The Volkswagen CH is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2010. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable intake timing, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. The cast‑iron block and aluminium head provide durability with predictable performance characteristics.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 Golf, Jetta, and Eos, the CH was engineered for balanced daily driving with smooth power delivery and serviceability. Emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic valve lifters, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2008‑05. This issue stems from marginal oil flow under high-temperature conditions and extended oil change intervals. From mid‑2008, revised lifter materials and oil gallery geometry were introduced to improve longevity.
All production years 2006–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Volkswagen CH is a 1,984 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size applications (2006–2010). It combines port fuel injection with variable intake timing to deliver linear power delivery and service-friendly architecture. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes reliability and ease of maintenance over high specific output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic port fuel injection (MPI) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The CH’s naturally aspirated design offers predictable throttle response and mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually) to prevent hydraulic lifter wear. VW 502 00 (5W‑40) oil is essential due to its high shear stability and anti-wear additives. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate sludge formation, which restricts oil flow to lifters. Post-2008 engines include revised lifter materials; pre-2008 units should be inspected for lifter noise per VW SIB 2008‑05. The absence of direct injection eliminates intake valve carbon concerns, simplifying long-term maintenance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all CH production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel and stock calibration (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 036-910-210).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 036-910-200, 036-910-205, SIB 2008‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CH was used across Volkswagen's Mk5 platform with transverse mounting and shared with Audi for select applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Eos and revised cooling in the Jetta—and from 2008 the hydraulic lifters were upgraded, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Audi's A3 (8P) to use a closely related variant (though not identical). All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Volkswagen TIS 036-910-200). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CH' for CH). All CH units feature a silver aluminium valve cover with '2.0 FSI' badge and no turbocharger. Critical differentiation from BPY/BVX: CH uses port injection only (no direct injection rails), and has a single camshaft position sensor on the intake cam. Lifter part number 036 109 309 B indicates pre-2008; 036 109 309 D denotes revised post-2008 version (VW SIB 2008‑05).
The CH's primary reliability risk is hydraulic lifter wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using extended oil intervals or frequent short trips. VW internal data from 2009 indicated a notable share of pre-2008 engines requiring lifter replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust secondary air injection. Infrequent oil changes increase sludge formation, making oil specification and service discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2008–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
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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
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