Great video. I've had a 1.9 for over 10 years. great van.

I got my T5 new as a work van in 2013, i bought it from the company four years later on 218,000. It's ten years old and it's ok. Its had two flywheels, a clutch, rear oil seal and gearbox bearings, stainless exhaust, three sets of brakes, five sets of tyres, a rear door tye/stop, two windscreens, three cambelts, alternator belt and tensioner pulley, four springs and an engine mounting. It's now on 268,000m does between 37 and 41 to the gall and i can get 700 miles on a tank of fuel. It got a service every 20,000m early on, but now its done every year. It's a 20ltr 114 bhp and like all vehicles it costs to run it but not overly expensive. My van is not as nice as the yellow T5 but i love it.

My 2007 Caravelle 2.5TDI (Big Man) has done over 200K. I drive ‘him’ every day, everywhere. We’ve owned him from new. My van is the love of my life!❤😊

1 thing Id add, if you are changing Clutch and DMF on T5.1 fit a new Slave Cylinder while the gear box is off. Slave cylinder is in the gear box. My slave failed, so changed clutch, dmf and slave all at the same time 134k miles on the clock

I have a 2011 T32 140, 6 speed, 210k miles, 2nd owner, owned 7 years. Not used commercially and never carried much weight. Always used shell vpower fuel and regeneed dpf every tank of fuel. Never gets driven hard, my commute is 50mph roads 24 miles each way so not used for short journeys much. - On engine number 2 (almost 3 engines due to dpfs blocking and not showing errors, now I had to drill dpf and map out because of so many major problems) - Turbo number 4 - Gearbox - Flywheel - Intercooler - 10x front drop links (tried everything, VW ones, heavy duty ones, custom ones, after market ones) - Passenger airbag - Clutch and , 2 sets of bearings failed under warranty) - Catalytic converter - Alternator - DPF - MAF - 6 wheel Hubs - Power steering pump - Handbrake cables - Rear brake calipers - Suspension springs 6 (2 snapped) - Dampers 4, top mounts etc. - Cam belts and water pumps every 4 years. - Fan blower resistors 3 - Rear number plate light bulb and lense connectors awful design and always flashing and turning off. - Many electrical faults including cutting out losing brakes and power steering and almost crashing. - The dpf sensors are useless, damaging turbos, dpfs, cats and engines. So unreliable I had to buy a back up car and every time I try to sell it something goes wrong and I have to keep it to try to recover costs.

Ai have a '10 caddy 1.9TDI pd with the "problematic" BLS engine. Currently has 311 k km bought it almost a year ago with 290 000 km. Only problem in the 21 k km i drove was the alternator pulley ( common problem) €30 part and easy to do yourself. Previous owner changed the rod bearings at 100 k km and egr cooler at 250k km. Let me tell you its one hell of a beast. I always trash it like its a rally car and it never skipped a beat. Went on holiday with it to tunisia +40 °c and starts like new. Drove from italy to belguim (1500km)with only stopping for toilet stops(+-10 min) Even here in freezing temperatures here in belguim it starts like it just drove off the lot. I already serviced it 2 times(i do it every +- 12k km). Only problem now is that the glow plugs need to be changed (fault code) but it still starts normal. If you wanna buy a VW van just buy one with a 1.9TDI. Very economical, cheap to service and parts and it goes rrr like a tractor:) And dont be scared of the BLS just regular maintenance and youre be safe for the rest of your life. If you wanna be + safer change the rod bearings of the bls and bxe(never came in vw vans) (not so difficult) and you will sleep with your 2 eyes shut.

I bought a new T4 when these came out in '03. It's been totally brilliant for 20 years. I need a video like this on the T4 as I'm beginning to get problems.

I have 2005 2.5tdi axd-engine with 972000km on it. Having a problem with oil getting mixed with diesel. Injector seals changed and probably tandem-pump next. Great car to drive long distances.

My dad has had a 2010 2.0TDI parked at our old house for 3 years now. She's got 210K on the clock I believe, Exhaust leaks, Shot suspension but i tell you I'm going to get that baby on the road this year mark my words... Its going to be one hell of a project that I plan to start in April-May

I feel like there wasn't enough mentioned on the 2.5 gear driven engine which is in fact the most problematic and usually riddled with issues such as worn camshaft lobes, turbos, cracked exhaust manifolds, faulty injectors and oil leaks from practically everywhere. Also many 1.9 now suffer from the steel coolant pipe which wraps around the block corroding causing leaks. In terms of the 2.0 biturbo tdi I've seen nothing but issues from turbos to headgasket, with as mentioned the obligatory leaking crankseal from as low as 30k miles. Practically every t5 ever will need front lower arm/ rear bushes. As well as rear arm bushes. Rear arm break pipes are very common for swelling. A lot of earlier t5s suffer wiring corroding under the seats and control modules failing due to moisture.

