The Audi BSM is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and common rail direct injection with piezo injectors. In standard tune, it produces 103 kW (140 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, optimized for responsive mid-range performance and fuel-efficient operation in compact and mid-size platforms.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A3 (8P), Audi A4 (B7/B8), and Audi A6 (C6), the BSM engine was engineered for strong low-end torque delivery and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and NOx adsorption catalyst technology, allowing it to meet Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented service concern involves excessive carbon buildup in the EGR system and intake manifold, particularly under urban driving conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2010-04-01, can lead to restricted airflow, reduced efficiency, and DPF regeneration issues. From 2010 onward, Audi introduced revised EGR coolers with improved flow dynamics to mitigate deposit accumulation.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6234).
The Audi BSM is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine designed for compact and mid-size models (2008–2013). It combines common rail direct injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance in transverse and longitudinal applications.
| 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 1,800 bar), piezo injectors | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and highway driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. VW 507 00–compliant 5W-30 oil is essential for turbo bearing and high-pressure pump longevity. The Bosch CRS 2-20 system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector wear. Urban driving increases soot loading, necessitating regular highway runs to support passive DPF regeneration. Post-2010 models feature improved EGR coolers; pre-2010 units benefit from retrofitting revised components per Audi SIB 2010-04-01 to reduce carbon accumulation.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification for diesel applications (Audi SIB 2010-04-01). ACEA C3 oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all BSM models (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6234).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590 (Audi TIS A11720).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11640, A11720, SIB 2010-04-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6234)
ISO 8859-1:2009 Road Vehicles — Emissions Certification Procedures
The Audi BSM was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with both transverse and longitudinal 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 A4-and from 2010, updated EGR coolers 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 A11680). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 2.0 TDI variants). Pre-2010 models have ribbed black valve covers with exposed EGR piping; post-2010 units use revised EGR coolers with integrated swirl flaps. Critical differentiation from petrol engines: BSM is turbo-diesel with visible DPF and EGR components. Service parts require model-year verification—EGR valves and coolers for pre-2010 engines are not interchangeable with later carbon-reduction revisions (Audi SIB 2010-04-01).
The BSM's primary reliability risk is EGR and intake carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Audi internal field reports from 2011 indicated over 35% of pre-2010 units required EGR cleaning before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows a notable rise in emissions-related failures for TDI engines in city-operated vehicles. Short-trip usage and extended idling increase soot loading, making regular highway driving and 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 BSM.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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