Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003 – 2015) Review
Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003 – 2015) At A Glance
Very refined and car-like to drive with an upmarket cabin, durable and well built, smooth common-rail TDI engine, available as a Shuttle which seats up to nine, ESP stability control as standard.
Steering column is known to knock, window leaks are common. Engine problems with 2.0BITD after 60k miles.
It could easily be argued that Volkswagen invented the whole modern light van market with its 1950s original, complete with Beetle-derived air-cooled engined. The Transporter is the latest in this long line of Volkswagen vans and, like its illustrious ancestors, it comes in a broad range of body styles to appeal to everyone from tradesmen to surfers.
Volkswagen's simple panel van version of the Transporter is the most common model, but it also gives rise to the crew cab, chassis cab, double chassis cab, a Shuttle minibus and even the California campervan. The Caravelle is the plush people carrying version but the Transporter Kombi has plenty of appeal has a half-way house between a works vehicle and a family car.
On top of this, Volkswagen has also grasped the desire of many van buyers to personalise their van so it’s a little more than just a work vehicle. There are plenty of extras available - both aftermarket and directly from Volkswagen.
The Sportline models take care of this custom side of the Transporter’s offering and they come complete with a 180PS twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers strong acceleration and relaxed cruising. This model also gives the buyer the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG twin-clutch automatic for seamlessly smooth gear changes.
The 180PS engine can also be ordered for the standard Transporter models, but most buyers tend towards the 2.0-litre turbodiesel in 84PS, 102PS and 140PS forms.
As you would expect of a Volkswagen, build quality is excellent and the Transporter enjoys some of the best residual values in its class. It’s also well equipped and every model comes with ESP traction control, hill hold control and driver and passenger airbags.
Long-term test Volkswagen Transporter 2.0 BiTDI Kombi Sportline
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Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003 – 2015): What's It Like Inside?
The Volkswagen Transporter launched in 2010 offers users a choice of two wheelbases, three roof heights and the option of panel van, crew cab, chassis cab and minibus body styles, as well as the Caravelle six-seat people carrier and California campervan as more passenger car-oriented options. On top of this, Volkswagen also makes the Transporter with four gross vehicle weights, ranging from 600kg to 3200kg.
It means the Volkswagen cannot compete with the true heavy hitters in the van market, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vauxhall Movano, but it’s still a useful load hauler and on a par with the likes of the Mercedes Vivaro and Nissan NV200. With maximum payloads of between 729kg and 1333kg, again the Transporter is good without ruffling the feathers of the best in class. The same is true for maximum payload volumes ranging from 5.8m3 to 9.3m3.
While it may not have the competition too worried when it comes to outright carrying capacity, the Volkswagen Transporter comes as standard with a sliding side rear door. There’s the option of adding a second sliding side door, while at the back there are twin side-hinged doors that open to 90-degrees. Rear doors that open out to 250-degrees to leave the load entrance completely unhindered are an option. The load sill is also low, which helped when lugging weighty items in and out of the back.
Volkswagen offers three different bulkhead options for the Transporter, covering high bulkhead with no window, or the same bulkhead with fixed window or a sliding window.
With a load bay length of between 2.57m and 2.97m, depending on which wheelbase you prefer, the Transporter also has a wide load bed. There’s the factory option of lining the inside of the panel with hardboard and Volkswagen also offers a variety of load lashing rails and rubber mats to make the Transporter’s cargo area more practical. As standard, there are four load securing rings in the short wheelbase model.
Up in the front cabin of the Transporter, it’s business as usual for Volkswagen. While not the most exciting or innovative of cab designs, the Transporter’s is neat and no-nonsense. It features a steering wheel that can be altered for angle and reach, as well as a driver’s seat with height adjustment to help fine tune the driving position to suit every driver.
Forward and side vision is good in the Transporter and the door mirrors offer clear views down the sides. Rear parking sensors are an option, as is Lane-change Assist to help prevent the van wandering over white lines unintentionally.
