The Volkswagen BST is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features gasoline direct injection (FSI), a single turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). This engine delivered 125 kW (170 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, with its high-pressure direct injection enabling strong low-rpm torque for responsive daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 Golf, Jetta, and Passat, the BST was engineered for a balance of efficiency and spirited performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and secondary air injection, allowing it to meet Euro 4 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves, a characteristic of early FSI engines without port injection. This issue, noted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2023087/3, is caused by fuel being injected directly into the combustion chamber, bypassing the intake valves. Later TSI engines addressed this by adding a secondary port fuel injection system.
Volkswagen
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Volkswagen BST is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for mid-size sedans and hatchbacks (2005-2010). It combines gasoline direct injection (FSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive power and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances everyday drivability with acceptable fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1,800–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MED 9.5, direct injection (FSI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1756VK (variable turbine geometry) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 157 kg |
The FSI system provides strong, linear power delivery but is prone to carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing. This necessitates periodic walnut-shell blasting or chemical cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km to maintain airflow and prevent misfires. Using high-quality, Top Tier detergent petrol is recommended. The timing chain is designed as maintenance-free but should be inspected for tensioner wear after 150,000 km. The variable-geometry turbo offers good response but can develop actuator faults over time.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner's Manual). Longlife 5W-30 is also approved for extended intervals.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all BST engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output is consistent across all applications (Volkswagen SSP 324).
Volkswagen Self-Study Programme (SSP): 324, 823
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
Volkswagen ETKA Parts Catalogue
The Volkswagen BST was used across Volkswagen's A5 and B6 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Passat and a unique exhaust manifold in the Golf Variant-but no major facelift revisions occurred during its production, ensuring broad parts interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat surface of the cylinder block, adjacent to the transmission flange (Volkswagen SSP 324). The 8th VIN digit for BST-equipped vehicles is typically 'S'. Visually, it can be identified by its black plastic intake manifold and the "2.0 TFSI" badge on the engine cover. Critical differentiation from the higher-output BPY engine: The BST produces 170 PS versus 200 PS, and uses a lower-boost tune of the same Garrett GT1756VK turbocharger. The ECU software is calibrated differently, but the core hardware is largely identical.
The BST's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, affecting nearly all high-mileage examples. Internal Volkswagen data indicates this is the most frequent cause of drivability complaints for this engine. Stop-and-go driving and short trips accelerate deposit formation, making preventative cleaning a critical maintenance item.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical service bulletins (2005-2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN BST.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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