Volkswagen Bora 1.9 TDI Turbo

Bora 1.9 TDI: new turbos from the AGR code through to the ARL – a range that evolves with the engine generation

All the turbos listed on this page are new parts, sold as a straightforward purchase with no old unit to return. Rebuilding your own turbo is not available here: that option makes sense when a part is rare, no longer in the catalogue, or commands a high price on the second-hand market – which is not generally the case within this range. Selection is therefore made solely on the basis of the engine code stamped on your block, which determines the exact manufacturer reference to fit.

Seven engine codes, five power outputs: the differences you need to know

The Bora 1.9 TDI covers a wide spectrum. The AGR and ALH codes correspond to the 90 hp in its original form. The 90 hp variant with codes ASV, ATD, AXR and BVK shares a single catalogue entry with the 101, 110 and 115 hp variants. The AJM and AUY codes equip the 115 hp in its cleaner version, the ASZ the 130 hp, and the ARL the 150 hp. These codes are not interchangeable: the variable geometry, turbine wheel diameter and CHRA dimensions all differ depending on the target power output. Fitting a turbo to the wrong engine code will systematically result in underperformance or rapid failure due to a mismatch in flow rates.

Failure causes to identify before fitting

On this engine, turbo deterioration is most commonly caused by inadequate lubrication: old oil, a blocked feed circuit, or too long a delay between starting the engine and oil pressure building up. Persistent blue smoke, whistling under load, and a noticeable loss of acceleration are all signs of a turbo at the end of its life. Fitting a new part without having identified and corrected the root cause will result in the new part being damaged under the same conditions.