The Volkswagen VR6 3.6L is a 3,597 cc, narrow-angle (10.6°) V6 petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2018. It features a single cylinder head, dual overhead camshafts, and variable valve timing on the intake side. In standard applications it delivers 184–220 kW (250–300 PS) with torque ranging from 350–365 Nm, offering smooth, linear power ideal for performance-oriented sedans and SUVs.
Fitted to models such as the Passat B6/B7, Golf R32 Mk5/Mk6, Eos, Tiguan Mk1, and Scirocco R, the VR6 3.6L was engineered for refined high-output performance with minimal vibration. Emissions compliance was achieved through port fuel injection, secondary air injection, and a three-way catalytic converter, allowing adherence to Euro 4 and Euro 5 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner and guide rails, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin ST01‑10‑12. This issue is attributed to thermal cycling and marginal lubrication at the upper chain path. From 2012, revised tensioner materials and updated guide rail geometry were introduced to improve durability.
Volkswagen
Production years 2006–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2018 models meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Volkswagen VR6 3.6L is a 3,597 cc narrow-angle V6 petrol engine engineered for mid-size and performance VW models (2006–2018). It combines a single-cylinder-head architecture with dual overhead camshafts and variable intake timing to deliver smooth, high-revving power. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with drivability and refinement.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,597 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Narrow-angle V6 (10.6°), DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 96.4 mm | |
| Power output | 184–220 kW (250–300 PS) | |
| Torque | 350–365 Nm @ 2,400–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point port injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.5) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2009); Euro 5 (2010–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; dual-stage tensioner) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The VR6 3.6L provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or 12-month oil change intervals using VW 502 00 (5W-40) oil to protect the timing chain system. Extended oil intervals accelerate tensioner and guide rail wear, especially in stop-start urban use. Use only RON 95 minimum (RON 98 recommended for R models). The engine’s compact V-layout minimizes vibration but demands precise valve clearance checks every 60,000 km. Revised timing components introduced in 2012 significantly improved longevity—pre-2012 units should be inspected per VW STB ST01‑10‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W-40) specification (VW TIS Lubricants Guide 2018). Not compatible with 0W-20 or Longlife oils.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2009 models; Euro 5 applies to 2010–2018 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. 220 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (VW TIS Doc. 01‑3630).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑3601, 01‑3605, STB ST01‑10‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Volkswagen VR6 3.6L was used across Volkswagen's B6/5P platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Golf R32 and revised cooling in the Tiguan—and from 2011 the Scirocco R adopted a 220 kW variant with enhanced oil cooling, creating minor interchange limits. 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 01‑3601). The engine code begins with 'BLV', 'BUB', or 'CDGA'—'BLV' denotes 250 PS, 'BUB' 265 PS, and 'CDGA' 300 PS. Visual identification: all VR6 3.6L units feature a single aluminum cylinder head spanning both banks and a distinctive intake manifold with six individual runners. Critical differentiation from 2.8L VR6: 3.6L uses four cam lobes per cylinder (24 total) and larger bore. Timing chain kits are production-date sensitive—pre-2012 and post-2012 tensioners are not interchangeable per VW STB ST01‑10‑12.
The VR6 3.6L's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner and guide rail wear, with elevated incidence in pre-2012 builds under urban driving conditions. Volkswagen internal data from 2013 indicated a measurable increase in timing-related warranty claims for vehicles with >80,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows low emissions failure rates due to robust catalytic converter design. Extended oil intervals and incorrect oil specification accelerate chain system degradation, making fluid discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2006–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN VR6-3-6L.
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