The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 is a 1,968 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine introduced in 2020 as the latest evolution of VW’s modular diesel platform. It features a dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, high-pressure common rail injection (up to 2,500 bar), and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard applications it delivers 110–150 kW (150–204 PS) and peak torque between 360–450 Nm, with improved transient response and lower NOx emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk8, Tiguan Mk2, Passat B8, and Transporter T6.1, the EA288 evo3 was engineered for compliance with Euro 6d emissions while maintaining strong low‑rpm torque and fuel economy. Emissions control is achieved through a close-coupled SCR catalyst with AdBlue injection, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and both high- and low-pressure EGR circuits.
One documented concern is premature AdBlue injector coking under frequent short-trip conditions, leading to dosing errors and limp-mode activation. This issue is referenced in Volkswagen Service Bulletin WSC‑2022‑08, which attributes the problem to thermal cycling and urea crystallisation in the injector tip. From mid‑2023, revised injector designs and updated ECU logic were introduced to mitigate the risk.
All production years (2020–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards across EU and UK markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 is a 1,968 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact to mid‑size models (2020–present). It combines dual-loop EGR with a high-pressure common rail system and AdBlue SCR aftertreatment to deliver responsive low‑end torque and strict Euro 6d compliance. Designed for real-driving emissions (RDE) conformity, it balances performance with environmental responsibility.
| 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 | 110–150 kW (150–204 PS) | |
| Torque | 360–450 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 2,500 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d (RDE compliant) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett or BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The dual-loop EGR and SCR system ensures Euro 6d compliance but demands regular highway driving to enable full DPF and SCR regeneration cycles. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential to prevent ash accumulation in the DPF and maintain turbo longevity. Short urban trips increase AdBlue injector coking risk—addressed in WSC‑2022‑08 with updated hardware. The CP4.2 high-pressure pump requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to avoid premature wear. Unlike earlier TDI engines, the EA288 evo3 uses a robust front-mounted timing chain with no widespread wear issues reported to date.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Volkswagen SIB WSC‑2020‑05). Not interchangeable with older 505/506 specs.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2020–present models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Confirmed RDE-compliant under real-world testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under UN ECE R85 and SAE J1349 standards. Higher outputs (150 kW) require EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Volkswagen TIS V-TIS/288E3/05).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-TIS/288E3/01–05, SIB WSC‑2020‑05, WSC‑2021‑12, WSC‑2022‑08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
EU Regulation (EU) 2018/858 and (EC) No 715/2007
The Volkswagen EA288 evo3 was used across Volkswagen's MQB and T6 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Transporter T6.1 and revised cooling in the Golf Mk8—and from 2023 the Passat B8 facelift adopted updated AdBlue injectors, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Škoda and SEAT 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 oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS V-TIS/288E3/06). The 4th–6th characters of the engine code (e.g., 'CZZA', 'DZCA') indicate displacement and emissions variant. EA288 evo3 units feature a black plastic valve cover with 'TDI' and 'SCR' markings. Critical differentiation from EA288 evo2: evo3 has dual EGR coolers (high- and low-pressure loops) and a larger AdBlue tank. Pre-2023 models use AdBlue injector P/N 04L 906 021 A; post-2023 units use revised P/N 04L 906 021 B per WSC‑2022‑08.
The EA288 evo3's primary reliability risk is AdBlue injector coking under frequent short-trip urban use. Volkswagen internal field data from 2023 indicated elevated injector replacement rates in vehicles with <5,000 km annual mileage, while UK DVSA records show increased SCR-related MOT advisories in city-driven TDI models. Thermal cycling and infrequent regeneration cycles accelerate urea crystallisation, making occasional highway driving critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2020-2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN EA288-EVO3-2-0L-TDI.
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