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-focused drivers seeking modern drivability and low CO₂ output. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise engine management, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel-wash effect inherent to direct injection systems, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 2015‑09. This issue is exacerbated by short-trip driving and infrequent high-RPM operation. From 2016, revised engine calibration and updated PCV routing were introduced to reduce oil ingestion and mitigate deposit formation.
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 CMSB delivers agile urban performance with excellent fuel economy but requires high-quality fuel (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended) and strict adherence to oil change intervals (every 15,000 km or annually). VW 502 00/505 00 oil is essential to protect the turbocharger and timing chain. Carbon buildup on intake valves is a known issue due to direct injection—mitigated by occasional highway driving or induction cleaning. Revised PCV routing from 2016 reduces oil vapor ingestion per STB 2015‑09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen Owner's Manual). Not interchangeable with Longlife specs.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CMSB production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8921).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 125 PS output requires RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen Group PT‑2018).
Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins: STB 2015‑09, TSI Engine Bulletin 2013‑04
Volkswagen ETKA Documentation: 04E-900-001
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8921)
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Volkswagen TIS 01-2013). The 4th–6th characters of the engine code on the V5C logbook or under-bonnet sticker will read 'CMSB'. Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with 'TSI' badge and compact Honeywell TD025 turbo. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CMSB uses a lower-compression piston (10.5:1) and revised cam profiles. PCV system routing changed in 2016—pre-2016 units use older breather hoses prone to oil sludge (Volkswagen STB 2015‑09).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CMSB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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