VW T4 (1990 - 2003)

History of the Volkswagen T4

Introduction

When production of the Volkswagen T4 started in August 1990, also known as a Eurovan in the USA, it was a huge leap of faith that the fans of the rear engined Transporters would accept it. After a slow start the T4 has become a very popular model with VW fans, tradesmen using them as a works van, motorhome owners and people looking for a truly multipurpose leisure vehicle.

T4 was a completely new model using modern ideas, many taken from the Golf and Passat range. Being front engined, front wheel drive and having a monocoque construction, broke nearly all its links to 50 years of heritage.

T4 model variants

Built at the dedicated Transporter factory in Hanover, Germany, it was available in SWB (Short Wheel Base) or LWB (Long Wheel Base). The range (Excluding custom built models) consists of:

Camper and commercial conversions

Again, as with its predecessors, it became a firm favorite with the vehicle conversion companies. It has been made as refrigerated vehicles, police and ambulances, taxis, disability vehicles with wheel chair ramps etc. It even became the somewhat unique Razor Back, which was built as a brewery delivery vehicle with lowering floor to load/unload barrels of beer.

Increasingly VW T4 vans are being converted into campers and day vans.  There are a growing number of garages speciliaisng in T4 camper conversions, such as Vanworx, but many owners prefer to choose a DIY conversion kit.

Production history and technical changes

1990 to 1995  Few model changes. The range was offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.

1996  Major model revamp.  Changes include rear disc brakes, one piece rear bumper and the 2.5 litre TDi engine.

The Caravelle VR6 was introduced necessitating a longer nose to accommodate the new engine. The longer nose was used on the Caravelles thereafter, and the short nose T4 was used for the lesser models.

2003  Summer saw the end of T4 production in Hanover, to make way for it’s newer brother, the T5.

T4 engine numbers

The engine number is stamped on the front of the engine block.  On the Petrol engine the number is located below two of the spark plugs. The engine number is also shown on the timing belt cover and on the ID plate on the door pillar.  On the Diesel engine the number is located between the injection pump and the vacuum pump. And is also shown on the timing belt cover and on the ID plate on the door pillar.

T4 chassis numbers

The chassis number, or VIN, can be found on the top (offside) of the dashboard and is best viewed from outside.

This example chassis number, WV2ZZZ70Z2H131652, belongs to a Type 4 VW Caravelle/Multivan built in 2002 in Hanover. It was number 131652 off the production line.

Analysing the chassis number will reveal important information about the van...

Over 400 Volkswagen T4 parts and accessories online here...

Camper and commercial conversions

Again, as with its predecessors, it became a firm favourite with vehicle conversion companies. It has been made as refrigerated vehicles, police and ambulances, taxis, disability vehicles with wheelchair ramps etc. It even became the somewhat unique Razor Back, which was built as a brewery delivery vehicle with lowering floor to load/unload barrels of beer.

Increasingly VW T4 vans are being converted into campers and day vans.  There are a growing number of garages specialising in T4 camper conversions, such as Vanworx, but many owners prefer to choose a DIY conversion kit.

Production history and technical changes

• 1990 to 1995  Few model changes. The range was offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines.
• 1996  Major model revamp.  Changes include rear disc brakes, one piece rear bumper and the 2.5 litre TDi engine.
• The Caravelle VR6 was introduced necessitating a longer nose to accommodate the new engine. The longer nose was used on the Caravelles thereafter, and the short nose T4 was used for the lesser models.
• 2003  Summer saw the end of T4 production in Hanover, to make way for it’s newer brother, the T5.

T4 engine numbers

The engine number is stamped on the front of the engine block.  On the Petrol engine the number is located below two of the spark plugs. The engine number is also shown on the timing belt cover and on the ID plate on the door pillar.  On the Diesel engine the number is located between the injection pump and the vacuum pump. And is also shown on the timing belt cover and on the ID plate on the door pillar.

Code      Size         BHP        Notes

AAB        2400cc    78 bhp     Diesel

AAC        2000cc    84 bhp     Petrol

AAF        2500cc    110 bhp   Petrol

ABL        1900cc    68 bhp     TDi

ACU        2500cc    110 bhp    Petrol

ACV        2500cc    102 bhp   TDi

AEN        2500cc    110 bhp    Petrol

AES         2800cc   140 bhp     VR6

AET         2500cc    115 bhp    Petrol

AEU        2500cc    110 bhp    Petrol

AHY        2500cc    151 bhp    TDi

AJA         2400cc    75 bhp       Diesel

AJT         2500cc    88 bhp       Diesel

AMV       2800cc     204 bhp    VR6

APL        2500cc    115 bhp    Petrol

AUF        2500cc    102 bhp    TDi

AVT        2500cc    114 bhp    Petrol

AYC        2500cc    102 bhp    TDi

T4 chassis numbers

The chassis number, or VIN, can be found on the top (offside) of the dashboard and is best viewed from outside.

This example chassis number, WV2ZZZ70Z2H131652, belongs to a Type 4 VW Caravelle/Multivan built in 2002 in Hanover. It was number 131652 off the production line.

Analysing the chassis number will reveal important information about the van...

WV         ‘Manufacturer’

2              ‘Type of vehicle’ - 1 = Panel van, 2 = window van, 3 = chassis cab

ZZZ         ‘Filler code’

70           ‘VW Transporter'

Z              ‘Filler code’

2              ‘Year of manufacture'

H             ‘Built in Hanover’

131652   ‘Production line number’

10th digit             Model year            Build date

M                            1991                       1st Aug 90 > 31st Jul 91

N                            1992                        1st Aug 91 > 31st Jul 92

P                             1993                       1st Aug 92 > 31st Jul 93

R                             1994                       1st Aug 93 > 31st Jul 94

S                             1995                       1st Aug 94 > 31st Jul 95

T                             1996                       1st Aug 95 > 31st Jul 96

V                             1997                       1st Aug 96 > 31st Jul 97

W                            1998                       1st Aug 97 > 31st Jul 98

X                             1999                       1st Aug 98 > 31st Jul 99

Y                             2000                       1st Aug 99 > 31st Jul 00

1                             2001                       1st Aug 00 > 31st Jul 01

2                             2002                       1st Aug 01 > 31st Jul 02

3                             2003                       1st Aug 02 > 31st Jul 03