Reconditioned SEAT Ibiza Gearbox

The Ibiza's gearbox family changed with every generation between 2002 and 2021

Two decades of production brought clear-cut breaks: the Ibiza III (2002–2008) fitted 5-speed manuals across virtually all its engine variants, from small naturally aspirated units to the 1.4 TDI and 1.9 TDI diesels. The Ibiza IV (2008–2017) broadened the range with the arrival of new-generation TSI and TDI units — 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.2 TDI — and introduced the DSG 7 on the 1.4 TSI and certain 1.6 versions. The Ibiza V (2017–2021), built on the MQB A0 platform, rationalised the line-up around the 1.0 TSI with a 5-speed manual and the 1.6 TDI, with the 2.0 TDI in 6-speed reserved for the Cupra version.

Engine codes: the only way to tell apart engines that look identical

The 1.2 is a perfect example of the pitfall: that single designation covers codes such as AZQ, BME, BXW, CGGB, each linked to a different gearbox reference. Likewise, the 1.4 TDI comes in AMF, BNM, BNV or BMS depending on power output and year of manufacture, and the 1.9 TDI spans ATD, AXR, ASZ and BLT — with the more powerful versions moving to 6-speed. On TSI units, CBZA and CBZB (1.2 TSI) accept either a 5-speed or a 6-speed depending on the variant. The engine code stamped on the block is essential for identifying the correct unit.

DSG 7 on the Ibiza: fitted to two engine variants only, without mechatronic unit

The DSG 7 (DQ200) is fitted to the 1.4 TSI (codes CAVE, CTHE, CTJC) and to certain 1.6 variants. It is supplied with a new dual-clutch but without the mechatronic unit: this electrohydraulic module, frequently implicated in the faults reported on this gearbox, must be dealt with separately. The manual versions — whether 5-speed or 6-speed — cover all other diesel and petrol engine variants, from the 1.0 naturally aspirated to the 2.0 TDI.