The Audi BVF is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It belongs to the EA189 engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain. In standard tune it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) with peak torque of 320 Nm, designed for efficiency and responsive mid-range performance.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), A6 (C6), and Q5, the BVF engine was engineered for balanced everyday driving with strong low-end torque and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain markets, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2011-15-01. This issue is linked to fuel contamination and inadequate filtration, particularly when non-EN 590 diesel is used. From 2011, revised fuel pump calibration and updated filter specifications were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BVF is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2008–2013). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances real-world economy with drivability in urban and mixed conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted, non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The BVF delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for city and motorway driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) to maintain turbo and fuel system longevity. The Bosch HPFP is sensitive to fuel quality, requiring ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 to prevent internal wear. EGR and DPF systems need regular highway runs to prevent clogging; neglect can trigger limp mode. Post-2011 models benefit from updated pump calibration and filter design per Audi SIB 2011-15-01. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce EGR soot accumulation.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2010-08-03). Supersedes ACEA B4-08.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all BVF models (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel grades meeting EN 590 (Audi TIS Doc. A189-05).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A189-01, A189-02, A189-04, SIB 2011-15-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BVF was used across Audi's 8P/B8 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive layouts and longitudinal in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the A3 and reinforced engine mounts in the Q5-and from 2011, updated fuel system calibration improved reliability. 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 starter motor (Audi TIS A189-08). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for EA189 series). Pre-2011 models use Bosch EDC17CP42 ECU; post-2011 units may have EDC17CP56 with updated fuel mapping. Critical differentiation from other EA189 variants: BVF has Garrett GT1544V turbo and 103 kW output. Service parts require production date verification—fuel pumps before 06/2011 are incompatible with later calibrated ECUs (Audi SIB 2011-15-01).
The BVF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles with short trips. Internal Audi field reports from 2012 indicated a notable share of pre-2011 units requiring HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while VCA MOT data links a significant portion of no-start failures to fuel system faults. Use of non-EN 590 diesel and extended service intervals increase pump wear, making fuel quality and timely maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2009–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BVF.
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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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