There’s a single passenger seat as standard or you can order a double passenger seat that also comes with a fold-down tray in the backrest. Passengers are treated to a front airbag as standard and so is the driver, while side curtain airbags are an option for the Transporter. It also comes with ESP and ABS anti-lock brakes on every model.
Comfort from the seats is good and the Transporter is also blessed with clear, easy to read instruments. All of the other controls are also simple to identify at night or at a glance and Volkswagen supplies a stereo with single CD player as standard. Satellite navigation, electric windows and air conditioning can all be added to the Transporter at extra cost.
What's the Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003 – 2015) like to drive?
Every Volkswagen Transporter model uses a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine, which is offered in 84PS, 102PS, 140PS and 180PS forms. The two less powerful engines come with a five-speed manual gearbox as their only choice, while the 140PS version has a six-speed manual as its only transmission.
The 180PS turbodiesel can be had with the same six-speed manual gearbox or there’s the option of fitting the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox. All of these engines come with front-wheel drive transmissions as standard, but the 140PS and 180PS engines can also be had with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive for added traction in slippery conditions.
Having a five-speed gearbox does not hinder the two less powerful versions of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine thanks to well chosen gear ratios and the engines’ broad spread of pulling power.
The 84PS unit is at its best in town and can make motorway journeys more of a chore than they should be as it’s just too sluggish. However, the 102PS engine is much more rounded in its abilities and you’ll rarely have to change out of top gear when up to speed on the motorway. However, don’t expect vivid acceleration from either of these engines.
For those wanting to get more of a hurry on, the 140PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel is the best balance between performance and running costs. It provides fuel economy that is only marginally behind its 102PS sister engine’s yet it feels far brawnier and lively when you press the throttle pedal further along its travel. With 340Nm of torque on hand, the 140PS turbodiesel has considerably more oomph than the 102PS’s 250Nm and it’s not so far behind the 180PS motor’s 400Nm.
As well as these engines, Volkswagen also offers a 115PS Bluemotion version of the 2.0-litre turbodiesel that gives reasonable acceleration coupled to economy of 44.8mpg and 166g/km carbon dioxide emissions to make it a very clean, green choice. With the non-Bluemotion versions of the Transporter, emissions range from 184g/km to 240g/km, depending on which model you choose, and economy from as low as 31.0mpg to a good 40.4mpg.
All of the engines are quiet in use and the manual gearboxes have easy, light shift actions. For the ultimate in smooth gearchanges, however, you need to try the seven-speed DSG gearbox. It swaps from one gear to the next with almost imperceptible changes and makes the Transporter one of the best vans in its class to drive.
Helping the Transporter further its case as a fine van for driving is its supple suspension that makes light work of most battle-scarred roads. Even when fully loaded, the Volkswagen is more than able to deal with speed bumps and ruts with calm efficiency.
There is some lean from the body on the suspension, which allows the Transporter to sway a little more than the Ford Transit, but it’s no worse than most in this class. The Volkswagen makes up for this to a large extent with light, accurate steering and more nimble feel than much of the competition.
