 3D+, ‘14 Cadillac ELR, ‘13 Fiat 500e
As Lightflyer said, your dealer probably programmed it for a short interval before you took delivery in order to get a little more money out of you on unnecessary services. The car should have been programmed for 10,000 mile intervals from the factory, which is the recommended change interval.

If this is your first diesel, you'll soon learn that diesel oil turns back very quickly. This is normal because the oil is designed to suspend soot, which is black. I'd be concerned if your oil didn't look black at 3,000 miles.

All is well with your car. It doesn't need any attention at the moment, other than reprogramming the service interval for the correct number of miles, which is 10,000.
 

jrm

Veteran Member
Joined
Jul 24, 2013
Location
Oregon
TDI
2013 Passat SE with nav (totaled)
I'd be concerned if your oil didn't look black at 3,000 miles.
All is well with your car. It doesn't need any attention at the moment, other than reprogramming the service interval for the correct number of miles, which is 10,000.
Exactly- mine turns black at 30 miles :D
MY CJAA also has a nasty burnt smell when I sniff the oil fill cap (don't ask)
 

Matt927

Veteran Member
Joined
Dec 29, 2013
Location
Northeast
TDI
several
I just bought 2015 TDI Passat the car has 3000 miles and i get a warning to change the oil. I check the oil and they look dark black and smell burn. I took back to the Dealer and they replace the oil sensor but i was sceptical at 3000 miles that need new oil sensor. I call VW of America open case and i bring the car back to the dealer. I can't see that this oil will last 10.000 miles with out change it.
Please do some research and do not change your oil till 10,000 miles, especially during break in.
 

Rico567

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jun 13, 2003
Location
Central IL
TDI
2013 Passat TDI SEL Premium (Turned in 7/7/18)
When our '13 TDI SEL was new, there was a funny smell a few times after using it. But it went away, just as advice on this forum said it would. No worries.
 

LimonPani

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 24, 2012
Location
WV
TDI
2015 Passat TDi SE DSG
I've just switched to the 2015 TDi SE DSG...I noticed the smell and looked around for any obvious abnormality to my eyes and didn't see anything., Drove on road trip for about 380 miles today...will see if I notice any smell tomorrow.
 

prfbarto

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 25, 2005
Location
Leesburg, FL
TDI
2015 Passat TDI SE with SR & NAV
I have a 2015 Passat TDI SE with SR and NAV. I, too, noticed that smell at first. The car now has 3200 miles on it, and the smell is no longer there. Over the holidays, I did a 1600 mile trip and averaged 47.3 mpg traveling at 75 mph with the A/C on. I'm very pleased so far.
 
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