The Volkswagen CNRB is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features common-rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. The aluminium-silicon alloy block contributes to reduced weight while maintaining structural rigidity.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6, Jetta, Passat B6/B7, and Tiguan, the CNRB was engineered for balanced fuel economy, low-end torque, and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards from launch.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, noted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 01‑11‑08. This issue arises from marginal lubrication under high-load conditions interacting with the hardened cam lobe surface. From 2011, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP calibration reduced incidence across the EA189 platform.
All CNRB production years (2008–2015) meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Volkswagen CNRB is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2008–2015). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (ULSD EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The CNRB delivers responsive low-end torque ideal for urban and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 (5W-30) oil to protect the turbocharger bearings and HPFP cam follower. The DPF mandates occasional highway driving to enable passive regeneration. High-pressure fuel pump longevity depends on consistent use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590). Pre-2011 engines should be monitored for cam follower wear per TSB 01‑11‑08; updated followers are recommended during HPFP service.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (VW TIS Doc. 03L-900-500). Not interchangeable with older 505 01 oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CNRB models (2008–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321). DPF-equipped from launch.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 140 PS output requires EN 590 diesel fuel (VW Group PT-2018).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03L-100-101, 03L-102-205, TSB 01‑11‑08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen CNRB was used across Volkswagen's A5/PQ35 and B6/B7 platforms with transverse and longitudinal mounting respectively and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Tiguan and modified cooling in the Passat—and from 2012 the facelifted Golf Mk6 retained the same engine code but with updated emissions calibration, maintaining interchangeability. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 03L-100-010). The 4th–6th characters of the engine code on the VIN plate (e.g., “CNRB”) confirm identity. Visual cues: black plastic cam cover with “TDI” logo; VGT turbo with actuator arm visible on exhaust side. Differentiate from CAYC/CFFB: CNRB uses Bosch CP4.2 HPFP and produces 140 PS (not 110 or 170 PS). HPFP cam follower part number 03L 127 025 A (pre-2011) vs. 03L 127 025 B (post-TSB update).
The CNRB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or high-load towing. Volkswagen internal field data (2011) indicated a measurable increase in HPFP-related failures before 100,000 km in pre-TSB units, while UK DVSA records show minimal DPF-related MOT failures due to robust regeneration logic. Consistent use of EN 590 diesel and timely cam follower updates make long-term reliability strong.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2009–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CNRB.
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