Volkswagen T5 Transporter (2003 – 2015) Models and Specs
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 4892–5476 mm |
Width | 1904 mm |
Height | 1900–4976 mm |
Load Volume | 4.2–9.3 m3 |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 987–2416 kg |
Payload | 650–1399 kg |
Warranty | 36/100,000 24/Unlimited |
Servicing | Variable |
Chassis Cab LWB
Version | List Price | MPG | |
---|---|---|---|
LWB T30 2.0TDI 102 | £18,465 | - | Details |
LWB T30 2.0TDI 140 | £20,080 | - | Details |
LWB T30 2.0TDI 140 4MOTION | £22,310 | - | Details |
LWB T30 2.0TDI 140 DSG | £21,660 | - | Details |
LWB T30 2.0TDI 84 | £17,700 | - | Details |
Chassis Double Cab LWB
Version | List Price | MPG | |
---|---|---|---|
LWB Double Cab T30 2.0TDI 102 | £19,785 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab T30 2.0TDI 140 | £21,400 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab T30 2.0TDI 140 4MOTION | £23,630 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab T30 2.0TDI 140 DSG | £22,475 | 33.2 mpg | Details |
Crew Van LWB
Crew Van LWB High Roof
Crew Van LWB Med Roof
Crew Van LWB Std Roof
Crew Van SWB
Crew Van SWB Med Roof
Crew Van SWB Std Roof
Dropside Double Cab LWB
Version | List Price | MPG | |
---|---|---|---|
LWB Double Cab (With Dropside Body Option) T30 2.0 140PS 4MOTION | £23,810 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab (With Dropside Body Option) T30 2.0TDI 102PS | £20,110 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab (With Dropside Body Option) T30 2.0TDI 140PS | £21,610 | - | Details |
LWB Double Cab (With Dropside Body Option) T30 2.0TDI 140PS DSG | £23,010 | - | Details |
Dropside LWB
Minibus LWB
Minibus SWB
Panel Van LWB
Panel Van LWB High Roof
Panel Van LWB Med Roof
Panel Van LWB Std Roof
Panel Van SWB
Panel Van SWB Med Roof
Panel Van SWB Std Roof
Window Van LWB
Window Van LWB High Roof
Window Van LWB Med Roof
Window Van LWB Std Roof
Window Van SWB
Window Van SWB Med Roof
Window Van SWB Std Roof
Good
The Volkswagen Transporter’s compact size makes it ideal for town use and on tighter rural roads. A cushily soft set-up to the suspension also makes it ideal for these more coarsely surfaced roads. The slick DSG dual-clutch gearbox further adds to the Volkswagen’s appeal for the driver and it comes with ESP as standard on all models.
A range of efficient engines that meet Euro 5 emissions regulations makes the Volkswagen Transporter a good bet for those who have to travel into London’s Low Emissions Zone regularly as there is no penalty for entering in this van
Strong residual values thanks to good quality build and high class image make the Volkswagen Transporter a sound bet for those considering whole life costs. It also has low running costs, especially in BlueMotion variants.
Plenty of variety for configuring the Volkswagen to your needs makes the Transporter a popular choice for those seeking a van at the smaller end of the market.
Was awarded a 4 Star NCAP rating in 2013 tests with 79% adult protection, 74% child protection, 32% pedestrian protection, 57% safety assist.
Bad
Steering column is known to knock.
Window leaks are common.
The 84PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel is best suited to town driving where its low-rev shove is good, but on the motorway this engine feels out of its depth. It needs to be worked hard to hold station with other traffic, which has a negative effect on fuel economy.
Following worldwide recall of 2.6 million vehicles due to crystalline deposits in the synthetic oil in 7-speed DSGs affecting the Mechatronics units causing the fuses to blow, Volkswagen is recalling 30,000 UK market vans and LCVs fitted with 7-speed DSGs to change the oil in them from synthetic to mineral.
Specific service requirements of a T5 to remain within warranty include waterpump changed at same time as timing belt, 'gate couplings', alternator pulley andTiptronic transmission fluid to be changed at 80k miles.
26-8-2014: Repeated clogging of Diesel Particulate Filter on 2012 T5 Caravelle California camper reported.
13-12-2015: Report of driveshaft failure on 2010 VW T5 Transporter at 48,400 miles.
14-10-2016: Report of turbo of VW Transporter failing at 37,000 miles and costing £2,800 to replace.
18-10-2016: Report of DPF and turbo failure on a 73k mile VW Caravelle 2.0TDI BITD. Engine then started burning 5-6 litres of oil a week and diagnosis read: "Your heavy oil loss is due to the valve guides and valves in the cylinder head worn along with the piston rings.Also a valve in the oil filer housing is seized which could have been giving a lot of back pressure and contributing to oil loss.For us do to the complete rebuild and fitting with all parts required is £4136.34 + VAT with a 1 year warranty."
