EA111 1.2 3-cyl MPI (6V: AWY/BMD/BBM/CHFA; 12V: AZQ/BME/BZG/CGPA/CGPB/CJLB) vs 2.3 V5
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Specifications
Character
EA111 1.2 3-cyl MPI (6V: AWY/BMD/BBM/CHFA; 12V: AZQ/BME/BZG/CGPA/CGPB/CJLB)
"The small non-turbo three-cylinder petrol of the VW Polo 9N and 6R, Seat Ibiza 6L and 6J, Skoda Fabia 6Y and 5J and Roomster (2001-2015), in 6-valve (54-60 hp) and 12-valve (60-70 hp) form. Cheap to buy and to run, but rough, noisy and slow on the motorway. Its known weakness is the timing chain: the chain stretches and the tensioner can let it jump, which bends valves; German buyer guides advise avoiding it unless the chain has been renewed. Burnt valves, ignition coils and a dirty throttle body are the other common faults."
2.3 V5
"VW 2.3 narrow-angle five-cylinder (VR5), a VR6 with one cylinder less, in the Golf IV, Bora, New Beetle, Passat B5 and SEAT Toledo. 150 hp 10-valve (AGZ) to 2001, then 170 hp 20-valve (AQN/AZX). Smooth and torquey but thirsty. Coil packs and the mass airflow sensor are the usual faults; the two timing chains sit at the gearbox end and are an engine-out job when they wear. Rare engine, few specialists."