The First Service...

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

Got my first service from my local "stealer".  Everything pretty much went to plan with the exception that they put in semi-synthetic oil despite me requesting the original fully synthetic stuff.

When challenged, they simply said that they could only put the semi-synthetic oil as my car was set to time and distance service intervals and the semi would only be covered by my pre-paid service package that I bought with the car.

Is the semi-synthetic oil any good?  The "stealers" told me that it would be better for my car and that my fuel consumption would improve, but I'm taking that info. with a pinch of salt.

Should I change to the fully synthetic oil?

[Caz]

with you having  apre paid service, im guessing through vw finance you will get the semi stuff put in.. cause vw fiannce want everything cheap..

the longlife oil is thinner, than the semi, so youd prob use more of it and it is more expensive.. not sure on the fuekl consumption part..

im sure you can request they use longlife oil, but youd have to pay for it...

[Moschops]

MONGS   Why did they not tell when you booked the car in or even phone you to tell this would be the case!!

I had this on my MK IV R32 as I had that on a VW maintenance package, I told them to put the Fully Synth in and I paid the difference.

However that's point worth noting for those of us with a servicing package from VW 

[VC]

It's always worth discussing your service when you drop the car off, i always want to know exactly what they're changing and with what

i was once almost charged for a cambelt change, the .:R32 is chain driven 

[neo66]

To me reading alot through the forums, it seems to be better to be on the Longlife plan in VW's system (which I am), BUT try and treat it on Time & Distance. As I believe oil should be changed at least once a year! not every 20,000 according to my dealer! (even if the dealer says its fine.- I've heard from quite a few sources it can still clog up).
And haven't some people said that on T&D it feels like the service light comes up way too soon!??
If I was on T&D I still would only use Castrol LL oil!  

[xxx_mojo_xxx]

This is all great, andwhat are the pros and cons of fully synthetic vs semi?

[Moschops]

This is all great, andwhat are the pros and cons of fully synthetic vs semi?

Fully Synth warms up quicker and should leave the engine nice and clean and not clog up the channels and pipes etc. So I'm led to believe  However I'm happy to be corrected 

[SO8]

My first time and distance service was done in 40 minutes whilst I waited and as I have a service plan it cost me nothing ..... and though on time and distance they put in the longlife oil which I am assuming is the fully synthetic ?   

I would say so long as the car is regularly serviced the fact it is having an oil change is more important than the difference between semi and full synthetic.  I wouldn't have thought most owners would keep their car long enough to notice any difference anyway    I know I am always guilty of buying the best possible oil and selling the damned car on before I reap any possible benefit .....

[Caz]

The point of the two different service plans, t&d and longlife is for mileage reasons. if you rack up a fair amount of miles then longlife is for you, as it saves you servicing your car every 10k..
on t&d the service light can come on early, if your doing short runs..
with longlife a service light indicates when its due, after sensors in the oil and etc detect it time to change..

with pre paid services the first service is abasic oil and filter change, theres no inspection done or anything, thats it, and vw finance will only pay the dealer for half a hour..