The Audi BVN is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2012. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, designed for compact and mid-size diesel applications. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with precise fuel metering enabling strong low-end pull for urban driving and highway efficiency.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), and A6 (C6), as well as the Volkswagen Passat and Škoda Octavia, the BVN engine was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain markets, allowing Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-sulfur fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2010-15. Premature wear is linked to inadequate lubricity in ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), affecting fuel delivery consistency. From 2011, revised pump internals and updated fuel specifications were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2012 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BVN is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2008-2012). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and stable highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances real-world efficiency with emissions compliance.
| 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 @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,800 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 (two-stage tensioner) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The VGT setup provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent HPFP and turbo wear. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system requires EN 590 diesel with adequate lubricity to avoid injector and pump damage. Cold-start idling should be limited to reduce EGR soot accumulation. DPF regeneration cycles must complete fully to avoid clogging; frequent short trips increase DPF fault risk. Post-2011 models feature upgraded HPFP components; pre-2011 units benefit from the revised pump per Audi SIB 2010-15.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2010-15). Not compatible with ACEA A/B standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2012 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). SCR-equipped variants available in EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output maintained across altitude with ECU boost compensation (Audi TIS Doc. A32010).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32010, SIB 2010-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi BVN was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised EGR routing in the A6-and from 2011, the facelifted A4 B8.5 adopted revised emissions calibration, creating DPF compatibility limits. Partnerships enabled shared architecture with Volkswagen, Škoda, and SEAT. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32010). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine code ('B' for BVN). Pre-2010 models use a silver valve cover with a black plastic cam cover; post-2010 units feature all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA189 variants: BVN uses Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 120-pin connector and Garrett VGT turbo. Service parts require production date verification—DPF and EGR assemblies for pre-2011 models are not compatible with post-facelift B8.5 units due to calibration changes (Audi SIB 2011-08).
The BVN's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-compliant diesel. Internal Audi quality reports from 2011 indicated a significant number of pre-2011 units required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR and DPF faults dominate emissions-related MOT failures in urban-driven examples. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase soot accumulation, making full regeneration cycles and fuel quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2009-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BVN.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
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