The 2.0-liter VW CRLB or Passat B8 2.0 TDI diesel engine has been produced since 2012 and is installed on such popular models as the Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Superb, Audi A3. This motor was one of the first representatives of the transverse EA288 series.
2.0 TDI EA288 family: CRLB, CRMB, DBGC, DFGA, DFBA, DAUA, CRBC, DBGA, CUVC, DFHA, CRVC, CKFC, CUPA, CVCA, CYKA, CUNA, CUUB, CUWA, DFCA, CUAA, DFFA, DFSD, DLUB.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 1968 |
| Fuel system | Common Rail |
| Power output, hp | 150 |
| Torque output, Nm | 340 |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 81 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 95.5 |
| Compression ratio | 16.2 |
| Features | DOHC |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | belt |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | Mahle BM70B |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.6 |
| Fuel type | diesel |
| Euro standards | EURO 5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Volkswagen Passat 2015) — city — highway — combined |
5.4 4.2 4.6 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~320 000 |
| Weight, kg | 180 |
The engine was installed on:
- Audi A3 3 (8V) in 2012 – 2018;
- Skoda Superb 3 (3V) since 2015;
- Volkswagen Golf 7 (5G) in 2012 – 2020;
- Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan 1 (AM) in 2014 – 2017;
- Volkswagen Passat B8 (3G) in 2014 – 2019.
Disadvantages of the VW CRLB engine
- Fuel equipment does not tolerate bad fuel, and repairs are expensive;
- As in any modern diesel engine, the EGR valve quickly clogs with soot;
- According to the regulations, the belt is changed every 210,000 km, but the pump often gives up earlier;
- Use oil with VW 507.00 approval or the particulate filter will not last long.
Frequently asked questions about the Volkswagen CRLB
How much power does the Volkswagen CRLB make?
The Volkswagen CRLB develops 150 hp and 340 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Volkswagen CRLB take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.6 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Volkswagen CRLB have a timing belt or chain?
The Volkswagen CRLB uses a timing belt.
Is the Volkswagen CRLB turbocharged?
Yes, the Volkswagen CRLB is turbocharged (Mahle BM70B).
Does the Volkswagen CRLB need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Volkswagen CRLB has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Volkswagen CRLB last?
The typical lifespan of the Volkswagen CRLB is ~320 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Volkswagen CRLB?
Volkswagen Passat 2015: city 5.4, highway 4.2, combined 4.6 L/100 km.
What cars was the Volkswagen CRLB installed on?
Audi A3 3 (8V) in 2012 - 2018; Skoda Superb 3 (3V) since 2015; Volkswagen Golf 7 (5G) in 2012 - 2020; Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan 1 (AM) in 2014 - 2017; Volkswagen Passat B8 (3G) in 2014 - 2019.
What are the common problems of the Volkswagen CRLB?
Fuel equipment does not tolerate bad fuel, and repairs are expensive. As in any modern diesel engine, the EGR valve quickly clogs with soot. All known problems.






My VW Passat 2 litre diesel TDi Bluemotion 2015 UK model has just had oil change. I have researched several sites on oil capacity with oil filter that range from under 5 litres to over 5 litres. I supplied 6 litres of MUTOL X Clean plus just in case! The outcome was that 5.5 litres was used. So now I want to know what vw EA288 would take 5.5 litres? The garage simply said that “oil is funny stuff”. Did they actually use the 5 litre MUTOL?