VW TDI Maintenance Schedule | Complete Interval Chart by Engine Code

Master Maintenance Schedule

All Engine Codes

How to Use This Chart

Intervals shown are for normal driving conditions. If you tow, make frequent short trips, or drive mostly in city traffic, see the Severe Service section below and reduce all intervals by 30-50%. All TDIs are interference engines - timing belt failure is catastrophic.

VW TDI Service Intervals by Engine Code
Service Item	ALH 1.9L 90hp	BEW 1.9L PD 100hp	BRM 1.9L PD 100hp	BHW 2.0L PD 134hp	CBEA/CJAA 2.0L CR 140hp	CRUA 2.0L EA288 150hp	CASA/CATA 3.0L V6 TDI
Fluids & Filters
Oil & Filter Change	5,000-10,000 mi	10,000 mi	10,000 mi	10,000 mi	10,000 mi	10,000 mi	10,000 mi
Oil Specification	VW 505.00 / 505.01	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 507.00	VW 508.00 / 509.00	VW 507.00
Oil Weight	5W-40	5W-30 / 5W-40	5W-30 / 5W-40	5W-30 / 5W-40	5W-30 / 5W-40	0W-20	5W-30
Fuel Filter	20,000 mi	20,000 mi	20,000 mi	20,000 mi	20,000 mi	20,000 mi	20,000 mi
Air Filter	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi
Coolant (G12/G13)	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi	5 yr / 100k mi
Brake Fluid	Every 2 years	Every 2 years	Every 2 years	Every 2 years	Every 2 years	Every 2 years	Every 2 years
Drivetrain
Manual Trans Fluid	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	60,000 mi GL-4 75W-90	N/A (auto only)
DSG Fluid & Filter	N/A	40,000 mi if equipped	40,000 mi if equipped	40,000 mi	40,000 mi	40,000 mi	40,000 mi
Timing & Belts
Timing Belt & Kit	100,000 mi or 10 years	80,000 mi or 8 years	80,000 mi or 8 years	80,000 mi or 8 years	120,000 mi or 10 years	130,000 mi no time limit*	Chain driven inspect at 120k
Serpentine Belt	60,000 mi	60,000 mi	60,000 mi	60,000 mi	60,000 mi	60,000 mi	60,000 mi
Emissions & Engine
Glow Plugs	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi	80,000-100,000 mi
EGR Cleaning	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended	60,000 mi recommended
DPF Maintenance	Not equipped	Not equipped	Not equipped	Not equipped	No interval* highway driving essential	No interval* highway driving essential	No interval* highway driving essential
AdBlue / DEF Refill	Not equipped	Not equipped	Not equipped	Not equipped	Not equipped	~10,000 mi as needed	~10,000 mi as needed

* EA288evo Timing Belt

Per VW SSP 671, the EA288evo engine has a timing belt interval of 210,000 km (~130,000 miles) with no time limit. This applies to the CRUA and related EA288 codes. Earlier CR engines (CBEA/CJAA) still use 120,000 miles / 10 years. The PD engines (BEW/BRM/BHW) have the shortest interval at 80,000 miles due to higher torsional loads on the belt.

DSG Service is Not Optional

VW originally marketed the DSG as "lifetime fill." This is categorically false. DSG fluid breaks down and the internal filter clogs. Skipping the 40,000-mile DSG service leads to shuddering, delayed shifts, and eventual mechatronic unit failure - a $2,000-4,000 repair. Service it every 40,000 miles without exception.

Oil Specification Deep-Dive

VW Specs

VW 505.00 ALH Era

Original VW diesel oil specification. Covers mineral and synthetic oils in 5W-40 and 10W-40 weights. This is the baseline spec for all pre-PD TDI engines. Both conventional and synthetic oils can meet this spec, but synthetic is strongly recommended for extended drain intervals.

Compatible engines: ALH (1.9L indirect injection)

VW 505.01 ALH / PD

Special injection system oil designed for the higher injection pressures of the VP37 pump and early Pumpe Düse (PD) unit injectors. Provides additional anti-wear protection for the cam-driven injector lobes. The ALH can use either 505.00 or 505.01, but PD engines should use 505.01 or the newer 507.00.

