2009 TDI Update

For those who have placed a deposit on a Jetta or SportWagen TDI:

I just spoke with the Regional Manager of our area and he says that the Jetta TDIs and SportWagen TDIs are on schedule for August. In one or two weeks he will receive his allocation perhaps of 500 cars for his 140 dealer region. These cars will be split at the Port of Houston and we will receive them about 10 days after that. VW will allocate to him a batch of cars made to VW's specifications. He will in turn split it up to his dealers. This means that you will get first right of refusal on these units as they are given to us. It may very well be that some of the cars being sent to us are built the way you want. It will be this way for the first two to three months. While the orders will eventually be fulfilled, it will take longer. If you decide to buy one of these early units, your order would just be sold to someone else down the line.

So, I will know what we are getting in roughly two weeks and I will definitely let you know as soon as I do.

Federal Tax Credit

VOLKSWAGEN’S CLEAN DIESELS ELIGIBLE FOR ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that buyers of the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit. The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

2009 TDI Federal Tax Credit

I counted 25 deposits so far on the TDIs at our dealership as of today. If the ~600 dealerships have an average of 25 orders each, that's 15,000 ordered units. 15 thousand happy VW customers!

VOLKSWAGEN’S CLEAN DIESELS ELIGIBLE FOR ALTERNATIVE MOTOR VEHICLE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
Buyers of Volkswagen Jetta TDI vehicles eligible for a $1300 Federal Tax Credit

HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that buyers of the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a certification letter affirming that the vehicles qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.”

Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen showcase the best of both worlds, an alternative fuel vehicle with no compromises. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen models, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California. Vehicles are currently available to test drive at local Volkswagen dealers, both models will be available for sale this August.

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the city and 44 mpg on the highway.*

The Jetta TDI models come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Both the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen include six airbags with optional rear side airbags and like all 2009 airbags, airbags, model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDIs also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles whichever occurs first.

VW Researcher Pours Cold Water on Electric Car Dream

Interesting article on the future of electric cars

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Volkswagen won't be going over to electric for some time, says its chief researcher

Volkswagen's top researcher warned Saturday, July 19 that pure electric cars would not became a major product for decades, because they continue to be thwarted by battery technology. Read more...

Ordering the Jetta SportWagen TDI

I would rather order the Jetta TDI Sedan

To simplify the ordering of the Jetta TDI SportWagen, here are the prices, standard features, options and colors. I will enter the order in our system the way you build it, however it is possible that VW will send a first batch of TDI Sportwagens built to their specifications. Those with a deposit would have first right of refusal on these units. The TDI SportWagens will sell at sticker price, nothing more nothing less. Beware of dealerships that pretend to have a lower processing fee and charge $2,000 or more over sticker.
Order Now!

PRICES
Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI 140 HP
6-speed manual $23,590 + $650 destination
6-speed DSG $24,690 + $650 destination
$199.50 processing fee is added to all orders.
Included a full tank of Diesel at delivery and a car detail by Detail Specialists.
Order Now!

STANDARD FEATURES
Includes: Climatic climate control; Multi-Link Independent Rear Suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes, ABS, ASR, EBD, TPMS, ESP, Front and rear floor mats; Black roof rails; Power heatable mirrors; Heatable front seats and heated washer nozzles; Manual 8-way front seats (2-way power recline & manual lumbar, driver's and passenger's); 16" Ditto 10 Alloy Wheels with All-Season Tires; V-Tex seating surfaces; Highline combi-instrument cluster (Compass & Trip Computer); 10-Speaker AM/FM with MP3 compatible in-dash 6-CD Changer with Aux-in; Sirius (TM) Satellite Radio; Dual Exhaust system with visibly larger flared tips; Exterior chrome trim around windows; Split-folding rear seat with pass-thru center armrest; Leather steering
wheel, brake handle, and shift knob; 115v power outlet.
Order Now!

OPTIONS
-Rear Side Airbags (7th & 8th airbags on the lower part of the rear seats) $350
-Power Panoramic Sunroof - Power Tilt and Sliding $1,300
-iPod Adapter with CD Changer Preparation $199
-17" Avignon Alloy Wheel package w/ All-Season Tires $450
-DVD Satellite Navigation with MDI: New and improved "RNS510" navigation system featuring -6.5" High Resolution (800x450 pixels) touch-screen display, Integrated 30 GB hard drive (10 GB Navigation, 20 GB audio), Audio CD (WMA and MP3) and video DVD playback, SD memory card slot, center console 3.5mm auxiliary input, iPod functionality. $1,990
-Jetta SportWagen Mat Kit - Rubber Mats (set of 4) and Trunk Liner $199
-Carpeted Mat Kit - Carpeted Mats (set of 4) and Trunk Liner $199
-Splash Guards (set of 4) $169
-Jetta SportWagen Protection Kit - Rubber Mats (4), Trunk Liner, & Splash Guards (4) $299
-Sport Alloy Vision - (4) 17" Silver Vision Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Titanium - (4) 17" Karthoum Dark Silver Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Alloy Gray - (4) 17" Goal Anthractite Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Alloy Silver - (4) 17" Goal Silver Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. $1,350
Order Now!

