The Volkswagen JB is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with 20 valves, variable intake timing (VVT), and multi‑point fuel injection. Output ranged from 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) with torque between 195–240 Nm, providing responsive performance and refined high‑rpm operation.
Fitted to the Golf IV R32, Bora, and New Beetle, the JB was engineered for sporty driving character with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through secondary air injection and catalytic converters, meeting Euro 3 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the variable intake cam phaser sprocket, highlighted in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 01‑08‑03. This stems from marginal oil flow under high thermal loads and extended oil change intervals. In 2003, VW revised the cam phaser design and updated oil specifications to improve durability.
Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen JB is a 1,984 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact performance models (2000–2005). It combines DOHC 20‑valve architecture with variable intake timing to deliver strong mid‑range torque and high‑rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, min. RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 20‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110–125 kW (150–170 PS) @ 6,000–6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 195–240 Nm @ 3,200–4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPI (multi‑point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with variable intake cam phaser | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The DOHC 20‑valve layout delivers crisp throttle response but demands strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/505 00 (5W‑40) oil to protect the variable cam phaser. Extended intervals or incorrect oil accelerate sprocket wear, leading to timing rattle and potential misfires. The Bosch Motronic system requires clean grounds and stable battery voltage to prevent idle instability. Post‑2003 engines feature a reinforced cam phaser per TSB 01‑08‑03; pre‑2003 units should be inspected for phaser play during timing service. Secondary air injection valves may clog over time, triggering emissions faults—cleaning or replacement restores compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 01‑08‑03). ACEA A3/B4 oils are acceptable if VW‑approved.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2005 JB engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Higher outputs (125 kW) apply to R32 applications with sport exhaust (Volkswagen PT‑2003).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑A‑215, 01‑B‑089
Volkswagen Workshop Manual Golf IV (2000–2005)
Volkswagen ETK Parts Catalogue (2002)
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
The Volkswagen JB was used across Volkswagen's Golf IV/Bora platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the R32 and revised intake manifolds in the New Beetle—and from 2003 the updated cam phaser system improved durability, creating minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the cylinder head near the exhaust manifold flange (Volkswagen TIS 01‑A‑215). The code 'JB' appears as a raised cast mark followed by the serial number. Visual identification: JB engines feature a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 20V' embossing and a variable cam phaser on the intake cam. Differentiate from earlier AGZ/ARX engines by displacement (1,984 cc vs. 1,781 cc) and from BHW TDI by fuel system and exhaust routing. Pre-2003 units have a smooth cam phaser housing; post-2003 models show ribbed reinforcement per TSB 01‑08‑03.
The JB's primary reliability risk is variable cam phaser sprocket wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 10,000 km oil intervals. Internal VW quality reports from 2004 noted timing rattle complaints in pre‑2003 builds, while UK DVLA historic data shows increased cam‑correlation faults in high‑mileage examples. Thermal stress and infrequent oil changes accelerate phaser degradation, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2000–2005) and UK DVLA historic vehicle failure patterns (2005–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN JB.
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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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