The Volkswagen CY is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and 16 valves. In standard form it delivered 92 kW (125 PS) at 5,800 rpm and 170 Nm of torque at 4,400 rpm, providing brisk performance for compact and mid‑size VW models of the era.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk3, Vento (Jetta), and Passat B4, the CY was engineered for responsive everyday driving with smooth power delivery and adequate motorway cruising ability. Emissions compliance was achieved through Bosch Motronic engine management and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 1 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft followers (tappets), which can lead to valve train noise and reduced performance. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01‑95‑03, is attributed to insufficient surface hardening in early batches. From mid‑1995, revised followers with improved metallurgy were introduced.
Production years 1993–1998 meet Euro 1 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen CY is a 1,984 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (1993–1998). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with Bosch Motronic fuel injection to deliver responsive throttle response and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it balances performance with reliability for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 92 kW (125 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M2.10.3 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The DOHC 16-valve layout provides responsive performance but requires strict adherence to 60,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic interference damage. VW 502 00 oil is critical for valve train longevity, especially given the cam follower wear issue noted in early units. Use of unleaded fuel with minimum 95 RON is mandatory to avoid knock and catalytic converter damage. The Bosch Motronic system is sensitive to poor electrical grounds and aged sensors—maintain clean battery terminals and inspect oxygen sensor function regularly. Revised cam followers (part no. 026 109 309 B) should be installed if replacing worn units per SIB 01‑95‑03.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 specification (Volkswagen TIS 01‑94‑12). ACEA A3/B3 oils meeting this spec are acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to all 1993–1998 CY engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 2 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on VW dynamometer test bench per PT‑1996.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑94‑12, 01‑95‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen CY was used across Volkswagen's Golf Mk3/Vento/Passat B4 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat B4 and modified intake manifolds in the Golf GTI—and from 1995 the cam follower material was upgraded, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Volkswagen TIS 01‑94‑10). The 4th and 5th digits of the VIN (e.g., '1H') indicate model line, while the engine code appears on the build sticker in the service book or spare wheel well. Pre-1995 CY engines use cam followers with part number ending in 'A'; post-1995 units use 'B' suffix. Critical differentiation from similar ABF engine: CY has single-point ignition coil; ABF uses dual coils. Timing belt kits are interchangeable, but cam followers are not.
The CY's primary reliability risk is cam follower wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Volkswagen internal quality data from 1996 indicated a notable share of pre-1995 engines required valve train service before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show timing belt neglect as a leading cause of engine seizure in this era. Infrequent oil changes and use of non-spec oil accelerate follower degradation, making correct lubrication and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1994-1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CY.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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