The Volkswagen CLCB is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged common-rail diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features DOHC, 16 valves, and a single variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT) with air-to-air intercooler, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque. This engine employs Volkswagen’s TDI technology, combining high-pressure direct injection with exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF) to meet stringent emissions standards.
Fitted to models such as the Golf VII, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2, the CLCB was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and compliance with Euro 6 emissions. Refinements over earlier EA288 engines include improved thermal management, reduced internal friction, and enhanced combustion control for lower NOx output.
One documented concern is premature failure of the EGR cooler due to thermal stress and coolant contamination, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2017‑05‑14. This issue stems from repeated thermal cycling and marginal material durability in early production batches. From late 2017, revised EGR coolers with reinforced internal baffling and updated coolant routing were introduced to improve service life.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Volkswagen CLCB is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it integrates EGR, DPF, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) for regulated NOx control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with air-to-air intercooler | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermostat and electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (VGT, BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, low wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The CLCB’s VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for both urban and motorway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. Frequent short trips may overload the DPF and EGR system, leading to regeneration faults. Revised EGR coolers (from late 2017, part no. 04L 145 901 C) improve durability; pre-late-2017 units should be inspected for coolant leaks per VW SIB 2017‑05‑14.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑05‑14). Not compatible with VW 504 00 or ACEA A3/B4 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CLCB engines (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). Includes SCR and AdBlue injection in certain markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 150 PS output requires EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04L‑2010).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04L‑1001, 04L‑1025, SIB 2017‑05‑14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CLCB was used across Volkswagen's Golf VII, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and enhanced oil cooling in the Tiguan—and from late 2017 the Golf received updated EGR cooler hardware, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 04L‑1005). The 4th–6th digits of the VIN indicate engine code (e.g., 'CLC' for CLCB). Visual identification: black plastic valve cover with 'TDI' logo; intake manifold with integrated EGR mixer. Critical differentiation from CRLB/CRKB: CLCB uses Bosch EDC17CP54 ECU and lacks AdBlue in base variants (AdBlue added in post-2018 EU6d-temp models). Pre-late-2017 EGR coolers (part no. 04L 145 901 A) are not interchangeable with revised units (04L 145 901 C) due to internal baffle redesign (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑05‑14).
The CLCB's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or stop-start urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2018 indicated a notable rate of EGR cooler replacement before 100,000 km in pre-late-2017 units, while UK DVSA MOT records show minimal DPF-related failures due to robust regeneration logic. Extended oil intervals and non-compliant diesel increase CP4.2 pump stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CLCB.
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