Golf 5 2003 - 2009 - Used, comfort, engine, malfunctions

Vw Golf 5

The Vw Golf 5 is primarily a practical car, and with this model, VW has, according to many, fulfilled its wish intended for the last generation - a higher-class car packed in a small city hatchback. It is quite expensive both as new and as used, but it is great to drive and by many the best among golfs. There were problems with the steering wheel, toothed belt and the operation of the FSI engine in our area.

Vw Golf 5 compared to its predecessor, significantly improved reliability. Golf 5 errors occur very rarely. Avoid Vw Golf 5 models manufactured by summer 2004. Other models are extremely efficient. The Vw Golf 5 is an extremely reliable car.

All four previous generations of Golf are known primarily for their reliability and low maintenance costs. No wonder they are enjoying huge popularity in the used car market.

There are several versions of the Vw Golf 5 in the compact class with 3 and 5 doors, there are station wagon and sedan versions (Bora). Minivan Golf Plus, which was joined in 2005. The offer was expanded with a convertible with a folding metal roof - Eos. However, Volkswagen has distinguished it from the Golf 5. Due to its size it is categorized between the Golf and the Passat. In 2006, the Golf 5 family grew to another model - the CrossGolf, a small SUV.

The VW Golf 5 is a car that, despite the passing of years and the withdrawal from production, is a car that is still modern and comfortable, so certainly interesting for those looking for a compact pedigree. Its power is a large selection of models in the half-car market, a wide choice of engines and a diverse range of bodies. But you have to take into account the fact that it is more technologically advanced than its predecessor, and its maintenance may be associated with higher costs.

At the time of its appearance, the Golf 5, following the tradition of its predecessors, offered quality materials, excellent finishes, a solid interior offering and quite decent comfort.

In terms of price, it is quite high considering that this is one of the most priced cars in our market, so stay tuned for longer until you come across what works for you. Let's just say that VW has done its best, so there are all-wheel-drive Golfs with three, five doors and enough choice of diesel and gasoline engines.

Vw Golf 5

COMFORT

Vw Golf 5

The VW Golf 5 may not be much different from its predecessor, but the real revolution happened just below the grille. For starters, no Golf has ever had as much space up front as the Vw Golf 5. This guarantees a comfortable driving position and more seats for rear passengers. The two adults will comfortably fit into the rear bench and the trunk is large compared to the class.

And the driving impression is phenomenal. The Vw Golf 5 cab is well tucked in, so don't expect too much highway noise. The chassis is well balanced, so you can enjoy a little faster driving if you wish. Most impressed by lying in curves, the only complaint is a progressive power steering that does its job decently, but you'll never have as many steering wheel responses on the steering wheel as you'd like, no matter how much speed you increase.

The interior of the Vw Golf 5 features soft-touch plastics, subtle use of chrome, a blue backlight instrument with a red needle, a fourth-generation signature. The new Vw Golf 5 also sets new standards with the introduction of dual zone climate control. In addition, ESP (Electronic Stability Program), six airbags as well as ABS. Features such as automatic headlamp and wiper activation are integrated into the car electronics.

The body like the Vw Golf 5 is not striking. It seems timeless and simple. But the look can be deceptive. Thanks to the extended wheelbase, rear seat passengers have more legroom.

In the second half of 2004, the w Golf 5 with four-wheel drive (4MOTION) was offered. In this area, there has been no revolutionary change - the third-generation Volkswagen system with the Haldek system that distributes power between the axles, depending on the rotation of the wheels. The Haldek IV, which allows you to change the power allocation to the axles, regardless of road conditions, and even able to shift virtually all torque to the rear wheels, debuted in 2008.

An important novelty of the Vw Golf 5 is the electro-hydraulic power steering, which has contributed to driving safety (power assistance chosen depending on speed), and fuel consumption has been reduced (the hydraulic pump is powered by a small electric motor).

The Golf 5 was larger than its predecessor (5.5 inches longer, 2,5 inches wider, almost five inches taller) and had nearly 7 inches longer wheelbase. Added more space behind the front seats, bringing comfort in the back. Luggage compartment volume can be increased by 20 liters, twisting resistance increased by 15%, and bending by as much as 35%. To improve the handling characteristics of the used multilink rear suspension (forward only modernized).

