VW Beetle: Low Power and High Fuel Use Points to VANOS

I had a similar issue with my 2016 VW Golf TSI last year and can share my repair experience. The symptoms you describe match what I encountered, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and check engine light. After some research and having moderate experience with engine repairs, I suspected a VANOS solenoid problem affecting the variable timing system. My local workshop diagnosed a faulty camshaft solenoid valve causing the low power issues. The entire repair, including diagnostics and parts replacement, cost around 250€ and took about 4-5 hours to complete. The oil sludge buildup around the VANOS components made the diagnosis a bit tricky at first. Before proceeding with specific advice, could you share: Current mileage on your Beetle, Any unusual engine sounds, When was your last oil change, Have you scanned for error codes This information would help determine if your issue is similar to what I encountered. VANOS failure symptoms can sometimes be confused with other engine timing problems, so getting these details would ensure more accurate guidance.

My Beetle has 63053km on the odometer, with the last major service completed just 2 months ago. Following up on your experience, I am hearing a slight ticking noise from the engine, particularly during cold starts. I ran a diagnostic scan which showed error code P0011, pointing to a timing advance issue. The symptoms you described with the VANOS system seem identical to what I am experiencing. The repair cost you mentioned is encouraging, as I was worried it might be a more expensive fix involving the entire timing chain assembly.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Your error code P0011 and the ticking noise exactly match what my Golf had, confirming the VANOS solenoid issue even more clearly now. The good news is that with your relatively low mileage and recent service, this is likely isolated to the VANOS components rather than a more serious timing chain problem. The cold start ticking was also present in my case, and it completely disappeared after the VANOS solenoid replacement. One thing I learned during my repair: the oil sludge buildup around the VANOS unit was contributing to the low power issues. The mechanic showed me how the accumulated debris was restricting proper solenoid movement. Since your car was recently serviced, this might be less of an issue, but worth checking. My Golf has been running perfectly for the past year since the repair, with fuel consumption back to normal and no reoccurrence of the VANOS failure symptoms. Given the identical error code and symptoms, you should expect similar results and repair costs around 250€. Would suggest getting it checked soon though, as continued operation with faulty VANOS timing can potentially lead to more serious engine timing issues if left unaddressed.

Based on your detailed feedback, I feel much more confident about moving forward with the repair. Having the same error code P0011 and matching symptoms, especially the engine misfire and ticking noise during cold starts, makes me certain we are dealing with the same VANOS timing issue. The repair cost of 250€ fits within my budget, and knowing your Golf has been running well for a year after the fix is reassuring. I have already scheduled an appointment with my mechanic for next week to address the inlet camshaft timing issue. Will make sure they check for oil sludge buildup around the VANOS components as you suggested. Really appreciate you sharing your experience, it helped me avoid unnecessary worry about a more expensive timing chain replacement. Will update the forum once the repair is completed in case others encounter similar low power and check engine light symptoms in the future.