The Volkswagen WN Petrol is a 1,598 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features multi‑point fuel injection (MPI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 16‑valve configuration. In standard form it delivered 77 kW (105 PS) at 5,600 rpm with 153 Nm of torque at 3,800 rpm, prioritizing reliability and serviceability over performance.
Fitted to entry‑level variants of the Mk5 Golf, Mk4 Jetta, and Polo Classic, the WN Petrol was engineered for cost‑effective ownership and ease of maintenance in global markets. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter and electronic engine management, allowing all units to meet Euro 4 standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobes in high‑mileage applications, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Bulletin 2009‑06‑12. This issue is linked to marginal oil film strength under extended oil change intervals. From 2010, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated valve spring rates were introduced to improve durability.
Volkswagen
Production years 2006–2013 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Volkswagen WN Petrol is a 1,598 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engineered for compact and entry-level vehicles (2006–2013). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC valvetrain to deliver predictable throttle response and straightforward maintenance. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it emphasizes durability and cost-effective operation over high output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 86.9 mm | |
| Power output | 77 kW (105 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 153 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MPI (multi-point injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; durable design) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The naturally aspirated layout provides linear power delivery and minimal complexity but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 oil to protect camshaft lobes. Extended intervals or incorrect viscosity can accelerate lobe wear, particularly in stop-start urban use. The MPI system avoids direct-injection carbon issues but remains sensitive to low-quality fuel affecting injector spray patterns. Post-2010 engines feature hardened camshafts per Volkswagen SIB 2009‑06‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 specification (Volkswagen SIB 2009‑06‑12). Not interchangeable with ACEA A3/B4 alone.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2013 WN Petrol engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 95 fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. V-6701).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-6621, V-6625, SIB 2009‑06‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Volkswagen WN Petrol was used across Volkswagen's Mk4/Mk5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Škoda for select emerging-market applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Polo Classic and modified exhaust manifolds in the Golf—and from 2010 the facelifted Jetta adopted updated camshaft metallurgy, 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 filler neck (Volkswagen TIS V-6630). The full code reads 'WN' followed by a production sequence. Pre-2010 units use camshaft part number 036 109 021 A; post-2010 use 036 109 021 C with hardened lobes. Critical differentiation from BLM/BTS engines: WN has black plastic intake manifold without variable intake flaps and uses a single coil pack (not individual coils). Service parts require production date verification—camshaft kits for engines before 04/2010 are incompatible with later units due to lobe profile and spring rate changes (Volkswagen SIB 2009‑06‑12).
The WN Petrol's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven vehicles. Volkswagen internal data from 2011 indicated a notable share of pre-2010 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show elevated misfire-related MOT advisories in city-driven examples. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel increase lobe stress, making oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2008–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN WN.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with VOLKSWAGEN or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
VOLKSWAGEN Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialVOLKSWAGEN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
