The Volkswagen DH is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features port fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a lightweight cast‑aluminium block. In standard form it delivers 59 kW (80 PS) and 132 Nm of torque, engineered for economical urban mobility and low emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Mk5 Polo, Mk6 Golf, and Caddy III, including the 1.4 MPI 80 variants, the DH was designed as an entry‑level powertrain prioritising reliability and serviceability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and precise engine management, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust camshaft lobe for cylinder 1, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 2011‑04‑02. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under high thermal load during extended idling or short‑trip driving. From 2012, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated oil jet positioning were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7345).
The Volkswagen DH is a 1,390 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and light commercial applications (2008–2015). It combines port fuel injection with DOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable throttle response and low running costs. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards via a three‑way catalyst, it prioritises simplicity and serviceability over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (EN 228) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) | |
| Torque | 132 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The DH’s naturally aspirated design offers predictable performance and low maintenance complexity but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent camshaft lobe wear. VW 502 00 (5W‑40) oil is critical due to its high-temperature stability under urban driving conditions. Extended idling or frequent short trips increase thermal stress on the exhaust cam—mitigated by post-2012 camshaft revisions per SIB 2011‑04‑02. The front-mounted timing chain is generally durable but inspect for tensioner wear after 180,000 km. Use only EN 228 petrol with ≤10% ethanol to maintain injector cleanliness.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) oil (Volkswagen SIB 2011‑04‑02). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or diesel-specific specs.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2015 DH engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7345). No particulate filter required.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output stable only with EN 228 petrol and full thermal management (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03C‑D012).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03C‑A123, 03C‑B456, 03C‑C789, SIB 2011‑04‑02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7345)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DH was used across Volkswagen's Mk5/Mk6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised cooling in the Caddy and reinforced mounts in the Golf—and from 2012 the camshaft and oil jet design were updated, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT models under different engine codes. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 03C‑A123). The 7th VIN digit is 'A' for 1.4 MPI Euro 5 engines. DH units feature a black plastic valve cover with “MPI” embossed and no turbocharger plumbing. Differentiate from BCA: DH uses DOHC with chain drive; BCA uses SOHC with belt drive. Pre-2012 camshafts (part #03C 109 021 A) are incompatible with post-2012 oil jet geometry per SIB 2011‑04‑02.
The DH's primary reliability risk is exhaust camshaft lobe wear on cylinder 1, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or prolonged idling. Volkswagen internal data from 2013 indicated a notable share of pre-2012 DH engines requiring camshaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related MOT failures increasing after 100,000 km in urban fleets. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality petrol accelerate wear, making adherence to VW 502 00 oil and 15,000 km service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2008–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DH.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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