The Audi BUY is a 1,395 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2010 and 2015. It forms part of the EA211 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and a belt-driven valvetrain. Delivering 81 kW (110 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, it was engineered for compact vehicle applications with emphasis on weight reduction and thermal efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI and select SEAT and Škoda derivatives, the BUY engine was designed for urban and commuter driving, balancing responsive low-end torque with fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing belt tensioner, particularly under extended service intervals. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 09 12, can lead to belt slippage or fracture if not addressed. From 2013, revised tensioner hardware and updated maintenance schedules were implemented to improve long-term reliability.
Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BUY is a 1,395 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact models (2010–2015). It combines TSI direct injection with a belt-driven DOHC valvetrain to deliver responsive urban performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions, it balances lightweight construction with fuel efficiency and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,395 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.5 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS12 turbocharger with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Toothed belt (interval: 120,000 km or 5 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The turbocharged TSI design delivers strong low-end torque ideal for city driving, but demands strict adherence to 5-year or 120,000 km timing belt service intervals to prevent catastrophic interference failure. Use of VW 502 00-specified 5W-30 oil is essential for turbo and high-pressure fuel pump longevity. Extended idling or short trips may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves due to portless direct injection. The IHI turbo requires 30 seconds of idle pre-shutdown under load to prevent coking. Post-2013 models benefit from revised tensioner design per Audi SIB 01 09 12, improving belt reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification (Audi SIB 01 09 12). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all models (2010–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output dependent on fuel quality (RON 95 minimum) (Audi TIS Doc. A31025).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31025, A31105, A31210, SIB 01 09 12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BUY was used across Audi's A1 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifold and revised ECU mapping-and from 2013 the updated tensioner system per SIB 01 09 12, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front lower edge of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A31025). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 1.4 TFSI). Pre-2013 models use a black plastic timing cover with flat tensioner; post-2013 units feature a ribbed cover with revised tensioner bolt pattern. Critical differentiation from non-turbo EA211: BUY has turbocharger mounted to exhaust manifold and intercooler piping. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2013 engines are incompatible with later tensioner revisions (Audi SIB 01 09 12).
The BUY's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure due to tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Audi field reports from 2014 indicated a significant share of pre-2013 engines required belt replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show interference damage as a leading cause of MOT failure in high-mileage A1s. Short-trip driving and delayed maintenance increase belt and turbo stress, making interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2010–2015) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BUY.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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