Volkswagen Turbo

Volkswagen Turbo: which engine code matches your reference?

On a Volkswagen engine, the engine capacity alone is not enough. The same 2.0 TDI can carry the code AZV, BKD or BKP depending on the engine generation and power output — and these three codes do not use the same turbo. The engine code, stamped on the block, is the only reliable starting point before placing any order. This page covers 25 engine codes across 21 models, from the Polo to the Touareg, and from the Lupo to the Amarok.

Diesel: the code families not to mix up

On the TDI side, two main families coexist. The codes ASZ, BJL, AMF, BLS, BTB (1.9 TDI from 90 to 115 hp and 1.4 TDI 75 hp) correspond to older-generation variable-geometry turbos, still widely found on the Golf IV, Polo, Bora, Caddy and New Beetle. The codes AZV, BKD, BKP, BMA, BVE, CBEA, CJAA, CFCA, CDCA cover the 2.0 TDI from 136 to 190 hp fitted to the Golf, Passat, Jetta, Tiguan, Touran and Sharan: manufacturer references differ considerably from one code to another, particularly between BKD (140 hp) and CBEA/CJAA (140 hp Common Rail), which share the same power output but not the same turbo. On the 2.5 TDI found in the Transporter and Crafter, the codes BAC, BLK, BPE, BPD correspond to larger turbos with references specific to this 5-cylinder block. Finally, the 2.5 TDI of the LT and the JX of the older-generation Transporter belong to a yet distinct lineage.

Petrol: 1.8T, 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TSI — four blocks, four geometries

The petrol turbos in the range cover the 1.8T (codes AXX, BWA), the 2.0 TSI (codes BWA, BPY, CCTA), the 1.4 TSI 125 and 150 hp, and the 1.2 TSI. The 2.0 TSI also has several variants depending on the generation: references 06F145701x (codes AXX/BWA) are not interchangeable with the 06J145701x or 06J145702x associated with codes CCTA and later. On these fixed-geometry, wastegate petrol blocks, the most common causes of failure are insufficient lubrication on cold starts and degraded oil clogging the bearings and CHRA. Addressing the root cause before replacement is essential, regardless of which turbo is chosen — whether new or reconditioned on an exchange basis.