What is the best Transporter campervan Engine

Written By Steven Roffey

The most popular models we see come in for conversion are the T5 and T6. The T5 was release in 2003 and replaced by the T6 in 2016. There 4 models are the Startline, TrendLine, Highline and Sportline. There is also a wide range of engine choices and it can be quite daunting choosing.

We think the 2.0-litre TDI engine is the sweet spot. Mechanics and users find this the most reliable and is the easiest to fix should you have any issues. This engine is available in a range of power outputs, from 84PS to 204PS - You should note that it is fairly straightforward and cheap to remap these engines to get more power and fuel efficiency.

What is the best VW Transporter T6 engine

The T6 was released in 2016 and has a wide range of engine choices:

  • Diesel 2.0TDI 90PS

  • Diesel 2.0TDI 102PS

  • Diesel 2.0TDI 110PS

  • Diesel 2.0TDI 150PS

  • Diesel 2.0BiTDI 199PS

  • Diesel 2.0BiTDI 204PS

  • Petrol 2.0 TFSi

There are 3 Gearbox choices, DSG (Automatic 7 Speed) a 5 gear and a 6 gear.

Our Choice

Try to avoid the 90ps variant if you can unless it has low mileage as they tend to have been used at high power more often as they are quite underpowered (In our opinion) – Low mileage is fine (Low mileage is under 90k!) and don’t forget you can get these remapped up to 150ps relatively cheaply.  Our choice is the 110ps or 150ps – Avoid at all cost the Electrical variant the range is awful! (80 miles)

 

What is the best VW Transporter T5 engine

The VW T5 if very popular and was released in 2003.  It has a slightly wider range of engine choices.  The 1.9 Diesels were replaced midcycle with the 2.0 variants which are our choice as they are smoother, more efficient, and cleaner for the environment.  Like the T5 there are 6 Speed, 5 Speed and Auto Gearbox Choices. 

The VW T5 is available in the following options.

  • Petrol 2.0 116 PS

  • Petrol 3.2 235 PS

  • Diesel 1.9 TDI PD 84

  • Diesel 1.9 TDI PD 102 

  • Diesel 2.5 TDI PD 131

  • Diesel 2.5 TDI PD 174 

  • Petrol 2.0 TSI 204 PS

  • Diesel 2.0 TDI CR 84 PS

  • Diesel 2.0 TDI CR 102 PS

  • Diesel 2.0 TDI CR BlueMotion 114 PS

  • Diesel 2.0 TDI CR 140 PS

  • Diesel 2.0 BiTDI CR 179 PS

Our Choice

Again, try to avoid the lower PS variants however the 1.9 102 is very popular and has a great reputation with mechanics for reliability and ease of fixing.  The sweet spot for us is the 2.0 TDI 102 PS, it has enough grunt on its own to drive comfortably and like all the T5 engines can be easily remaped to go up to 150ps

Avoid the automatic option if you can due to the high cost of repair.


Steven Roffey
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