The Volkswagen EV is a 1,588 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and a downdraft carburettor or early fuel injection depending on market. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) and 123 Nm of torque, engineered for dependable urban mobility and modest highway performance.
Fitted to models such as the Mk1 Golf, Mk1 Jetta, and Mk2 Passat—including the 1.6 L variants—the EV was engineered for fuel-efficient daily transport and mechanical simplicity. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), catalytic converters (on later models), and lean-burn tuning, meeting Euro 1-equivalent standards under national regulations of the era.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobes and hydraulic tappets, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 1979‑04. This issue stems from marginal oil pressure at idle and inconsistent metallurgy in early production batches. From 1980, Volkswagen introduced revised camshaft hardening and updated tappet materials to improve durability.
Volkswagen
All EV production years (1975–1983) comply with national emissions regulations equivalent to pre-Euro standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0876).
The Volkswagen EV is a 1,588 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact models (1975–1983). It combines a simple SOHC valvetrain with carburettor or early Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver reliable low-cost motoring. Designed to meet pre-Euro emissions norms, it prioritizes serviceability and mechanical robustness over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) | |
| Torque | 123 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 32/34 PICT carburettor or Bosch L-Jetronic | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro (national standards) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 500 00 (SAE 10W‑40 mineral) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The EV delivers modest performance ideal for city driving but requires regular valve clearance checks (if equipped with solid lifters) or tappet inspection (hydraulic variants). Use of correct 10W‑40 mineral oil per VW 500 00 is essential to maintain camshaft lubrication, especially during extended idling. Carburettor models need periodic jet cleaning and float adjustment; L-Jetronic versions demand intact vacuum lines and functional oxygen sensors. Cam lobe wear is most common in pre-1980 units—post-1980 engines include hardened camshafts per SIB 1979‑04. Cooling system integrity is critical due to narrow coolant passages.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 500 00 (10W-40 mineral) specification (Volkswagen SIB 1979‑04). Synthetic oils not recommended for early hydraulic tappet systems.
Emissions: Pre-Euro compliance under national regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/0876). No formal Euro standard existed during production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent with 91 RON petrol (Volkswagen TIS Doc. 055‑1100).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 055‑1001, 055‑1025, SIB 1979‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/0876)
DIN 70020: Motor vehicle power measurement
The Volkswagen EV was used across Volkswagen's Mk1 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Jetta and revised cooling in the Passat—and from 1980 the updated EVX variant introduced minor camshaft and carburettor changes, creating interchange limits. Group synergy allowed limited use in Audi derivatives with identical core architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the crankcase near the oil dipstick tube (Volkswagen TIS 055‑1001). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('5' for 1.6L EA827). EV units feature a black rocker cover with no electronic throttle. Critical differentiation from later EX engines: EV uses mechanical fuel pump and points ignition (early) or L-Jetronic with analog ECU; EX uses Digifant with digital ignition. Camshaft production date is critical—pre-01/1980 units prone to lobe wear per SIB 1979‑04.
The EV's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear in early production units, with elevated incidence in high-idle or stop-start urban use. Volkswagen internal quality reports (1980) indicated cam replacement rates exceeding 15% before 80,000 km in fleet vehicles, while UK DVLA historic data shows cooling system leaks as a frequent MOT advisory item. Infrequent oil changes and use of incorrect viscosity accelerate cam and tappet wear, making oil specification and service discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1983) and UK DVLA/DVSA historical failure data (1980–2000). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN EV.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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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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