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VW · Sedan · 1998–2005

VW Bora 1 Limousine

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.4 / 5.0 · Based on 13 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

204 PS

2.8L VR6 Benzin

VR6 4Motion Legend

Legendary!
Problem Engine

131 PS

1.9L TDI PD Diesel

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The VW Bora 1 Limousine is available with 9 engine variants — from 90 to 204 hp.

1.9L TDI · Diesel· 90–116 PS Engine Change
1998 2002
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
1998 2001
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.9L TDI PD · Diesel· 101–131 PS Engine Change
1998 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
2000 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2001 2005
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
1.6L 16V · Benziner· 101–110 PS
1999 2005
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
1.6L FSI · Benziner· 105–110 PS
2001 2005
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
1.6L MPI · Benziner· 101–105 PS
1998 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
1.8L 20V · Benziner· 125 PS
1999 2001
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.8L Turbo · Benziner· 150–179 PS Engine Change
2000 2005
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
2001 2005
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
2.0L MPI · Benziner· 116–120 PS
1998 2005
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2.8L VR6 · Benziner· 204 PS
1999 2003
Stay Away! 5 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Gearbox 02K: rivets in differential cage shear

The 02K manual gearbox up to build date 07/2001 has undersized rivets in the differential cage. These shear off, enter the gears, and cause complete economic write-off of the gearbox.

Symptoms: Metallic rattling when changing gear; crunching noises on take-off; metal swarf in gearbox oil
High

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW Bora 1 Limousine have? +
The VW Bora 1 as Limousine has 92 known weaknesses, 9 vehicle-related.
Which engine is recommended? +
Be Careful: AEH (1.6L MPI), BAD (1.6L FSI), AGN (1.8L 20V), AGU (1.8L Turbo), APK (2.0L MPI), AGR (1.9L TDI), AJM (1.9L TDI PD), ATD (1.9L TDI PD), AHF (1.9L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'.
Is the VW Bora 1 Limousine worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the VW Bora 1 Limousine — 4 of 13 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee

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