25-11-2016: Catastrophic problem reported with 180PS 2.0TDI BITD engine of T5 Caravelle DSG that explains 26-8-2014, (Lost date) and 18-10-2016. Problem relates to "TPI 2039830/5." Appears that the EGR cooler corrodes internally, producing aluminium oxides, and these then pass via the inlet valves into the combustion chamber. They then sit in the piston rings causing cylinder bore wear. VW is aware of the fault and has now issued a new EGR cooler: 03L 115 512 D. Owner has been in contact with other owners who have had the same problem. Some have received 100% back; others only 70%. There is a Facebook site: VW T5.1 excessive oil use for CFCA engines. In 2015 the owner highlighted the problem to VW at 70k miles. His T5 has now been off the road for over 8 weeks. Aggrieved at a potential bill of £10k because of an inherent defect in the vehicle.
23-9-2017: Explanation for the high rate of failure of failure of 2.0 180BiTDI engines in T6 Transpoerters and Amarocks. "Oil light came on at end of lease. No leaks, so the engine must be burning the oil. Owner had an oil sample tested by Millers Oils and this showed the oil to have critical amounts of Al and Fe. The Al came from the corroding EGR cooler, the Fe is the cylinder bores being worn by the Al particles that have got into the engine. In short a new engine and ancillaries is required at a cost of £8,000. There is a Facebook page with over 1,000 Members devoted to the failings of the 180 BiTDI engine - it is only this engine that suffers. One chap in Norway runs a fleet of 30 ambulances and every one has needed a new engine. The EGR cooler is poorly designed - hot air condenses on unprotected aluminium, causing it to corrode. VW has brought out a revised cooler but it is too early to say if it is successful. And once an engine starts to burn oil through worn cylinder bores, the damage has been done."
10-4-2018: Report of owner buying a used 2011/61 VW T5 Transporter 180PS BiTDI with engine code CFCA. Over 2,000 miles had to add 3 litres of oil. See 23-9-2017 for the explanation.
17-3-2019: Report of problem with 2004 Volkswagen Caravelle 2.5 TDi PD 174 Manual. After initial stalling if the outside temperature is below 9 degrees C, the vehicle jumps and stalls when driving for the first 5 minutes or so. VW has experienced the fault but their diagnosis equipment won't recognise it. The latest suggestion is to change the ECU (£1600 or so) but VW says they cannot be sure this will solve the problem. Other than the low outside temperature fault, the vehicle runs brilliantly, including if start up outside temperature above 9 degrees C when the fault never occurs. Owner is in touch with VW T5 forums across the World but no one seems able to solve the fault.
2-6-2019: Report of oil light intermittently coming on in 2019 VW Transporter mini bus, TDI engine type CAAC, used as an airport taxi and now at 363,000 miles. Engine oil and filter changed every 10,000 miles. “Oil Can” lights flashes with a warning message and buzzer. Then everything reverts to normal. The event is not logged in the ECU. Pressure sensor replaced at an independent VW specialist who also checked the oil pump pressure and confirmed it was normal.After 10 days or so, the issue returned and is back to before. (Might be EGR cooler.)
Model History
- August 2009: Volkswagen reveals the new Transporter
- January 2010
- May 2011
- October 2012: BlueMotion version of Transporter is introduced
- October 2012
- March 2014: Transport BlueMotion updated
- July 2014: Transporter Sportline 60 launched
- September 2014: Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack introduced
August 2009
Volkswagen reveals the new Transporter
It’s offered with a range of new common rail turbodiesel engines and a variety of body types. There's a new exterior style with more aerodynamic door mirrors and a similar front grille and headlight design to that seen on the latest Volkswagen passenger cars.
