Volkswagen Audi EA390 VR6: Specs, Engine Codes & Maintenance
Volkswagen / Audi · Naturally aspirated petrol
EA3903.2 & 3.6 VR6
Six cylinders, one cylinder head, and a sound that is unmistakably VR6. The EA390 packs its cylinders into a narrow angle, giving a compact engine smooth delivery without a turbo. North American 3.2-litre models use port injection; the 3.6 adds FSI direct injection and stronger low-speed pull.
Specifications
Construction
- Block / cylinder head
- Cast iron / aluminium
- 3.2 bore × stroke
- 84.0 × 95.9 mm
- 3.6 bore × stroke
- 89.0 × 96.4 mm
- Cam drive
- Timing chains · gearbox end
Air & fuel
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- 3.2 fuel system
- Multipoint port injection
- 3.6 fuel system
- FSI direct injection
- Valve timing
- Variable intake & exhaust
Factory output examples
- 2004 R32 · 3.2
- 240 hp / 236 lb-ft
- 2008 R32 · 3.2
- 250 hp / 236 lb-ft
- Touareg · 3.6
- 280 hp / 265–266 lb-ft
- Atlas · 3.6
- 276 hp / 266 lb-ft
Engine management
- 3.2 MPI
- Bosch ME7.1.1 family
- Early 3.6 FSI
- Bosch MED9.1
- CDVB / CDVC · 3.6
- Bosch MED17.1.6
- Oil / fuel grade
- Use the vehicle’s specified approval and fuel grade
These specifications cover the Volkswagen/Audi 3.2 MPI and 3.6 FSI versions. Output, compression ratio and service capacities vary by engine code; the 3.2 FSI is a different specification from the North American R32 engine.
Vehicles by engine code
| Engine code | Vehicle | Model years | Chassis |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUB / CBRA | Audi A3 3.2 quattro | 2006–2009 | 8P |
| BHE | Audi TT 3.2 quattro | 2004–2006 | 8N |
| BUB / CBRA | Audi TT 3.2 quattro | 2008–2009 | 8J |
| BHK | Audi Q7 3.6 FSI | 2007–2010 | 4L |
| BJS | Volkswagen R32 | 2004 | Mk4 / 1J |
| CBRA | Volkswagen R32 | 2008 | Mk5 / 1K |
| BUB / CBRA | Volkswagen Eos 3.2 | 2007–2008 | 1F |
| BLV | Volkswagen Passat 3.6 | 2006–2010 | B6 / 3C |
| CDVB | Volkswagen Passat 3.6 | 2012–2018 | NMS / A32 |
| BLV / CNNA | Volkswagen CC 3.6 | 2009–2016 | 3C |
| BAA / BMX | Volkswagen Touareg 3.2 | 2004–2006 | 7L |
| BHK | Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 | 2007–2010 | 7L |
| CGRA | Volkswagen Touareg 3.6 | 2011–2017 | 7P |
| CDVC | Volkswagen Atlas 3.6 | 2018–2023 | CA |
| CDVC | Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport 3.6 | 2020–2023 | CM |
Selected U.S./Canadian applications. Codes can change within a model year; confirm the vehicle data label and ECU part number before ordering parts or software.
Common faults & maintenance
- Timing-chain noise. Persistent rattling or cam/crank correlation faults need diagnosis. Chain work can be labour-intensive because the drive is at the gearbox end.
- Cooling-system leaks. Inspect the water pump, thermostat assembly and ageing plastic connections. Repair coolant loss before it becomes an overheating problem.
- Intake and breathing. On FSI versions, inspect intake-valve deposits when rough running or airflow faults justify it. Check the breather and variable intake mechanism as part of diagnosis.
- Misfires and fuel pressure. Test ignition coils, plugs and fuel delivery before replacing injectors. Port-injected and FSI engines require different fuel-system tests.
Keep it healthy. Use oil carrying the specified VW approval, keep the level correct and retain service records. Inspect belts, hoses and leaks during routine service; clean the intake when needed rather than applying a fixed cleaning interval.
References
| Subject | Source |
|---|---|
| Design & specifications | Volkswagen VR6 FSI training2013 Passat 3.6 technical data |
| Vehicle applications | Volkswagen build guideAudi build guide |