Owned a T5 2004 for 13 years 130hp changed everything on it hybrid turbo 🔥 it was a bloody monster and happy days on Vacation with the fam.

I’ve had mine for over 10 years it’s a 2010 t5.1 and have 352k on the clock now, been through 3 gearboxes though.

I doesn't have had almost any of these and i have own this 12 years. I drive 2007 2.5 TDI 95 kW. Around 200 000 km driven, biggest repair has been from first to last, ABS guide box (car was 3 year old), steering wheel indicator stalks, turbo boost pressure sensor, front spring upper support bushing, drive shaft cut off from right front wheel, exhaust manifold 2 bolt cut off, both back springs, and of course some wheel bearings and brake parts. But after some point in this year work van is gone and Skoda Enyaq 80x with box trailer is replacement. I can leave that trailer on work site quite often so driving with EV will save a lot money and also i can get mileage allowance with new car when i use it for work.

I am very impressed by your video. Hi from Aussie. Cheers mate!

Brilliant video thank you, I'm going to cancel the garage doing it and do my own

I have a bnz 2.5 ..I've had it 6 years and I love the van but they do try your patience and it really pays if you are half decent on the spanners as I've removed the cam,1 drive shaft, 2 lower ball joints ,turbo ,alternator ,moo valve but would I swap it for any of the rivals ? No chance ,I've grown to love it because I know It so well . Great video ..........

Love my 2014 T5.1 with the 140PS DSG. After 110k miles it’s only had a new exhaust & intercooler and hopefully will continue to be bulletproof many miles up the road🤞

Had all these T6 wow they where bad from new lots of problems. I have a 2006 ex builders van now you'd never know it was I've changed turbo hose & clip side light bulbs rear springs & needs a clutch and flywheel change & gearbox refresh 173k & it hasn't been looked after mechanically the dude hadn't polished it in 11yrs either I absolutely love this van

Great video, I do feel you are being incredibly kind to the 2.5 only mentioning waterpumps out of the plethora of problems higher mileage ones can have!

I have the oil problem and a transmission problem the thing you mentioned about the noise it's exactly what's happening to mine

I’ve had my ex AA 2006 1.9 for about 13 years now. 125k on the clock now and only really had wear and tear work done other than converting it to a camper. Worth noting that offside drive shafts wear faster than they should.

1. Mine is 2005 1.9 tdi axb 77kw engine. Had it for 14 years. Now has 140,000 kms, which is low by standards. Has started first time every time. Brisbane Australia. 2. Did axle spline drivers side - common complaint TAKE NOTE. When it starts to go, it will "skip a tooth" making a very loud noise, then go alright. Then another tooth. Until one day, it will be running fine and no teeth left, and tow to shop. New one done. Easy disassemble to inspect and well worth it. 3. At around 130 kms it lost the capacity to put in gear. Tow to shop. Nylon cups which connect "ball and socket" style to gear change mechanism up at drivers end, had cracked. Age related. Easy repair. One hour. 4. There is NO camber adjustment. They will want you to have offset bushes to compensate. I didn't and I have top range tyres which will scrub out on outside a bit faster than should. I use Contivan. 5. Strut top mount went at around 120,000 kms. Knocking over bumps. Replaced complete struts, and new shocks to rear. It was getting "floaty" at speed. 6. Currently getting a shudder on take off under load - pretty sure it's the rear engine mount. Ready to replace when part arrives. 7. At 130,000 kms did 800 kms trip. It flew. Delivered 7.2 litres fuel/100 kms. 8. Have always used vacuum via dipstick to change oil. Don't see the point in getting under for nothing. Always filter too. Used Mobil1 esp 5W-30 fully synthetic every 7,000 kms. Uses maybe 1/4 to 1/3 litre between changes. 9. Always used diesel premium BP brand fuel. 10. Stuck Door passenger side - common problem. TAKE NOTE. Comes and goes. 11. Tailgate Struts failed at around 120,000 kms. Easy to replace. 12. I use a three ton trolley jack to jack up using the front cross member of the substantial sub frame. Position your jack a little off centre to your right to lift up evenly for placing jack stands. 13. Lost steering due to fluid leak at around 90,000 kms. Under belly pan DISGUISED leak. Would have seen it on ground otherwise. Was just a loose clip on low pressure side. 14. Lost first two speeds on the heater fan, but remaining speeds work. Resister COMMON problem. 15. NO Air Con now as that solenoid which controls flow of refrigerant needs replacing. Stealerships will say must have all new. Beware. 16. I have overloaded this van many times. 800 kgs is official limit. I've doubled that. Not recommending. Just saying. 17. Replaced control arm bushes at around 130,000 kms. 18. Cannot see much rust under there at all. Watch out for you subframe rusting.

