The Audi BHT is a 1,984 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2016. It features turbocharging, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering 155 kW (211 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. Part of Volkswagen Group's EA888 engine family, the BHT was designed for high specific output and responsiveness in compact and mid-size Audi models.
Fitted to models including the A4 (B8), A5 (8T), and A6 (C7), the BHT engine was engineered to balance sporty performance with moderate fuel efficiency. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a catalytic converter, and lambda control, with later builds incorporating particulate filtration for select markets.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2012-041, is linked to inadequate lubrication and thermal stress in early production units. In 2013, Audi introduced an updated HPFP design and revised cooling strategies to improve durability.
Production years 2010–2012 meet Euro 5 standards; 2013–2016 models may have gasoline particulate filter (GPF) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi BHT is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine from the EA888 series (2010–2016). It combines TSI direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharging to deliver strong mid-range power and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 5 (and select GPF-equipped Euro 6) standards, it balances performance with everyday drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 155 kW (211 PS) @ 4,300–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,500–4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2013); Euro 6 with GPF (selected markets, 2013–2016) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner K04) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, low wear) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The BHT's twin-scroll turbo enables strong low-end torque and rapid boost response ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo bearing wear. Audi Longlife-01 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of high-pressure components. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system demands premium unleaded (RON 98) to prevent knock and maintain injector cleanliness. EGR and catalytic systems require regular highway runs to prevent coking and overheating. Post-2013 models benefit from GPF integration and updated ECU calibration, improving emissions compliance and long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-01 (5W-40) specification (Audi TSB 2012-041). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2013 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Some 2013–2016 models meet Euro 6b with GPF depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 155 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A33600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33150, A33520, TSB 2012-041
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BHT was used across Audi's B8/8T/C7 platforms with longitudinal mounting in quattro variants and transverse in FWD models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A4 and revised cooling routing in the A6-and from 2013 the facelifted A5 8T adopted GPF integration and emissions calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A33150). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('F' for EA888 series). Pre-2013 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2013 units use black valve covers with revised intake routing. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps before 08/2012 are incompatible with later ECU revisions due to updated injection timing (Audi TSB 2012-041).
The BHT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-performance driving with frequent full-throttle use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2013 engines required HPFP replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions-related failures linked to EGR coking in vehicles with mixed driving cycles. Extended idling and low-quality fuel increase pump and injector stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BHT.
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