The Volkswagen ZB is a 1,498 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a single twin‑scroll turbocharger, delivering 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm of torque. The compact EA211 architecture enables high specific output while maintaining low weight and efficient packaging for transverse applications.
Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf, Passat B8, and Škoda Superb, the ZB was engineered for responsive daily driving with strong mid‑range torque and low CO₂ emissions. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified lean‑burn operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a close‑coupled three‑way catalytic converter, allowing Euro 6 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2017‑12. Insufficient lubricity in low‑sulfur petrol accelerates wear on the hardened cam lobe interface, leading to HPFP failure and hard starts. Revised cam followers with improved surface treatment were introduced in 2016.
Volkswagen
All production years (2013–2020) meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342).
The Volkswagen ZB is a 1,498 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and midsize transverse platforms (2013–2020). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑end torque and efficient urban and highway driving. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,498 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 85.9 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV5, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin‑scroll (Honeywell GT1249V) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 (SAE 5W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The twin‑scroll turbo provides strong low‑rpm torque ideal for mixed driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00 (5W‑40) to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. Due to direct injection only, intake valves are prone to carbon fouling—intake cleaning every 80,000 km is recommended. Use 95 RON minimum fuel; 98 RON improves knock margin and HPFP longevity. The cam follower for the high‑pressure fuel pump is wear‑sensitive; post‑2016 engines use an upgraded follower (part 04E 109 309 C) per SIB 2017‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 (5W‑40) specification (Volkswagen TIS Doc. ZB‑05E). Not compatible with Longlife or ACEA C3 oils.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2013–2020 ZB models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9342).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output requires 95 RON minimum fuel (Volkswagen TIS Doc. ZB‑06F).
Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ZB‑01A, ZB‑02B, ZB‑05E, SIB 2017‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9342)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Volkswagen ZB was used across Volkswagen's Mk7 Golf and Passat B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared across the VW Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Passat and unique exhaust manifolds in the Golf—and from 2016 the updated cam follower design created minor service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Volkswagen TIS ZB‑ID‑01). The 7th VIN digit is 'Z' for ZB-equipped models. Visual identification: black plastic intake manifold with “1.5 TSI” badge, single exhaust outlet, and twin‑scroll turbo visible from the front. Critical differentiation from EA211 1.4 TSI (CZDA): ZB uses a 1,498 cc displacement and lacks cylinder deactivation. Service parts require production date verification—cam followers before 01/2016 use part number 04E 109 309 A; later units use 04E 109 309 C (Volkswagen SIB 2017‑12).
The ZB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-lubricity fuel or extended oil intervals. Internal Volkswagen field data from 2018 indicated over 20% of pre-2016 ZB engines required HPFP or cam follower replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show misfire-related MOT failures linked to fuel system faults in high-mileage examples. Fuel quality and oil maintenance are critical to prevent premature wear.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2017–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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