The Volkswagen CRMB 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), delivering 81 kW (110 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. The combination of high-pressure injection and precise turbo control enables strong low‑rpm torque for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Mk6 Golf, Polo, Vento, and Caddy, the CRMB was engineered for drivers seeking fuel efficiency and urban agility without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 5 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2012‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short-trip driving and low-sulfur diesel formulations. From mid-2013, revised cam follower materials and updated HPFP internals were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
The Volkswagen CRMB is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and light commercial models (2010–2015). It combines Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances economy with drivability.
| 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 | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 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 layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 146 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes using VW 507 00 oil to protect the timing chain and HPFP cam interface. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and requires EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel. Pre-2013 HPFP cam followers are prone to wear under short-trip conditions; post-2013 units feature hardened rollers per VW SIB 2012‑09. DPF regeneration cycles must be completed regularly to avoid limp mode and excessive backpressure.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual). Not compatible with Longlife‑04 or ACEA C3 without OEM approval.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2015 CRMB engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes EN 590 fuel quality (Volkswagen TDI Engine Technical Bulletin 2011‑02).
Volkswagen Technical Information System: Docs 03L‑902, SIB 2012‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7891)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen CRMB was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and SEAT under PQ25/PQ35 architectures. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling ducts in the Caddy and modified EGR routing in the Vento—and from mid-2013 the Polo Mk5 received updated HPFP components, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen ETKA 03L‑902). The 4th–6th digits of the engine serial number identify the variant (e.g., 'CRMB'). Visual cue: black plastic intake manifold with 'TDI' badge. Critical differentiation from CAYC/CRKB: CRMB uses a CP4.2 high-pressure pump with flat cam follower (pre-2013) or roller follower (post-2013). HPFP part number 03L 127 025 B/C indicates CRMB application. Pre-2013 cam followers (flat design) differ from post-2013 roller types (VW SIB 2012‑09).
The CRMB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or with inconsistent service history. Volkswagen internal data (2014) indicated HPFP replacement rates exceeding 7% in pre-2013 builds before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show DPF-related failures as the second-most common emissions fault. Fuel quality and oil specification make preventive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CRMB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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