1.4 GT TSI 170bhp owners, advice needed.

[Dannyboy88]

The missus is looking at getting a 2007 mk5 1.4 tsi 170bhp version, I was just wondering if there any good? Reliable? Any known problems I should look out for? Any info would be great.

[markc]

Loads of issues mate, do a search.  Avoid is the general opinion.

[Dannyboy88]

I had a look on here and couldn't really find much info and also google didn't return much about them either.

[jure]

Most problems had cars fitted with less powered engines 122 bhp and 140 bhp (BMY engine code) since they had thinner cylinder walls on engine block and less strengthen pistons. Missfire was solved with ECU update somewhere at the end of 2006. 170 bhp model is equipped with BLG engine as well as late 2008 160 bhp model (do not mix with single turbo engine from MK6 and Scirocco).

Some cars have/had problems with electromagnetic supercharger pulley N421 that has integrated clutch and pulley for water pump on it. It is not built/construction problem but just clutch  get weaker due time and use and needs replacement. Some owners do not take it seriously and prolong exchange of the pulley and cause greater damage due to poor water circulation through the system.

Brakes same as GTI, driveshafts also, clutch and flywheel same as 2.0 TDI (240m instead od 260mm on GTI) so bit cheaper.

[J400uk]

Only buy if it has a good maintenance record preferably including timing chain change, or a good extended warranty attached to it.

When working they are fantastic engines, great fun to drive offering nice performance and economy. They do however suffer from quite a few worryingly common problems. Chain is the big one Id say as when that lets go its a huge bill but also look out for gearbox synchro on the manuals. Diverter valve is another weak point on these and the supercharger/ turbocharger combo is expensive if it fails

[Deano_123]

my wifes got this engine in her beetle, never really researched the issues with the engine, bit of a shocker on the common issues

[Kregiel]

my missus has this one with dsg since 2010! There was one issue with water pump which needed replacing otherwise can't fault this engine! Car has 80k km now

Paul