The Volkswagen Transporter can claim a lineage, if not quite direct descent, from the 1950 VW Type 2 ‘splittie’ that started off the whole Volkswagen van tradition. IN reality, the present Transporter owes its existence to the T4 Transporter that arrived in 1990. It set the template for the van we have today of a front-engined, front-wheel drive model.
Under the bonnet is a new range of four 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail TDI engines, with power outputs of 84PS and 220Nm of torque, 102PS with 250Nm, 140PS with 340Nm and 180PS with 400Nm from a mere 1,500 rpm. These engines are quieter, more economical, and more efficient with lower emissions that now comply with the latest Euro V standards. To further aid fuel economy, there is also a gear shift recommendation display.
Internal changes make the new Transporter even more comfortable and convenient with many enhancements to quality and equipment. These include many features from the latest Volkswagen passenger cars, such as a three-spoke steering wheels, stylish new instruments and the latest audio and touchscreen navigation systems.
January 2010
The revised Transporter went on sale in the UK.
May 2011
Transporter Sportline model added to the range. It comes in short- and long wheelbase versions with prices from £28,220 + VAT and uses a 180PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine.
October 2012
BlueMotion version of Transporter is introduced
It comes with 84PS, 102PS and 114PS 2.0-litre turbodiesel engines that offer 40.4mpg for the two lower power models and 44.8mph for the 114PS version. The lower power models also share 184g/km CO2 emissions, while the 114PS model cuts this to 166g/km.
October 2012
Trendline and Highline models introduced to Transporter line-up. The Trendline has an uprated stereo, ParkPilot display, Bluetooth connection, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Comfort Pack. For the Highline, Volkswagen adds alloy wheels, front fog lights, alarm, leather steering wheel and gear knob.
March 2014
Transport BlueMotion updated
The Transporter BlueMotion model now achieves a combined fuel economy of 48.7mpg and emissions of 153g/km. These figures represent a 3.9mpg improvement in combined fuel economy, and a 13g/km reduction in emissions compared to the previous BlueMotion model.
The efficiency of the Transporter BlueMotion, which is available only as a panel van, is achieved by modifying the engine management system and transmission as well as using low rolling resistance tyres, start/stop and battery regeneration systems and cruise control. At the heart of the Transporter BlueMotion is the familiar 114 PS 2.0-litre TDI engine with common rail direct injection, which delivers a maximum of 250 Newton metres of torque. Prices start at just £19,245 (basic RRP ex. VAT).
July 2014
Transporter Sportline 60 launched
The new model replaces the current Sportline version but gets extra equipment and special Sportline 60 decals.
Available as a standard panel van or a five-seat Kombi in both short and long wheelbase versions, the Sportline 60 gets the same 18-inch five-spoke Anthracite wheels of the Sportine and gloss black mirrors but adds black rather than chrome side bars plus special Sportline 60 graphics including side stripes.
Inside it gets quilted leather seats with a special Sportline 60 edition logo while the Kenwood in-car system has been upgraded with a reversing camera and smartphone mirroring functionality, which replicates the screen of your phone and lets you use it - including certain apps - through the touchscreen.
As before, standard equipment includes front seat armrests, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, electric windows, air conditioning, remote central locking, colour-coded bumpers, a chrome grille and rear spoiler. It's available in metallic Reflex Silver or Deep Black as standard while Candy White with a Deep Black roof is available as an option.
Power comes from the impressive 2.0 BiTDI engine with 180PS and 400Nm that has a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or a seven-speed DSG as an option. Prices start from £29,940 without VAT for the manual transmission (short wheelbase) and rise to £34,170 without VAT for the DSG model (long wheelbase).
September 2014
Transporter 60 Anniversary Pack introduced
The new accessories package includes LED running lights, chrome accent items such as mirror caps, side indicators and grille, Transporter 60 exterior decals and embroidered waterproof seat covers.
The first 250 customers to order the accessory pack will also receive a copy of a limited edition coffee table book that celebrates the Transporter’s 60 years in the UK. Prices start from £609 up to £1009 (inc. VAT) and include fitting.