VW Electrics Ignition Coil

Ignition Coil - Types

Edited by CovKid: Brickwerks list three types of coil for petrol engines (see below). Firstly theres the early coil (211 905 115 B)used up to around 1984-85, then a green label and grey labelled coil for later 1986-1990 vehicles.

The green label one (211 905 115 D) is the most common of all for late engines.

The grey sticker version (191 905 115 A) is basically a 'punchier' version of the green one although that does not mean you'll get more power from your engine - get that idea out of your head. It has a higher secondary resistance and is capable of higher HT voltage. It is designed for long life plugs and extended servicing, and according to BigHerb can fire a worn plug with larger gaps.

However, the grey coil is not a direct swap/replacement unless you also change the HT lead connection. The HT leads also need to be in good order and/or good quality for this type of coil otherwise the higher voltage will find a much easier route to earth than through the spark plug - ie the potential for arcing increases.

In most cases, the green label variety is the correct one if you have a late (86-90) engine but a grey sticker one could be fitted if the above points are noted.

Ignition Coil (Early) up to 1984

VW No. 211 905 115 B

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.

VW No. 211 905 115 D

Bosch unit with green label.

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.

VW No. 191 905 115 A

Bosch unit with grey label.

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. Brickwerks advise that you check to see what colour sticker is on yours before ordering.