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4-Motion vs 4-Motion w Diff Lock - Explained and Demonstrated

  • Thread starter chris ratay traveler
  • Start date
chris ratay traveler

chris ratay traveler

Overlanding South America w T6.1 Ocean 204, 4M+
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161
Location
Budapest
Vehicle
T6.1 Ocean 204 4 motion
I just purchased a new Ocean for Overland Travel and thought I'd share some things I learned during my research. I knew about 4-Motion before I started shopping, but didn't realize early on that a Locking Rear Differential (1Y4) was even an option and almost made a purchase I personally might have regretted. Fortunately, many hours on this forum helped me understand the difference and I got what works for me. I thought I'd consolidate a few of the things I found.

In most cases the 4-motion is sufficient for a bit of wild camping, especially wet grass or easy off-road. I enjoy 4x4 driving in remote places, and in general traveling off-pavement, so I opted for the locking diff. It's not an expensive option when ordering new, but difficult to add after market. When I was searching For Sale adds in Europe, it was hard to put Locking Rear Diff or even the VW option code 1Y4 in the search criteria. Instead I would search 4-motion or 4x4, and then looked at interior photos for the "magic button". AutoScout24.com allows you to search Locking Differential on their website, but not on their app. I couldn't find it as an option on Mobile.de. (Downhill Assist is a separate option, and although should be included (imo) with Locking Diff, it must be specified)
Locking Diff Button.jpg

It seems COAST versions are not available with Locking Diff, (and OCEAN are not available with manual roof).

Here are some videos that illustrate some of the capabilities.

4-Motion vs 4M + Locking Diff visualized on rollers. EDL is another term for 4-Motion. Be sure to see the different applications in the bottom left while video is playing.


Locking Diff Explained/Demonstrated on trail


I originally thought soft beaches were off-limits, but this videos shows it's quite doable.


4-Motion fun - WOW, these vans are really quite capable (with or without locking diff)!



I'm sure there are even more great demonstration videos out there, so feel free to share​

 
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I specced my new Beach 4motion (now waiting for me in Brussels somewhere) with diff lock and hill decent. Looking at the belgium configurator now, there is no Coast available any longer, and neither the ocean nor the Beach have 4motion available!! No 4motion on the German site either, although still apparently available on the UK configurator.
 
Just a correction. The Coast was available in the EU with the locking diff option. If I remember correctly when I ordered mine in Nov 2020 the cost was about €1400 which I thought was just a little too much so left it off. Another reason why I decided to to select the option was reports of failures and associated high cost of replacement rear diffs.
 
I specced my new Beach 4motion (now waiting for me in Brussels somewhere) with diff lock and hill decent. Looking at the belgium configurator now, there is no Coast available any longer, and neither the ocean nor the Beach have 4motion available!! No 4motion on the German site either, although still apparently available on the UK configurator.
WOW, things have changed!
 
i know right! i'm shocked my observation hasn't had any reaction from this site!!

Could it be that 4motion is a thing of the past??
I'm just glad I got my order in when I did. Got every option I wanted, many of which were not available on UK spec Cali's.
 
i have a feeling all T6.1, in all forms, are about to disappear. the price of the T6.1 multi van (basically only full-spec and almost the price of a cali), the 4motion disappearing, the coast gone, suddenly all the vans being delivered in 3 months.... all a bit odd, no?

Maybe they are getting them all out, so people can't cancel their orders when they announce the amazing new cali?
 
i have a feeling all T6.1, in all forms, are about to disappear. the price of the T6.1 multi van (basically only full-spec and almost the price of a cali), the 4motion disappearing, the coast gone, suddenly all the vans being delivered in 3 months.... all a bit odd, no?

Maybe they are getting them all out, so people can't cancel their orders when they announce the amazing new cali?
Not holding my breath
 
Interesting information thank you.

I didnt see a locking diff option when I ordered my 6.1 Coast 4motion in Germany. But good to know that Coasts looking like a rare Cali these days....
 
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