The Volkswagen BHK is a 1,390 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) design with variable valve timing (VVT) and direct fuel injection (TSI), delivering a blend of efficiency and spirited performance. Output is rated at 90 kW (122 PS), with peak torque of 200 Nm available from low rpm, providing strong everyday drivability.
Fitted to models including the Polo, Ibiza, and Fabia, the BHK was eng…
Volkswagen
Production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards .
The Volkswagen BHK is a 1,390 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for supermini and compact models (2008-2015). It combines DOHC architecture with direct injection and a small turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban agility with highway capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
Power output | 90 kW (122 PS) | |
Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (TSI) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | IHI single-scroll turbocharger | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (tensioner prone to wear) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 112 kg |
The Volkswagen BHK was used across Volkswagen and Škoda's A0 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received no significant platform-specific adaptations or facelift revisions affecting core compatibility during its production run. All applications are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The BHK's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Volkswagen internal data indicated a notable service rate for this component before 120,000 km, while general owner reports frequently cite related drivability issues. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect oil viscosity increase wear, making adherence to VW specifications critical.
Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2008-2015) and aggregated UK MOT failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The BHK is generally robust with proper maintenance. Its main weakness is the timing chain tensioner, which is prone to wear on early units. Addressing this with the revised part and adhering to strict oil change intervals using the correct specification (VW 502 00/504 00) significantly improves long-term reliability. Many examples exceed 150,000 km without major issues.
The most frequent issues are timing chain tensioner failure, high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, carbon buildup on intake valves, and oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. These are well-documented in Volkswagen service bulletins and technical service literature (SSP 424, SIB 2041120).
The 1.4L TSI BHK engine was primarily used in the Polo (6R, 2009-2014), SEAT Ibiza (6J, 2008-2015), and Škoda Fabia II (5J, 2007-2014). It was typically found in higher-spec 'GT' or 'Sport' trims, offering a more powerful turbocharged option compared to the base 1.2L engines.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the BHK platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Real-world fuel economy is good for a turbocharged petrol. Expect around 7.5 L/100km (38 mpg UK) in city driving and 5.2 L/100km (54 mpg UK) on the highway. Combined figures typically range from 45-50 mpg UK, depending heavily on driving style and vehicle condition.
Yes. The BHK is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons will collide with the open valves, causing catastrophic internal engine damage. Maintaining proper oil quality and level is crucial for the tensioner and guides.
Volkswagen mandates oil meeting the VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification, typically a 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic. Using the correct oil is non-negotiable, as it directly impacts the longevity of the timing chain tensioner and turbocharger. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or 1 year.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.