So annoying when *relatively* cheap parts are positioned where it takes many hours to change them. Some vehicle have the EGR at the front of the engine, where it’s easily accessible and fairly DIYable at reasonable costs. Bravo VAG!

Quite, it took me about 1/2 an hour to remove the EGR from my Landcruiser, runs much better since i cleaned it out, would have had the inlet manifold off too but would have required new injector pipes so will leave that till its time for new injectors.

VW have form for such designs, the heater radiator on sons Seat Toledo sprung a leak...never again!

OP, if it does indeed need a new EGR (cleaning out by commercial workshop probably not cost effective, even my skilled DIY mate fitted a new unit to his Yeti) get them to inspect the inlet manifold with a camera, if its clogged up this is the time to clean it out, assuming it will come off with the engine in situ.

So annoying when *relatively* cheap parts are positioned where it takes many hours to change them. Some vehicle have the EGR at the front of the engine, where it’s easily accessible and fairly DIYable at reasonable costs. Bravo VAG!

VAG EGR valves on diesel engines were a much easier job for earlier euro emissions implementations. On my 2003 Skoda Superb mkI 1.9 pd it was very easy to do - albeit messy.

However in later diesel cars the EGR now has to be close coupled to the DPF and usually has water cooling etc and latterly SCR technology - This type of emissions related job has become more and more complex re all manufacturers cars.