The Volkswagen E is a 1,584 cc, air‑cooled flat‑four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 44 kW (60 PS) and 108 Nm of torque, engineered for durability and simplicity in rear‑engine applications.
Fitted to models such as the Type 4 (411/412), early Porsche 914, and Volkswagen Bus (T2b), the E engine was designed for reliable everyday use with minimal maintenance requirements. Emissions compliance in later years was achieved through the addition of an air injection system and modified carburettor jetting, allowing certain variants to meet early Euro‑equivalent standards in export markets.
One documented concern is oil sludge accumulation in the crankcase due to infrequent oil changes or extended low‑load operation, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 73‑09. This issue is often linked to the engine’s non‑pressurised oil filtration system and lack of a full‑flow oil filter in early builds. From 1975, Volkswagen introduced a spin‑on full‑flow oil filter and revised breather routing to improve oil longevity.
Production years 1970–1974 meet pre‑Euro standards; 1975–1983 models with air injection and catalytic readiness meet early US EPA Tier 0 equivalents (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0021).
The Volkswagen E is a 1,584 cc flat‑four air‑cooled petrol engine engineered for rear‑mounted applications in compact and light commercial vehicles (1970–1983). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with a single downdraft carburettor to deliver predictable performance and ease of service. Designed before formal Euro emissions standards, later variants incorporated air injection to meet early environmental requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,584 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 93.0 mm × 58.0 mm | |
| Power output | 44 kW (60 PS) | |
| Torque | 108 Nm @ 2,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 34 PICT‑3 downdraft carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (early); US EPA Tier 0 equivalent (1975+) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear‑driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The E engine’s air‑cooled design provides mechanical simplicity but demands vigilant oil maintenance due to the absence of a water jacket for thermal buffering. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil must be changed every 5,000 km or 6 months to prevent sludge buildup, especially in stop‑start or short‑trip use. From 1975, the addition of a full‑flow oil filter (part 021 115 511) significantly improved engine life. Carburettor tuning and distributor timing require periodic verification to maintain emissions compliance and drivability. Valve clearances should be checked every 10,000 km due to mechanical lifter design.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (Volkswagen SIB 73‑09). Synthetic oils are not recommended due to seal compatibility and oil consumption characteristics.
Emissions: Pre‑Euro certification applies to 1970–1974 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0021). 1975–1983 models with air injection meet early US EPA equivalents in export markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes 95 RON petrol and sea‑level conditions (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 001‑A15).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 001‑A12, 001‑A13, 001‑A14, SIB 73‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0021)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement
The Volkswagen E was used across Volkswagen's Type 4 and T2b platforms with rear longitudinal mounting and shared with Porsche for the 914. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Bus and modified cooling shrouds in the 412—and from 1975 the introduction of a full‑flow oil filter created service part distinctions. Partnerships enabled Porsche to use the E engine in early 914/4 models. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the generator stand (Volkswagen TIS 001‑A09). The E code is typically followed by a production date stamp (e.g., “E 123456”). Early engines (pre‑1975) lack an oil filter boss on the left case half; post‑1975 units feature a threaded boss for the spin‑on filter. Critical differentiation from U engine: E has 1,584 cc displacement and 7.5:1 compression; U has 1,679 cc and 6.6:1. Distributor type also differs—E uses Bosch JF4, while U uses JF6.
The E engine's primary reliability risk is oil sludge formation in early builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent short trips or with extended oil change intervals. Volkswagen internal service data from 1976 indicated a significant correlation between oil-related failures and lack of full‑flow filtration. While mechanical simplicity ensures longevity under proper care, thermal stress on cylinder heads and exhaust manifolds remains a concern in sustained high‑load operation.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1970–1983) and UK DVSA historical records (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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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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