16vjohn
Vendor , w/Business number
I've got one of each, and by laws the days are finally drawing near when it'll be time to send one back to VW. I've been reading about the differences for a year, but I'm still at an impasse. I was hoping for some input from the forums (ahem... Oilhammer ) to help me make my decision.
Balance shafts - I give this one to the EA288. The placement and design leads me to believe they will be more effective and reliable. Possibly easier to delete if necessary as they lack integration with the oil pump, unlike the EA189
Oil pump - I give this one to the EA189 for simplicity's sake. Variable anything from VAG has taught me to be cautious. That, and the RUBBER BELT IN OIL present on the EA288.... Vacuum and oil seems like a lot of work for that tiny belt to do for the "life" of the engine. Unless that "life" is at 62k and on the side of the road.
Water pump - Another one for the EA189 for simplicity as well. I can certainly see a 288 on the side of the road, overheated due to the damper getting stuck in the extended position. Worse, some EA288 cars don't even have a coolant temperature gauge.
Turbocharger - The EA189 in my Passat now has a warranty to 100k. The 288's ends at 60k with the "lubricated parts" warranty.
Oil filter and intercooler - Both engines have a water/air intercooler, so icing isn't an issue. However, the 189 in the Passat has an oil filter accessible from the top in a much more convenient place.
Fuel system - both use solenoid injectors and seem to be more resistant to failure compared to the piezo cousins.
Fuel Efficiency - My experience is that the EA288 is much easier to make it to big mileage. The 189 will do 48mpg, but it takes some work. The 288 will do it if I simply drive slower than 75mph. There's no doubt the 288 is more efficient.
In the end, I just see a lack of discussion and enthusiasm for the late model cars. And while they're no ALH, they sure are hard to replace with any other type of car on all the key points. I still love the cars for all the same reasons I bought them. But, one has to go.
Balance shafts - I give this one to the EA288. The placement and design leads me to believe they will be more effective and reliable. Possibly easier to delete if necessary as they lack integration with the oil pump, unlike the EA189
Oil pump - I give this one to the EA189 for simplicity's sake. Variable anything from VAG has taught me to be cautious. That, and the RUBBER BELT IN OIL present on the EA288.... Vacuum and oil seems like a lot of work for that tiny belt to do for the "life" of the engine. Unless that "life" is at 62k and on the side of the road.
Water pump - Another one for the EA189 for simplicity as well. I can certainly see a 288 on the side of the road, overheated due to the damper getting stuck in the extended position. Worse, some EA288 cars don't even have a coolant temperature gauge.
Turbocharger - The EA189 in my Passat now has a warranty to 100k. The 288's ends at 60k with the "lubricated parts" warranty.
Oil filter and intercooler - Both engines have a water/air intercooler, so icing isn't an issue. However, the 189 in the Passat has an oil filter accessible from the top in a much more convenient place.
Fuel system - both use solenoid injectors and seem to be more resistant to failure compared to the piezo cousins.
Fuel Efficiency - My experience is that the EA288 is much easier to make it to big mileage. The 189 will do 48mpg, but it takes some work. The 288 will do it if I simply drive slower than 75mph. There's no doubt the 288 is more efficient.
In the end, I just see a lack of discussion and enthusiasm for the late model cars. And while they're no ALH, they sure are hard to replace with any other type of car on all the key points. I still love the cars for all the same reasons I bought them. But, one has to go.
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