Had my 2.5 for a year now. Been an absolute nightmare. Tandem pump £350. 5 rebuilt injectors £900 entire front end off to access. Abs pump failed. New one from VW £2300 with no delivery date. So had to have it rebuilt £650. Hate it with a passion.

they are a labour of love for sure. and a money pit to boot. I have the 1.9 tdi on a 09 plate. had new engine, gearbox, clutch, dmf, turbo , drive shafts, accelerator sensor. door actuators , coolant pipes , turbo cooler , injectors done twice ( don’t recommend carwoods coventry, they will rob you ) passes MOT every time and then breaks down in between. looks great but wish i had bought another T4 after the previous was written off.

My 2006 is on 222k was my dads van so looked after but my pet peev is my courtesy light dont work no power to any of the lights in front or back. No fuse problem and people have sed the box under the drivers seats connections gone green but were fine and still cleaned. Another mention if the heater fan resistor which is a easy cheap fix and the tandem pump make sure theres a gasket with it or u get 1 at the same time but another easy fix but its a £250-£300 parts bill

Bit of advice really from people. 2017 t6 2.0tdi started this morning and noticed rpm was not raised as on normal cold start (its 22 degrees) wondered if this was normal for hot day. ?

Thanks - another great video from you. Very helpful to get a feel for what the high mileage problems are likely to be so that we can hopefully head them off at the pass.

Best advice is steer clear

Top tip on that fuse location, that was going to be the first to go and the last to be found.

My 2008 2.5l have it for longer than I can remember and drive the shit out of it, fantastic beast of a van only ever replaced a turbo seal 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳

Mine is an ex german post van, now with a white roof like your example. It's my daily, my camper and my work truck. Poor thing gets 1000kg bags of stone/sand in it, or hauling 2.5T of excavator around. Thne takes us to the med.......just slowly, being the 83hp 1.9

My question, is there such a thing as a reliable van out there nowadays ? Something similar to the old 1.9 sdi engine found in the mark 2 caddy. I get talking to couriers on a regularly basis and just out of curiosity I ask them " what's that yoke like?". This is generaly what I hear back. (Sprinters (Injector problems) Transit ( Timing belt issues, blown turbo, injectors French yokes ( gearbox, faulty steering rack) Why do these modern engines have so much electonic crap? 🙄 We then also have to deal with egr valves, adblue , crank sensors,fly by wire sensors, you know yourself, the list goes on . ) Maybe it just my age, but I prefer engines from the 90s. Yeah, lots of black smoke . But fairly straightforward and wouldn't cost you a fortune to fix. Anyhue, thanks for the T5 review. 🚚👍

I’ve got the 1.9 with 167k which I’ve had since 2018, paid £5200 & to date I’ve spent 14k including the purchase price, worst thing was the head gasket which is also common on the 1.9. there isn’t a lot of parts I haven’t changed but would never get rid of it (I’m in too deep now 🤣)

Great list of basic potential issues, would like to see this expanded to be more in depth!

Had the T5 company van during my employment at Costa Express and Coffee Nation, mine regularly needed the EGR valve replacing, ding ding ding , 100 miles away and in limp mode, great !! Out came the AA and replaced it while I waited 3 hours ! I can see why people like them but over rated in my opinion.

My 2.5 T5 has needed.. Clutch at 160k, Turbo, Air Con compressor, callipers, water pump, intercooler radiator and finally, the icing on the cake, the alternator that takes 5 hours of work to replace. It's been a total pig and it's like playing Russian roulette every 3 months with what component can fail next.

