BLVBWSCDVACCZBCNNACMTA

3.6 VR6 FSI 249-300 hp (BLV, BWS, CDVA, CCZB, CNNA, CMTA; 2005-2018) engine: faults and reliability

Volkswagen VR6 (2.8, 2.9, 3.2 and 3.6 FSI) version

With caution

AutoScout24 advises the 3.6 FSI over the 3.2 in the Cayenne, and Gebrauchtwagenberater calls it a solid engine in the Passat CC; however, Carwiki cites the chain on the petrol V6s of the Cayenne 958, and fiches-auto.fr records a chain tensioner replaced on a Passat 3.6 at around 200,000 km.^[1][2][3][4]

Years

2005–2018

Power

249–300 hp

Faults that affect it

1 of high or critical severity

Cars that use it

in our database

Reviewed on 2 November 202615 sources How we work

What changes in this version

3,597 cm³ VR6 with FSI direct injection and 183-221 kW (249-300 hp): Passat B6 (BLV 280 hp only in some export markets and BWS 299 hp in the R36), Passat B7 and CC (CDVA, BWS, 299 hp), Superb II (CDVA, 260 hp), Touareg I (280 hp) and II, Phaeton (280 hp), Q7 (280 hp) and Cayenne (290 and 300 hp).^{[5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]}

Engine codes of this version: BLV, BWS, CDVA, CCZB, CNNA, CMTA.

Faults of the BLV engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

1Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingVR6 timing chain and tensionersThe timing chain is the best-documented weak point of the VR6: AutoBild points to the tensioners on the 12-valve 2.8 and 2.9, and Gebrauchtwagenberater, Carwiki and AutoScout24 cite chain stretching on the 3.2 (R32, A3 8P, TT, Cayenne). If it jumps, it can destroy the engine.

Cars fitted with the BLV engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

Audi

Audi Q7 4L3.6 FSI quattro2007–2015^[11]

Porsche

Porsche Cayenne ICayenne 3.2 · Cayenne 3.62004–2010^[1][12]
Porsche Cayenne IICayenne 3.62010–2017^[12]

Škoda

Škoda Superb II3.6 V6 FSI2008–2015^[14]

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat B63.2 V6 FSI 4Motion · R362006–2010^[6]
Volkswagen Passat B73.6 FSI2010–2014^[7]
Volkswagen Passat CC3.6 V6 FSI 4Motion2008–2015^[2][8]
Volkswagen Touareg I3.2 V6 · 3.6 V6 FSI2002–2010^[9][15]
Volkswagen Touareg II3.6 V6 FSI2010–2018^[10]
Volkswagen Phaeton3.2 V6 · 3.6 V6 FSI2002–2015^[13]

Frequently asked questions

Is the BLV engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. AutoScout24 advises the 3.6 FSI over the 3.2 in the Cayenne, and Gebrauchtwagenberater calls it a solid engine in the Passat CC; however, Carwiki cites the chain on the petrol V6s of the Cayenne 958, and fiches-auto.fr records a chain tensioner replaced on a Passat 3.6 at around 200,000 km.^[1][2][3][4]

What faults does the BLV engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: VR6 timing chain and tensioners (critical severity).

Which cars use the BLV engine?

Volkswagen Passat B6 (2006–2010), Volkswagen Passat B7 (2010–2014), Volkswagen Passat CC (2008–2015), Volkswagen Touareg I (2002–2010), Volkswagen Touareg II (2010–2018), Volkswagen Phaeton (2002–2015), Audi Q7 4L (2007–2015), Škoda Superb II (2008–2015), Porsche Cayenne I (2004–2010) and Porsche Cayenne II (2010–2017).^{[1][2][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]}

Are you buying a car with the BLV engine?

Check the history before buyingMileage, inspection record (ITV in Spain), outstanding finance and accidents for the car you are interested in, from the registration number or the VIN.Request a report

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

Gebrauchtwagen-Kaufberater: Was kann der Porsche Cayenne 9PA?AutoScout24 · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Passat CC: Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Probleme mit dem Porsche Cayenne (9PA y 92A)CarWiki.de · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Passat (2004-2010)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
VW EA390Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Passat B6Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Passat B7Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Passat CCWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Touareg IWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
VW Touareg IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Audi Q7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
Porsche CayenneWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
VW PhaetonWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Škoda Superb IIWikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen Touareg 2002-2010 (233 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French