COLORS
Black exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Blue Graphite Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Candy White exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Laser Blue Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Platinum Gray Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Reflex Silver Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Salsa Red exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Order Now!

Motorsport DriverGear

Check out the latest gear on Driver Gear Motorsport

Timing belt done at 107K

Here are the left over parts after the timing belt change. The timing belt was showing signs of fatigue with fine cracks on the outer side, so I'm definitely glad to have changed that. The teeth on the inside still looked good. The water pump plastic impeller broke upon removal, but that's common. Metal impellers replaced it and are supposed to be better however if that breaks or comes loose, one would have to wonder what happens to the engine.

This is the most questionable thing so far. I was getting a CEL soon after I got back to KC. I had it cleared and it was listed as an intermittent O2 sensor. Since the last owner replaced the rear recently, I replaced the front. This is where you wonder what happened. The front O2 sensor was spliced together I'm guessing for the reuse of the plug. Glad I changed that too!

Volkswagen 2028

Website

Timing Belt Change

I received the Timing Belt Kit "PLUS EXTRA" (06B109119A.KIT4) from MJM Autohaus. It seems to be the most complete and least expensive kit available for the MK4. The change needs to occur around 105k or sooner. I also ordered a front O2 sensor as I was getting an intermittent CEL, which has actually disappeared for a few days now. The rear O2 sensor was recently changed by the previous owner. With 107,000 the 337 is ready for this. A friend will perform the change for me.

The kit includes:

• OEM timing belt
• OEM serpentine belt
• OEM crankshaft seal
• OEM tensioner roller
• OEM thermostat with o-ring
• Two (2) OEM camshaft seals
• OEM thermostat housing cover
• Two (2) bottle of OEM G12 coolant
• OEM belt tensioner (with idler roller)
• OEM 4-piece mount mount stretch bolts
• German water pump with metal impeller and o-ring

Ordering the Jetta TDI

I would rather order a Jetta TDI SportWagen

To simplify the ordering of the Jetta TDI, here are the prices, standard features, options and colors. I will enter the order in our system the way you build it, however it is possible that VW will send a first batch of TDIs built to their specifications. Those with a deposit would have first right of refusal on these units. The TDIs will sell at sticker price, nothing more nothing less. Beware of dealerships that pretend to have a lower processing fee and charge $2,000 or more over sticker.
Order Now!

PRICES
Jetta 2.0L TDI 140 HP
6-speed manual $21,990 + $650 destination
6-speed DSG $23,090 + $650 destination
$199.50 processing fee is added to all orders.
Included a full tank of Diesel at delivery and a car detail by Detail Specialists.
Order Now!

STANDARD FEATURES
Includes: 3-spoke steering wheel with tilt and telescoping functionality; Heatable front seats and heated; washer nozzles; Automatic power windows and locks; Cruise control; Electro-mechanical speed sensitive steering; 8-way partial power adjustable driver seat (power recline, manual lumbar); Front and rear floor mats; Split-folding rear seats; Dual exhaust system; Multi-link Independent Rear Suspension; 4-wheel disc brakes; ABS, ASR, EBD, TPMS and ESP (new feature), V-Tex seating surfaces; Leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob,and brake handle; 2-DIN 10-Speaker AM/FM stereo with in-dash 6 CD Changer with MP3 compatibility and Aux-in; Sirius (TM) Satellite Radio, Exterior chrome window trim; Split-folding rear seats with pass-thru center armrest; 16" Bioline alloy wheels with All-Season tires; Highline Combi-instrument cluster; Leather-wrapped Multifunction steering wheel, shift knob, and brake handle; Body-colored front and rear valences; 115V power outlet.
Order Now!

OPTIONS
-Rear Side Airbags (7th & 8th airbags on the lower part of the rear seats) $350
-Power Sunroof - Power Tilt and Sliding $1,000
-17" Avignon Alloy Wheel package w/ All-Season Tires $450
-DVD Satellite Navigation with MDI: New and improved "RNS510" navigation system featuring -6.5" High Resolution (800x450 pixels) touch-screen display, Integrated 30 GB hard drive (10 GB Navigation, 20 GB audio), Audio CD (WMA and MP3) and video DVD playback, SD memory card slot, center console 3.5mm auxiliary input, iPod functionality. $1,990
-Jetta Ground Effects Kit - Front Spoiler, Side Sill Extensions, & Rear Valence $1,699
-Jetta Mat Kit - Rubber Mats (set of 4) and Trunk Liner $199
-Carpeted Mat Kit - Carpeted Mats (set of 4) and Trunk Liner $199
-Splash Guards (set of 4) $169
-Jetta Protection Kit - Rubber Mats (4), Trunk Liner, & Splash Guards (4) $299
-Jetta Wing Spoiler $479
-Jetta Lip Spoiler $329
-Sport Alloy Vision - (4) 17" Silver Vision Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Titanium - (4) 17" Karthoum Dark Silver Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Alloy Gray - (4) 17" Goal Anthractite Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. TPMS Compatible. $1,350
-Sport Alloy Silver - (4) 17" Goal Silver Alloy Wheel Package Upgrade with 225/45/R17 91H allseason tires. $1,350
Order Now!

