The Volkswagen DFMA is a 1,984 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, delivering 162 kW (220 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. Its twin‑scroll turbocharger enables strong low‑rpm torque for responsive everyday drivability.
Fitted to performance variants such as the Mk7 Golf GTI Performance, Mk3 Scirocco GT, and Audi S3 (8V), the DFMA was engineered for sporty yet refined daily use. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn strategies, a high‑efficiency Otto particulate filter (Otto‑PF), and precise exhaust gas recirculation, meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2015‑07. This stems from excessive camshaft lobe wear driving the pump, particularly under sustained high load or with delayed oil changes. From 2016, revised camshaft and HPFP materials were introduced to mitigate premature failure.
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DFMA is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for high‑performance hatchbacks and coupes (2012–2019). It combines direct fuel injection (TSI) with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and high‑rev responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances track‑capable output with compliant emissions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (ULP 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin‑scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 162 kW (220 PS) @ 5,100–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,700–5,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual‑circuit thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | IHI VF46 twin‑scroll (integrated exhaust manifold) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo delivers immediate throttle response and flat torque across the rev range, ideal for spirited driving. However, strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential to protect the HPFP drive cam. Extended intervals or incorrect oil accelerate cam lobe wear, risking HPFP failure. The Otto particulate filter requires occasional highway driving to regenerate; frequent short trips may trigger warning lights. Post-2016 engines feature hardened camshafts per STB 2015‑07—pre-2016 units benefit from proactive HPFP monitoring.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06K-1001).
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DFMA production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Full 220 PS output requires 95 RON minimum fuel (Volkswagen Group PT-2018).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06K-1001, 06K-1022
Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin (STB) 2015-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DFMA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 and Mk3 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi under the Volkswagen Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf GTI Performance and revised cooling in the Scirocco GT—and from 2016 the facelifted Golf GTI adopted updated camshaft materials, creating minor service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Audi S3 (8V) and SEAT León Cupra to use identical long blocks. 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 06K-1001). The 7th VIN digit for Golf GTI is 'G', for Scirocco GT is 'S'. DFMA is visually distinguished by its black plastic intake manifold and integrated exhaust manifold in the cylinder head. Critical differentiation from CAHA/CZDA: DFMA uses a twin-scroll IHI VF46 turbo with dual wastegates and Bosch HDEV5 injectors. Pre-2016 engines have silver camshaft caps; post-2016 units use black caps indicating hardened lobes. HPFP part numbers must match production date—early pumps (06K 127 025 A) are not interchangeable with later revisions (06K 127 025 C) per STB 2015-07.
The DFMA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to frequent high-load driving or extended oil intervals. Volkswagen internal quality data from 2016 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims for pre-2016 builds before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions failure rates thanks to robust Otto-PF design. Aggressive driving and delayed oil changes accelerate cam wear, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DFMA.
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