The Volkswagen CECB is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust cams. In standard form it delivered 147 kW (200 PS) and 280 Nm of torque, engineered for sporty performance with everyday efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Golf VI GTI, Scirocco, and Eos, the CECB was engineered for drivers seeking responsive acceleration and refined high‑rpm character. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, secondary air injection, and precise lambda control, allowing full Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, which can lead to loss of rail pressure and misfires. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01‑11‑09, is linked to insufficient lubrication under high‑load conditions. From 2012, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP designs were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6723).
The Volkswagen CECB is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented compact models (2008–2015). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger and variable valve timing to deliver strong mid‑range torque and high‑rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 147 kW (200 PS) | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,700–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5), cam-driven HPFP | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett GT2260V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The turbocharged direct-injection layout delivers sporty mid-range punch ideal for spirited driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 502 00/504 00 oil to protect the timing chain and HPFP cam follower. The cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump relies on proper lubrication from the engine oil; extended intervals or incorrect oil accelerate cam lobe and follower wear. Post-2012 HPFP units feature hardened cam followers per SIB 01 11 09. Intake carbon buildup is less severe than in smaller TSI engines but still occurs over time—periodic cleaning recommended after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 01 11 09). Not interchangeable with 507 00.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6723). No Euro 6 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output stable across EU fuel quality bands (Volkswagen PT‑2020).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: SIB 01 11 09, Workshop Manual 2.0L TSI
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6723)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen CECB was used across Volkswagen's Golf VI GTI, Scirocco, and Eos platforms with transverse mounting and shared under the PQ35 architecture. This engine received platform-specific cooling and exhaust routing—revised intercooler ducts in the Scirocco and modified engine mounts in the Eos—and from 2012 the Golf VI facelift adopted updated HPFP cam followers, creating minor interchange limits. All applications retained identical power output and ECU calibration. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil dipstick tube (Volkswagen Workshop Manual 2.0L TSI). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code block (e.g., 'CECB') confirm the variant. Visual cue: red plastic valve cover with 'TSI' logo. Critical differentiation from CAEB: CECB uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors and a specific HPFP (part 06K 130 106 C); CAEB uses different cam profile and ECU map. ECU part number 06K 907 551 G indicates CECB. Pre-2012 cam followers (part 06K 109 309 A) are prone to wear; post-2012 uses hardened 06K 109 309 B per SIB 01 11 09.
The CECB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load driving or extended oil change intervals. Volkswagen internal data from 2013 indicated increased HPFP-related warranty claims before 100,000 km in pre-2012 builds, while UK DVSA MOT records show no significant emissions failures due to robust catalyst design. Aggressive driving and delayed maintenance accelerate timing chain and turbo bearing wear, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CECB.
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