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 Polo 1.4 TSI—the CMBA was engineered for entry‑level performance with strong low‑rpm torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 6 standards from launch.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under marginal lubrication conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑12. This stems from the cam-driven HPFP design common to EA211 TSI engines, where low-sulfur fuel and incorrect oil viscosity accelerate plunger wear. Later production batches retained the same architecture but emphasized strict oil specification compliance.
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 TSI direct-injection system enables strong low-end torque but demands strict adherence to VW 502 00/504 00 oil specifications to protect the cam-driven high-pressure fuel pump. Use of incorrect oil or extended service intervals accelerates HPFP wear, leading to hard starts and fuel pressure faults. The front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but depends on correct oil viscosity. Short-trip driving increases carbon buildup on intake valves; periodic induction cleaning is recommended after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2015‑12). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CMBA production years (2012–2019) in EU and UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires RON 95 fuel or higher (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03C‑1060).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03C‑1001, 03C‑1023, 03C‑1040
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin (SIB) 2015‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 03C‑1005). The 4th–6th digits of the VIN indicate engine family ('CMB' for this variant). All CMBA units feature a black plastic intake manifold with '1.4 TSI' embossed and a single intercooler pipe on the driver’s side. Differentiate from CLHB: CMBA produces 125 PS (vs. 150 PS) and uses a lower-boost turbo. Mechanical parts are largely interchangeable within EA211 1.4 TSI family, but ECU calibration must match vehicle application.
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CMBA.
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