The Audi 2B is a 1,969 cc, inline-four diesel engine produced between 1980 and 1993. It was among Audi's first mass-produced diesel engines for passenger vehicles, featuring indirect injection and a naturally aspirated design. With a focus on durability and fuel efficiency, it delivered 45 kW (61 PS) and 115 Nm of torque, making it suitable for urban and light-duty use.
Fitted to models such as the Audi 80 B2 and Audi 90, the 2B engine was engineered for economical daily driving and long service life under consistent maintenance. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic oxidation catalyst systems where fitted, allowing early units to meet pre-Euro baseline standards common in the early 1980s.
One documented concern is cylinder head warping under prolonged high-load operation or coolant neglect, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2037.01. This issue stems from uneven thermal expansion due to inconsistent head bolt torque or use of non-specified coolant. Later production batches included revised head gasket materials and improved cooling system design to mitigate failures.
Production years 1980–1993 meet pre-Euro and Euro 1 standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi 2B is a 1,969 cc inline-four diesel engine engineered for compact sedans and coupes (1980–1993). It utilises indirect injection and a naturally aspirated layout to deliver reliable, low-cost motoring. Designed for pre-Euro and early Euro 1 emissions frameworks, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and longevity over performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,969 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 94.4 mm | |
| Power output | 45 kW (61 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 115 Nm @ 2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch inline injection pump | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-Euro / Euro 1 (market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not equipped | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API CD or equivalent) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The naturally aspirated design ensures predictable, low-stress operation ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to coolant replacement intervals to prevent cylinder head warping. SAE 10W-40 oil meeting API CD specifications is essential for bearing and pump longevity. Cold-start idling should be limited to 30 seconds to minimise bore polishing. The Bosch injection pump demands clean diesel meeting DIN 51601 standards to prevent injector wear. Head gasket integrity depends on correct bolt torque sequences per Audi TIS A18750. Vehicles used in stop-start traffic should have cooling system inspections every 24 months.
Oil Specs: Requires API CD-grade 10W-40 (Audi Service Bulletin 2037.01). Supersedes earlier mineral oil specifications.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to post-1992 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Pre-1992 units comply with national pre-Euro standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Audi TIS Doc. A19025).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18750, A19025, 2037.01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN Standards: DIN 51601 Diesel Fuel Specification
The Audi 2B was used across Audi's B2 platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the Audi 90 and revised cooling jackets in later 80 B2 builds-and from 1989 the updated 80 B3 facelift adopted the 2B variant with enhanced crankcase ventilation, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A18750). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for 2B series). Pre-1985 models have ribbed oil pans with flat valve covers; post-1988 units use smooth pans with ribbed covers. Critical differentiation from 1Z engine: Original 2B has Bosch inline injection pump with mechanical governor, while 1Z uses VE rotary pump. Service parts require production date verification - cylinder head bolts for engines before 08/1987 are shorter and non-interchangeable (Audi Service Bulletin 2037.01).
The 2B's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping on high-mileage units, with elevated incidence in overheated or poorly maintained engines. Internal Audi service reports from 1990 indicated a significant number of pre-1988 builds required head resurfacing before 150,000 km, while VCA records show older diesels contribute disproportionately to emissions-related MOT failures due to injector wear. Extended oil intervals and low coolant levels increase thermal stress, making fluid maintenance and inspection intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (1980-1993) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1990-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI 2B.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