#1 ... Indicator/headlight switch unit #2 .... EGR #3..... Dual Mass Flywheel with Pressure plate and release bearing.... These tend to fail almost the same time #4 ..... 5th gear failure.....caused mostly by Clutch problems or incorrect gearbox oil or level #5 ..... Waterpump failure due to cheap design #6...... Alternator pulley one-way bearing failure #7 ..... Tailgate door latch failure #8 ..... Middle seats flip over mechanism failure (wire snaps) #9...... Front strut mounts for shocks wear out quickly ......*** These are all the problems my friend faced within 3 years of owning this van ***..... It drives nicely and comfortably .... But parts are hell expensive

Very few problems with 2011 T5 ..had new clutch and cam belt..generally good van

Hi, I am impressed with your channel especially as you answer just about all your comments. I am looking to buy a van and have been offered a VW Trans T5 2.0 TDI LWB, O7 with 145k miles, metallic silver. The van is immaculate inside, outside, under the bonnet and in the cab, with no dents dings, scratches etc, owned and looked after like a baby by a "friend", i.e. a mechanic and MOT tester in Northern Ireland for 40 years and pedantic about his vehicles. He is asking £7.5k. I don't know anything about the previous owner. I of course can't expect you to say buy it but what do you think of these vans and is the price about right. It appears they do have issues and expensive to fix. Incidentally, I am not a fan of German vehicles all very well maintained to the point of dealer-only parts but I have had issues with everyone I owned most very costly. i.e. 09 Audi A6 2.5 V6 TDI (fuel pump, 05 BMW 520 TDI (every known issue including drive module, rear ball joints etc), 07 Skoda Superb 2.0 TDI clutch at 80K and gearbox issues at 100k, 07 Mini one, convertible 1.6 (head gasket, gearbox seized solid). I generally do my own work to the point of engine rebuilds mostly motorcycle, I to am pedantic but by no means an expert. The guy is only selling as sadly he is at the end of life with terminal cancer and rightly wants the most for his family. Sorry for the long comment. Your thoughts would be extremely valuable and many thank you for the videos, now subscribed, liked, shared and dinged the bell lol.

Ive had the most problems with my t5 than any other vehicle I've owned

Hi, I will of course keep watching, sorry to come back, no doubt you're busy so thanks for the reply. From my last comment "I of course can't expect you to say buy it but *but what do you think of these vans and is the £7.5K about right?*. It appears they do have issues and expensive to fix. *from my description is this price of £7.5k about right? At 2.22 you mention cam-wheels as opposed to chains or belts, *Is this what I would call gear-driven cams?* *How will I identify this engine as the owner says it's the gear drive cam engine that is fitted in his van and claims is the best and most reliable engine to have, is this right?*. Thanks.

Great video. How do I deal with a rear sliding door light (T5 Kombi) coming on while I am driving (typically goes on after I hit a bump)? 8:21 refers Happens a lot now - almost every trip i do and is really annoying.

My 2007 caravelle is still in good condition and runs great the aircon though has been a nightmare the last 5 years I've taken it to numerous auto ai4con specialists and Noone seems to be able to fix it sometimes they get it to work for a month then it dies again it's infuriating

Hi, I'm also own a 2011 Multivan. May you tell from whom the 2 daylight inserts at the front are? They are great 😊

The problem with a t5 is its a t5, anything after the t4 is pure shite unfortunately, VW built a reputation on their older vehicles being robust and reliable and unfortunately unsuspecting buyers think they're getting this quality with t5 and newer when they really aren't!

My 1.9 has hit 20 years old and over 305k miles

The 103 hp 1.9 has done me ok. I think she needs a clutch soon. Done 220k. Electric windows just packed up though… prob wiring loom in drivers door…

Should i buy Toyota proace instead?

Thank you for this video bro!

2010 , 2..5 lt turbo Deisel 6 speed auto , have lost 3 rd and 5 th gear , had motor reconditioned so would like to keep it , any suggestions

I have use found your video very professional and well explained l have just subscribe, come on people sign up lol 👏🏾👍🏾👊🏽💯 can you do a video on an Audi S3 or Golf R please?

Hello sir, I desperately need help and I hope you can help me with a adivise. I own a t5 2.5 tdi 2009, the cart starts but don't accelerate! I change the throttle pedal, i check all the wires and all seems good! I recived this error and dont manage to delete 001602 - Sensor Reference Voltage A / P0642 - 000 - Voltage too Low - MIL ON , what you can advise me to check. Thank you in advance!

No real mention of the electric windows which do go, it’s the motor module inside the drivers door, circuit board gets fried. Easy to replace but part is fairly expensive

Very interesting! Do you think, the Merc. Vito is a better choice? Thank you.

Hi guys. Cracking vid! Where you mentioned the attending column joint fault, mine vibrates slightly when turning left and right, very strange feeling! Literally as if the rack or pump is faulty, think the joint could be the problem? Thanks!

