The Volkswagen EA888 Gen 4 is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2019. It features a dual-injection system (port and direct), integrated exhaust manifold, and variable valve timing on both camshafts. In standard applications it produces 140–228 kW (190–310 PS) with torque ranging from 320–400 Nm, delivering responsive performance and improved thermal efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk8, Tiguan Mk2, Passat B8, and Audi A3/S3 (VW Group platforms), the EA888 Gen 4 was engineered for refined power delivery, reduced emissions, and enhanced fuel economy. Emissions compliance is achieved through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin ST03‑21‑09. This is attributed to increased rail pressures (up to 350 bar) and thermal stress on pump components. From late 2021, revised HPFP internals and updated camshaft lobe profiles were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (2019–present) meet Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen EA888 Gen 4 is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for compact and mid‑size VW Group vehicles (2019–present). It combines dual-injection (port + direct) with a fully integrated exhaust manifold and variable valve timing to deliver responsive power and low emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140–228 kW (190–310 PS) | |
| Torque | 320–400 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Dual injection: Bosch HDEV6 direct + port (350 bar rail) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 11.7:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner or IHI) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | VW 508 00 / 509 00 (SAE 0W‑20) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The EA888 Gen 4 offers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for both urban and motorway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 508 00/509 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and turbo. The integrated exhaust manifold reduces warm-up time but increases thermal load on the cylinder head—proper coolant maintenance is essential. Use only E10-compatible premium unleaded (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended for high-output variants). The GPF demands regular highway driving to enable passive regeneration; frequent short trips may trigger active regen cycles or warning lights. HPFP longevity is tied to fuel quality and oil condition—avoid extended idling after hard driving.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 508 00 or 509 00 (0W-20) specification (VW TIS Lubricants Guide 2022). Not backward-compatible with 502/505 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2019–present models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Confirmed via real-driving emissions (RDE) testing.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 228 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (VW TIS Doc. 01‑9015).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑8884, 01‑8892, STB ST03‑21‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen EA888 Gen 4 was used across Volkswagen's Mk8/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared extensively within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Arteon and revised cooling in the Tiguan R—and from 2021 the Golf R adopted a 235 kW variant with enhanced oil cooling, creating minor interchange limits. Partnerships enabled use in Audi, 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 (VW TIS 01‑8884). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine code (e.g., 'DKZA') indicate displacement and output level. Gen 4 units feature a black plastic integrated exhaust manifold and a single twin-scroll turbo with an electrically actuated wastegate. Critical differentiation from Gen 3: Gen 4 uses dual injection (visible as two fuel rails) and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) in the exhaust. HPFP part number must match production date—units after 09/2021 use revised cam follower per VW STB ST03‑21‑09.
The EA888 Gen 4's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under high thermal load, with elevated incidence in performance variants (Golf R, Tiguan R). Volkswagen internal data from 2022 indicated a measurable increase in HPFP-related warranty claims for vehicles with >30,000 km under aggressive driving, while UK DVSA data shows low emissions failure rates due to robust GPF/EGR design. Extended idling after hard driving and incorrect oil specification accelerate HPFP and turbo degradation, making fluid discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2019–2024) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN EA888-GEN-4-2-0L-TSI.
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