The Audi BYK is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for efficiency and durability across compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 85 kW (116 PS) in standard tune, with torque output of 250 Nm available from 1,500 rpm.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and Q3 (8U), the BYK engine was engineered for economical daily driving and long-distance refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection on later models, enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6d-TEMP compliance depending on model year.
One documented concern is EGR cooler failure due to carbon buildup and thermal stress, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2015-01-03. This can lead to coolant contamination in the intake tract and potential engine damage. From 2014 onward, revised EGR coolers with improved flow dynamics were introduced across the EA288 engine line to enhance durability.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b or 6d-TEMP depending on market and SCR fitment (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi BYK is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2010–2018). It combines high-pressure common-rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and highway efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory 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 | 85 kW (116 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b/6d-TEMP (post-2015 with SCR) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The BYK engine provides strong low-end torque ideal for urban driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 specification oil to maintain EGR and turbocharger longevity. Use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is essential to prevent high-pressure fuel system wear. Models equipped with SCR (AdBlue) require periodic tank refills and system checks to avoid DPF regeneration issues and limp mode. The front-mounted timing chain is robust but inspection is recommended beyond 200,000 km. EGR and intake cleaning every 80,000–100,000 km helps prevent carbon-related performance loss.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2012-10-11). Backward compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2010–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b/6d-TEMP compliance from 2015 requires SCR system operation.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output varies slightly with ambient conditions and DPF regeneration cycles (Audi TIS Doc. A35012).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34721, A34905, SIB 2014-08-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi BYK was used across Audi's 8V/8U platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 B8.5 adopted SCR-equipped variants, 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 A34800). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for EA288 diesel). Pre-2015 models lack AdBlue tanks; post-2015 SCR-equipped variants have a blue filler cap on the right side. Critical differentiation from EA189: BYK features revised EGR routing and front-mounted chain. Service parts require model year verification—EGR coolers pre- and post-2014 are not interchangeable (Audi SIB 2015-01-03).
The BYK's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 noted a significant number of pre-2015 units requiring EGR system repair before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR/DPF faults contributing to a notable share of MOT emissions failures. Frequent short trips and poor fuel quality increase carbon accumulation, making periodic cleaning and proper oil selection critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI BYK.
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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