The Volkswagen CMXA is a 1,395 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), a single turbocharger with intercooler, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Tiguan, and Škoda Octavia—including the 1.4 TSI 125 variants—the CMXA was designed for drivers prioritising compact performance, fuel economy, and smooth drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and precise lambda control, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of port fuel injection, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑12. This issue stems from the direct-injection-only design, which lacks fuel-wash over the back of intake valves, allowing oil vapours from the crankcase ventilation system to accumulate. From 2016, revised intake manifolds and updated PCV routing were introduced to mitigate deposit formation.
Production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CMXA is a 1,395 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection with a single turbocharger and intercooler to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with intercooler | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 80.0 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The CMXA’s chain-driven DOHC layout eliminates timing belt replacement but requires correct oil viscosity to maintain chain tensioner function. VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W-40) oil is mandatory to protect turbo bearings and valve train components. The direct-injection-only design leads to intake valve carbon buildup over time; periodic walnut blasting or intake cleaning is recommended after 80,000 km. Use of high-quality EN 228 petrol with detergent additives helps reduce injector fouling. No AdBlue is required, simplifying maintenance compared to diesel counterparts.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen STB 2015‑12). Not interchangeable with 507 00.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CMXA production (2012–2019) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with Euro 6 calibration (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E-907130).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E-907123, 04E-907125, STB 2015‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CMXA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Tiguan and modified exhaust routing in the Octavia—and from 2017 the facelifted Golf adopted minor ECU and cooling revisions, creating minor calibration limits. Group partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 04E-907150). The 7th VIN digit for CMXA-equipped vehicles is typically 'C' or 'E' depending on model line. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with 'TSI' badge and integrated intercooler piping. Critical differentiation from CZDA/CZEA: CMXA uses lower-output turbo and ECU calibration (92 kW vs 110 kW); parts are not interchangeable without full ECU and hardware matching per STB 2015‑12.
The CMXA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in stop-start urban driving. Volkswagen internal field data (2017) indicated a measurable uptick in intake cleaning requests before 100,000 km under such conditions, while UK DVSA MOT data shows no significant emissions-related failures due to robust three-way catalyst performance. Short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes increase deposit formation, making adherence to VW 502 00/504 00 oil and periodic intake maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CMXA.
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