The Volkswagen BEE is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2010. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with variable valve timing (VVT) on the intake cam, delivering responsive performance for its class. Output is rated at 59 kW (80 PS) with a torque figure of 132 Nm.
Fitted primarily to the Polo Mk5 (9N3) and Fox, the BEE was engineered for urban efficiency and low-cost ownership. It offered adequate power for city driving and light highway use, appealing to first-time drivers and budget-conscious buyers. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel injection and catalytic conversion, meeting Euro 4 standards.
One documented concern is premature failure of the plastic intake manifold, which can crack and cause vacuum leaks or coolant loss if the integrated coolant passages are affected. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Group Service Technical Bulletin 2025678, is linked to material fatigue under thermal cycling. Revised manifolds with improved material composition were introduced as a countermeasure.
Volkswagen
Production years 2006–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen BEE is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for superminis and city cars (2006-2010). It combines multi-point fuel injection with a DOHC valvetrain to deliver adequate low-to-mid range power for urban environments. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it prioritizes fuel economy and low running costs over outright performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) | |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPI (Multi-Point Injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear, predictable power ideal for city driving but lacks overtaking punch on highways. Strict adherence to 15,000 km timing belt and 30,000 km coolant change intervals is critical to prevent catastrophic failure. The plastic intake manifold is a known weak point; inspect for cracks, especially around coolant hose connections. Replace with the revised manifold (part no. 03C 129 711 E) if original is fitted per VW STB 2025678. Use only VW 502 00 specification oil to protect hydraulic lifters and the timing belt tensioner.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner's Manual). This protects the hydraulic valve lifters and timing components.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006-2010 BEE models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output requires 95 RON fuel (Volkswagen TIS 20G6).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 20G6, 20G7
Volkswagen Group Service Technical Bulletin (STB): 2025678
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
The Volkswagen BEE was used across Volkswagen's A0 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received minimal platform-specific adaptations but from 2008 minor ECU updates were implemented for OBD diagnostics, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat machined surface at the front of the cylinder block, near the transmission flange (Volkswagen TIS 20G6). The 8th VIN digit for BEE-equipped vehicles is typically 'B'. Visually, the engine features a black plastic intake manifold and a centrally mounted throttle body. Critical differentiation from the larger 1.6 FSI engine: BEE uses a conventional multi-point fuel injection system and a timing belt, whereas the 1.6 FSI uses direct injection and a timing chain.
The BEE's primary reliability risk is failure of the plastic intake manifold, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips or extreme temperature variations. Internal Volkswagen warranty data indicated a notable number of failures before 80,000 km, while owner reports consistently cite timing belt tensioner wear. Adherence to service intervals is critical to mitigate these risks.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2006-2010) and aggregated owner-reported failure data (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN BEE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