Cracking element issues can only occur in the Golf 5 with an initial production phase, or those that are often driven on bumpy roads. A common problem is just by tapping the trunk of the trunk.

The three-door compact Golf 5 is the perfect choice for the city, with a five-door it can serve well as a family car.

ENGINE - Vw Golf 5

Vw Golf 5

The choice of engines for the Golf 5 is huge, and for starters a couple of favorites. The 1,6 FSI gasoline fascinated us with its modesty and yet sufficient power for both city bustle and open-air cruise. Of course, there are the widely known and appreciated TDIs of 1,9 and 2,0 liters, but we still think they are far more expensive than gasoline. The average consumption is only 4,7 liters of Euro diesel, though gasoline is not far behind at 5,8.

So choosing an engine is a matter of money that you have foreseen to buy since the price differences are known to be large.

Vw Golf 5 1.9 TDI

No wonder - guaranteed good work, low maintenance costs, and consuming very little fuel. The range of the 1.9 TDI offered is limited to two versions: 90 - and 105 horsepower. They are ideal for normal driving, but do not use the full potential of the Golf 5.

Vw Golf 5 2.0 TDI

Vw Golf 5 2.0 TDI engine (140 - 170 hp). Unfortunately, it’s not as durable as the older TDI, the weaker versions. It is important to note that it differs slightly from the engine of the same name (2.0 TDI) used in the Passat B6, but it is not ideal. Users complain of head cracking and pump failures.

FSI engines with super charge. The most popular is the 1.4 TSI. The basic version has 122 hp and is equipped with a turbocharger. Powerful (140, 160 and 170 hp) to turbocharger and compressor. This combination provides fantastic performance and the lack of so-called. Turbo holes. Unfortunately, users point to costly problems with the durability of the timing chain and refrigerant pumps. It should be noted that the 1.4 TSI engine does not have chronic failures. At the top of the range are the 2.0 TFSI engine (200, 230 hp) and the 3.2 V6 FSI (250 hp).

The main transmission in the Golf 5 is a five-speed manual transmission. The real revolution, however, is mechanically, electronically controlled with a double clutch DSG gearbox. It can work in automatic or manual mode. Whatever your choice, it changes gears extremely quickly, without raising fuel consumption from a conventional machine (or even less). It works perfectly with all engines - both petrol and diesel. Life DSG depends on the use. Every 40000 km oil change is required.

However, the Vw Golf 5 does not suffer from poor quality of installed parts and skipping service, they require regular maintenance. This is especially true of direct injection engines (FSI, TSI, TDI), extremely sensitive to fuel quality and turbo diesel TDI, requiring quality oil and continuous gear belt monitoring. Replace top before recommended by manufacturer (eg at 60 km instead of 000 km). Skipping regular visits to the workshop and using cheap oil will end in failure, failures that will involve a huge expense. The weakest points in the engine are the water pump and fuel pump , but their problems are not widespread. More often, you have to deal with different problems with a turbo diesel is a turbocharger with variable geometry, malfunction of the air flow meter, oil is leaking from the turbocharger. With the constant supervision of an experienced master, the malfunction will be quickly and cheaply remedied.

Engine Malfunction 2.0 16V TDI. Cracks in the head are on the agenda, causing the oil to flow into the coolant (white emulsions on the inside of the oil filler cap) and failure of the oil pump drive to cause engine failure. Pump operation repaired only in 2007 (transmission instead of chain).

People who are afraid of high maintenance costs and do not pay attention to the performance of gasoline engines 1,4 (75 - 80 hp), or even better - 1.6 8V. It's the "Last Mohican" in the range. In addition, it works great with LPG systems. The same cannot be said for FSI engines (1.4, 1.6 and 2.0) equipped with direct petrol injection. It should be clearly noted - used gas-adjusted FSIs should be avoided. First - they are not particularly economical, because they consume gas and gasoline while driving. Second, many users are looking to get rid of them, due to malfunctions.

