The only thing I dislike about the BRT engine is the performance of the WAHLER 7529D EGR, which causes a minor misfire at about 2000rpm, particularly when accelerating. The VW Customer Service centre plays it down and refers to the misfire as a 'hesitation', caused by 'EGR bounce'. Whatever! I had the EGR changed several years ago, but the 'hesitation' is now creeping back and increasing in frequency.

Does any body out there have experience of taking the WAHLER EGR off the BRT engine - I  think I can see it, right at the back - and can it be cleaned with Mr muscle? And are diagnostics required when the wretched thing is re-installed?

I suppose we should count our blessings - I recently came across a very long discussion in another forum about the 2.0 litre engine in the VW California(?) van, which apparently has a liquid-cooled EGR, mounted on some sort of aluminium manifold. The supposition is that the ally mounting corroded and aluminium oxide was drawn into the cylinders via the EGR, somehow. As soon as the oxide mixed with the hot combustion gas, it changed chemically and supposedly became grinding paste, with a very adverse effect on bore wear and oil consumption. And a number of Cali owners apparently had to write off engines, with no goodwill from VW. I quote all that from memory.

Although I may have topped up the oil in the BRT engine with a small amount in the first year of ownership, the engine now goes between services without loss (he said, touching wood and tapping his head).   

About this BRT engine, is that the 1.9TDi for example or a different one? How does one know which engine type one has? Thank you

BRT engine is the later 2 litre diesel.  1.9 tdi had to be replaced due to emissions,  but first BRT engines had lots of trouble with oil pump failure, lots had oil leaks and max bhp was 138 although they called it 140. Progress isn't always a good thing. 1.9 tdi was better engine albeit noisier.

I have a 2009 Bluemotion with the BRT engine with DPF & EGR and have noticed this so called 'EGR bounce' - but only on occasion.
I would not say it happens regularly at the moment, although I've only had the car since November and covered about 1500 miles.
 
I agree it is frustrating and I cannot pinpoint any particular weather conditions, driving style, engine temperature, amount of energy being used (e.g. lights, climate control on full blast, stereo on, auxiliary devices through cigarette lighter sockets) that causes it!

The BRT engine has the EGR built into the inlet on my PD140. (The 140 referred to PS, not BHP.)
The shudder valve/inlet valve is also a big pain on these, also.

Get it remapped and removed out the software.
Absolute nightmares!

Raveydavey - thank you for your response concerning the EGR and the BRT engine. My vehicle was still under warranty when I bought it, and it was in my local main VW dealer's workshops for 6 working days whilst the misfire was investigated. It was returned to me without any fault being found, and with an empty fuel tank, and it was only after a letter of complaint to VW UK head office that I was advised that the misfire (VW = hesitation) was a perfectly normal part of the BRT operation, caused by EGR bounce. I had the EGR changed by an indie several years ago, which improved it, but it is slowly worsening, so I am guessing that a Mr Muscle job will soon be required.

Thanks again for your observations.

To be honest, I wouldn't worry about it too much. If it's working as designed, then nothing to worry about other than a little hesitation when you accelerate. I used to have that on a Peugeot 405 I had many years ago and the solution was just to accelerate harder, that way you didn't notice it as much. The roads are a right state anyway, as it is.

The Alhamb seems to be the pinnacle of perfection in motor car design (1.9 model).