I have a 180 bi turbo. I've been able to save it from eating itself by blanking the egr and mapping it out. Although I had high pressure fuel failure which lead to most of the fuel system needing to be replaced so I can't say its all been smooth sailing

driving a 3.2l VR6 for some time, needed to replace the injectors and replace a seal at the transmission at 250k km

I'm having my t5 kombi 2008 1.9 idling up to the normal operating temperature then it cut out what might be the problem

I have a vw kombi 1.9 tdi. The problem I have is that I would drive and van wud just cut out.... the glow plugs warning lights comes on.... and after a few minutes it will start up.... and so it will go on and off till I get to my destination.... Any thoughts pls

Hi. Just bought a t6 62kw t28. Just noticed doesn't have a glow plug light is this normal?

2010, 327k and going strong! Keep it serviced, oil change every 10k

Great video summary. I’ve got a 2.0tdi 140bp T5.1 6speed 122k just had driveshafts replaced. The oil pump you mentioned, what are the signs and turbo failure. Just thinking ahead, should I replace now for another 000k of safe motoring if a relatively easy one for DIY. I did the EGR recently.

Question. I have a 2.5 2008 5 cylinder model with low milage (75k) The water pump. Should I be changing that due to age of vehicle? Or change it down to milage? (Is it time or miles that kills it?)

I have the 1.9 brr engine 370km and going very well.

Nice lightsaber you parked in the ground

Forget to mention the corroded wire under the drivers seat that makes the alarm and central locking misbehave ..

Thanks for this info.mate.😊

Hi, I’ve taken my van to numerous so called VW specialists and can’t fix my P0299 underboost problem with my BPC 2.5 T5 whereabouts are you guys based at this Hi, I’ve taken my van to numerous so called VW specialists and can’t fix my P0299 underboost problem with my BPC 2.5 T5 whereabouts are you guys based at this point I’d pay anything for it to just be sorted. Thanks

Sounds like the tandem pump on the AXD

T5 de 2013 , 115 cv TDI , 180.000 kms juste la boîte de vitesse changée, le reste que du bonheur 🤗

Great video thanks. We are dealing with the driveshaft issue ourselves at the moment. Bit of an odd question. But what is the standing workshop light you have sat next to the van for the front end shots? I like the look of that! Thanks

Top review. ❤

Vw stopped making reliable vehicles after T4. I know too many which have all have nothing but problems with T5/6 all regret buying them most of them have gone back to T4’s

Cant believe still stripping splines like t4 used to strange never seen that on a Ford, mind transit has aplenty other faults

I would never fit the SACHS DMF clutch kit on VW again. They wobble after literally 100 miles. They dont "bed in" nicely until 1000 miles even with brake cleaner and by then it needs replacing. literally. Done 3 using kits from reputable local automotive shops. Not online! I would only fit LUK now for VW TDI

1.9 TDI chipped and going strong 280k km

Great video, sums up almost all the challenges I have with my vw transporter 5.1(6). Currently battling broken engine mounts and seeking ideas to fix it. It's a great work horse, but the drive shaft and engine mount(seats) could be frustrating when it develop issues. Any ideas on how to improve the Engine mount ??

Brother of Bill Bailey? From black books :)

Im on 120k & ive had every fault mentioned.

The biggest problem with the high power 2.0 TDI's is oil getting too hot, which leads to oil consumption.

whose front end body kit is that please

Engine: how about my 2.0 AXA petrol engine in my 2007 T5? forgot about them did ya?

Style icon...yes but what a price to pay. The Vivaro not so stylish but better in every way and much cheaper to fix. I used to buy VWs starting with a fantastic T3 watercooled, then it was all downhill. The last cost me a fortune so in 15 I bought my 08 Vivaro with timing chain and would NEVER go back to an overpriced, troublesome rust bucket.

My experience working in a garage these vans will keep food on the table thats for sure.

Coming from driving Toyota SUVs ....the VW T5 drives great, but least reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Great van, but wish they were build by Toyota

Just about the whole van it seems 😂

Great video, can I suggest you get rid of the music and just leave the voice as difficult to focus on what's being said

*Redhead zylinderkopftechnik* is the expert. Check their channel.

In summary avoid the BiTdi engines 😂👍

👍👍👍👍

Dont get a 2.5 or a bi turbo.

we all know there crap when it comes to reliability should just be vides warnings avoid avoid

mine was a complete pile of shite

so glad i never upgraded,they sound like heaps of shit

T5 gearbox are terrible from new, and service is terrible

That was a smelly pose

My is T5.1 2014.. 2.0tdi 4MOTION Best Van ever 💪💪💪

The car sounds to be a disaster

There useless then

So basically they are rubbish and over priced