Namely, it has long been considered that four valves and one pump-injector assembly (which is much thicker and more massive per cylinder) cannot be installed in the head at all. Volkswagen decided to do it though, and the walls in its head are very thin and sensitive. This increases fuel and oil consumption and reduces reliability. This was supposed to be solved by a common-rail system, but unfortunately the first series of 2.0 TDI engines had major problems with Siemens piezo injectors. These problems have been solved in the meantime and there are no more problems with the new engines. It can't be said that the used 2.0 TDIs are bad, but when it comes to the models in question - we definitely recommend the 1.9 TDI.

The 5 1.6v Vw Golf 8, which is inexpensive to maintain, perfectly meets the needs of LPG.

Front - McPherson system, rear multi - link system. It is a permanent solution, but after several years of use on uneven roads, it does not require mechanical interventions. The total cost of maintaining the suspension is low. Changing the geometry of the multi-link rear suspension requires constant control. Failure leads to rapid tire wear and creates additional costs. The front trap is more durable than its predecessor.

Volkswagen Golf 5: Model History

2003: Golf 5 premiere, 3 and 5-door compact hatchback, 1.4 diesel (75 hp) and 1.4 TDI (90 hp), 1.6 (102 hp) and 1.6 TDI (115 hp) and 2.0 TDI (150 hp) 1.9 TDI Turbo Diesel (105 HP), 2.0 16V TDI (140 HP);
2004: four-wheeled 4MOTION version; turbo diesel 1.9 TDI (90 HP), automatic DSG gearbox, sports version of GTI 2.0 TFSI with gasoline engine (200 hp);
2005: Bora, GTi and Golf Plus go on sale; 1.4 TSI petrol engine (170 bhp), 2.0 16V turbo diesel TDI (170 bhp), sports version of the R32 3,2 petrol engine (250 bhp);
2006: CrossGolf appears; 1.4 petrol engine (80 hp), 1.4 TSI (140 hp) version of the 230 hp GTI;
2008 .: Golf 6 is presented.
2009: Production Ends for Golf 5.

Vw Golf 5

FAULTS - Vw Golf 5

Since the six has recently appeared, this is still a relatively young model, so there are no significant things to note. The Golf 5 is otherwise known as a reliable car and we have no doubt it is with this model.
However, make sure that the timing belt is changed regularly, especially with 1,4 and 1,6 petrol. FSI models are sensitive to gasoline quality, so ask the owner if he has a problem with this, as it is known that our gasoline is not the best. This is basically all about noting that you have avoided diesel that has gone a long way since turbine failure means a lot of expense.

FSI gasoline engines (direct injection). On models manufactured up to 2005, several initial difficulties are occasionally illuminated by the engine control light and the engine running very disturbed (electronic throttle replacement or ECU engine programming required).

Golf 5 FSI engine (direct injection). On models manufactured to 2005, the engine lights on the instrument cluster go off without cause.

Golf 5 1.4 TSI Problem with Drive Chain and Water Pump.

1.4 TSI 160 hp (compressor and turbo) has problems with the piston crack, the reason may be that the detonation sensor is incorrectly calibrated for the fuel used.

2.0 TFSI suffers with bobbins, the fault is the oil leaking onto the bobbins.

Golf 5 TDI engines. On some models (notably the Golf 5 1.9 TDI manufactured until 2004) the problem with the turbine.

Engine Golf 5 2.0 TDI (140). On models manufactured to August 2005, there is a risk of a cracked cylinder head at one of the clamping points on the engine block. Damage risk, especially if the driver is driving despite the signal, the engine error light on the instrument panel illuminates.

With the 2.0 TDI engine, check the coolant regularly. The reason is the problem with the alloys used in making the cylinder head, which causes the head to become porous and allow coolant to leak into the engine. By July 2009, engine head problems with the 1.9 and 2.0 diesels were becoming more commonplace.

Golf 5 1.9 TDI and 2.0 TDI (105, 140) engines. Grave the sound of the engine idling, which produces vibrations. It looks like the engine is running "on three cylinders". The error is corrected by upgrading the engine computer software.

