Putting a TDI engine in a beetle convertible

[ag_ringo]

I am sure this is a common question, put has someone put a TDI engine in the convertible?
I wonder if there is a company out there that would perform this modification.
Apart from the engine and transmission what else would you need.
Why, well I have had my TDI beetle for 9 year , and I like the convertible, but would like to keep the tdi economy. I am happy to pay the extra cost as I keep my cars for several years

[Zuri]

I've asked the same question to a friend once, and they gave me a good answer. Although the thought is a good one, you have to take in account that the diesels were never put into convertibles from the factory because of the smell that the TDI (and any diesel, for that matter) makes. It's an actual awesome idea, just..that's something to take in account.

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by Zuri

I've asked the same question to a friend once, and they gave me a good answer. Although the thought is a good one, you have to take in account that the diesels were never put into convertibles from the factory because of the smell that the TDI (and any diesel, for that matter) makes. It's an actual awesome idea, just..that's something to take in account.

Ah, but they have...just not in US Beetles. A couple here on the Org in Europe have 2004 NBC TDIs.

Here's two from Belgium:
Shadow ~ Tommy's 1.9TDI NBC 2004

My babe tdi convertible

[Zuri]

I stand corrected!


Well..then at least for here in the states, car companies probably just assume Americans would complain about the smell

[FarrisK]

Originally Posted by Zuri

Well..then at least for here in the states, car companies probably just assume Americans would complain about the smell

Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner!

I think VWoA also probably figured the cost hit from both a droptop and diesel would put the Beetle outside a lot of people's price range.

OP: To fit a diesel into a gasser car you need to swap:

Cluster, ECU (I think), transmission, engine, cooling system, exhaust, fuel tank (I think), and likely a lot of wiring under the hood (possibly battery mount, and some emissions control system stuff too). If you are going to an auto you'll need the automatic trans controller too.

If you can find a convertible with a blown engine and possibly a rollover TDI or a TDI that has been in a rear ender that would be the BEST place to start.

[powder blue baby]

can we import NBC TDIs from somewhere, like mexico, or europe? especially if it's past warranty, and the price is right, who cares . . . euro is down these days.