The Volkswagen CR is a 1,588 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1974 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor, delivering 55 kW (75 PS) and 122 Nm of torque. Its horizontally opposed layout provides a low centre of gravity for improved handling stability.
Fitted primarily to the Type 2 (T2b/T2c) Transporter and Type 1 (Beetle) in certain European markets, the CR was engineered for durability and ease of maintenance in commercial and passenger use. Emissions compliance was achieved through lean‑burn carburetion and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 1 precursors under German TÜV and UK VCA homologation.
One documented concern is cylinder head stud pull‑out under sustained high load or overheating, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 1978‑06‑12. This issue stems from thermal cycling fatigue in the case threads, particularly when cooling fins are obstructed or oil changes are neglected. From 1980, revised case metallurgy and head stud torque procedures were introduced.
All production years 1974–1983 meet pre‑Euro 1 national standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Volkswagen CR is a 1,588 cc air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine engineered for light commercial and passenger vehicles (1974–1983). It combines a downdraft carburettor with SOHC valvetrain to deliver reliable low‑end torque and straightforward serviceability. Designed to meet pre‑Euro 1 national emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical robustness over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 91 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT‑3 downdraft carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro 1 (national standards) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled with belt‑driven fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The air‑cooled flat‑four layout offers mechanical simplicity and easy access but demands vigilant cooling system maintenance—blocked fins or fan belt failure cause rapid overheating. Use of SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential to maintain oil pressure at high temperatures; synthetic oils may reduce film strength in this design. Cylinder head stud integrity relies on correct torque (3.5 m·kg) and clean case threads—overheating accelerates thread fatigue. Post‑1980 engines feature improved case alloy per SIB 1978‑06‑12. Carburettor tuning requires precise idle mixture and choke adjustment to meet emissions and drivability targets.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). Synthetic oils not recommended due to bearing clearance design.
Emissions: Pre‑Euro 1 national compliance applies to all CR production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 91 fuel and OEM exhaust (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 001‑D445).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 001‑A112, 001‑B223, 001‑C334
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 1978‑06‑12
The Volkswagen CR was used across Volkswagen's Type 1 and Type 2 platforms with rear‑mounted longitudinal orientation and no licensed derivatives. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Type 2 and revised cooling shrouds in late Beetles—and from 1980 the cylinder case material was upgraded, creating service part distinctions. No external partnerships existed for this engine. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS 001‑A112). The code 'CR' appears as a two-letter prefix followed by serial number. Visual cues include a black-painted crankcase, Solex 34 PICT‑3 carburettor, and dual‑outlet exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from earlier 1600 engines (e.g., AB, AC): CR uses 7.5:1 compression and EGR valve mounted on intake manifold. Engines after 01/1980 use case casting number 001 101 025 C with improved thread strength (Volkswagen SIB 1978‑06‑12).
The CR's primary reliability risk is cylinder head stud failure, with elevated incidence in overheated or high‑load commercial use. Volkswagen internal reports from 1979 indicated a notable share of Transporter engines requiring case repair before 150,000 km, while UK DVLA records show increased roadside failures in poorly maintained examples. Blocked cooling fins and infrequent oil changes accelerate thermal fatigue, making cooling system integrity and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1983) and UK DVLA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CR.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
