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VW · Compact · 2005–2009

VW Golf Plus 5(5M)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Engine Overview

The VW Golf Plus 5 is available with 2 engine variants — from 131 to 140 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L TDI · Diesel· 140 PS
2005 2009
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L TDI PD · Diesel· 131–136 PS Engine Change
2005 2009
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
2005 2009
Stay Away! 9 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 140 PS) has the BMM (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW 2.0L TDI PD (Diesel, 131–136 PS) comes with 2 different engines: BKD (2005–2009, Stay Away!) und BKD (2005–2009, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI PD!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!DSG: clutch wear and juddering

The 6-speed DSG with wet clutch tends towards premature clutch wear with frequent short-trip and urban use. Juddering on take-off and shift pauses are typical early signs. Gearbox oil change every 60,000 km essential.

Symptoms: Juddering on take-off from standstill; delayed shift response; vibrations in the brake pedal when coasting
from 80,000 km
Ad DSG clutch Golf Plus 5MDSG transmission fluid VW G052182A2Mechatronik DSG 02E
 High

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 23 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Golf Plus 5 (2005–2009) — 14 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BKD (2.0L TDI PD). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Other, Rust.

Golf Plus (BKD, 2005–2013) — Stay Away!: Hairline cracks in the cylinder head BKD 2.0 TDI, PD unit injector failure BKD, Timing belt snap with engine destruction BKD. Power: 136 PS.

Golf Plus (BKD, 2005–2010) — Stay Away!: Hairline cracks in the cylinder head BKD 2.0 TDI, PD unit injector failure BKD, Timing belt snap with engine destruction BKD. Power: 131 PS.

Golf Plus (BMM, 2005–2009) — Be Careful: Timing belt snaps when overdue, Unit injector elements worn, EGR valve and cooler coked up. Power: 140 PS.

What to watch out for with the VW Golf Plus? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Golf Plus 5 have? +
The VW Golf Plus 5 has 14 known engine weaknesses and 9 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW Golf Plus 5? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: BMM (2.0L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the BMM (2.0L TDI). Problem engine: BKD (2.0L TDI PD) — stay away!
Which VW Golf Plus 5 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW Golf Plus 5 — rated: "Decent". {description} The BMM in the Golf Plus is a solid common-rail TDI without the PD risks of the BKD. 140 hp is adequate for the heavy Plus body.
Is the VW Golf Plus 5 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Golf Plus 5 — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW Golf Plus 5? +
The VW Golf Plus 5 is available with engine variants from 131 to 140 hp. Diesel: BKD (2.0L TDI PD), BMM (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee