The Audi BVR 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 common rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard tune, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, designed for responsive mid-range performance and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models including the A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), and A6 (C6/C7), the BVR engine was engineered for balanced driving dynamics, combining urban drivability with motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (CP3) failure under low-sulfur fuel conditions, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2011-14. Premature wear occurs due to inadequate lubrication when fuel quality falls below EN 590 specifications. From 2011, revised pump calibration and updated injector coding were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BVR 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 mid-range torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with economy in front- and quattro-driven applications.
| 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 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The BVR's VGT turbo provides strong mid-range pull ideal for AWD applications but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00-spec oil to prevent EGR and turbo fouling. The Bosch CP3 high-pressure pump demands EN 590-compliant diesel to avoid premature wear and rail pressure faults. EGR/DPF systems require regular highway runs to prevent clogging and regeneration failures. Timing chains are generally robust but should be inspected for tensioner wear beyond 200,000 km. Cold-start performance improves with updated ECU calibration post-2011 (Audi SIB 2011-14).
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2010-22). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all BVR models (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with EU diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A32871).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32871, A33022, SIB 2010-22, SIB 2011-14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi BVR was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8/C6/C7 platforms with transverse (8P) and longitudinal (B7/B8, C6/C7) mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A6-and from 2011 the facelifted A4 B8 adopted updated ECU mapping and DPF regeneration logic, creating interchange limits. 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 A32871). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA189 series). Pre-2011 models use a silver valve cover with a black plastic cam cover; post-2011 units feature a full black cover. Critical differentiation from EA288: BVR uses Bosch CP3 injection with round ECU connector, while EA288 uses CP4 with rectangular connector. Service parts require model-year verification—EGR coolers for pre-2010 A4 B7 are not interchangeable with B8 variants (Audi SIB 2010-22).
The BVR's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation under marginal fuel conditions, with elevated incidence in urban and cold-climate use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2012 indicated a notable share of pre-2011 units requiring CP3 replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults contributing to emissions test failures. Extended idling and short trips increase carbon buildup, making fuel quality and regular highway operation critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2009–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BVR.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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