How long did your turbo last?

[mk5craig]

Just out of interest, how long has your turbo lasted for, if people could post up mileage an wether they are remapped
Thanks Craig

[Gene Hunt]

Don't think there have been many faulty ones?.Can't remember reading about any on here which is good news. No problem with mine.

[GrayMK5GTI]

I'm sure Robin will be along soon to answer your question, his went about 3yrs ago. 

[mk5craig]

The reason I ask is that I'm looking to get a stage 1 remap and wonder at what mileage people have replaced there turbo's, I know it will vary on how you drive and servicing ect,
Thanks craig

[Tamiyoman]

My MK4 1.8T K03s was remapped for 5 years and never had any issues in those 5 years 

[bacillus]

RedRobin's turbo was fine when he changed it, the problem was the exhaust housing had a crack in it causing a boost loss.

[john87]

If you use the right oil, service when required and wait for the engine to fully warm up before giving it stick, then you'll more than likely enjoy a trouble-free turbo for years to come 

[seiko]

my stage 1 gti had over 100000, miles on it when i sold it, no problums and never used a drop of oil between services

[martziniuk]

Mine was fine at 113k when I swapped it for a K04. I had it mapped since 90k ish.

[56OctyVRS]

As others have said, as long as you service the car regularly and allow about 10 seconds after starting up before touching the throttle.  Then allowing at least ten minutes for the oil to warm before hard driving, then at the end of the journey dont drive hard for the last two miles to allow the engine to cool down properly.  Then once stopped, allow the engine to idle for about 10 seconds before switching off.   

[TT-Turbo]

As others have said, as long as you service the car regularly and allow about 10 seconds after starting up before touching the throttle.  Then allowing at least ten minutes for the oil to warm before hard driving, then at the end of the journey dont drive hard for the last two miles to allow the engine to cool down properly.  Then once stopped, allow the engine to idle for about 10 seconds before switching off.   

That's interesting hearing about letting the car idle for 10 seconds on start up. Why do you find this has a bearing? Allowing the motor to warm up before gunning it and letting the turbo cool before shut down are key to turbo life.

[56OctyVRS]

The shaft of the turbo has oil flowing around it to lubricate it. On start up it takes a few seconds for the oil to pump round to the turbo, so if you rev it straight away the shaft has no oil to help lubricate it and can cause extra wear.

[RedRobin]

RedRobin's turbo was fine when he changed it, the problem was the exhaust housing had a crack in it causing a boost loss.

....It was a crack in the wastegate part of the cast manifold which is permanently fixed to the turbo so the whole assembly had to be changed.





It has always struck me as a bit of a design flaw by VW to fix the turbo permanently to the manifold.

[mk5craig]

Thanks for the replies, I've just hit 90k so should be fine