The Volkswagen DADA is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering responsive mid‑range performance with improved fuel economy over earlier MPI units.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Touran, and B8 Passat, the DADA was engineered for everyday drivability with strong low‑rpm torque and smooth motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, precise lambda control, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on production date and market.
One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, linked to piston ring design. This issue was highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin WSC-01-15-03, which attributes the problem to inadequate oil control ring tension during cold operation. From mid‑2015, revised pistons and rings were introduced across the EA211 TSI family to mitigate this.
Volkswagen
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DADA is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min.) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2019) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD025) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑30 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The EA211 TSI architecture delivers brisk throttle response and strong low-RPM torque but requires strict adherence to VW 502/504 oil specifications to prevent carbon buildup and maintain turbo longevity. Early DADA engines (pre-2015) may exhibit elevated oil consumption due to piston ring design; owners should monitor dipstick levels every 1,000 km. Use of 95 RON minimum fuel is essential to avoid knock under boost. The front-mounted timing chain is generally robust but relies on clean oil—extended service intervals increase sludge risk. Post-2015 engines feature updated piston rings per WSC-01-15-03.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Volkswagen Owner’s Manual DADA). Not interchangeable with generic ACEA oils.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2012–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance from 2015 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes 95 RON fuel and ambient conditions per VW PT‑2018.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2014-EA211, WSC-01-15-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DADA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and modified intake routing in the Touran—and from 2015 the updated EA211 evo variants introduced minor ECU and emissions hardware changes, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear flange of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Volkswagen TIS 01-2014-EA211). The 4th and 5th characters of the VIN engine code field (e.g., 'DA') indicate TSI family; full code appears on build sticker in service book or spare wheel well. Pre-2015 units use black plastic valve covers with '1.5 TSI' embossing; post-2015 may feature updated EGR coolers and different breather hoses. Critical differentiation from other 1.5 TSI codes (e.g., DXDB): DADA uses port fuel injection assist in addition to direct injection (ACT deactivated). Always verify part numbers via ETKA using full VIN.
The DADA's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal data from 2016 indicated a subset of pre-2015 engines exceeding 1.0 L/1,000 km consumption, while UK DVSA records show minimal emissions-related MOT failures due to robust catalytic converter design. Frequent cold starts and extended oil intervals increase piston ring coking, making oil quality and level monitoring critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DADA.
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.
