VW Electrics Ignition Coil

Ignition Coil - Types

Brickwerks list three types for petrol engines, an early coil used (roughly) up to 1984, then a green label and grey labelled coil for later engines. The green label one is the most common of all for late engines. The grey sticker version has a higher secondary resistance and is capable of higher HT voltage (bigger spark). This coil is designed for long life plugs and extended servicing, and can fire a worn plug with larger gaps. However, its not a direct replacement unless you also change the HT lead connection. The HT leads also need to be in good order for this type of coil otherwise the higher voltage will find a much easier route to earth than the spark plug (arcing). In most cases, the green label variety is the correct one if you have a late engine.

Ignition Coil (Early) up to 1984

Suits early T3 models with non pin type fitting (DIN) (ie similar to bays and beetles with no pin in the holes on distributor cap)

Test data. Primary resistance [between terminals 1 & 15] - .52Ω to .76Ω Secondary resistance [between terminals 1 & 4] - 2.4kΩ to 3.5kΩ

Ignition coil - Green (Later type 1986-90) with pin type fitting - most common type for late engines.

Bosch unit with green label. VW No. 211 905 115 D

Test data. Primary resistance [between terminals 1 & 15] - .5Ω to .8Ω Secondary resistance [between terminals 1 & 4] - 2.4kΩ to 3.5kΩ

Ignition coil - Grey (Later type 1986-90) with pin type fitting - extended servicing type.

Bosch unit with grey label. VW No. 191 905 115 A

Test data. Primary resistance [between terminals 1 & 15] - .6Ω to .8Ω Secondary resistance [between terminals 1 & 4] - 6.9kΩ to 8.5kΩ

Read note above for differences between green and grey stickered types. They are not a straight swap.