The Audi BPJ is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It belongs to the EA288 diesel engine family, engineered for efficiency and compliance with stringent emissions standards. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) in standard tune, with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,500 rpm.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, 8J Q3, and B8/B8.5 A4, the BPJ engine was designed for drivers prioritising fuel economy and low-end pulling power. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 and later Euro 6 compliance.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under extended service intervals or low-quality diesel fuel. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2013-10-01, can lead to hard starting and power loss. From 2015, revised injector calibration and updated fuel system monitoring were introduced to improve reliability.

Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi BPJ is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine developed for compact and mid-size platforms (2010–2018). It combines common-rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver strong low-RPM torque and refined drivability. Designed to meet both Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances efficiency with real-world usability in urban and highway conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,200–4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted; low wear under proper maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The BPJ's VGT provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving and motorway cruising, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes using VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent HPFP wear. SCR/AdBlue system requires periodic refill and can trigger limp mode if depleted. EGR and DPF systems need regular highway runs to prevent clogging. Post-2015 models feature improved injector calibration; pre-2015 units benefit from updated control software per Audi SIB 2013-10-01. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce soot accumulation in the DPF.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2013-10-01). Supersedes ACEA C3 standards for diesel engines.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2010–2015 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires EU diesel Class A fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A34301).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34022, A34106, A34211, SIB 2013-10-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BPJ was used across Audi's 8V/8J/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen and SEAT for modular applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the Q3 and revised cooling routing in the A4-and from 2015 received minor ECU updates to meet Euro 6 standards, creating partial interchange limits. Partnerships within the VW Group allowed shared use of the EA288 diesel architecture. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A34091). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2015 models have a silver valve cover with black plastic cam cover; post-2015 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA189: BPJ uses SCR/AdBlue injection and revised ECU mapping. Service parts require production date verification—fuel injectors for pre-2015 and post-2015 models are not interchangeable due to calibration differences (Audi SIB 2013-10-01).
The BPJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF and EGR failures linked to low-speed operation. Cold-start cycles and extended oil intervals increase fuel system stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BPJ.
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