Diesel filter changing - how often?

tails_naf

I've a diesel 05 passat. It's never given me a spot of bother, but servicing is quite dear - 100 quid min for a small service, and 160-200 for the bigger service which includes diesel and air filters.

The question is, should I be replacing the diesel filter every 2nd service (which the garages seem to be pushing), or are they something that can go a while longer? I know for petrol engines, replacing the fuel filter is a rarity - and I would assume diesel is just as 'clean', so is there a reason the filters need to be replaced more often?

And secondly - is 60-100 quid on top of a service a lot for this?

Thanks in advance!

Divorce Referendum

tails_naf wrote: »

I've a diesel 05 passat. It's never given me a spot of bother, but servicing is quite dear - 100 quid min for a small service, and 160-200 for the bigger service which includes diesel and air filters.

The question is, should I be replacing the diesel filter every 2nd service (which the garages seem to be pushing), or are they something that can go a while longer? I know for petrol engines, replacing the fuel filter is a rarity - and I would assume diesel is just as 'clean', so is there a reason the filters need to be replaced more often?

And secondly - is 60-100 quid on top of a service a lot for this?

Thanks in advance!

I think that diesel quality in Ireland is meant to be crap to be honest. AFAIK VAg recommend that the diesel filter be changed every 40k although replacing it every second service might do no harm.

lifer_sean

If you get bad (dirty or even worse, "washed" diesel), a lot of damage will be done to your fuel system. Typical repair costs are 2000-3000 euro (general terms, not Passats in particular). Not as unusual as you might think. I'd come across this once every 2-3 months. Your fuel filter is your first line of defense so I wouldn't gamble it too much. Completly different to petrol as (a) petrol is cleaner and (b) fuel system is much lower pressure so less sensitive to dirt.

Re price, a Peugeot fuel filter cost me 45 euro plus vat in motor factors today and took best part of an hour to fit. Don't know price of Passat one, but if it's anything like the Peugeot one then 60 euro is cheap. Also 100 euro for service doesn't sound bad if the mechanic is using good oil - good quality synthetic oil could cost 50 euro for Passat. You can obviously use cheaper oil if you want, but I wouldn't recommend if you expect the car to do big mileage.

bazz26

tails_naf wrote: »

I've a diesel 05 passat. It's never given me a spot of bother, but servicing is quite dear - 100 quid min for a small service, and 160-200 for the bigger service which includes diesel and air filters.

The question is, should I be replacing the diesel filter every 2nd service (which the garages seem to be pushing), or are they something that can go a while longer? I know for petrol engines, replacing the fuel filter is a rarity - and I would assume diesel is just as 'clean', so is there a reason the filters need to be replaced more often?

And secondly - is 60-100 quid on top of a service a lot for this?

Thanks in advance!

€160-€200 for a service including fuel and air filter is not dear imo. Even from an indy I would consider that reasonable.

tails_naf

Thanks for the replies lads, really clears things up.

Matt Simis

Bit mad that you are trying to put off replacing a sub-EUR10 part thats critical to the safety of the engine:
http://www.germancarpartsonline.co.uk/vw-beetlepassat-1920-diesel-fuel-filter-731-p.asp

Would you know learn how to change it yourself... very easy and very cheap. Pending access, a 5-30min job.
People should be replacing them more often, not less.