FAQ
TL;DR: One crankshaft part number covers 10 engine codes; "038105021Q" fits BSU and related 1.9 TDI variants. For swaps, reuse your ancillaries and match DPF/ECU. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
Why it matters: This helps you choose a compatible replacement or rebuild path for a 2008 VW Caddy 1.9 TDI (BSU) with fewer surprises.
Quick facts:
- BSU/BKC/BXE/BLS share the same core long-block; accessories and application vary by model year and trim. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17003563]
- Crankshaft 038105021Q appears across BSU, BLS, BXE, BKC and six other 1.9 TDI codes. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
- Factory LongLife oil interval was 30,000 km; experienced builders recommend 10–15k km after rebuild. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
- DPF fitment varies by market; e.g., BLS in Škoda often had DPF, Polish-market Caddy often didn’t. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
- Rebuilds provide known history; used engines are a lottery with hidden wear risk. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
Quick Facts
- BSU/BKC/BXE/BLS share the same core long-block; accessories and application vary by model year and trim. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17003563]
- Crankshaft 038105021Q appears across BSU, BLS, BXE, BKC and six other 1.9 TDI codes. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
- Factory LongLife oil interval was 30,000 km; experienced builders recommend 10–15k km after rebuild. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
- DPF fitment varies by market; e.g., BLS in Škoda often had DPF, Polish-market Caddy often didn’t. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
- Rebuilds provide known history; used engines are a lottery with hidden wear risk. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
Which engines can replace a BSU in a 2008 VW Caddy 1.9 TDI?
Common swaps include BLS, BXE, and BMT. Users report these fit interchangeably when you transfer your original ancillaries. Always verify emissions equipment to match your market. "They fit BLS, BMT, BXE interchangeably." [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17002483]
Are BSU, BKC, BXE, and BLS actually the same long‑block?
Yes. They are the same base engine. Differences are mainly accessories and which models used them. Heads align within the family. This makes block-level swaps practical if you reuse your original bolt-ons. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17003563]
Do BSU and BLS use the same crankshaft?
Yes. The catalog lists crankshaft 038105021Q for BSU and also for BLS, BXE, BKC, and several others. If your crank is beyond grinding, this cross‑code part number widens sourcing options. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
What should I check before installing a non‑BSU replacement?
Match DPF presence, transfer your accessories, and be ready to adapt ECU software. One expert notes differences were in hardware outside the engine and the software. Plan coding accordingly after installation. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17026510]
Is it smarter to rebuild my BSU instead of swapping?
Rebuilding preserves known history and quality. Experienced users recommend machining the crank if possible, replacing bearings, and then shortening oil intervals. Used engines can hide equal or worse wear. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
The engine knocks—what is the minimum effective repair?
Address the root cause: replace bearings and grind the crank as required. Compare this cost to a full swap only after measuring journals and parts availability. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17003563]
Why do some B‑series 1.9 TDI engines suffer bearing and crank wear?
Two factors: long LongLife oil intervals and material changes versus earlier A‑series. Builders report B‑series shells and shafts are less durable, so shorter oil intervals help longevity. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
Does DPF equipment affect a BSU↔BLS swap?
Yes. BLS in some models included DPF, while certain Caddy markets did not. Align exhaust, sensors, and ECU coding to the vehicle’s emissions configuration during the swap. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
How do I identify a compatible crank quickly?
Use the part number. 038105021Q spans BSU plus nine other codes. Search by this number to compare prices and availability across listings. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
What oil change interval should I follow after rebuild?
Target 10,000–15,000 km intervals instead of 30,000 km LongLife. This reduces sludge and bearing wear risk on B‑series engines. "Change the oil every 10, up to 15 thousand km." [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
Any edge cases that can derail an otherwise “plug‑and‑play” swap?
Yes. A donor with DPF into a non‑DPF car (or vice versa) can cause fitment and ECU faults. Also, buying an unknown used long‑block can replicate your current wear problems. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]
What’s a simple 3‑step plan to proceed if my crank is too damaged to grind?
- Source crankshaft 038105021Q or a compatible long‑block by code (BLS/BXE/BKC).
- Transfer your ancillaries and align DPF/ECU configuration.
- Set post‑install oil changes to 10–15k km for longevity. [Elektroda, masay1, post #17026663]
Can I run a BMT or BXE long‑block in my Caddy without major modifications?
Yes, when you retain your original accessories and configure the ECU appropriately. Community reports confirm interchangeability among BLS, BMT, and BXE with this approach. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17002483]
Do cylinder heads differ across these 1.9 TDI codes?
Heads are effectively identical within this family and align with the earlier A‑series pattern. Most differences are in blocks and external hardware. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17003563]
If I buy a used engine, what’s the main risk to budget for?
Hidden wear. As one expert warns, a used engine is a lottery; you may end up with the same or worse condition. Budget for inspection and refresh parts. [Elektroda, Piasek80, post #17004466]