The Volkswagen DNUE 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 (EGR) system. In standard form it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, with strong low-rpm responsiveness for everyday drivability.
Fitted to models such as the Golf VII (Mk7), Passat B8, and Tiguan Mk2—including the 2.0 TDI 150 variants—the DNUE was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and compliance with stringent emissions standards. Emissions control is 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 injection, enabling Euro 6 compliance.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP), noted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin WSP 2023 07. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under frequent short-trip driving, leading to camshaft lobe wear that drives the HPFP. From mid-2017, revised camshaft and pump materials were introduced to mitigate this failure mode.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards across all markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DNUE 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 dual-loop EGR and SCR aftertreatment to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient long-distance 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) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The DNUE provides strong low-end torque ideal for motorway and urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 spec oil to protect the HPFP and timing chain. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel lubricity; only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) should be used. Frequent short trips without engine warm-up accelerate HPFP wear due to condensation and poor lubrication. Post-2017 engines feature improved camshaft hardening per WSP 2023 07. AdBlue system faults can trigger limp mode; DEF quality and tank level must be monitored.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 03G-A118). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2015–2020 DNUE engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No market exceptions.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on EU5+ fuel (Volkswagen PT-2020).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 03G-A112, 03G-A115, 03G-A118, WSP 2023 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DNUE 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 2017 the Golf LCI adopted minor ECU and camshaft updates, creating service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and Audi models with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the accessory belt (Volkswagen TIS 03G-A101). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 diesel series). DNUE-specific ECU is Bosch EDC17CP54 with rectangular diagnostic port under hood. Critical differentiation from DNUA: DNUE has single turbo and 150 PS; DNUA is 190 PS with twin-turbo. HPFP camshaft revisions from 06/2017 require production date verification—pre-2017 pumps are not compatible with updated camshafts (Volkswagen WSP 2023 07).
The DNUE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure linked to camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips. Volkswagen internal data from 2023 indicated a notable rate of HPFP-related repairs before 100,000 km in urban-use vehicles, while UK DVSA MOT records show SCR/AdBlue system faults as a growing cause of emissions test failures. Cold starts without full warm-up cycles increase fuel dilution and reduce lubricity, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DNUE.
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