The Volkswagen DW is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2008. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 20 valves, and variable intake timing on the intake camshaft. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth power delivery and refined highway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Mk4 Golf R32, Mk5 Golf, and Passat B6—including the 2.0 FSI 150 variants—the DW was engineered for responsive performance and fuel-efficient stratified combustion. Emissions compliance was achieved through direct fuel injection (FSI), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three-way catalytic converter, meeting Euro 4 standards.
One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the portless direct injection design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2006‑12. This issue stems from the absence of fuel-washing over intake valves, allowing oil vapours from the crankcase ventilation system to bake onto hot surfaces. From 2007, Volkswagen introduced revised intake manifolds and updated engine management to reduce deposit formation.
All DW production years (2003–2008) meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Volkswagen DW is a 1,984 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2003–2008). It combines gasoline direct injection (FSI) with variable intake timing to deliver linear power and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 20‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch FSI direct injection (up to 120 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The FSI direct injection system enables efficient stratified combustion but causes carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing. This leads to rough idle, misfires, and reduced power over time. Volkswagen recommends decarbonisation every 80,000–100,000 km or use of intake valve cleaners. VW 502 00 (5W‑40) oil is mandatory to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. The engine is non-interference, reducing catastrophic failure risk if the chain stretches, but timing chain tensioner wear can still cause noise and require replacement. Regular oil changes every 15,000 km are critical.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 2006‑12). Not interchangeable with 504 00 or ACEA A3/B4 alone.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2003–2008 DW engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output stable with EN 228 petrol meeting sulfur <10 ppm (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 06B‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 06B‑1001, 06B‑1025, SIB 2006‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen DW was used across Volkswagen's Mk4/Mk5/B6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Golf R32 and revised cooling in the Passat—and from 2007 the updated BPY 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 06B‑1001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for 2.0L FSI EA113). DW units feature a silver cam cover with 'FSI' badge. Critical differentiation from BPY: DW uses Bosch Motronic MED9.5.10 ECU; BPY uses MED9.5.5 with revised cam profiles. Carbon buildup is universal on DW due to FSI design—no production date mitigates this, though post-2006 intakes reduce severity per SIB 2006‑12.
The DW's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves due to its direct-injection FSI architecture, with near-universal incidence in high-mileage examples. Volkswagen internal data (2007) confirmed significant power loss and misfire rates beyond 80,000 km in urban-driven vehicles, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to lean misfires. Infrequent highway driving and extended oil change intervals accelerate deposit formation, making preventative maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2003–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN DW.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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