The Volkswagen DPCA is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common rail direct injection, a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 85 kW (115 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk7 Golf, Mk2 Tiguan, and Passat B8—including the 1.6 TDI 115 variants—the DPCA was engineered for fuel economy, low emissions, and everyday drivability. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe on the camshaft, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑09. This issue stems from marginal lubrication under frequent short trips and high thermal loads. From mid‑2018, Volkswagen revised camshaft metallurgy and updated the fuel pump drive mechanism to mitigate failure risk.
All DPCA production years (2015–2020) meet Euro 6b/6d-TEMP standards depending on model year and market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen DPCA is a 1,598 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2015–2020). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger and AdBlue-based SCR to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and low NOx emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.5 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b / Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The DPCA delivers responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 507 00 spec oil to protect the camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump wear. Frequent short trips without DPF regeneration can trigger limp mode; regular highway driving is advised. Post-2018 engines include camshaft upgrades per SIB 2017‑09—pre‑2018 units benefit from proactive cam/follower inspection. AdBlue system faults may disable restart if ignored.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑09). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA C3 alone.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2015–2017 models; Euro 6d-TEMP from 2018 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output stable with EN 590 diesel meeting sulfur <10 ppm (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 04E‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 04E‑1001, 04E‑1025, SIB 2017‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DPCA was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Tiguan and revised cooling in the Passat—and from 2018 the updated DPCB variant introduced minor ECU and camshaft changes, creating interchange limits. Group synergy allowed use in Škoda and Audi derivatives with identical core architecture. 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 04E‑1001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('E' for 1.6L TDI EA288). DPCA units feature a black plastic cam cover with 'TDI' and '115' markings. Critical differentiation from DPCB: DPCA uses Bosch EDC17CP44 ECU with round OBD port; DPCB uses EDC17CP54 with updated injector calibration. High-pressure pump drive lobe wear is common on pre-06/2018 builds—verify camshaft production date via part number suffix (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑09).
The DPCA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the camshaft, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips without adequate warm-up. Volkswagen internal data (2018) indicated a measurable increase in camshaft replacements before 100,000 km in urban fleets, while UK DVSA MOT records show AdBlue/SCR system faults as a growing cause of emissions test failures. Cold starts and infrequent highway driving accelerate wear, making oil quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DPCA.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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