TDI syncro Eurovan

[Sportster]

VW sells a Syncro(4WD)Diesel Eurovan in just about every market in the world except North America. I've been doing a little research about importing a used one and customizing it as a camper. This van comes with 5-cylinder, 2.5 liter TDI. Now I am trying to assess the problem of repair parts acquisition. Can anyone tell me How Different this engine is from the 1.9 liter? I mean, does it share parts in common? What engine parts are most likely to fail in the first 100,000 miles of use? I've heard it rumored that these engines exist in Canada -- any truth to this? Does anyone know of European parts distributors who would sell overseas, priority mail? Is it possible to get microfiche or computer inventory software for this engine model? These are probably questions for some of the motorheads who compiled the FAQ pages.

Corollary question: I've heard that VW is releasing a new mini-van, at least in the European market. Has anyone heard if they are planning to continue to make the T4 Eurovan or update it?

Thank for this website!!

 

[think diesel]

I'd love to have one of those too! ... but I have to break the news to you. You are not going to be able to import one so easily. It costs a fortune to bring something like that up to U.S. spec's including glass, lights and gauges. Not to mention the emission tests... It does not matter if it is used, I am afraid it still has to meet US specs unless it is 20 years old or older--- which means no TDI's.

Unless you are a millionaire or you want to smuggle the thing into the country then assemble it (You STILL would not be able to register it or get plates!) Sorry to burst your bubble but we have all been down this road before unfortunately...

To answer your other query-- VW does make a mini van in Europe. It's called the Sharan. Their are no plans to bring it to the US. Personally I prefer the Eurovan anyway-- its more functional and unique. VW is going to be putting the new 24v V-6 with 204 hp in the Eurovan this year-- we'll get that here at least. They will probably freshen up the design of the Eurovan a little too.. I just wish they'd give us a TDI model here. If they did I would trade my Jetta in on one in a heartbeat!

 

[Hyates]

Canada does NOT get the 2.5 Litre TDI engine in any VW/Audi product

A real shame.

The Eurovan was available with a regular diesel in 1993/94 (?). Very rare beast.

Harry.

------------------
'00 Golf TDI GLS (14000 + Km)

 

[Eric Friedland]

How about just putting the 1.9 liter TDI in a Eurovan. Has anyone tried that?

Eric

 

[CFriedriszik]

There is only the 102hp version in the syncro models, not the 150hp version. Brodie´s Transporter uses the same engine: http://forums.tdiclub.com/NonCGI/Forum11/HTML/000023.html
Do a Search for Brodie´s posts, he discussed the engine extensively. He is the man to be asked about T4/TDI.

I hope there are no parts to be changed except for the timing belts. Should be pretty good by now, that engine. Seems Brodie had troubles with it ...

 

[T5TDI]

I've had nothing go wrong with mine in the 10,000 miles I've done in the last year except a slight "flat spot" just above idle, which is better now it's running in. I bought it second hand with a brand new engine just fitted after a timing belt failure. I've just replaced the front brake pads and discs at 74,000 miles.

The TDI Eurovan doesn't always use the same parts as the ordinary T4 even non-engine parts. So I try to use VW specialists who can make good use of a chassiss (VIN) number.

Ray in Australia has a Eurovan TDI auto professionally converted to a camper- How about some pictures Ray?

I always get confused with the English/U.S terms for these vehicles. Here mine is called a van. We have the Sharan and the Caravelle (the Caravelle is my van with seats and windows) they are known as "people carriers" I think these are both minivans in your neck of the woods. Btw, the thing I'm towing in the picture is called a caravan here I don't know the U.S term.

The engine in mine is a 5 cyl, whereas the 1.9 is a 4 cyl. Other T4s use this 1.9 (non turbo) also available here are a 2 litre gas engine and of course the VR6 but this engine is only in the Caravelle version.

[This message has been edited by Brodie (edited September 03, 2000).]

 

[chopchop]

Originally posted by think diesel:
"It does not matter if it is used, I am afraid it still has to meet US specs unless it is 20 years old or older..."

The rules actually state over 25 years old for the US (15 years for Canada).

See the thread I've just started on vehicle importation!

 

[think diesel]

Thanks for the clarifaction, Richard

Brodie-- We would consider the Sharan a minivan (we don't have Sharan's here)

The Caravelle is what we call the "Eurovan". The Multivan version is called "Weekender MV" here and we also have a camper van option. We get one engine choice-- a gas guzzling, underperforming V6.

We don't actually get the panel van (Transporter) version without side windows and rear seats here..