The Audi CMBA is a 1,984 cc, inline — four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 3B engine family, featuring enhanced thermal management and emissions control. Equipped with direct fuel injection (TSI), variable valve timing (AVS), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering responsive performance and real — world efficiency.
Fitted to models including…
All production years (2016–2021) meet Euro 6c emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9014).
The Audi CMBA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2016–2021). It integrates TSI direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive performance and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 6c emissions standards, it balances sporty character with regulatory compliance through advanced thermal and fuel management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
Aspiration | Turbocharged (K04 turbo) | |
Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDP6 high-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6c | |
Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled with electro-mechanical coolant pump and dual-loop circuit | |
Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (K04 with electronic wastegate) | |
Timing system | Timing chain (lifetime service interval, inspection recommended) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 137 kg |
The Audi CMBA was used across Audi's 8V/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q3 and revised intake manifolds in the A3—and from 2018 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated HPFP and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CMBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 noted increased HPFP failure rates in pre-2018 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data links a significant portion of emissions-related failures to lambda sensor and catalytic converter faults in stop-start traffic. Extended service intervals and low-octane fuel amplify fuel system stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CMBA is generally reliable when maintained properly, though pre-2018 models are prone to HPFP issues. Later revisions improved pump durability. Regular oil changes with VW 502 00 oil, use of premium fuel, and timely inspection of the timing chain are essential. Well-maintained units can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Key issues include HPFP failure (especially on early models), turbo wastegate actuator sticking, cold-start timing chain rattle, and oil leaks from the valve cover gasket. These are documented in Audi SIBs 2017-013 and 2018-016 and require OEM-recommended maintenance to prevent.
The CMBA was used in the Audi A3 (8V, 2016–2021), A4 B9 (2016–2021), Q3 (8U, 2016–2018), and TT (FV, 2017–2021) as the 2.0 TFSI 190 PS. It is part of the EA888 Gen 3B family and shares architecture with Volkswagen Group models. All variants meet Euro 6c emissions standards.
Yes. The CMBA responds exceptionally well to ECU remapping, with stage 1 tunes safely achieving 230–250 PS. The stock turbo and internals handle moderate increases, but upgraded cooling and fuel system components are recommended for higher outputs. Tuning should not exceed 270 PS without hardware upgrades.
Good for a turbocharged petrol engine. In an A4 2.0 TFSI (B9), real-world consumption averages 7.5 L/100 km (38 mpg UK) combined. Highway driving can achieve 6.2 L/100 km (45 mpg UK). Expect 33–39 mpg UK in mixed conditions. Economy is sensitive to driving style and use of premium fuel.
Yes. The CMBA is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or skips, pistons will contact open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. While the chain is designed for the life of the engine, any persistent rattle or oil consumption issues should prompt inspection per Audi SIB 2017-013.
Audi specifies VW 502 00 or 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) synthetic oil. This is mandatory to protect the turbocharger, HPFP, and variable valve timing system. Change every 15,000 km or annually. Using incorrect oil can lead to premature turbo or fuel system failure.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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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.
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