COLORS
Black exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Salsa Red exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Candy White exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Pure Beige
Reflex Silver Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Blue Graphite Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Platinum Gray Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Laser Blue Metallic exterior with Anthracite (dark) or Art Gray (light)
Order Now!

My GTI 337

I flew to Chicago June 24th to pick up my new car - a 2002 VW GTI 337. When GTI celebrated its landmark 25th Anniversary in Europe GTI had been in the North American market for 19 years, but it didn't want to miss the celebration, so the 337 Edition was offered to North American customers. It is nearly identical to the 25th Anniversary GTI in Germany.

This is a limited edition GTI with only 1,750 in North America. The equipment and trim package on the GTI 337 Edition is filled with unique treatments that can only be found on this model.

And why is it called "337"? That was the code name of the original clandestine engineering project over 25 years ago. Model code: 9B1JN6.

The basis of the vehicle is the GTI 1.8T 180 hp model, but with a 6-speed manual transmission. It comes only one way, in one color, without any optional equipment. The 337 Edition comes equipped with all the great features you find on the GTI 1.8T and these additional sports features: 1.8T 180 hp Engine, 6-Speed Manual Transmission, 18" BBS Wheels and Performance Tires, Larger Front and Rear Brakes with Red Calipers, Sport Suspension, Bumper Spoiler, Valance and Skirts, Rear Spoiler, Stainless Exhaust, Recaro Sport Seats, 3-Spoke Leather, Steering with Red Stitching, Alloy Trim Accents, GTI Badge, Monsoon® Audio System.

Standard Equipment and Technical Specs

But the person I bought it from couldn't leave well-enough alone... and I couldn't have been happier when I saw his post on vwvortex which led me to his eBay auction. I clicked the buy it now button on eBay because the price listed barely covered the add-ons. This car puts out 238hp/295tq or 207whp/257wtq (DYNO) and it was a blast to drive back from Chicago.

From 337 Day 1

Modifications:
ENGINE
---------------------------------------------------------------
REVO Engine Tuning
Techtonics Tuning 2.5" Stainless Turboback (video)
AEM Cold Air Intake (Blue)
Bailey Diverter Valve (Blue)
Dieselgeek "Race" Short Shifter
ECS "H" N75 "Race" Valve
Engine Grounding Kit w/gold plated connectors


SUSPENSION
---------------------------------------------------------------
KW Variant 1 Coilovers
Neuspeed 28mm Rear Anti-Sway Bar
Energy Suspension Eurethane Motor Mounts
Yarrowsport Rear Upper Strut Bar
H&R Wheel Spacers 10mm front/20mm rear

COSMETIC
---------------------------------------------------------------
OEM R32 Vent Set
OEM R32 Door Pulls
OEM R32 Steering Wheel
OEM R32 Front Bumper
OEM R32 Aluminum Pedal Set
OEM R32 "R" Badging
OEM Beetle Turbo "S" Shifter/Boot
OEM Beetle Turbo "S" Door Pins
OEM 20TH AE HVAC Aluminum Trim Piece
Caractere Hatch Blend
Kamei Badgeless Sport Grille
Neuspeed Billet Aluminum License Plate Frame
35% Tints on rear windows
Turbo Badge
Enfig "Perfect Fit" S2000 Antenna
Euro Split Wide-Angle Mirrors
ELECTRONICS
---------------------------------------------------------------
OEM European Golf HID Headlights (4300K)
Custom Valentine One Remote Display (deleted, I don't believe in radar detectors)
Euroswitch
Hyperbright Blue Alarm LEDs
A'PEXi 60mm EL II Mechanical Boost Gauge
A'PEXi 60mm EL II Electronic EGT Gauge
A'PEXi Meter Control Unit
Autometer Dual A-Pillar Pod
OEM 20AE Non-MFI European Instrument Cluster in KPH Only!
Hella Dual Tone 113 dB Horn

MISC
---------------------------------------------------------------
Rubber Monster Mats
Audi TT Lift Pads
Set of (4) Four 16" Alloy Winter Wheels
OEM Sunglasses Holder (replaces Driver Grab Handle)
Entire chassis Dynamatted for sound and vibration dampening
Daytime Running Lights Disabled
Bosch Icon Wiper Blades

A good collection of 337 around the country can be found at parts4vws.com.

I said goodbye to my MK3

I sadly had to say goodbye to my dependable and beloved 95 Golf III Sport. My last drive was filled with fond memories. It was a more emotional separation than I thought it would be. I've owned it for as long as Andi and I have been married. It was time to say good-bye. So Goodbye, you've served us well!