Vehicle Segment:
Luxury Mid-Size SUV
Segment Descriptors:
Premium, Off-road Capable, Comfortable Cruiser
Key Competitors:
BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163/W164), Lexus RX, Porsche Cayenne (early models)
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of engines including V6, V8, and TDI Diesel
Offroad Capability:
Advanced 4XMOTION all-wheel-drive system, available air suspension with adjustable ride height, locking differentials
Interior Appointments:
Premium materials, comfortable seating, advanced optional features
Benefit To Owner:
Enables DIY maintenance, diagnosis, and repair, saving on labor costs and empowering owners with vehicle knowledge.
Benefit To Technician:
Provides definitive factory procedures and specifications for efficient and accurate repairs.
Vehicle Generations Covered:
First Generation (Typ 7L)
Market Regions:
Global (All markets)
Type:
Factory Service & Repair Workshop Manual
Primary Language:
English
Delivery Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Device Compatibility:
Windows, MAC, Tablets, Smartphones
Usage License:
Lifetime Use, Unlimited Devices
Subscription Model:
No Expiry Dates, No Renewal Fees
Powertrain:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Transfer Case, Differentials, Axles, Driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (Adaptive Air Suspension), Steering, Brakes (ABS, ESC), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Modules (BCM), Convenience Systems, Navigation, Infotainment
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System, Air Conditioning
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Brake Pad Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting Guides, Electrical System Diagnostics
Installation:
Component Replacement, Accessory Installation (where applicable)
Level Of Detail:
Factory-Level, Comprehensive Rebuild Procedures
Diagnostic Tools:
Includes guidance on using factory diagnostic tools (e.g., VCDS/VAG-COM)
Available Engines:
3.2L VR6 (AXA, AZZ), 4.2L V8 (BAR, BAA), 5.0L V10 TDI (AYH, BLE, BWF), 2.5L R5 TDI (BAC, BLK, BPD), 3.6L VR6 (BHK, BHL), 4.2L FSI V8 (BAR)
Horsepower Range:
174 hp (2.5 TDI) to 350 hp (4.2 FSI V8)
Torque Range:
250 lb-ft (2.5 TDI) to 325 lb-ft (4.2 FSI V8)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline, Common Rail Direct Injection (CR) for TDI
ECU Systems:
Bosch Motronic, Siemens DME
V10 Tdi Features:
Twin-Turbocharged, Variable Geometry Turbochargers (VGT), Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) on later models
V8 Fsi Features:
Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) for improved efficiency and power
Type Transmission Options:
6-speed Automatic (Tiptronic), 6-speed Manual
Transmission Features:
4XMOTION permanent all-wheel drive with transfer case and center differential lock, rear differential lock (on some models)
Offroad Gear Reduction:
Low-range gearing integrated into the transfer case for extreme off-road conditions
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
VW TL 521 62 (e.g., G 052 162 A2 for ZF 6HP26)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
VW TL 521 71 (e.g., G 052 171 A2)
Transfer Case Fluid:
VW TL 521 50 (e.g., G 055 026 A2)
Differential Fluid:
VW TL 521 45 (e.g., G 052 145 A1 for front/rear differentials)
Length:
Approx. 4754-4818 mm (depending on model year/variant)
Height:
Approx. 1707-1774 mm (depending on air suspension setting)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2855 mm
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2100-2400 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 823 liters (with rear seats up), 2015 liters (with rear seats folded)
NHTSA Crash Test Rating:
Generally rated well, specific ratings vary by model year and testing jurisdiction. Check local databases for precise results.
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program), including ABS, EBD, ASR, EDL
Offroad Braking Assist:
Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Ascent Assist (HAA)
Airbags:
Front airbags, side airbags, optional curtain airbags
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters
Body Construction:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones
Available Systems:
Premium sound systems (e.g., Dynaudio), Navigation systems, CD changers, optional rear-seat entertainment.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on later models.
Parking Assist:
Front and rear parking sensors, optional rearview camera on later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack often present.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system for phone integration.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (dependent on driving conditions, consult manual for specific engine variants).
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 20,000 miles, replace as needed (more frequently in dusty conditions).
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Replace annually or every 20,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine: 40,000-60,000 miles for standard plugs, 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 5W-30) and VW 504 00/507 00 or 502 00/505 00 approvals.
Coolant:
G 12 Plus (G12+) or G 12++ ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (VW TL 52140)
Air Suspension Compressor:
Can fail over time, leading to saggy suspension.
Ignition Coils V6/V8:
Prone to failure, causing misfires and rough running.
V10 Tdi Glow Plugs:
Failure can lead to hard starting in cold weather.
Door Lock Actuators:
Can fail, resulting in doors not locking or unlocking properly.
Exhaust Flaps V10 Tdi:
Can seize, affecting exhaust note and performance.
Volkswagen SUV Strategy:
Touareg marked Volkswagen's serious entry into the premium SUV market, designed for both on-road comfort and off-road prowess.
Platform Sharing:
Developed in conjunction with Porsche, sharing the platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 (from 2005).
Design Philosophy:
Combines luxury, performance, and robust off-road capability, differentiating itself from many unibody SUVs of the era.
Manufacturing Location:
Bratislava, Slovakia (Volkswagen Slovakia facility)
2003 Dakar Rally Win:
Factory-backed Touareg V10 TDI won the 2003 Dakar Rally, showcasing its extreme durability and performance.
