Reconditioned SEAT Gearbox on an exchange basis

On the 2.0 TDI SEAT, the engine code changes everything: BKD, BMN, CAGA and DFFA do not take the same gearbox

This is the most common pitfall with SEAT vehicles: two Leon 2.0 TDI from the same year, the same quoted power output, yet completely incompatible gearboxes. The engine code stamped on the block — BKD, BMN, CAGA, CAGC, CAHA, CFHC, CFHD, CJCA, CUAA, DFFA, DFGA or DFHA — determines the bell housing, the final drive ratio and sometimes the type of actuation. The same logic applies to the 1.9 TDI, which alone covers fourteen codes (AGR, AJM, ALH, ARL, ASV, ATD, AUY, AXR, BKC, BLS, BLT, BXE, BXF… and ASZ, shared with the 1.9 TDI 130), each corresponding to a distinct powertrain generation on the Ibiza, Leon or Toledo.

Models covered and gearbox families

The range covers nine SEAT models from 1998 to 2024: the Leon and Ibiza account for the bulk of the volume, followed by the Altea, Toledo, Ateca, Cordoba, Arona, Alhambra and Exeo. Four transmission families are available: 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, DSG 6 and DSG 7. The DSG units — wet dual-clutch (DSG 6) or dry (DSG 7) — are fitted primarily to TSI engines from the 1.2 TSI upwards and to the more recent 2.0 TDI variants. The DSG is supplied with a new dual-clutch assembly, without the mechatronic unit.

Identification pitfalls by engine

On the 1.4 TSI, five codes exist (CAVE, CAXC, CTHE, CTJC, CZCA), corresponding to different generations of the Leon and Ibiza with varying gearbox ratios. On the 1.6 naturally aspirated, nine codes (AEH, AKL, APF, AUS, BCB, BGU, BSE, BSF, BTS) span more than fifteen years of production: the gearbox from a first-generation Leon with code AEH is not interchangeable with that of an Ibiza with code BSE. On the 1.0 TSI, the codes CHZ, CHZJ, DKL, DKLA and DKR indicate successive mechanical revisions on the Ibiza and Arona. Before placing any order, the engine code — not just the engine capacity — is the only reliable reference for identifying the correct compatible reconditioned gearbox.