The Volkswagen KR is a 1,588 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1975 and 1983. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and Bosch L‑Jetronic fuel injection in later variants. In standard form it delivered 66 kW (90 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 128 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, offering improved drivability over carburetted predecessors.
Fitted to models such as the Golf Mk1 (Rabbit in North America), Scirocco Mk1, and Jetta Mk1, the KR was engineered for responsive performance and smooth cruising in compact applications. Emissions compliance was achieved through electronic fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing adherence to Euro predecessor standards under German TÜV and UK VCA frameworks.
One documented concern is premature wear of the camshaft lobe and tappet assembly, particularly in high‑mileage or infrequently serviced units. This issue, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 01‑07‑1981, stems from marginal oil flow at the cam followers under sustained high‑rpm use. From 1980 onward, revised cam profiles and hardened tappets were introduced to mitigate this wear pattern.
Volkswagen
Production years 1975–1983 meet pre‑Euro emissions standards under national type approvals (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Volkswagen KR is a 1,588 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupes (1975–1983). It combines Bosch L‑Jetronic fuel injection with SOHC valvetrain to deliver linear throttle response and reliable urban performance. Designed to meet pre‑Euro national emissions standards, it balances spirited driving with mechanical simplicity.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 128 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch L‑Jetronic electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (national type approval) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 500 00 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The SOHC design provides predictable throttle response but requires regular valve clearance checks every 15,000 km to maintain performance and prevent tappet noise. VW 500 00 (10W‑40) oil is critical due to its compatibility with the hydraulic tappet system and cam lubrication requirements. Extended high‑rpm operation without adequate warm‑up can accelerate cam lobe wear. Bosch L‑Jetronic components demand stable battery voltage and clean grounds; degraded sensors often cause lean misfires. Post‑1980 engines include hardened camshafts per SIB 01‑07‑1981 and should be prioritized for longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 500 00 (10W-40) specification (Volkswagen SIB 01‑07‑1981). Equivalent ACEA A3/B3 oils acceptable if VW 500 00 unavailable.
Emissions: Pre-Euro national emissions standards apply (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). No Euro classification existed during production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dyno per Volkswagen Group PT‑1982.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M112‑KR, KR‑1588‑75
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
Volkswagen Service Information Bulletin 01‑07‑1981
The Volkswagen KR was used across Volkswagen's A1 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Golf GTI and modified exhaust manifolds in the Scirocco-and from 1980 the facelifted Jetta adopted updated cam profiles, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat boss at the rear of the crankcase near the transmission flange (Volkswagen TIS M112‑KR). The 4th and 5th digits of the engine number indicate displacement and variant ('KR' confirms 1.6L fuel-injected). Early KR engines (pre-1980) have silver valve covers and a single vacuum line to the distributor; post-1980 units use black valve covers and revised distributor advance curves. Critical differentiation from carburetted EA827 variants: KR uses a Bosch airflow meter and injector rail. Engine mounts and exhaust manifolds differ between Golf and Scirocco—verify part numbers via ETKA before interchange.
The KR's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-RPM or track use. Volkswagen internal quality data from 1981 noted cam failures in a notable share of pre-1980 engines before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA historical records associate valve-train noise with neglected service intervals. Infrequent oil changes and extended warm-up idling increase cam stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1978–1983) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN KR.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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