Brilliant or Bogus: Robert's Diesel Engine Swap Idea

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Dear Car Talk

Feb 5, 2015 (Archives)

9 Comments

diesel

Dear Car Talk:

I want a VW Tiguan, but VW does not offer one with the TDI diesel engine in the U.S.; it offers other cars with that engine, like the Jetta and the Beetle. If I bought a gasoline-powered Tiguan, what would it take to swap a TDI diesel engine into it?

-- Robert

About $15,000-$20,000. Maybe a little less if you're willing to marry a VW mechanic.

The diesel engine itself probably is a $10,000 part. But there are all kinds of modifications you'd probably need. The exhaust system would be different, and would require a scrubbing system. The emissions system would be different. The computer would be different. The transmission may even be different. I think you probably can keep the rear-view mirror and the cup holders. 

It might be easier to buy a TDI Jetta and then put a Tiguan BODY on top of it, Robert! Or get transferred to Europe for a few years and drive one there and get it out of your system.

It's an enormous and pretty much pointless endeavor, Robert. It would take you half a century to recoup the costs in the form of the extra mileage you'd get with a diesel. And by then you'll be wanting one of the new, 2065 water-powered Tiguans anyway.

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diesel

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swat671 • 17 hours ago

Wouldn't you have better luck just trying to import a European version?

• 4

George_San_Jose swat671 • 13 hours ago

U.S. customs probably wouldn't allow it as the imported car may not meet the various safety, fuel economy, and environmental regulations the feds require.

• 1

Craig Beles • 17 hours ago

Robert should look at an Audi Q5 TDI. We have one and love it. Over 40 mpg on the highway and able to tow our 2-horse trailer.

• 4

Mike Batty • 17 hours ago

Robert has to be someone with a mountain of money as first he is going buy a Volkswagen and then secondly do a conversion on a new car. Why not take about 60 K usd and make a bonfire. At least it will keep you warm.

• 2

BigBadBob • 20 hours ago

And lest we forget, given the higher cost of diesel, half a century may not be long enough. Let's call it 2115 just to be safe.

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Three_to_Five • 18 hours ago

I like Robert's plan. It would still net him a better return than buying a Tesla!

• 1

johnbarry • 2 hours ago

This is one of the more weird ideas I've heard of lately.

kmccune • 13 hours ago

Why would you even consider that?the results wouldnt be worth it,buy a new 1500 Ram diesel and enjoy all the extra maintanence costs,at least you have a warranty and some of these Diesels(while not Quiet like a Tesla,have torque that at least approaches it(plus you get to change all those nasty filters and buy that Diesel fluid ,not to mention several Quarts of Diesel oil at a wack(at least the cost of Diesel oil finally came down some,wish the fuel would too,but they are nice if you are towing,

Annieneff • 17 hours ago

I like Robert's plan as well. Lots of folks out there do. There is a tdi club for just this sort of a thing. This Tiguan can be done but there are a lot of factors to consider (import laws, local regulations regarding such things, Immobilizer issues with computers and components, and more!).
Keep working on it Robert, it's a worthwhile endeavor!