VW T4 Buyers Guide
In production from 1991 – 2003, what follows is a brief VW T4 buyers guide to the VW T4 Transporter
VW T4 Transporter 1991 - 2003
The T4 is the 4th generation VW Transporter by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Launched in 1991, it was the replacement for the VW T25 (or T3) Transporter.
The T4 represented the biggest shift in thinking across the entire VW Transporter range in that it was the first Transporter to have the engine in the front. This may be attributed to the new T4 Transporters being much more modern and car like to drive than the then outdated T25s they replaced.
Specification
Early T4s or ‘short nose’ models received a face lift which is referred to as the ‘long nose’ in 1996, which essentially consisted of a reworked front end and newer more rounded bumpers. Initially reserved for Caravelles (due to the extra space required to fit the V6 engine), the long nose front end was later rolled out to panel vans also, which form the basis for most conversions. It is possible however to find T4s with either short nose or long nose from 1996 pretty much up to the final year of production such was the crossover.
The dashboard also received an upgrade around the same time with different dials and more modern steering wheel. As with the T25 Transporter before it, the T4 was instantly adopted by the campervan conversion companies with converters such as Autohomes, Autosleeper, Bilbos, Holdsworth, Leisuredrive, Murvi, Reimo and Westfalia all offering T4 VW camper conversions. Conversions based on the later ‘long-nose’ models are often better equipped and can feature luxuries such as electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking and although rare, air-conditioning.
Engine / Gearbox
Launched with an all water-cooled line up, the most common engine choices for the T4 Transporter were 2.0 or 2.5i petrol engines or 1.9D, 1.9TD or 2.4D diesel units.
Later in its production run a 2.5TDI diesel engine was made available in the form of ‘blue I’ 88bhp, ‘Silver I’ 102bhp or the very rare ‘red I’ 150bhp version.
There was also a powerful 2.8 VR6 petrol version although these are only really found in Caravelles.
Gearboxes came in the form of 5-speed manuals or a 4-speed automatic. The automatics could be problematic and prone to failure and so it is not uncommon to see T4 automatics being advertised with rebuilt gearboxes.
VW T4 Transporter Engine Options (most common UK versions)
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| Engine Type | Engine Code | Size (Ltrs/Cylinders) | Power (bhp) | Euro | Cambelt Intervals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | AAC | 2.0/4 | 83 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Petrol (Injection) | ACU | 2.5/5 | 110 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel | 1X | 1.9/4 | 60 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (Turbo) | ABL | 1.9/4 | 67 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel | AJA | 2.4/5 | 77 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | AJT | 2.5/5 | 88 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
| Diesel (TDI) | ACV | 2.5/5 | 102 | n/a | 80,000 miles or 4 years |
The information provided within this VW T4 buyers guide is intended as a starting point for potential buyers and should be treated as a source for basic reference only.
We only deal in VW campers aged 2010 onwards and so no longer sell T4 Transporter based VW campers.