The Audi CANB is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 3 engine family, it features direct fuel injection (FSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and a twin-scroll turbocharger. It delivers 132 kW (180 PS) in standard tune, with peak torque of 250 Nm available from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm, offering responsive performance across the rev range.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B8.5), and Q3 (8U), the CANB engine was engineered for a balance of sporty driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. It integrates thermal management via an electric coolant pump and uses a timing chain with a front-mounted layout. Emissions compliance is achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6b standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, noted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2014-10-05. This can lead to lean mixture faults and reduced power output. From 2016 onward, revised HPFP calibration and updated injector sealing rings were implemented across EA888 Gen 3 engines to improve durability and reduce combustion variability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2019 models comply with Euro 6b or 6c depending on market and emissions package (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CANB is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine designed for compact and mid-size applications (2012–2019). It combines direct injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Engineered to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and daily drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 4,300–6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b/6c (post-2015) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (front-mounted, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range pull ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00/505 00 specification oil to maintain turbo and HPFP longevity. Use of premium unleaded fuel (RON 98) is recommended for sustained high-load operation to prevent knock and carbon buildup. The electric coolant pump enables rapid warm-up and improved emissions control. The front-mounted timing chain is robust but inspection is advised beyond 200,000 km. Intake valve cleaning every 60,000–80,000 km helps prevent performance loss due to port injection absence.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2012-11-10). Backward compatible with ACEA A1/B1.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6b/6c compliance from 2015 depends on emissions calibration and market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output varies slightly with ambient conditions and DPF regeneration cycles (Audi TIS Doc. A36100).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35802, A36015, SIB 2013-07-04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CANB 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 revised emissions tuning, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A35900). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for EA888 petrol). Pre-2015 models lack gasoline particulate filter (GPF); post-2016 variants in Euro 6c markets include GPF and revised ECU mapping. Critical differentiation from EA211: CANB features twin-scroll turbo and DOHC layout. Service parts require model year verification—HPFP and injectors pre- and post-2016 are not interchangeable (Audi SIB 2014-10-05).
The CANB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 noted a significant number of pre-2016 units requiring HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults contributing to a notable share of MOT emissions failures. Aggressive driving and poor fuel quality increase injector and pump stress, making proper oil selection and fuel quality 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 CANB.
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