The Audi BDV is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and double overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune, it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, serving as a mid-range diesel option across Audi's compact and executive vehicle lineup.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), and Q3 (8U), the BDV engine was engineered for responsive urban performance and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue dosing in later models, meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation, particularly in units subjected to extended service intervals or low-quality diesel. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2012-04-01, is attributed to inadequate lubrication under high-pressure conditions. From 2014, revised pump calibration and updated fuel system maintenance protocols were introduced to mitigate failure rates.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b using SCR-based aftertreatment (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Audi BDV is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM torque and efficient highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulated environmental performance.
| 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) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-18 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 166 kg |
The BDV provides strong low-end torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. The Bosch HPFP is sensitive to fuel quality, requiring ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent premature wear. SCR-equipped models (post-2015) depend on AdBlue dosing for emissions compliance and require periodic DPF regeneration monitoring. Cold-start performance can degrade if glow plug system is not maintained. EGR and intake manifolds are prone to carbon buildup, necessitating periodic cleaning to avoid limp mode and reduced efficiency.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2011-05-03). Supersedes ACEA B4 and C3 standards for diesel applications.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models; Euro 6b compliance from 2015 onward (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). SCR integration required for NOx control in regulated markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R101 standards. Output remains consistent across markets; no power binning observed in Audi TIS documentation.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34049, A34111, SIB 2012-04-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
ISO 8854:2021 Road vehicles — Compression-ignition engines — Vocabulary
The Audi BDV was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9/8U platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen and Škoda for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake tracts in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 B9 adopted Euro 6b compliance with enhanced SCR dosing, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled Volkswagen's 2.0 TDI and Škoda's 2.0 CR TDI to use identical core architecture. 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 A34209). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for BDV in Audi models). Pre-2015 units lack SCR and AdBlue tanks; post-2015 models feature SCR dosing module near the exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from EA189: BDV uses Bosch CRS 2-18 fuel system with round injector connectors, while EA189 uses Siemens SIMOS with flat connectors. Service parts require model-year verification—DPF and EGR components pre- and post-SCR are not interchangeable (Audi SIB 2012-04-01).
The BDV's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-compliant diesel or extended oil intervals. Internal Audi quality reports from 2013 indicated a significant portion of pre-2015 units required HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR/DPF faults as a leading cause of emissions failure in urban-driven examples. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase soot accumulation, making regular regeneration and quality fluid maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2010–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BDV.
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