Market Segment:
Luxury SUV / Premium Crossover
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, automotive technicians.
Key Competitors Era:
BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML-Class, Land Rover Discovery, Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne.
Vehicle Platform:
Shared platform with Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 (first generation).
Unique Selling Points:
Off-road capability (optional air suspension, locking differentials), luxurious interior, powerful engine options, solid build quality.
Engine Coverage:
3.2L V6 (AXA, AZZ, BAA, BKJ, BMX), 3.6L V6 (new for later models, potentially 2006 onward), 4.2L V8 (AXQ, BHX), 5.0L V10 TDI (AYH, BWF)
Transmission Coverage:
6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (09D, 09K)
Trim Levels Covered:
All trims included (e.g., Base, V6, V8, TDI, Lux, Sport, V10)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands of pages (typical for a comprehensive factory service manual series)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, cooling system, engine control systems (ECU), fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, turbocharger (TDI), intercooler (TDI), clutch, transmission (manual and automatic), axles, driveline, differentials.
Chassis:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, brake system (hydraulic, ABS), wheels and tires.
Body:
Exterior and interior trims, body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, sunroof, glass, seals, body hardware.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, instrument cluster, starting system (alternator, starter), immobilizer system, keyless entry, power windows, power seats, power mirrors, horn, wiper and washer system, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC).
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid), filter replacements, lubrication, inspections.
Diagnosis And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, component testing, common issues and their solutions.
Repair And Replacement:
Engine component removal/installation (cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair and replacement, HVAC system repair.
Specifications And Data:
Torque specifications for fasteners, diagnostic specifications, component tolerances, electrical resistance values, fluid capacities, system pressures.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs and diagnostics.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork).
3.2L V6 Engine Code:
AXA, AZZ, BAA, BKJ, BMX
3.2L V6 Displacement:
3189 cc
3.2L V6 Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 95.9 mm
3.2L V6 Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
3.2L V6 Horsepower:
240 hp @ 6200 rpm
3.2L V6 Torque:
302 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm
4.2L V8 Engine Code:
AXQ, BHX
4.2L V8 Displacement:
4172 cc
4.2L V8 Bore X Stroke:
84.5 mm x 92.8 mm
4.2L V8 Compression Ratio:
11.0:1
4.2L V8 Horsepower:
310 hp @ 6200 rpm
4.2L V8 Torque:
413 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
5.0L V10 Tdi Engine Code:
AYH, BWF
5.0L V10 Tdi Displacement:
4961 cc
5.0L V10 Tdi Bore X Stroke:
81.0 mm x 95.5 mm
5.0L V10 Tdi Compression Ratio:
18.0:1
5.0L V10 Tdi Horsepower:
313 hp @ 3750 rpm
5.0L V10 Tdi Torque:
553 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Engine Management System:
Bosch Motronic (for gasoline), Bosch EDC16 (for TDI)
3.2L V6 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
4.2L V8 Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
5.0L V10 Tdi Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection, Turbocharged, Common Rail
Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual (for select gasoline engines)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed automatic (09D Tiptronic for gasoline, 09K Tiptronic for TDI)
Transfer Case:
Permanent all-wheel drive (4MOTION) with center differential lock (optional on some models, standard on V10 TDI).
Gear Ratios Manual:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual for each engine.
Gear Ratios Automatic:
Specific ratios detailed within the manual for each transmission type.
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
VW G 055 025 (for 09D, 09K)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto:
Refer to manual for specific capacities, typically around 7-9 liters.
Length:
4754 mm (187.2 in)
Height:
1706 mm (67.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2855 mm (112.4 in)
Curb Weight Approx Kg:
2000-2500 kg (varies significantly by engine and options)
Towing Capacity Kg:
Up to 3500 kg (3.5 metric tons), depending on engine and market.
Cargo Volume Seats Up Liters:
Approximately 821 liters (28.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down Liters:
Approximately 2000 liters (70.6 cu ft)
NHTSA Front Driver Crash Test:
5-star (for models equipped with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Passenger Crash Test:
5-star (for models equipped with side airbags)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Standard (ABS)
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (ESP/ESC)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR/TCS)
Hill Descent Control:
Optional (standard on V10 TDI, available with air suspension)
Airbag Count:
Standard front airbags, optional side airbags and front and rear curtain airbags.
Seatbelt Pretensioners:
Standard on front seats.
Infotainment System Options:
Various radio and navigation system options (e.g., RNS MFD2, RNS 510 on later models), CD changer, premium sound systems (e.g., Dynaudio).
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary input for external audio devices.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control).
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional (Adaptive Cruise Control - ACC)
Bluetooth Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone system.
Engine Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Engine Oil Change Interval Tdi:
10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first (synthetic diesel oil recommended).
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Spark Plug Replacement 3.2L V6:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000 miles (iridium plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement 4.2L V8:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000 miles (iridium plugs).
Engine Oil Type Gasoline:
SAE 5W-40 or 0W-30 Synthetic, VW 502 00 Approved.
Engine Oil Type Tdi:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Diesel, VW 505 01 or VW 507 00 Approved.
Coolant Type:
G12 or G12 Plus (Pink/Red) Long-life coolant, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Power Steering Fluid Type:
VW G 004 000 M2 or equivalent (mineral oil based).
Common Issue Air Suspension:
Air spring leaks, compressor failure, valve block issues, ride height sensor problems.
Common Issue Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils leading to misfires (especially on V6 engines).
Common Issue Tdi Dpf:
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) clogging if not driven appropriately for regeneration cycles (primarily on later models with DPF).
Common Issue Electrical Gremlins:
Various electrical issues due to complexity, CAN bus communication problems, sensor failures.
Common Issue Window Regulators:
Failure of window regulator motors and mechanisms.
Common Issue Transmission Leaks:
Leaking transmission cooler lines, valve body seals.
Volkswagen SUV History:
Volkswagen's entry into the premium SUV segment, leveraging its engineering expertise from its passenger car and commercial vehicle lines.
First Generation Introduction:
Debuted at the Paris Motor Show in 2002.
Facelift Introduction:
Minor facelift in late 2006/early 2007 (for 2007 model year), not covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Location:
Bratislava, Slovakia (Volkswagen Slovakia)
Production Years:
2002-2010 (for the first generation Typ 7L)
Motor Trend SUV Of The Year:
Nominee for MotorTrend SUV of the Year. (Specific year may vary, but generally well-regarded in its class for its capabilities).
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally positive consumer reviews for comfort, performance, and capability, with typical caveats regarding maintenance costs for luxury SUVs.
Emission Standards:
Compliant with prevailing emission standards for model years (e.g., Euro 3/4, EPA Tier 1).
