The Audi CAWB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, featuring an aluminium cylinder head, common-rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts. In standard tune it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with higher-output variants producing up to 130 kW (177 PS), offering strong low-end pull ideal for daily driving and motorway cruising.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and Škoda Octavia Mk3, the CAWB was engineered for efficiency and refinement in compact and mid-size applications. Its driving character emphasizes smooth throttle response and quiet operation, aided by a two-stage turbocharging system and electric coolant pump. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, allowing Euro 5 and Euro 6b compliance across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly under extended oil service intervals. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-01-008, stems from inadequate oil pressure during cold starts affecting the rear-mounted chain system. In response, Audi issued updated maintenance intervals and revised tensioner components for model year 2015 and onward.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
The Audi CAWB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2012–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with two-stage turbocharging to deliver strong low-RPM torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (two-stage) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103–130 kW (140–177 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320–400 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2014), Euro 6b (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Two-stage turbo system (low-pressure + high-pressure turbos; BorgWarner design) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (rear-mounted; tensioner wear reported in early builds) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The two-stage turbocharging provides broad torque delivery ideal for mixed driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km or annual oil changes to prevent timing chain tensioner wear. Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its shear stability and protection for the rear-mounted chain system. Extended idling and cold starts increase stress on the upper chain guide. The SCR system requires regular AdBlue replenishment and proper exhaust temperature management to avoid regeneration faults. Post-2015 models benefit from updated tensioner hardware; pre-2015 units should follow Audi TSB 2014-01-008 for inspection. EGR and DPF systems require periodic cleaning to maintain efficiency and prevent limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2014-01-008). Supersedes ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6b certification for 2015–2018 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A13626).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A13572, A13626, TSB 2014-01-008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6790)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CAWB was used across Audi's 8V/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised engine mounts in the A4-and from 2015 the facelifted A3 models adopted updated tensioner hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A13594). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CAWB series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic covers; post-2015 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA189: CAWB has SCR/AdBlue system and two-stage turbocharging. Service parts require production date verification - tensioner kits for engines before 09/2014 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Audi TSB 2014-01-008).
The CAWB's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2015 noted a significant number of pre-2015 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records link EGR/DPF clogging to emissions-related MOT failures in city-driven vehicles. Cold-start cycles and extended oil intervals increase chain and guide stress, making oil quality and adherence to service intervals 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 CAWB.
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