The Audi CABB is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It features TFSI (Turbo Fuel Stratified Injection), DOHC valvetrain, and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts. In standard tune, it delivers 132 kW (180 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering improved responsiveness over earlier EA888 Gen 2 units.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, 8S S3, and B8.5 A4, the CABB engine was engineered for sportier performance and enhanced drivability. It met Euro 5 emissions standards through a combination of direct injection, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter. The engine's calibration prioritises mid-range punch and throttle precision for dynamic driving.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under high thermal load, particularly in hot climates or during sustained high-RPM operation. This issue is noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-22, which links premature wear to fuel quality and cooling efficiency. Audi revised the pump mounting and cooling ducting in 2015, improving long-term reliability in later production runs.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CABB is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine developed for compact and mid-size Audi applications (2012–2018). It builds on the EA888 Gen 3 architecture with dual injection (direct + port), improved thermal management, and enhanced turbo response. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6b standards, it delivers strong mid-range performance with better fuel efficiency than its predecessors.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 4,500–6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 dual injection (direct + port, up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbocharger with electronically controlled wastegate (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (revised guides/tensioner from 2015) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The dual-injection system reduces carbon buildup and improves cold-start emissions but requires high-octane fuel (RON 98) for optimal performance and longevity. The integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm-up and turbo spool, though sustained high-load operation demands robust cooling system maintenance. Audi Longlife-04 (5W-40) oil is essential due to higher thermal loads and turbo bearing protection requirements. The Bosch HDEV6 fuel pump is sensitive to low-quality petrol; using substandard fuel increases risk of HPFP failure, especially in hot climates. Post-2015 models feature improved pump cooling; pre-2015 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2014-22. EGR and PCV systems require periodic service to prevent intake contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-04 (5W-40) specification (Audi TSB 2014-22). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6b depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 132 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A33020).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32015, A32505, A32705, TSB 2014-22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CABB was used across Audi's 8V/8S/B8.5 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Seat and Skoda under VW Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-tighter intake tuning in the S3 and revised cooling in the A4-and from 2015 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted updated fuel pump cooling, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-left side of the cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A32155). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA888 Gen 3). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CABB uses Bosch MED 17.8.3 ECU with trapezoidal diagnostic port, while Gen 2 uses MED 17.5.5 with round port. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 04/2015 are incompatible with later units due to revised cooling ducting (Audi TSB 2014-22).
The CABB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates and aggressive driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2015 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of fuel system-related MOT failures to pump performance in high-mileage vehicles. Sustained high-RPM cycles and poor fuel quality increase pump stress, making fuel quality and cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CABB.
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