The Volkswagen CRBC is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It features common‑rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, providing strong low‑rpm pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk6, Passat B7, and Tiguan, the CRBC was engineered for fuel efficiency, refinement, and compliance with tightening emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption linked to piston ring land wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2013‑12. This issue arises from marginal oil control under sustained high‑load conditions and is exacerbated by extended service intervals. From mid‑2014, revised piston ring packs and cylinder honing processes were introduced to reduce oil consumption rates.
All production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Volkswagen CRBC is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2010–2015). It combines common‑rail direct 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 low fuel consumption.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| 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 | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The CRBC delivers responsive low-end torque but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to mitigate piston ring land wear and oil consumption. Extended service intervals or use of non-approved oil accelerate ring coking and bore glazing. EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel is mandatory; bio-diesel blends above B7 may degrade injector seals. DPF regeneration cycles are frequent in urban driving; sustained motorway runs are recommended to maintain filter health. Post-2014 engines feature improved ring design per VW STB 2013‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (VW STB 2013‑12). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CRBC engines (2010–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 590 diesel; degraded fuel reduces torque by ~5% (VW TIS Doc. 03L‑2100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03L‑1023, 03L‑1045, STB 2013‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CRBC was used across Volkswagen's Golf Mk6, Passat B7, and Tiguan platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Tiguan and revised EGR routing in the Passat—and from 2015 the facelifted Golf Mk7 adopted the EA288 Gen 2, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (VW TIS 03L‑1020). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code on the VIN plate should read “CRBC”. Visual identification: black cam cover with “TDI” logo; Garrett VGT turbo with silver compressor housing. Critical differentiation from CAYC/CAHA: CRBC uses Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure pump and updated EGR cooler with integrated bypass valve. Pre-2014 piston rings (part no. 03L 107 021 A) are prone to oil consumption; post-2014 units (03L 107 021 C) include revised ring tension per VW STB 2013‑12.
The CRBC's primary reliability risk is excessive oil consumption due to piston ring land wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or fleet vehicles. VW internal quality data from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2014 engines exceeding 0.5 L/1,000 km consumption, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel accelerate ring coking, making oil specification and change frequency critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2012–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRBC.
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