It doesn't appear to be happening in the US cars. The US engines must comply with stricter emissions requirements and are fitted with lean NOx traps. This makes engine-out NOx less of a concern and takes some stress out of the duty cycle of the injectors. People are quite disparaging about piezo injectors, but the basic design is sound. The problem is that the manufacturers need to operate them several times/stroke in order to sneak under the emissions limits without expensive exhaust after-treatment. This ridiculous duty cycle appears to be too stressful for the injectors to endure.

To the best of my knowledge, only Bosch solenoid actuated injectors were fitted to the US spec. PD engines and sold there. If anyone has more accurate data I would be interested to see it.

My suspicions are that VAG were unsure (or uneasy) of the long term reliability of these Siemens injectors and did not want to risk selling them in the US when the PD engine was introduced there in '05. The Bosch solenoid injectors have been highly relaible in Europe since '00 and must represent a safer option in sensitive market. VAG (in Audi guise) had been kicked very hard in a sensitive spot by their Road Safety Administration at some time previously over allegedly unadmitted safety problems and no doubt VAG had no taste for a repeat showing.

Interestingly the CR 2012 diesel Passat is also fitted with solenoid actuated injectors (US only). Food for thought...

As the Internet plays a vital role in bringing down despotic rulers, so the purveyors of goods which are not fit for purpose can also be brought to book. I'm not sure that the likes of VAG fully appreciate the implications of this climatic change.

The hiding places are disappearing and they might be well advised to take a look at their trading practices.

659.