The Volkswagen DFEB is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2020 and 2024. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing with Miller-cycle operation. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, optimized for low fuel consumption and responsive urban performance.
Fitted to models such as the Mk8 Golf, T-Roc, and Taigo—including the Golf 1.5 TSI EVO2 and T-Roc 1.5 TSI—the DFEB was engineered for efficiency-focused driving with strong mid‑range torque. Emissions compliance was achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and lean-burn capability, meeting Euro 6d standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2021‑05‑TSI. This stems from marginal lubrication under high-load conditions and can lead to hard starts or fuel pressure faults. From 2022 onward, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil specifications reduced—but did not eliminate—the risk.
All production years (2020–2024) meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9234).
The Volkswagen DFEB is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and crossover models (2020–2024). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a single turbocharger and Miller-cycle valve timing to deliver responsive mid‑range torque and class-leading fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards, it balances performance with ultra-low particulate emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (2020–2024) | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 (effective via Miller cycle) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo (Honeywell TD035) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 508 00 / 509 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The Miller-cycle valve timing enables high thermal efficiency but demands precise HPFP operation. The Bosch HDEV6 system operates at up to 350 bar, requiring strict adherence to VW 508 00/509 00 0W‑20 oil to prevent cam lobe wear. GPF-equipped variants require consistent highway driving for passive regeneration. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km risk HPFP and camshaft damage. The front-mounted timing chain is durable but requires correct low-viscosity oil to maintain tensioner function and prevent sludge buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 508 00 / 509 00 specification (0W‑20, low-SAPS) (Volkswagen SIB 2021‑05‑TSI). Not interchangeable with older VW 502 00 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2020–2024 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9234).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 05E‑1050).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 05E‑1001, 05E‑1022, SIB 2021‑05‑TSI
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9234)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen DFEB was used across Volkswagen's Mk8 and MQB A0 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—enhanced thermal management in the Golf Mk8 and revised intake routing in the Taigo—and from 2022 all variants adopted updated camshaft metallurgy per service bulletin, creating minor service part interchange limits. The DFEB is exclusive to Volkswagen and not shared with Škoda or SEAT in this configuration. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS 05E‑1001). The 4th and 5th characters of the engine code on the V5C logbook or under bonnet VIN plate will read 'DF'. All DFEB engines use Bosch ECU MED18.9.5 with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from DEJB: DFEB features updated camshaft surface hardening and revised HPFP drive geometry. Service parts require build date verification—camshafts before 01/2022 use earlier metallurgy (Volkswagen SIB 2021‑05‑TSI).
The DFEB's primary reliability risk is HPFP cam lobe wear on the intake camshaft, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or track use. Internal Volkswagen engineering data from 2023 indicated over 12% of pre-2022 engines showed cam scoring by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased GPF-related failures in urban-driven examples due to short-trip cycles. Frequent high-RPM operation and incorrect oil accelerate wear, making oil specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFEB.
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