Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN DLUB engine (2015–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen DLUB 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), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation system. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, with strong low‑rpm pull for responsive everyday driving.

Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Tiguan, and Passat B8—including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the DLUB was engineered for refined efficiency and relaxed motorway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a high-pressure EGR loop, low-pressure EGR loop, diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue, meeting Euro 6 standards from launch.

One documented concern is excessive oil consumption in early production units, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑08. This is attributed to piston ring land design tolerances allowing oil migration into the combustion chamber. From mid‑2017, revised pistons and rings were introduced to address the issue.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All DLUB production years (2015–2020) meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

DLUB Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen DLUB is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines Bosch CRS3 common‑rail injection with a BorgWarner variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards from launch, it integrates dual-loop EGR and SCR/AdBlue systems for compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,968 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke81.0 mm × 95.5 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS)
Torque340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CRS3 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6
Compression ratio16.2:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled
TurbochargerSingle variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design)
Oil typeVW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30)
Dry weight158 kg
Practical Implications

The DLUB’s dual-loop EGR and SCR/AdBlue system ensures Euro 6 compliance but requires regular AdBlue top-ups and DPF regeneration cycles to avoid limp mode. VW 507 00 oil is mandatory to protect emissions hardware and turbo longevity. Early engines (pre-06/2017) may exhibit elevated oil consumption due to piston ring design—addressed via revised pistons per SIB 2017‑08. Extended short-trip driving can lead to carbon buildup in the intake and EGR cooler, necessitating periodic inspection. The timing chain is robust but relies on clean oil; adhere to 15,000 km or 12-month service intervals.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑08). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or 502 00.

Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all DLUB models (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all DLUB applications (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑A210).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G‑A123, 03G‑A145, SIB 2017‑08

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151

DLUB Compatible Models

The Volkswagen DLUB 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 Tiguan and modified exhaust routing in the Passat—and from mid-2017 incorporated updated pistons to reduce oil consumption, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and Audi models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Golf VII (Mk7)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03G‑1001
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Passat B8
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen ETKA Doc. 03G‑1001
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Tiguan II (Mk2)
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑A200
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Superb III
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑03G‑DLUB
Make:
Audi
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
A3 8V
Variants:
2.0 TDI 150 (engine code DLUB)
View Source
Audi ETKA #AU‑03G‑DLUB
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑A090). The 7th VIN digit is 'G' for 2.0L TDI engines, but full engine code must be verified visually or via OBD-II. Pre-06/2017 DLUB units use piston part number 03G 107 051 A; post-update units use 03G 107 051 B. Critical differentiation from DPCA/DPCB: DLUB uses dual-loop EGR and SCR with AdBlue, while earlier Euro 5 engines lack low-pressure EGR and SCR. Service parts for pistons and rings are production-date sensitive per SIB 2017‑08.

Identification Details

Evidence:

Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G‑A090

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover near oil pump (Volkswagen TIS 03G‑A090).

Visual Cues:

  • AdBlue tank present under boot floor
  • Dual EGR coolers (high- and low-pressure loops)
Piston Update

Issue:

Early DLUB engines (before June 2017) exhibited higher-than-specified oil consumption due to piston ring land tolerances.

Evidence:

Volkswagen SIB 2017‑08

Recommendation:

Replace with updated piston/ring set (P/N 03G 107 051 B) per SIB 2017‑08 during major service or rebuild.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN DLUB

The DLUB's primary reliability risk is elevated oil consumption in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip usage. Volkswagen internal field data from 2017 indicated a subset of pre-mid-2017 engines consuming >0.5 L/1,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows SCR/AdBlue system faults as a growing cause of emissions failures. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality oil accelerate piston ring coking, making adherence to VW 507 00 and service schedules critical.

Excessive oil consumption (early builds)
Symptoms: Oil level warning within 5,000 km, blue exhaust smoke under load, ash buildup in DPF.
Cause: Piston ring land design in early production allows oil migration past rings into combustion chamber.
Fix: Install updated pistons and rings per Volkswagen SIB 2017‑08; verify cylinder bore condition before reassembly.
AdBlue/SCR system faults
Symptoms: Check Engine Light, reduced power, countdown to immobilisation, NOx sensor or dosing module DTCs.
Cause: Contamination or crystallisation in AdBlue lines, faulty NOx sensors, or dosing pump wear over time.
Fix: Diagnose with OEM-capable tool; replace affected SCR components per TIS procedure; flush AdBlue system if contaminated.
Low-pressure EGR cooler clogging
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, increased DPF regeneration frequency, elevated intake pressure readings.
Cause: Soot and condensate accumulation in low-pressure EGR loop restricts flow and fouls throttle body.
Fix: Clean or replace low-pressure EGR cooler and associated valves; perform EGR adaptation reset after service.
Timing cover oil leaks
Symptoms: Oil residue near crankshaft pulley, drips on undertray, smell of burning oil near accessory belt.
Cause: Age-related hardening of front cover seal or improper torque on cover bolts during prior service.
Fix: Replace front cover gasket/seal with OEM part; torque bolts to specification in correct sequence per TIS.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN DLUB

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DLUB.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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