The Audi BCY is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2012. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family and features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16-valve configuration, and common rail direct fuel injection (CRDI) with piezoelectric injectors. In standard tune, it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 320 Nm of torque at 1,750–2,500 rpm, offering strong low-end pulling power and smooth refinement ideal for daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), and Q5 (8R), the BCY engine was engineered for efficiency and compliance with tightening emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 5 compliance across its production run. The high-pressure common rail system (up to 2,000 bar) allowed precise fuel metering and multiple injection events per cycle, improving combustion efficiency and reducing noise.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, which can result in fuel delivery issues and engine stalling. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 07 15, is attributed to contamination or prolonged use of substandard diesel fuel. Later revisions of the EA288 engine family incorporated updated fuel filtration and pump calibration to improve durability in real-world conditions.
All BCY production (2008–2012) meets Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi BCY is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2008-2012). It combines common-rail direct injection with piezoelectric injectors and SCR-AdBlue technology to deliver strong low-RPM torque and emissions compliance. Designed for Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with environmental responsibility in transverse and longitudinal layouts.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar), piezoelectric injectors | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (service-free for engine life) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-30, ACEA C3 | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The common-rail VGT diesel provides strong low-RPM torque and quiet operation but requires consistent use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to protect the high-pressure fuel system. ACEA C3 5W-30 oil is critical to maintain particulate filter efficiency and turbocharger longevity. The timing chain is designed for the engine's service life, but early failure can occur due to oil starvation or poor maintenance. AdBlue replenishment is required every 12,000–15,000 km to maintain SCR functionality; neglect leads to power reduction. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality and should be replaced with OEM-specified units per Audi SIB 01 07 15 if contamination is suspected.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA C3 specification (Audi SIB 01 07 15). BMW Longlife-04 or VW 504 00 oils are acceptable substitutes.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 5 standards for entire production run (2008–2012) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output assumes 50 ppm sulfur diesel and fully functional DPF/SCR system (Audi TIS Doc. A33044).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33044, A33520, SIB 01 07 15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
ISO 1585:1996 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Audi BCY was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8/8R platforms with transverse or longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen Group EA288 engines. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-a slightly detuned ECU map in the A3 and enhanced cooling in the Q5-and from 2010 the facelifted A4 B8 adopted revised EGR flow rates, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-facing side of the engine block, near the starter motor (Audi TIS A33044). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0L TDI). Pre-2010 models have a black plastic cam cover with "2.0 TDI" label; post-2010 units may have revised ECU connectors. Critical differentiation from CAHA: The BCY uses a piezoelectric injector system with five-hole nozzles, while CAHA uses solenoid injectors. Service parts require model-year verification—fuel injectors for BCY are not compatible with earlier PD engines due to different rail pressure and control logic (Audi SIB 02 06 10).
The BCY's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel system failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-quality diesel. Audi internal quality reports from 2013 indicated fuel pump replacements in approximately 8% of high-mileage 2.0L TDI engines, while UK DVSA MOT data shows emissions-related advisories as common findings. Extended service intervals and short-trip driving increase DPF and EGR clogging, making proactive maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2008-2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2009-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BCY.
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