The Volkswagen YP is a 1,781 cc, inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 8 valves, and electronic fuel injection via Bosch Motronic. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) and 166 Nm of torque, prioritising fuel efficiency and low-cost maintenance over performance.
Fitted primarily to entry-level variants of the Golf Mk4, Bora, and Polo Classic, the YP engine was engineered for urban commuting and light-duty use with modest power delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the exhaust cam lobe due to marginal lubrication under sustained high-load conditions. This issue, referenced in Volkswagen internal field reports and later addressed via revised camshaft metallurgy from mid‑2003, primarily affected early-build engines used in warmer climates or with infrequent oil changes.
Volkswagen
All production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421).
The Volkswagen YP is a 1,781 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact models (2000–2005). It combines SOHC 8‑valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver economical urban driving and straightforward serviceability. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances low running costs with adequate torque for city and highway use.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,781 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 86.4 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 166 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME3.8.3 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven SOHC with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 10W‑40 or 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve layout offers robust simplicity and low maintenance costs but delivers modest performance, making it ideal for city driving. Strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes is essential to prevent cam lobe wear, especially in hot climates or stop-start use. VW 502 00 specification oil (10W-40 or 5W-40) ensures adequate film strength for the camshaft and hydraulic lifters. The timing belt must be replaced every 90,000 km or 6 years per OEM schedule to avoid catastrophic interference damage. Early engines (pre-06/2003) benefit from camshaft upgrades if high-mileage operation is anticipated.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 specification (Volkswagen SB 2003‑12). ACEA A3/B3 oils are acceptable only if VW-approved.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all YP production years (2000–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3421). No Euro 4 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on dyno per Volkswagen PT‑2004.
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2001, SB 2003‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/3421)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen YP was used across Volkswagen's Mk4 and 6N2 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Bora and modified exhaust manifolds in the Polo Classic—and from mid-2003 the Golf Mk4 received updated camshafts with improved surface hardening, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the transmission flange (Volkswagen TIS 01‑2001). The 4th and 5th VIN digits indicate engine family ('YP' corresponds to 'AU' or 'BV' in VIN positions 4–5). Pre-2003 models use standard camshafts with single-hardness lobes; post-2003 units feature dual-hardness camshafts. Critical differentiation from AUM/AGG: YP is 8-valve SOHC with no variable timing, whereas AUM is 20V DOHC. Timing belt kits are interchangeable across years, but camshafts require production date verification per Volkswagen SB 2003‑12.
The YP's primary reliability risk is exhaust cam lobe wear, with elevated incidence in high-temperature or high-mileage applications. Internal Volkswagen field data from 2003 indicated a measurable rate of cam failure before 180,000 km in southern European markets, while UK DVSA MOT records show timing belt neglect as a recurring cause of engine seizure. Extended oil change intervals and use of non-spec oil increase cam wear risk, making correct oil specification and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2002–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN YP.
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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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