The Audi CDRA 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, designed as a refined successor to the EA189 series. Featuring common rail direct injection (CRDI), a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and double overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with improved emissions control and fuel efficiency over prior units.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), and Q3 (8U), the CDRA was engineered for balanced performance and real-world economy in compact and mid-size applications. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection in most markets, enabling full Euro 6 compliance.
One documented reliability concern is EGR valve and cooler clogging, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2013-05-03. This issue is linked to carbon buildup from frequent short-trip driving and extended service intervals. From 2015, revised EGR valve calibration and enhanced DPF regeneration strategies were implemented to reduce fault incidence.
All CDRA production (2012–2018) meets Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi CDRA 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 a single variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM performance. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances real-world economy with drivability and regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 3-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but demands strict maintenance to prevent EGR/DPF clogging and turbo actuator binding. VW 504 00/507 00 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its low-ash formulation protecting the DPF. Extended oil intervals increase soot loading and can trigger limp mode. The Bosch CRS 3-20 fuel system operates at higher pressures and is sensitive to fuel quality; ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory. EGR cooler inspections are recommended every 60,000 km to prevent carbon-induced flow restrictions. Post-2015 units benefit from updated EGR valve calibration and improved DPF regeneration logic per Audi SIB 20 07 09.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 20 07 09). Replaces ACEA B4/C3 standards for DPF-equipped diesels.
Emissions: All CDRA units comply with Euro 6 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). SCR/AdBlue system is standard across production run.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with EU3+ diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A35820).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35210, A35520, SIB 20 07 09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CDRA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised EGR routing in the Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 B9 adopted updated ECU calibration and enhanced DPF regeneration logic in all markets, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Audi TIS A35210). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). All CDRA units have black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA189: CDRA uses Bosch CRS 3-20 injection with rectangular ECU connector, while EA189 uses CRS 2-20 with round connector. Service parts require production date verification - EGR valves and DPF control modules for pre-2015 models are not interchangeable with later units (Audi SIB 20 07 09).
The CDRA's primary reliability risk is EGR valve and cooler clogging, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 noted a significant share of pre-2015 units requiring EGR cleaning or replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults contributing to emissions test failures. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel exacerbate DPF stress, making adherence to VW 504 00 oil and EN 590 fuel standards critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDFA.
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