You’ll hear VWs referred to by chassis (A1, A3, B4, etc.). This code refers to both the size of the platform, with A being the smallest in the US, B the next size, and there are also larger platforms (like the Phaeton) that are not TDIs here. The number refers to the generation of the car, 1 being first generation, 2 second, and so on. So an A1 is the smallest platform sold in the US and the first generation. This was the 1975-1984 Rabbit.
VW has sold a lot of platforms and generations here, but only a few with TDIs. Here’s a guide to the platforms and engines in VW TDIs in North America. There are two basic engine types, rotary pump and PD (Pumpe Deuse). The engine codes for each platform are also listed below.
VW A3 Platform
Models:
- Jetta TDI in model years 1997, 1998, and first half of 1999.
These are all rotary pump cars, mostly with engine code AHU. Some early A3s (1997 only) have a very similar engine with the code 1Z. With the exception of some internal engine parts the AHU and 1Z engine components are interchangeable. All have manual transmissions.
VW Jetta, Golf & New Beetle – A4 Platform
Models:
- Jetta sedan TDI from model year 1999.5 through the first half of 2005
- New Beetle from 1998 to 2006
- Jetta Wagon TDI from 2002 to 2005 (2006 in Canada)
- Golf TDI from 1999.5 through 2006.
All A4 models switched to Pumpe Deuse (PD) engines from model year 2004 on.
Engine Codes:
- 1999.5-2003: Rotary engine code ALH
2004-2005 Jetta, 2004-2006 Golf and New Beetle, Pumpe Deuse engine code BEW.
VW Jetta – A5 Plaform
Models & Engines:
- Jetta Sedan from 2005.5 – 2006, Engine Code BRM (1.9L “Pumpe-Deuse”)
- Jetta Sedan 2009-2010, Engine Code CBEA or CJAA (2.0L common rail)
- Sportwagen 2009-2010, Engine Code CBEA or CJAA (2.0L common rail)
The A5 was produced in 2005 and 2006, had a special including special ‘diesel’ edition Jetta in late 2006. Some of these cars are actually 2007 model year cars sold as 2006s. The 2005.5 and 2006 cars all have Pumpe Deuse engines with code BRM. There were no TDIs sold in the US in model years 2007 or 2008. The 2009 “Clean Diesel” is a Common Rail engine with code CBEA or CJAA.
VW MkVI – Golf & Sportwagen
New, Darkened Headlight Design
The MkVI Golf was introduced in 2010. Though it greatly shared components from the A5 platform Jetta and Rabbit, it is instantly recognizable by its new front-end and headlights design. This front end is shared by the 2011 and up Sportwagen as well.
Models & Features
- 2010+ Golf TDI, Engine Code CJAA (2.0L, “clean diesel” common-rail TDI)
- 2011+ Sportwagen TDI, Engine Code CJAA (also referred to as the Jetta Sportwagen or Golf Sportwagen)
MkVI Jetta – 2011 All New Model
2011 VW Jetta Front
In 2011 VW introduced an all-new Jetta that did not share its platform with the Golf. Rather, it was build on VW’s “New Mid-Size”, or NMS, platform. The 2011 Jetta TDI was available with the same 2.0L common-rail, “clean diesel” TDI (engine code CJAA) as the MkVI Golf.
VW Passat – B4 Platform
Models:
- Passat TDI sedan and wagon, model years 1996 and 1997.
All B4 Passats have engine code 1Z. These were the first TDIs sold in the US. These cars also all have manual transmissions.
VW Passat – B5.5 Platform
Models:
- Passat TDI sedan and wagon, model years 2004 and 2005.
The B5 Passat was sold from 1998-2001. The B5.5 was introduced in 2001.5, but didn’t have a diesel in the US until 2004. All B5.5 Passats have a 2.0 liter Pumpe Deuse engine with code BHW. All are automatics.
There are VW sales figures that show that two 1999, B5 Passat sedans, both GLX trim level, both with 4motion and tiptronic, were sold in the US. These were reported to be the 1.9 VE motor, probably a variation of the ALH that was in the A4.
One B5 TDI was seen at a dealer-only auction by a knowledgeable used TDI dealer, but no photos or other “hard” evidence has ever been verified of these two (or three as the rumor has it) examples.
There are also reports that a similar number (fewer than five) A3 TDI Golf were imported and sold in Canada and US.
One of these legends is owned by a TDI guru in Minnesota: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=291294
Wasn’t there a MK designation where A4=MK5?
Since when was this no longer being used?
I’ve read some folks refer to the “A” platform and “MK”, and as far as I know they are interchangeable, at least as it matters to us in the US.
I have deducted, but may be wrong, that the “A” designation is used only for a North American designation, whereas the “MK” designation is used throughout most the rest of the world. The “A” designation wouldn’t make since in Europe and Asia where the Jetta/Golf/Beetle platform is not the smallest platform, whereas in North America, it is the smallest platform.
I’m only a recent VW owner and fan, so I’m by no means an epert on the history platform designations.
Refering to the A5. I’ve noticed on here that there is a choice of “early edition” and “late edition” that applies only when ordering a fuel filter or a filter pack that includes the fuel filter. Does anyone on here know if there are any other differences and when this change took place. Mine is an “early edition” because I get the older-style fuel filter, but that’s all I know about this matter.
You might also mention the transmission choices for the Mk5 TDI. Somebody please confirm, but I believe the early Mk5 BRM motor came with 5 spd manual or 6 spd DSG (paddle shifters?), and the ’09+ CBEA comes with 6 spd manual or 6 spd DSG (no paddles). Great write-up!
hi my name is wadhah
I have vw golf imported from austirea
the motor is 1,9 TDI with 90 hp
how can I icrease the power wiout problems . like smook or the overheat insde the combastion chembar
Get the Bully Dog chip, it is adjustable, and you get power plus milage. You do not need a muffler as the turbo chops up the sound waves. The stock muffler is very restricted.
Also questions like this might be best directed to one of the catagories here rather than the section to identify which platform it is or to the long standing enthusiast club of tdiclub.com.
Personally i suggest rocketchip.com they guy really knows his stuff if your considering a chip mod of any kind. Otherwise for a 1.9 tdi there are many mods that can be done normally if you go with bigger nozzels smoke will increase sometimes not a lot but it depends a lot on the nozzles.
The “A” and “B” are internal VW platform designations, like the old air cooled Type 1, Type 3, etc.
CBEA intake & exhaust on front(intake) and ex.& turbo on top in back. Are port spaceing the same?? If so,could I use my custom tube ex. manifold & turbo back ex. from my ALH motor on my 2010 CBEA??
I have VW Golf TDI 1900cc . Was manufactured in year 2000 in Germany. The Machine Code is AGR. Can you say me what is the corresponding code in America.
Hi ; i’m joe with a ‘o5.5 on A5 plaform automatic,do they have trouble with the flywheel?It’s got 69000mileson the TDI an I’ve been told the rattle I hear is the flywheel.
Joe – yes, the DSG automatic transmission has been experiencing flywheel failure. The replacement flywheel is part number 03G105266BE, also available at IDParts.com – DSG Flywheel.