new cars - direct injection reliability?

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  • funcrew
    E30 Fanatic
    • Jun 2007
    • 1223

    #1

    new cars - direct injection reliability?

    I'm looking at a new econobox for a DD - am inclined to get one this year that still has conventional port injection, due to the extra complication of the upcoming more powerful/economical direct injection. I know early VW DI had some issues - is DI intrinsically less reliable/durable than old-tech port injection, due to the high pressure fuel pump, injectors and all that? Or is the DI tech worked out enough by now that these components will last for 200K+?
    "If the sky were to fall tomorrow, the tall would die first."

    -Dr. Paul Forrester



    Do I LOOK like I need a psychological evaluation???
  • blocke
    E30 Fanatic
    • Mar 2009
    • 1305

    #2
    I've got an 06 GTI 2.0T, it uses direct injection. I only have 53k on it, so I cannot speak for long-term reliability..but from what I have already experienced, direct injection cars seem to suffer from bad carbon and gunk buildup on the intake valves..because there is no gas flowing over them to clean them. On my car, a common mod is to install a catch can to filter out the PCV system.

    As for HPFP, my specific build year is plagued with issues to to improper camshaft hardening, that can lead to HPFP failure....but that's specific to VW. I hear that BMW has issues with their HPFP's as well, but no first hand knowledge on this.

    I feel that overall, the tech is not up there reliability-wise yet.
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    • RainierHooker
      R3VLimited
      • Jul 2009
      • 2026

      #3
      DI isn't anything new, Daimler-Benz was using it in Aircraft engines way back in the 1930s. In similar uses ever since, DI has proven very reliable.
      The primary problems seem to stem from the fact that the injectors themselves are subjected to all the heat/pressure from the combustion chamber, and if they are built cheaply the injectors simply break. I remember having issues with the injectors in my family's old VW TDI (read: cheap), but it was a tired motor with well over 150k of abuse. The current range of DI seems to be much more robust, and so long as it ain't cheap, it should last.
      YMMV, but I would not hesitate to buy a current DI motor.

      1984 Hennarot 325e - 1990 Brillantrot M3 - 1938 Buick Special Business Coupe

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      • Jaxx_
        E30 Mastermind
        • Dec 2009
        • 1880

        #4
        Originally posted by RainierHooker
        DI isn't anything new, Daimler-Benz was using it in Aircraft engines way back in the 1930s. In similar uses ever since, DI has proven very reliable.
        The primary problems seem to stem from the fact that the injectors themselves are subjected to all the heat/pressure from the combustion chamber, and if they are built cheaply the injectors simply break. I remember having issues with the injectors in my family's old VW TDI (read: cheap), but it was a tired motor with well over 150k of abuse. The current range of DI seems to be much more robust, and so long as it ain't cheap, it should last.
        YMMV, but I would not hesitate to buy a current DI motor.
        I agree. Not to mention the fuel advantage from DI would push me towards them these days. Manufactures seem to be going that route as well with many of their cars.
        '84 318i M10B18 147- Safari Beige
        NA: 93whp/90ftlbs, MS2E w/ LC, 2-Step
        Turbo: 221whp/214ftlbs, MS3x flex @ 17psi

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        • b*saint
          No R3VLimiter
          • May 2006
          • 3794

          #5
          How reliable is a diesel?
          Ma che cazzo state dicendo? :|

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          • e30e
            R3VLimited
            • Dec 2004
            • 2176

            #6
            No new cars are designed to last 200k, regardless of what manufacturers will tell you.

            As for DI, Hyundai is doing a pretty good job with it, your looking for a good cheap DD, the sonata or the elantra are very good choices.
            1985 BMW 325e
            1997 BMW M3/4/5
            2007 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab 5.3 v8

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            • evandael
              R3VLimited
              • Oct 2009
              • 2881

              #7
              Originally posted by b*saint
              How reliable is a diesel?


              serious question?

              many factors are at play but i reckon lower stressed internal components (lesser operational rpm range) has a huge role. properly cared for (quality fuel) and maintained, diesel engines last upwards of 300,000 miles.


              as far as DI engines go now, the carbon buildup issue seems like a small trade-off for increased efficiency, driveability, and performance (byproducts of the higher compression ratios allowed, some exceeding 12:1). just run some seafoam every 50K and there shouldnt be any issue!

              i lust after the newer porsche flat 6's with DI..

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              • tjts1
                E30 Mastermind
                • May 2007
                • 1851

                #8
                Just don't get a VW.

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                • Ratbastage
                  Member
                  • Dec 2010
                  • 77

                  #9
                  VAG product has issues.

                  Cheapshit cams
                  Cheapshit pump followers
                  Garbage vent systems

                  2500 to 3500 bucks if it eats a pump follower and a cam. Common problem, seems to happen around 120K or so. 3500 dollar repair on a car worth what, 3 grand? I see a lot of Jettas and Passats getting crushed soon.

                  Why are they still building interference belt motors? Pretty much everyone else has gone or is going back to chains. Moot point though, they are getting where they wont run long enough to need belt replacement.

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                  • z31maniac
                    I waste 90% of my day here and all I got was this stupid title
                    • Dec 2007
                    • 17566

                    #10
                    The MZR engine in my Speed3 is DI. The only problem people are running into is the lack of headroom in the high pressure fuel pump.

                    So basically any tuning + intake or anything needs a drastically upgraded HPFP. The injectors are beasts however.

                    I've also read something about carbon build-up on intake valves as well.
                    Need parts now? Need them cheap? steve@blunttech.com
                    Chief Sales Officer, Midwest Division—Blunt Tech Industries

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                    • Julien
                      R3V OG
                      • Feb 2004
                      • 7471

                      #11
                      get a 2009+ gti with the TSI motor.. stay away from 2009+ TDIs until they figure out the fuel pump issues with those though
                      Build Threads:
                      Pamela/Bella/Betty/325ix/5-Lug Seta/S60R/Miata ITB/Miata Turbo/Miata VVT/951/325xi-6

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                      • b*saint
                        No R3VLimiter
                        • May 2006
                        • 3794

                        #12
                        Julien is your last name Assange?
                        Ma che cazzo state dicendo? :|

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