The Audi CBAA is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It forms part of the EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI/TSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and an integrated exhaust manifold for improved thermal efficiency. In standard tune it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) with 250 Nm of torque, balancing responsiveness and fuel economy for mainstream applications.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, B8/B8.5 A4, and 5N Q3, the CBAA engine was engineered for everyday drivability and efficient highway cruising. It met Euro 5 emissions standards through precise direct injection, an underfloor catalytic converter, and closed-loop lambda control. This configuration targeted urban and mixed driving with strong low-end torque delivery and reduced turbo lag.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early Gen 3 EA888 units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Bulletin 2014-15-01, can lead to chain slapping and potential valve train damage if not addressed. From 2016, revised tensioner materials and updated oil change intervals were implemented to improve long-term reliability across the CBAA-powered lineup.
Production years 2012–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CBAA is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It combines direct fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and stable fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6b standards, it balances real-world usability with emissions compliance.
| 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 | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,100–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2015); Euro 6b (2016–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (early tensioner wear risk) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30 or 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The CBAA's integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid warm-up and low-end torque, but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to protect the timing chain system. Use of Audi Longlife 04 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain hydraulic tensioner function and prevent premature chain wear. Extended idling or short trips increase carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of port injection. Regular fuel injector cleaning and intake decarbonisation are recommended. Early-build engines (pre-2016) should have the updated tensioner kit installed per Audi SIB 2014-15-01. Turbocharger reliability is high provided oil flow and intercooler efficiency are maintained.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 04 specification (Audi SIB 2014-15-01). Compatible with ACEA A5/B5 and VW 502 00/505 00.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2012–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b compliance from 2016 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained on regular unleaded (RON 95) with proper maintenance.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32001, A32005, A32012, SIB 2014-15-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CBAA was used across Audi's 8V/B8 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated starter-generator in the A3 e-tron and revised cooling paths in the Q3-and from 2016 the facelifted B8.5 A4 adopted updated emissions calibration, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CBAA in 35 TFSI models). Pre-2016 units have a black plastic intake manifold; post-2016 models feature revised runner design. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CBAA has integrated exhaust manifold casting and revised turbo placement. Service parts require model year verification – timing tensioners before 2016 are superseded by updated kits (Audi SIB 2014-15-01).
The CBAA's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2015 indicated a significant share of pre-2016 engines exhibiting chain noise before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a portion of emissions-related failures to turbo actuator faults in high-mileage units. Short-trip usage and delayed oil changes increase stress on the tensioner, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2014-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CBAA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
