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 1986-1990 vehicles. The green label one is the most common of all for late engines. The grey sticker version is a 'punchier' version although that does not mean you'll get more power over a green one. It just has a fatter spark and the leads will need to be in A1 condition.

It has a higher secondary resistance and is capable of higher HT voltage. This coil is designed for long life plugs and extended servicing, and according to BigHerb can fire a worn plug with larger gaps. However, it is not a direct swap/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 through the spark plug - ie potential for arcing increases. In most cases, the green label variety is the correct one if you have a late engine but a grey sticker one could be fitted if the above points are noted.

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.