Compatible engines: ALH, BEW, BRM (early PD applications)

VW 507.00 PD / CR / V6 TDI

Low-SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulfur) oil - CRITICAL for DPF-equipped vehicles. This is the most important spec to get right. VW 507.00 oils have reduced ash content that prevents premature DPF loading. Using a non-507.00 oil in a DPF-equipped TDI will cause the DPF to fill with ash far faster than designed, leading to forced regeneration cycles, reduced fuel economy, and eventually a clogged DPF requiring replacement ($1,500-3,000+).

Compatible engines: BEW, BRM, BHW, CBEA, CJAA, CASA, CATA

VW 508.00 / 509.00 EA288

The newest VW oil specification requiring 0W-20 weight. Designed for the EA288 engine family with ultra-low friction requirements. 508.00 covers gasoline engines, 509.00 is the diesel-specific variant. These are ultra-low-SAPS formulations optimized for the latest emissions equipment. Do NOT use in older TDIs - the 0W-20 weight does not provide adequate protection for the higher-clearance bearings in ALH/PD engines.

Compatible engines: CRUA and EA288 family only

Wrong Oil Spec = Destroyed DPF

Using conventional 5W-40 (VW 505.00) oil in a DPF-equipped TDI (CBEA, CJAA, CRUA, or V6 TDI) is one of the most expensive oil mistakes you can make. High-ash oils produce metallic ash that cannot be burned off during DPF regeneration. This ash accumulates permanently, reducing DPF capacity until the filter is completely blocked. A new DPF costs $1,500-3,000+ and requires ECU reset. Always verify the VW spec number on the oil bottle before pouring.

Recommended Oil Brands

Castrol Edge ProfessionalOEM supplier
Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200VW 507.00
Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200VW 508/509
Motul Specific 504/507VW 507.00
Shell Helix Ultra ProVW 507.00
Total Quartz INEO MC3VW 507.00

Oil Capacity by Engine

ALH 1.9L4.5L (4.8 qt)
BEW/BRM 1.9L PD4.5L (4.8 qt)
BHW 2.0L PD5.7L (6.0 qt)
CBEA/CJAA 2.0L CR4.7L (5.0 qt)
CRUA 2.0L EA2884.7L (5.0 qt)
CASA/CATA 3.0L V68.0L (8.5 qt)

Coolant Specification

G12 / G13

G12

VW TL 774 D

Pink/red - Original VW coolant. OAT-based, silicate-free. Used in ALH and early PD engines.

G12+

VW TL 774 F

Pink - Backward compatible with G12. Can be mixed with G12. Improved additive package.

G12++

VW TL 774 G

Purple - Si-OAT hybrid. Compatible with all G12 variants. Used in CR-era TDIs.

G13

VW TL 774 J

Purple/violet - Current spec. Safe for ALL VW TDI engines. Propylene glycol base (more eco-friendly).

NEVER Mix with Green Coolant

Green coolant (conventional IAT / silicate-based) is completely incompatible with the VW G12/G13 family. Mixing green coolant with G12 causes a chemical reaction that forms a gel-like sludge, blocking coolant passages, clogging the heater core, and potentially causing catastrophic overheating. If green coolant has been added, the entire system must be flushed multiple times before refilling with the correct spec. When in doubt, use G13 - it is backward compatible with all VW TDI engines.

Coolant Service Details

Replace Interval5 years / 100k mi
Mix Ratio50/50 with distilled water
Freeze Protection (50/50)-35°F / -37°C
Boil Protection (50/50)265°F / 129°C
Best Universal ChoiceG13 (all TDIs)

System Capacity

ALH 1.9L6.5L (6.9 qt)
BEW/BRM 1.9L PD6.5L (6.9 qt)
BHW 2.0L PD7.4L (7.8 qt)
CBEA/CJAA 2.0L CR7.0L (7.4 qt)
CRUA 2.0L EA2887.0L (7.4 qt)
CASA/CATA 3.0L V69.5L (10.0 qt)

Timing Belt Kit Components

What to Replace

Always Replace (Included in Kit)

Timing beltOEM or Gates recommended
Tensioner rollerHydraulic or mechanical
Idler roller(s)Quantity varies by engine
Water pumpMetal impeller preferred
Coolant (for water pump)G13 concentrate + distilled

Always Inspect / Replace If Leaking

Camshaft sealReplace if any oil weeping
Crankshaft sealReplace if any oil weeping
Intermediate shaft sealALH/PD only, if equipped
Injection pump sealALH only (VP37)
ThermostatReplace if over 100k mi

