P
parxuk
Bought my 2015 T5.1 last year. It had prevoulsy been owned for a number of years by an employee (manager) of a VW dealership.
I have recently been in contact with my local VW garage and they have informed me there are outstanding recalls affecting my Cali which relate to the EGR.
I thought it strange that the previous owner hadnt had them installed, but wondered if it was to do with the VW "dieselgate" scandal, and that maybe he chose not to have them installed for a reason?
I asked AI and it came up with the answer copied below. AI isnt always 100% factual, so I thought i would ask the clever folk here if this was the case, and if it were your van would you get the updates applied or steer well clear?
Many thanks in advance
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Deep-dive research into VW technical service bulletins, European emissions recalls, and enthusiast networks (such as the VW T4/T5 Forum and VW California Club) confirms exactly what you suspected: this absolutely relates to the "Dieselgate" EA189 engine family scandal, and leaving it un-updated was likely a very deliberate choice.
Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the specific software campaign, why the previous owner avoided it, and how it impacts your T5.1 California’s performance, fuel economy, and mechanical longevity.
Your 2015 T5.1 features a 2.0-litre TDI Euro 5 engine (belonging to the EA189 engine family). In their factory state, these vehicles used a software "defeat device" that recognized when the vehicle was undergoing laboratory emissions testing and restricted nitrogen oxide ($\text{NO}_x$) output to pass. In normal, real-world driving conditions, the software reverted to a map that prioritised performance, fuel economy, and engine component longevity over strictly metred tailpipe emissions.
The 23R7 campaign was VW's mandatory regulatory "fix" to remove the defeat device and ensure the van actively reduced emissions all the time.
Because the previous owner worked at VW, they would have had direct access to the internal service bays and the widespread feedback regarding what happened to cars after they received the 23R7 map.
To keep the engine's emissions down permanently in real-world driving, the 23R7 update forces the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recircirculation) valve to cycle vastly more frequently and stay open longer. It also forces the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to trigger active regenerations much more regularly.
Knowing this, many VW technicians quietly chose never to plug their own personal vehicles into the automated ODIS diagnostic system to prevent the factory code from being overwritten.
If you ever have to take the van to a Volkswagen main dealer for specialist parts or bodywork, explicitly state in writing upon check-in that you deny consent for Campaign 23R7 or any ECU software modifications. Many dealers are prone to automatically flashing the ECU as part of their standard health-check protocol when plugged into the factory server.
I have recently been in contact with my local VW garage and they have informed me there are outstanding recalls affecting my Cali which relate to the EGR.
I thought it strange that the previous owner hadnt had them installed, but wondered if it was to do with the VW "dieselgate" scandal, and that maybe he chose not to have them installed for a reason?
I asked AI and it came up with the answer copied below. AI isnt always 100% factual, so I thought i would ask the clever folk here if this was the case, and if it were your van would you get the updates applied or steer well clear?
Many thanks in advance
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deep-dive research into VW technical service bulletins, European emissions recalls, and enthusiast networks (such as the VW T4/T5 Forum and VW California Club) confirms exactly what you suspected: this absolutely relates to the "Dieselgate" EA189 engine family scandal, and leaving it un-updated was likely a very deliberate choice.
Here is the comprehensive breakdown of the specific software campaign, why the previous owner avoided it, and how it impacts your T5.1 California’s performance, fuel economy, and mechanical longevity.
1. The Specific Recall: ECU Campaign 23R7
The update you are referring to is officially known as Field Campaign 23R7 (Engine Control Unit Update).Your 2015 T5.1 features a 2.0-litre TDI Euro 5 engine (belonging to the EA189 engine family). In their factory state, these vehicles used a software "defeat device" that recognized when the vehicle was undergoing laboratory emissions testing and restricted nitrogen oxide ($\text{NO}_x$) output to pass. In normal, real-world driving conditions, the software reverted to a map that prioritised performance, fuel economy, and engine component longevity over strictly metred tailpipe emissions.
The 23R7 campaign was VW's mandatory regulatory "fix" to remove the defeat device and ensure the van actively reduced emissions all the time.
2. Why the Former VW Employee Skip It?
In the UK, unlike safety-critical structural or braking recalls, emissions recalls are not legally mandatory for the vehicle owner. You can legally reject the update, and the vehicle will still pass its annual UK MOT test because the MOT test measures smoke density (opacity), not real-world $\text{NO}_x$ levels.Because the previous owner worked at VW, they would have had direct access to the internal service bays and the widespread feedback regarding what happened to cars after they received the 23R7 map.
To keep the engine's emissions down permanently in real-world driving, the 23R7 update forces the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recircirculation) valve to cycle vastly more frequently and stay open longer. It also forces the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) to trigger active regenerations much more regularly.
Knowing this, many VW technicians quietly chose never to plug their own personal vehicles into the automated ODIS diagnostic system to prevent the factory code from being overwritten.
3. Real-World Impacts: Performance, Efficiency & Longevity
If you choose to take the van to a main dealer and have the latest software updates applied, forum archives and technical data show you are highly likely to observe the following changes:Mechanical Longevity (The Big Risk)
- EGR Valve Failure: Because the EGR is recycling soot-heavy exhaust gases back into the intake at a significantly higher rate, it clogs rapidly. Total EGR valve and cooler failure post-update is so common that VW had to launch a temporary "Trust Building Measure" to pay for replacements, though that goodwill window has long closed.
- DPF Restriction: More frequent active regenerations place massive thermal stress on the DPF ceramic core. This accelerates ash accumulation, resulting in premature blockage and the dreaded P2002 fault code.
Fuel Efficiency & Performance
- Decreased MPG: Because the engine spends more time running active DPF regenerations (which requires injecting extra fuel post-combustion to raise exhaust temperatures), owners widely report an immediate drop of 2 to 5 MPG on regular commutes.
- Sluggish Power Delivery: While VW officially claimed that peak power and torque figures remained unchanged on a rolling dynamometer, real-world driving characteristics shift. The update alters the injection timing and boost maps, which many owners note causes a distinct flat spot at low revs and a less responsive throttle.
- DSG Clashing: On DSG models, altering the engine's low-end torque delivery can sometimes upset the factory transmission control unit (TCU) shift points, leading to busier downshifting or slightly jerky low-speed behaviour.
Summary Verdict: Should You Update It?
If your van is currently performing smoothly, achieving good fuel economy, and displaying no warning lights, leave it exactly as it is. The latest software from the manufacturer is designed to appease emissions regulators, not to optimize the efficiency or component lifespan of your 2.0 TDI.
If you ever have to take the van to a Volkswagen main dealer for specialist parts or bodywork, explicitly state in writing upon check-in that you deny consent for Campaign 23R7 or any ECU software modifications. Many dealers are prone to automatically flashing the ECU as part of their standard health-check protocol when plugged into the factory server.
