Phaeton

[James Rothwell]

Anyone here had a VW Phaeton?

I'd be interested to hear any thoughts anyone has on this car in either W12 or V10 TDi guise and especially would like to know how it compares to the W220.

They seem like value now and I did drive a V10 TDi years ago and I recall it being nice but only a short spin around the block, but would like to know how they wear their miles.

I quite fancy a Phaeton LWB 4-Seat....

 

[buccal]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/mb-defectors-other-marques-forum/59875-phaeton.html

 

[jonnyboy]

we seriously considered these when we were looking for a w220 - were about ready to deal on 05 models when a family 2000my s430 came up at a third of the price.

looking back, I suspect we might have bought the Phaeton TD as it was unbelievable, and had the dash/trim feel of a w140, quality materials and rock solid.

 

[nullogik]

I quite fancy a Phaeton LWB 4-Seat....

Tired of the W140 V12 already?

 

[James Rothwell]

...I suspect we might have bought the Phaeton TD as it was unbelievable, and had the dash/trim feel of a w140, quality materials and rock solid.

Interesting.

They seem to last the miles like a W140, not so much in the UK but if you check on mobile.de there are used ones with massive miles on them so they must be good for a long time!

I think I'd rather have the W12 as it's more common than the V10 TDi plus there must be a reason they dropped it from the lineup in this country? I suspect on a run the W12 would get low 20s and the V10 TDi 25mpg or so?

Obviously I'm going to keep the S600 because if I sold it I would only have to go and find another one again at some point.

Interesting thread (the other one) on the Phaeton, nice to know there isn't really any badge snobbery in action against it. I actually think that having the non-premium badge works in it's favour, it literally can never dissapoint you it will always be better than everyone expects because it's "just a VW".

 

[Smiley]

Colleague of mine has a TDi; bought as an ex demo - very very pleased with it.

 

[crockers]

Isn't the Bentley Continental based on this. Highly engineered car let down by it's similarity in style to a Passat. I personally like them very much.

 

[grober]

Isn't the Bentley Continental based on this. Highly engineered car let down by it's similarity in style to a Passat. I personally like them very much.

Spot on. The Phaeton's VW D1 platform is shared with the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Certain systems, such as the transmission and some internal combustion engines, are also shared with the Audi A8. The D1 is a stand-alone steel platform developed for the Phaeton and Bentley Continental. It is commonly confused with Audi's D3 platform, which is an all-aluminium-based.
Sharing technology with Bentley I would imagine parts and repairs would be eye-wateringly large! They assemble them in a purpose built factory called Die Gläsernen Manufaktur [the transparent factory] in Dresden. DIE GLSERNE MANUFAKTUR (THE TRANSPARENT FACTORY)

 

[Gridlock]

This was the chairman of VW's attempt to engineer "the perfect car". It's not surprising they're very, very good value for money and exquisitely well built.

Just a shame they look like an overfed Passat - but I do kind of like them, and you can't argue with a W12..

(especially not as the W12 is essentially 2 VR6s bolted together, and I kinda have a soft spot for that engine)

 

[corned]

How can a W12 (3 banks of 4) be the same as two V6s (2 banks of 3) bolted together?

 

[stevieb15]

How can a W12 (3 banks of 4) be the same as two V6s (2 banks of 3) bolted together?

4 banks of 3?

 

[Shude]

How can a W12 (3 banks of 4) be the same as two V6s (2 banks of 3) bolted together?

Surely in order to make a "W" shape it would need to have 4 banks (of 3)?

What you've described is an N12, or Z12 or something

 

[Gridlock]

The VR6 isn't a true V, it's an "inline V" - offset cylinders but a common head gasket, all the cams in one place.

"The name VR6 comes from a combination of V engine (German: V-Motor), and the German word "Reihenmotor" (meaning "row engine" or straight engine)."

The W12 engine is 2 banks of VR6 cylinders:

AutoZine Technical School - ENGINE

The Veyron engine is 2 VR8s

ETA - the "w" makes sense if you snap it in half and glue the 2 bottom pointy bits together, but the engine doesn't really resemble a W (it only has one driveshaft).

 

[stumpy1]

The W12 is a major headache to work on, and simple things like starter motor replacement can take a couple of days.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Both 3 banks of 4 cylinders AND 4 banks of 3 cylinders are valid configurations for an engine described as a W12, however it's the latter that VW use in the Phaeton and Bentley Continentals, which is effectively two narrow angle V6s mounted to the same crank.

 

[grober]

Here's a couple of pics.

 

[st4]

4.2 Petrol V8 offered. Proven engine without the headaches of the w12 but nice power. Probably my choice. A major magazine ran a V10TDi toureg, needed a new engine after 10k miles. Big bill footed by warranty.

 

[stats007]

Wouldn't say that's a common occurrence. Friend has a V10 Toureg with 60k on it and not had any problems whatsoever. Pulls and sounds like a train!

 

[BlackC55]

The Phaeton is not as good as the S Class and the running bills are greater.

I have a customer with one. So far.... Two new turbos....one new alternator. Engine out job too.

 

[J400uk]

I've always liked them, look like a lot of car for the money. I'd hate to buy one new though, imagine the depreciation!