The Audi BGB is a 1,390 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA111 engine family, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) direct fuel delivery. In standard tune, it produces 86 kW (116 PS) with 150 Nm of torque, designed for compact and subcompact applications requiring responsive urban performance.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A1 (8X) and Audi A3 (8P) models, including the 1.4 TFSI variants, the BGB engine was engineered for light weight and fuel-efficient operation in city and mixed driving conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented service concern involves premature carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly under short-trip driving conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2011-03-01, arises due to the absence of fuel washing over the valves in direct-injection engines. From 2011 onward, Audi introduced revised intake manifold designs and recommended more frequent cleaning intervals to mitigate performance loss.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BGB is a 1,390 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2008–2013). It combines FSI direct injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver responsive low-end torque and urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with fuel economy in lightweight platforms.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 86 kW (116 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 150 Nm @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 FSI (direct injection, up to 100 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (single-row) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 102 kg |
The FSI system enables precise fuel delivery and strong low-end response but is prone to intake valve carbon buildup under frequent short trips due to lack of fuel washing. Regular intake cleaning per Audi SIB 2011-03-01 is advised to maintain idle quality and throttle response. Use of VW 502 00–compliant 5W-30 oil is critical for timing chain longevity and hydraulic lifter operation. Fuel quality must meet EN 228 standards to prevent injector coking. The naturally aspirated design is robust but sensitive to vacuum leaks and air mass meter faults, requiring diagnostic verification during maintenance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification (Audi SIB 2011-03-01). ACEA A3/B4 compliant oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all BGB models (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228 (Audi TIS A11703).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11420, A11703, SIB 2011-03-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 8859-1:2009 Road Vehicles — Emissions Certification Procedures
The Audi BGB was used across Audi's 8P/8X platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen and SEAT units. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the A3 and revised ECU maps in the A1-and from 2011, updated intake manifolds were introduced to reduce carbon accumulation, creating service part distinctions. 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 A11480). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 1.4 FSI variants). Pre-2011 models have silver valve covers with ribbed intake manifolds; post-2011 units use revised plastic manifolds with integrated swirl flaps. Critical differentiation from turbocharged 1.4 TFSI: BGB is naturally aspirated with no intercooler or boost piping. Service parts require model-year verification—intake valves and manifolds for pre-2011 engines are not interchangeable with later carbon-reduction revisions (Audi SIB 2011-03-01).
The BGB's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Audi internal field reports from 2012 indicated over 30% of pre-2011 units required intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows a notable rise in idle instability faults for FSI engines in city-operated vehicles. Short-trip usage and extended idling reduce combustion temperatures, increasing deposit formation and making regular maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2008-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BGB.
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