The Volkswagen CMBA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque. Its compact design and turbocharging provide responsive urban drivability with low fuel consumption.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk7, Polo Mk5, and Škoda Fabia Mk3—including variants like the Golf 1.4 TSI 125 PS and…
Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards across all EU markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen CMBA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver brisk low-end response and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions from launch, it balances urban agility with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,400–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 108 kg |
The Volkswagen CMBA was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk7 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda under the MQB and PQ25 architectures. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Polo Mk5 and modified exhaust routing in the Golf Mk7—and from 2017 the Fabia Mk3 retained the same code with updated ECU calibrations for WLTP compliance, creating minor software interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda Fabia with identical mechanical architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CMBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-spec oil or subjected to extended service intervals. Volkswagen internal service data from 2016 noted increased HPFP replacement requests after 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show no direct emissions failures but indirect issues from fuel system faults. Chronic use of marginal lubricity fuels accelerates plunger wear, making correct oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CMBA is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Its main risk is HPFP wear if incorrect oil is used or service intervals are extended. Using VW 502 00/504 00 oil and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals greatly improves longevity. Carbon buildup on intake valves may occur after 100,000 km but is manageable with cleaning.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear, intake valve carbon buildup, PCV valve clogging, and turbo actuator calibration drift. These are documented in Volkswagen SIBs 2015‑12 and 2016‑07, not anecdotal reports.
The CMBA powered the Polo Mk5 (1.4 TSI 125 PS), Golf Mk7, and Škoda Fabia Mk3 from 2012–2019. It is part of the EA211 engine family and shares architecture with other 1.4 TSI variants like CLHB, but with lower power output.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps typically yield +15–20 kW (145–150 PS) on stock hardware. The turbo and internals tolerate moderate increases, but aggressive tuning without upgraded fueling may accelerate HPFP wear. Always use RON 98 fuel if tuned.
In a Polo 1.4 TSI 125 PS, expect ~6.5 L/100km city and ~4.7 L/100km highway, or ~49 mpg UK combined. Real-world mixed driving typically returns 45–52 mpg (UK), depending on conditions. No cylinder deactivation is fitted on this variant.
Yes. The CMBA is an interference design. If the timing chain fails (rare with proper maintenance), piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, the front-mounted chain is robust when maintained with correct oil and intervals.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 standards. This ensures HPFP and camshaft protection. Change every 15,000 km or annually—whichever comes first—to maintain system longevity.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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