EA360 or VW VR6 engines

The family of 6-cylinder Volkswagen VR6 EA360 engines was produced from 1991 to 2010 and was installed on charged versions of popular concern models such as Golf, Passat, Sharan. These power units are usually divided into three different lines according to their working volumes.

Engines EA360 VR6 2.8 liters

In 1991, the then-unusual VR-class engine made its debut on the Passat and Corrado. The novelty was a V-shaped power unit with a small camber of only 15 degrees, thanks to which it became possible to use a single block head.

In all other respects, this is a fairly typical engine for its time with a cast-iron block and an aluminum cylinder head, a timing chain drive and injection with a Motronic M2.9 ECU. The big advantage was the compactness of the engine, which allowed it to be mounted transversely.

The first models were equipped with a 12-valve cylinder head, but then 24-valve counterparts appeared:

  • AAA (174 hp & 235 Nm);
  • AES (140 hp & 240 Nm);
  • AMY (174 hp & 235 Nm);
  • AFP (177 hp & 245 Nm);
  • AYL (204 hp & 265 Nm);
  • AQP (204 hp & 270 Nm);
  • AUE (204 hp & 270 Nm);
  • BDE (204 hp & 270 Nm).

Engines EA360 VR6 2.9 liters

In the same year, an even more powerful power unit with a volume of 2.9 liters was introduced. This motor was distinguished by an increased intake and throttle, as well as the Motronic M3.8.1 ECU. A Pierburg VSR variable geometry intake manifold was offered as a separate option.

There was only one such engine, but in two different power options:

  • ABV (184 / 190 hp & 245 Nm).

Engines EA360 VR6 3.2 liters

In 2002, the fourth Golf received a charged version of the R32 with a 3.2-liter engine. It was a significantly updated VR6 unit with a phase control system with a capacity of 240 hp. The engine was very widespread, it was also installed on the Touareg SUV and on a number of Audi models, for example, the popular TT sports coupe was equipped with it until 2010.

This time there were a lot of different versions, we list only the most famous of them:

  • AZZ (220 hp & 305 Nm);
  • AXJ (224 hp & 320 Nm);
  • BMX (241 hp & 310 Nm);
  • BFH (241 hp & 320 Nm);
  • BML (241 hp & 320 Nm);
  • BDB (250 hp & 320 Nm);
  • BMJ (250 hp & 320 Nm);
  • BUB (250 hp & 320 Nm).

And such a power unit was installed on the Porsche Cayenne crossover under the symbol M02.2Y.

In 2005, the second-generation EA390 VR6 engine appeared, equipped with FSI direct injection, and since the first-born of the series was a 3.2-liter power unit, some confusion arose. You can distinguish them by the working volume: 3189 cm³ for the first generation or 3168 cm³ for the second.

Engine Volkswagen AAA

The 2.8-liter injection engine Volkswagen AAA 2.8 VR6 was produced from 1991 to 1998 and was installed on charged versions of such models as Golf, Jetta, Passat or Sharan. This motor is considered the ancestor of the company’s VR-shaped powertrain family.

Engine Volkswagen AQP

The 2.8-liter 24-valve Volkswagen AQP 2.8 VR6 engine was assembled from 1999 to 2002 and was installed only on charged versions of the Golf 4 and the Bora sedan similar to it. This power unit, after a slight modernization, received a completely different AUE index.

Engine Volkswagen ABV

The 2.9-liter Volkswagen ABV 2.9 VR6 gasoline engine was produced from 1991 to 1997 and was installed on powerful modifications of the third generation Golf, Corrado and Passat station wagon. This power unit was essentially a bored version of the well-known motor with the AAA index.

Engine Volkswagen BUB

The 3.2-liter injection engine Volkswagen BUB 3.2 VR6 was produced from 2005 to 2010 and was installed on charged versions of the R32 Golf and Eos models, as well as the Audi A3 or TT coupe. Some confuse such a motor with a similarly sized VR6 FSI unit of the EA390 family.

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