Vw has replaced Siemens piezoelectric injectors on all models 2006 - 2009. 2.0 TDI BMN engines.
All injectors from the 2.0 TDI PD engine that use piezoelectric Siemens injectors and Siemens ECU are affected by this problem. Most problems are on the Passat 2.0 TDI 140 hp BKD.
All VAG models with 2.0TDI engines since 2005 equipped with Siemens peizo injectors are subject to recall, which involves the replacement of all injectors. A short circuit inside the fuel injector causes the engine to shut down.

TDI engines. Some cases of turbine failure at the most varied miles, especially with the 1.9 TDI 105 hp produced by 2004.

On all PD diesel engines, if the oil appears to be rising in the engine, the reason may be that the fuel injectors are leaking.

Flywheel. On Golf 5 2.0 TDI (140) models manufactured after December 2005, the flywheel is likely to fail. The result is a loss of hydraulic clutch. Symptoms: unusual noise when changing gears. The summer of 2006 came to review and replace.

Some 2006/2007 models with 6-speed manual gearbox have a problem with planetary gears due to faulty mounting. Quite a high frequency of breakage of manual transmissions due to this fault and breakage of the housing. The same error occurs on the Audi A3 and Seat Leon.

Like the Golf Mk 4, the 5-speed manual transmission for 1.4 and 1.6 is prone to failure due to corrosion and cracking of the case.

With a 6-speed gearbox, if changing gears from 1 to 2 becomes rigid. Change gearbox oil first. Failure to do so will require the replacement of synchronous rings.

Floating flywheel malfunction, a malfunction usually recognized by vibration, especially at idle. Sometimes it is necessary to replace the clutch set with this intervention.

The ECU can be damaged by moisture due to the penetration of water in the passenger compartment through the pollen filter. Old VAG problem. Reasons can be blocked openings and drains of rainwater, so rainwater goes into the car. It is either broken or missing the pollen filter cover.

It is essential that the microfilter and oil code DSG gearbox replace at 40000 km as irregular replacement may cause malfunction DSG gearbox.

The front tires on some Volkswagen Golf 5 models manufactured by 2005 wear unevenly.

The rear tires, especially in the Volkswagen Golf 5 models manufactured until 2005, make noise.

Headlights. On models manufactured until July 2004, headlamp condensation is created, and in some cases, tail lights. The headlights lose transparency and become matt.

For models manufactured up to May 2004, there were sometimes minor irregularities in the installation of the instrument panel. In these cases, the boards want to squeal, making noise.

Power windows. On Volkswagen Golf models manufactured before 2004, the problem with power windows for windows.

If the central locking does not work when the ignition is off, the reason may be that the subsequently installed audio unit uses the ISO connector, check the installation of the audio unit, and in particular check the ISO connector for pin pins in the connector incorrectly.

Radio. On Volkswagen Golf 5 models manufactured before 2004, it comes with an unexpected sound interruption - often when a CD is played.

Air conditioning. On Volkswagen Golf 5 models manufactured up to 2004, there are problems with temperature and ventilation adjustment.

Notification lights. On Volkswagen Golf 5 models manufactured up to 2004, the engine failure lamp is on. The error was corrected by the reprogramming ECU.

The ESP system lamp blinks on the instrument panel, after operating the steering mechanism, the steering wheel is probably not calibrated.

Air noise. On models manufactured until March 2004, the wind noise generated by the molded windshields is loose.

It is not uncommon for the airbag control indicator to light, especially in cases where drivers often move seats. The problem is most often due to poor contacts with the side airbags, these are contacts located under the seat.

Rain sensors on the windshields tend to overreact.

Radio-induced battery wear. If you do not leave the CD in the player and accidentally thinks you have put one, then switch to radio. You will then find the car in the morning either with the radio on or the battery running low. Even if you turned off the radio before turning off the ignition, this can happen. Tip to leave the CD in the CD player or replace the player.

Used Vw Golf 5 prices - review

CONCLUSION

With production ending Golf 4 it ended the era of compact indestructible Volkswagen. The Golf 5 against rivals, rather goes with modern technical solutions rather than durability. The increased cost follows in particular the 2.0 TDI version and the petrol direct injection and turbocharged petrol variants. The strongest competitor of the Golf 5 is its twin, the Skoda Octavia II, the basic five-door version has a larger boot.

Golf 5

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!