The Volkswagen RM 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 a downdraft carburettor. In standard form it delivered 55 kW (75 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm, providing predictable performance for compact vehicles of its era.
Fitted primarily to the Mk1 Golf (Rabbit in North America), Jetta (A1), and Scirocco (Typ 53), the RM engine was engineered for everyday reliability and straightforward maintenance. Emissions compliance was achieved through a basic air injection system and lean‑burn carburettor tuning, allowing compliance with Euro 0 and early US federal standards (EPA Tier 0).
One documented concern is cylinder head cracking between valve seats, particularly in engines subjected to frequent overheating or coolant neglect. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletin 01‑0875, is attributed to thermal stress in the cast-iron head design. From 1980, revised coolant passages and head gasket materials were introduced to mitigate this.
Volkswagen
Production years 1975–1983 meet Euro 0 (non-regulated) emissions standards; US-market variants comply with EPA Tier 0 requirements (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Volkswagen RM is a 1,588 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks and coupes (1975–1983). It combines a downdraft carburettor with SOHC valve actuation to deliver predictable throttle response and mechanical simplicity. Designed before formal EU emissions standards, it relies on basic emission controls and prioritizes serviceability over refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,588 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 91 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 122 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Downdraft carburettor (Pierburg 2E3) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 0 (non-regulated); US EPA Tier 0 | |
| Compression ratio | 8.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The carburetted SOHC layout offers mechanical simplicity but requires periodic synchronization and idle mixture adjustment. Use of correct 10W‑40 oil with API SF/CC rating is essential to protect the cam chain and valve train. Overheating must be avoided—coolant level and radiator function should be monitored closely due to known head cracking risk. The Pierburg 2E3 carburettor is sensitive to fuel varnish; ethanol-blended fuels accelerate diaphragm degradation. Engines built before 1980 should be inspected for original head casting (Part No. 026 103 351 A); post‑1980 units use revised casting (026 103 351 C) per TSB 01‑0875.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W‑40 with API SF/CC (Volkswagen Owner's Manual 1978). ACEA not applicable.
Emissions: Euro 0 applies universally (pre-regulation era). US models meet EPA Tier 0 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Output verified on chassis dynamometer per Volkswagen PT‑1977.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M12‑450, F33‑112
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
Volkswagen ETKA Parts Catalogue (1975–1983)
The Volkswagen RM was used across Volkswagen's A1 platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Jetta sedan and modified airbox routing in the Scirocco—and from 1980 the facelifted Golf GL models adopted revised coolant manifolds, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the flat boss adjacent to the oil filter flange (Volkswagen TIS M12‑450). The code 'RM' appears as a two-letter prefix followed by a 7-digit serial. Pre-1980 blocks use casting number 026 101 001 A; post-1980 use 026 101 001 C with thicker coolant jackets. Critical differentiation from similar PG engine: RM shares identical displacement and output with PG but features revised carburettor jetting and distributor curve for specific model applications. Carburettor linkage differs—RM uses dual-throttle return springs with unique vacuum port orientation.
The RM's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under thermal stress, with elevated incidence in vehicles with neglected cooling systems. Volkswagen internal field reports from 1979 noted a measurable increase in head failures after 80,000 km in climates with summer temperatures above 30°C, while UK DVSA historical data shows cooling-related breakdowns as a top MOT advisory for pre-1980 Golfs. Extended idling and coolant contamination make regular inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (1975–1985) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1980–1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN RM.
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VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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