The Volkswagen CMSB is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2020. 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 turbocharged design enables responsive urban driving with reduced fuel consumption.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Jetta, Passat B8, and Škoda Octavia III, the CMSB was engineered for efficiency — foc…
All production years 2012–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
The Volkswagen CMSB is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2020). It combines gasoline direct injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and fuel-efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban agility with long-distance refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
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 @ 1,400–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDP5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 110 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit layout | |
Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen CMSB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific ECU calibrations—revised torque curves in the Passat B8 and enhanced thermal management in the Golf Mk7—and from 2016 minor PCV updates were implemented, creating service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CMSB's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated a notable rate of induction service before 100,000 km in city-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA records show no systemic emissions defects. Infrequent high-RPM operation and low-quality fuel accelerate deposit formation, making driving pattern and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2013–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). 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 CMSB is generally reliable with proper maintenance. Its main issue is carbon buildup on intake valves, especially in short-trip driving. Using RON 95+ fuel, VW 502 00 oil, and occasional highway driving greatly improves longevity. Many examples exceed 180,000 km with no major failures.
Top issues include intake valve carbon deposits, turbo actuator faults, and occasional HPFP wear. Timing chain problems are rare. Carbon buildup is well-documented in Volkswagen STB 2015‑09 and is the most frequent service need.
The CMSB powered the Golf Mk7 (2012–2020), Jetta A6 (2013–2018), Passat B8 (2014–2020), Škoda Octavia III, and select Audi A3 (8V) models in Europe—all with 1.4 TSI 125 PS output.
Yes. The CMSB responds well to ECU remapping, typically gaining +20–30 kW on stock hardware. The Honeywell TD025 turbo and reinforced internals support up to ~160 PS reliably. Supporting mods like intercooler and exhaust are recommended for stage 2 tuning.
Real-world consumption is ~7.2 L/100km (city) and ~5.1 L/100km (highway), or ~42 mpg UK combined. Aggressive driving pushes this to 8–9 L/100km. Using RON 98 and smooth driving can improve economy slightly.
Yes. The CMSB is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact can cause catastrophic damage. However, chain failures are extremely rare; the system is durable with proper oil maintenance.
Volkswagen specifies 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (petrol) or 505 00 (petrol/diesel) standards. Do not use Longlife (504/507) oils. Change every 15,000 km or annually to protect the turbo and fuel system.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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