Engine Code

AUDI APY engine (2000-2004) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi APY is a 1,896 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2000 and 2004. It features a naturally aspirated derivative of the EA827 series, updated for diesel operation with pump-nozzle injection (Pumpe Düse), delivering 81 kW (110 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 235 Nm of torque at 1,500–2,500 rpm. The Pumpe Düse system enables high injection pressure (up to 2,050 bar), improving fuel atomisation and combustion efficiency without requiring a common rail system.

Fitted to models such as the 8D A4, 3B A6, and 8E A3, the APY engine was engineered for mid-range torque delivery and durability in Audi’s executive and compact segments. It was designed for drivers seeking strong low-end pull and reliable operation in mixed driving conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and an oxidation catalyst, meeting Euro 3 standards across its production run.

One documented concern is premature camshaft wear, particularly in high-mileage applications with extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 20 04 07, arises from inadequate lubrication at the cam lobes under sustained load. Later production revisions incorporated modified camshaft profiles and updated oil pump calibration to improve oil flow to critical friction points.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2000–2004 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).

APY Technical Specifications

The Audi APY is a 1,896 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2000-2004). It combines pump-nozzle direct injection with SOHC valvetrain to deliver strong low-end torque and mechanical simplicity. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances performance with durability in pre-common-rail diesel architecture.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,896 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline-4, SOHC, 8-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke81.0 mm × 92.8 mm
Power output81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,000 rpm
Torque235 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm
Fuel systemPumpe Düse (unit injector, up to 2,050 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 3
Compression ratio18.0:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerSingle fixed-geometry turbo (K16, KKK)
Timing systemTiming belt (interference design)
Oil typeAudi Longlife 01 (SAE 5W-40)
Dry weight145 kg
Practical Implications

The Pumpe Düse system provides crisp throttle response and high torque at low RPM but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent camshaft and injector wear. Audi Longlife 01 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its anti-wear additives protecting the high-pressure unit injectors. Extended service intervals increase risk of cam lobe pitting and timing belt failure. The timing belt must be replaced every 180,000 km or 6 years; failure results in piston-to-valve contact. Engine longevity is highly dependent on consistent maintenance and use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector coking.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 01 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 20 04 07). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.

Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2004 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A31789).

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31100, A31567, SIB 20 04 07

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)

ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power

APY Compatible Models

The Audi APY was used across Audi's 8D/3B platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen Group PD-engineered units. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the 8D A4 and revised coolant routing in the 3B A6-and from 2002 the facelifted 8E B5 A3 adopted revised intake manifolds, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared service tooling across VW, Seat, and Skoda applications. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2000-2004
Models:
A4 (8D)
Variants:
1.9 TDI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2017
Make:
Audi
Years:
2000-2004
Models:
A6 (3B)
Variants:
1.9 TDI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A31901
Make:
Audi
Years:
2000-2003
Models:
A3 (8E)
Variants:
1.9 TDI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2017
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2001-2004
Models:
Golf Mk4
Variants:
1.9 TDI (AFN/ALH variants)
View Source
VW EPC #VW-678
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A31100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('U' for 1.9 TDI series). Pre-2002 models have silver valve covers with black intake manifolds; post-2002 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from ALH/AFN: Original APY uses Bosch VP37 ECU with trapezoidal diagnostic port, while ALH uses VP30 with round port. Service parts require production date verification - injectors for engines before 09/2001 are incompatible with later units due to revised nozzle design (Audi SIB 21 05 10).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A31100

Location:

Stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A31100).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2002: Silver valve cover with black intake manifold
  • Post-2002: All-black valve cover
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Audi SIB 21 05 10

Injectors:

Unit injectors for pre-2002 APY engines are not compatible with post-facelift A3 models due to revised nozzle flow rate and spray pattern.

Timing Components:

Timing belts and tensioners revised in 2002 A4 models. Pre-2002 kits fit only pre-LCI engines.
Camshaft Wear Advisory

Issue:

PD engines are prone to camshaft lobe wear due to high contact stress in the unit injector system.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 20 04 07

Recommendation:

Inspect camshaft during timing belt service; replace if pitting exceeds 0.2 mm depth (Audi SIB 20 04 07).

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI APY

The APY's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Internal Audi service data from 2003 reported a significant share of pre-2002 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 200,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures to misfires from failed unit injectors in city-driven vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and low-load operation increase wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.

Camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise at idle, misfires, reduced power, excessive injector backlash, illuminated glow plug warning.
Cause: High contact stress at cam lobes driving unit injectors; exacerbated by extended oil intervals and poor oil quality.
Fix: Replace camshaft with updated OEM part; inspect injectors and valve train components for secondary damage.
Unit injector failure
Symptoms: Cylinder misfire, excessive smoke, rough idle, DTCs for injection timing deviation.
Cause: Internal wear or coking of injector plungers due to low-sulfur diesel or infrequent high-load operation.
Fix: Replace failed injector with latest OEM revision; perform fuel system adaptation via diagnostic tool.
Timing belt failure
Symptoms: Complete loss of engine operation, bent valves, piston damage, engine seizure.
Cause: Belt degradation due to age, oil contamination, or missed service intervals; interference design increases risk.
Fix: Replace timing belt, tensioner, and idler rollers every 180,000 km or 6 years; verify cam/crank alignment post-repair.
EGR valve coking
Symptoms: Reduced power, rough idle, black smoke, increased DPF regeneration frequency, EGR fault codes.
Cause: Carbon buildup from recirculated exhaust gases restricting valve movement and flow passage.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR valve; inspect cooler and intake manifold for deposits; reset adaptations.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2000-2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI APY

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI APY.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

About EngineCode.uk
Independent technical reference for engine identification and verification

Platform Overview

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.

Sourcing Policy

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.

Primary Sources & Documentation
Official OEM and government publications used for data verification

Primary Sources

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.

Official Documentation

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory Context & Methodology
Framework and processes ensuring data accuracy and compliance

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

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

Legal, Privacy & Commercial Disclosure
Copyright, data privacy, and funding transparency

Copyright & Legal

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

Data Privacy

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

Trademarks

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.

Commercial Disclosure

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.

Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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.