The Volkswagen DBGA is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive low-end performance and motorway efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the DBGA was engineered for drivers prioritising fuel economy, strong low-rpm torque for everyday drivability, and refined cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR), enabling Euro 6 compliance.
One documented concern is premature failure of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2027474/3. Thermal stress and coolant contamination can lead to internal cracking and exhaust gas leakage into the cooling system. From mid‑2017, revised EGR coolers with improved metallurgy were introduced across affected platforms.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DBGA is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). 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 6 standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The Garrett VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 oil to prevent turbo bearing wear and DPF clogging. The CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel contamination—only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) should be used. EGR cooler integrity is critical; coolant contamination or overheating may indicate internal failure per VW SIB 2027474/3. SCR system requires AdBlue refills every 10,000–15,000 km to maintain NOx compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (VW SIB 2027474/3). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2020 DBGA models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output assumes EU5+ diesel quality (VW TIS Doc. 01-2015-DBGA).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01-2015-DBGA, SIB 2027474/3
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DBGA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda and Audi under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and modified exhaust routing in the Tiguan—and from 2018 minor ECU updates improved cold-start emissions, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (VW TIS 01-2015-DBGA). The 7th VIN digit for VW models is 'G' for DBGA-equipped vehicles. Visual identification: black plastic cam cover with 'TDI' logo and AdBlue tank present under boot floor. Critical differentiation from EA288 evo engines: DBGA uses Bosch EDC17CP54 ECU and lacks cylinder pressure sensors. EGR cooler part number 04L 145 701 D (pre-2017) vs. 04L 145 701 F (post-2017) indicates revision status per VW SIB 2027474/3.
The DBGA's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. VW internal field reports from 2018 noted a measurable uptick in coolant contamination cases before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows SCR-related emissions faults as the second-most common diesel MOT failure for 2016–2019 Golfs. Extended idling and short-trip driving accelerate EGR and DPF stress, making AdBlue maintenance and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DBGA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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