The Audi BVA is a 1,390 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA211 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts. With outputs of 81 kW (110 PS) and 200 Nm of torque, it delivers responsive urban performance and improved fuel efficiency over previous naturally aspirated units.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (8X), A3 (8P), and SEAT Ibiza Mk5, the BVA was engineered for compact city driving and efficient motorway cruising. Its driving character emphasizes low-to-mid range torque, aided by turbocharging and variable valve timing. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature timing chain wear under extended oil change intervals, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2013-01-003. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication during cold starts, particularly with non-compliant oil. In 2012, Audi issued updated maintenance guidelines and revised chain tensioner designs to mitigate wear risks.
Production years 2008–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BVA is a 1,390 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact models (2008–2015). It combines TSI direct injection with a small-displacement turbocharger to deliver strong low-end responsiveness and fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban drivability with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 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) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 200 Nm @ 1,500–3,900 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 IS20 turbocharger with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor maintenance) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 97 kg |
The TSI turbocharging provides strong low-RPM pull ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear. Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection for the front-mounted chain system. Extended idling and cold starts increase stress on the tensioner. Direct injection requires regular intake cleaning to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. Post-2012 models benefit from updated chain guides; pre-2012 units should follow Audi TSB 2013-01-003 for inspection. The three-way catalytic converter requires proper lambda control to avoid overheating and failure.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2013-01-003). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all BVA production years (2008–2015) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across markets with RON 95 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A13624).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A13570, A13624, TSB 2013-01-003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BVA was used across Audi's 8X/8P platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A1 and revised engine mounts in the A3-and from 2012 the facelifted A1 models adopted updated chain tensioner hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A13592). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for BVA series). Pre-2012 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic covers; post-2012 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA111: BVA has integrated exhaust manifold in cylinder head and electronic throttle body. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2012 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (Audi TSB 2013-01-003).
The BVA's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 noted a significant number of pre-2012 engines requiring chain repair before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link intake carbon buildup to idle instability in city-driven vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended oil intervals increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and adherence to service intervals 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 BVA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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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