Black smoke and increased fuel consumption in a 2011 VW Golf - looking for advice and suggested solutions

Hey, I had a similar problem with my 2014 VW Passat. It was actually the engine control unit. It was pretty serious, my car wouldn't start properly at all. I went to the garage at the time and the mechanic said the engine control unit was faulty. In my case, it wasn't a problem with the lambda sensor, but actually the control unit that was causing these symptoms. They replaced the part and then the car ran like clockwork again. Seems to be a known problem with these models. Try another garage, maybe they can help you. Don't get ripped off and check it out. Hope this helps you!

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Hey, thanks for your tip about the engine control unit. I wouldn't necessarily have thought of that. Do you remember how much the repair cost you? And have you experienced any similar problems since then? Thanks in advance!

(Translated from German)

Hey, no problem, you're welcome! The repair of the engine control unit cost me €1000 at the time, which was quite a lot, but since then my car has been running smoothly again. I only recently experienced the defect in the lambda sensor heater that you mentioned and was able to have it repaired in the workshop. I haven't had any similar problems since then. Hopefully it's the same for you. Good luck!

(Translated from German)

Hey, thanks for the information! A bit pricey, but if it helps then it's worth it. Good to hear you didn't have any more problems after that. I'll go to the garage tomorrow and ask about the engine control unit. Hopefully that's the problem with my car too. So thanks again for your help. I'll let you know how it goes. Bye and take good care of yourself!

(Translated from German)