Dealership Servicing VR EVC?

[Vanagon Nut]

Hi folks.

In general, have folks with VR6 EV or EVC's found that VW dealerships were willing, able and competent regarding servicing these vans?

I'm assuming that like the Vanagon, a dealership might be quite hesitant to work on an early model EV. No dis those models!

Thanks

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[Zeitgeist 13]

I can't speak for my own personal experience, but I bought mine from the original owners and they had always had it serviced by the dealer in Seattle. I believe VAG still produces versions of the VR6 in VWs, Audis and Porsches. Given that it's an OB2 vehicle, the dealer should be quite happy to service them.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[OB Bus]

We are considering the purchase of a Eurovan. I called the closest San Diego VW dealer and said they were happy to service it. The only negatives comments were (a) everything you have done will be expensive, and (b) they do NOT make keys anymore!
_________________
Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks.

Ya, I've long considered the EV as a future camp mobile. I rent my residence, it has shop space but as a renter, I can foresee a time when I won't have a place to work on my van(s). Want to stay with the VW camper platform so if a dealership was a viable option, that would help.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[e&m_ghia]

Our local dealership has a few technicians that can service EVCs - they even have a few who know their way around (actually some that own) aircooled VWs. The issue is that you need to get to those technicians, by name, and the front desk of the service department won't necessarily connect you to them.

If you can't get through to the right individuals, you end up with poor/incomplete repairs,. And then you have to go back several times, to finally get it right.

Also, be warned that dealerships now-days replace components, with other catalog components. Many of the EVC-specific components, we've found, are no longer available. Sometimes a similar component can be found for other VW vehicles, but needs a slight "adjustment" to fit the EVC application - the dealer won't do that.

So, really, you'd be better off finding a good independent mechanic, that knows the vehicle and can be more responsive & adaptable. Just be sure they have a lift that can handle the EVC!

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks e&m_ghia

Ok, well, after reading some more about the VR, work space around it (front clip still installed obviously), timing chain stuff, fridge design etc., I'm now, again, leaning towards a Weekender pop top with 5 cyl 5 speed. I'd do a "Blue Highway" kind of set up with that. (ARB fridge, minimalist were that possible. LOL)

This is OT but generally speaking, do all Eurovan fridge/sink equipped camper layouts (Winnie and Westfalia) have about the same amount of interior space or floor space?

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[wildenbeast]

Hi Neil- Each model of Eurovan basically has the same interior layout across the 10+ years of production. The trim level and rear AC in the MV tin top vans are the two interior differences that I can think of. The main change over the years was the engine. The '96 and older vans with the 2.5L 5 speed AAF/ACU engines are called "short nose" vans. When they went to the VR6 in 1997, they needed more space for the engine and these later model vans are called "long nose vans". I have switched out many later model van amenities into my early model van such as the bench seat cover that has access doors on the front, the cupholder console between the front seats, and some flooring / trim pieces from a European T4. Anyway, since you're coming from a Vanagon, you'll be happy with the 2.5L engine. However, the later model vans definitely feel more modern and quiet with the VR6 engine.

[Vanagon Nut]

Thanks Bill.

Ok, so when the EV started using the VR engine, the resulting body length is what is some times referred to as a "long wheel base" camper? I'm sure that info is here somewhere......

The jury is still out for me. As with Vanagons, it seems the early EV is getting, or has gotten, long in the tooth. A recent general discussion with my local VW/Audi specialist parts guy indicated that in general, getting parts for the later 24v VR engined EV, was not an issue per se. IOW, it doesn't have as many NLA parts as earlier EV's do? Anyhow.......

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA

1988 West DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[wildenbeast]

Sorry if I threw you off with the short nose, long nose reference. All the Winnebago Campers have a longer wheelbase than the MV or GLS models, whether made in 1995 or 2003. I believe they are approx. 17" longer but that extra space is taken up by the stove, sink, and cabinets.

A 1995 Winnebago Camper (2.5L-I5 engine) has a shorter nose than a 2003 Winnebago Camper (VR6 engine). There is a Westfalia Camper as well made between 1990-1992 that were imported to Canada and these are built on the shorter wheelbase and are all short nose vans as well.

I would agree with the assessment that earlier vans have more NLA parts, especially as it relates to engine and emissions components compared to the later 1997+ vans. Also, compared to a Vanagon, there are way less aftermarket parts for Eurovans as there were way less Eurovans sold in North America.

[Vanagon Nut]

[Zeitgeist 13]

The Westfalia fibreglass top is also superior. The Winnebago tops are their Achilles Heel, as they're plastic and prone to cracking. The five+five combo is pretty bulletproof, but the later models have a lot of nice features (bigger brakes, fr/rr swaybars, 16" wheels, etc.).
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Vanagon Nut]

[Vanagon Nut]

[Broseph Stalin]

[wildenbeast]

You cannot fit a VR6 in a short nose van. All VR6 equipped vans are long nose vans. In the USA, you can tell the difference by seeing the "gills" or air vents on the passenger side of the long nose. I do feel that Winnebago chose the longer wheel base commercial vans for their conversions so that they could fit a 2 burner stove, sink, and small counter space within this extra LENGTH.

[Broseph Stalin]

[Broseph Stalin]

[Zeitgeist 13]

I think you may want to measure from the firewall to the tip of the front hood.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[Broseph Stalin]

[IdeaNerd]