Timing Belt Intervals by Engine
Engine	Interval	Time Limit	Key Notes
ALH (1.9L IDI)	100,000 miles	10 years	Longest-proven interval. VP37 pump driven by belt.
BEW (1.9L PD)	80,000 miles	8 years	PD injector cam lobes create higher torsional stress on belt.
BRM (1.9L PD)	80,000 miles	8 years	Same as BEW. Shorter interval due to PD injection forces.
BHW (2.0L PD)	80,000 miles	8 years	Higher torque 2.0L PD. Inspect belt at every oil change.
CBEA/CJAA (2.0L CR)	120,000 miles	10 years	Common rail reduces belt stress. No injection pump on belt.
CRUA (EA288)	130,000 miles	No time limit*	Per SSP 671. Improved belt material and tensioner design.
CASA/CATA (3.0L V6)	Chain driven	N/A	Timing chain. Inspect chain stretch at 120,000 miles.

PD Engines: Do NOT Push the Interval

The BEW, BRM, and BHW Pumpe Düse engines drive the unit injectors directly from the camshaft. Each injection event creates a sharp torsional impulse on the timing belt that does not exist in IDI (ALH) or common rail (CBEA+) engines. VW shortened the PD timing belt interval to 80,000 miles for this reason. Many PD belts have failed before 100,000 miles. Do not use ALH intervals on PD engines.

Severe Service vs Normal Schedule

Adjust Intervals

What Counts as Severe Service?

VW defines severe service conditions as any regular driving pattern that increases engine stress beyond normal highway commuting. If any of the conditions below describe your typical driving, reduce all fluid and filter intervals by 30-50%. Timing belt intervals should be reduced by 10-20% for severe service.

Short Trips (<10 miles)

-50%

Engine never fully reaches operating temperature
Fuel dilution in oil increases dramatically
Moisture accumulates in crankcase
DPF cannot regenerate (CR/EA288 engines)
Oil change: every 5,000 miles maximum

Frequent Cold Starts

-40%

Maximum wear occurs in first 30 seconds
Glow plug cycling increases degradation
Fuel wash on cylinder walls
Turbo oil coking risk
Oil change: every 6,000 miles maximum

Towing / Heavy Loads

-40%

Sustained high EGT degrades oil faster
Transmission fluid temperature spikes
Timing belt under higher sustained load
Turbo bearing life reduced
Oil change: every 6,000 miles maximum

City / Stop-and-Go

-30%

Constant acceleration/deceleration cycles
Higher fuel consumption per mile
DPF regeneration interruption (CR/EA288)
DSG clutch wear increases
Oil change: every 7,000 miles maximum

Adjusted Intervals: Normal vs Severe Service
Service Item	Normal Interval	Severe Service	Reduction
Oil & Filter	10,000 mi	5,000-7,000 mi	-30% to -50%
Fuel Filter	20,000 mi	10,000-15,000 mi	-25% to -50%
Air Filter	40,000 mi	20,000-25,000 mi	-37% to -50%
DSG Fluid	40,000 mi	25,000-30,000 mi	-25% to -37%
Manual Trans Fluid	60,000 mi	40,000 mi	-33%
Timing Belt (PD)	80,000 mi	65,000-70,000 mi	-12% to -19%
EGR Cleaning	60,000 mi	30,000-40,000 mi	-33% to -50%

Recommended Parts & Fluids

Trusted Brands

Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30

VW 507.00 - PD/CR/V6 TDI

VIEW ON AMAZON

Castrol Edge Professional 5W-40

VW 505.01 - ALH / Early PD

VIEW ON AMAZON

Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 0W-20

VW 508/509 - EA288

VIEW ON AMAZON

TDI Timing Belt Kit + Water Pump

Complete kit - tensioner, idler, pump

VIEW ON AMAZON

TDI Fuel Filter

Mann / Mahle OE quality

VIEW ON AMAZON

VW G13 Coolant Concentrate

TL 774 J - All TDI engines

VIEW ON AMAZON

DSG Transmission Fluid + Filter

Pentosin FFL-2 or equivalent

VIEW ON AMAZON

TDI Oil Filter (Mann HU 719/7x)

OEM Mann filter - all 4-cyl TDI

VIEW ON AMAZON

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