The Audi CAEB is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and a chain-driven valvetrain. Delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, it was engineered for compact and mid-size applications with enhanced thermal efficiency and reduced emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 2.0 TFSI and Audi S3 (8V), the CAEB engine was designed for dynamic driving performance while maintaining fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter, particulate filter (GPF), and lambda control, meeting Euro 6b standards across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under aggressive driving conditions or with low-quality fuel. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 17 18, can lead to misfires or cold-start difficulties. From 2018, revised HPFP hardware and updated ECU mapping were implemented to improve durability and combustion stability.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CAEB is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines TSI direct injection with a chain-driven DOHC valvetrain to deliver responsive performance and improved efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions, it balances power delivery with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | IHI IS20 turbocharger with electronic wastegate | |
| Timing system | Roller chain (lifetime design, inspection recommended at 180,000 km) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 115 kg |
The turbocharged TSI design delivers strong mid-range torque ideal for spirited driving, but demands use of high-octane fuel (RON 98 recommended) and VW 502 00-specified 5W-30 oil to ensure turbo and HPFP longevity. Extended idling or short trips may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves due to portless direct injection. The IHI turbo requires 30 seconds of idle pre-shutdown under load to prevent coking. Post-2018 models benefit from revised HPFP design per Audi SIB 01 17 18, improving fuel system reliability. GPF-equipped variants require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification (Audi SIB 01 17 18). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all models (2015–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output dependent on fuel quality (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 optimal) (Audi TIS Doc. A42015).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A42015, A42105, A42210, SIB 01 17 18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CAEB was used across Audi's A3/S3 platform with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds and ECU tuning-and from 2018 the updated HPFP system per SIB 01 17 18, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front lower edge of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A42015). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TFSI). Pre-2018 models use a black plastic timing cover with flat HPFP housing; post-2018 units feature a ribbed cover with revised fuel pump bolt pattern. Critical differentiation from non-turbo EA888: CAEB has turbocharger mounted to exhaust manifold and intercooler piping. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP kits for pre-2018 engines are incompatible with later revisions (Audi SIB 01 17 18).
The CAEB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear under aggressive driving or low-quality fuel, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Audi field reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults as a leading cause of MOT failure in high-mileage A3s. Short-trip driving and delayed maintenance increase HPFP and turbo stress, making interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CAEB.
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