The Audi BWE is a 1,390 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It belongs to the EA111 engine family and features direct fuel injection (TSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and a compact turbocharger layout. In standard tune, it delivers 81 kW (110 PS) and 160 Nm of torque, offering a balance of urban agility and highway responsiveness.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A1 (8X), A3 (8P), and SEAT Ibiza Mk5, the BWE engine was engineered for efficient city driving with responsive low-end torque. It met Euro 5 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, supported by precise direct injection and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
One documented concern is premature timing chain wear under extended oil intervals, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2011-13. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication to the chain tensioner during cold starts. In 2010, Audi introduced revised chain guides and updated oil specifications (Audi TL 52467) to mitigate wear, improving long-term reliability in later production units.
Production years 2008–2010 meet Euro 5 standards; 2011–2013 models comply with Euro 5b (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BWE is a 1,390 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2008–2013). It combines TSI direct injection with a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM performance. Designed to meet Euro 5 (and Euro 5b post-2011), it balances fuel efficiency with urban drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,390 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.5 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 5,000–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 1,500–3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2008–2010); Euro 5b (2011–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS20G turbocharger with integrated bypass valve | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted; wear-prone under poor lubrication) | |
| Oil type | Audi TL 52467 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 105 kg |
The low-inertia turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for stop-start driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation. Audi TL 52467 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its thermal stability and protection of the front-mounted chain system. Short trips and cold idling increase oil contamination and chain stress. The Bosch HDEV5 fuel system demands high-octane petrol (RON 98) to maintain injector cleanliness and prevent knock. Post-2010 models feature upgraded chain guides; pre-2010 units should have the tensioner upgrade per Audi SIB 2011-13. Lambda sensor and EGR system require periodic inspection to maintain emissions compliance and prevent limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi TL 52467 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2011-13). Supersedes VW 502 00 and ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2011 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2011-2013 models meet Euro 5b depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 81 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A11605).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11380, A11412, SIB 2011-13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi BWE was used across Audi's 8X/8P platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT and Volkswagen under the EA111 engine programme. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A1 and revised ECU calibrations in the A3-and from 2011 the facelifted A3 models adopted the BWH variant with improved EGR cooling, 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 A11395). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 1.4 TFSI). Pre-2010 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2010 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from BWH: Original BWE uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors with square electrical connectors, while BWH uses HDEV6 with trapezoidal connectors. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2010 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (Audi SIB 2011-13).
The BWE's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2012 indicated a notable share of pre-2010 engines requiring chain repair before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to lambda sensor degradation in city-driven vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and interval adherence 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 BWE.
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