The Audi CDHA is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 3 engine family, it features aluminium construction, direct fuel injection (TSI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivered 140 kW (190 PS) with peak torque of 320 Nm, offering a balance of performance and efficiency across compact and mid-size Audi models.
Fitted primarily to the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (B9), and A3 (8V) Sportback, the CDHA was engineered for responsive driving dynamics and fuel economy. Its character emphasizes broad torque delivery from 1,500 rpm, supported by thermal management systems and start-stop technology. Emissions compliance was achieved through a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, enabling Euro 6 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under aggressive driving conditions, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2016-10-03. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication in the Bosch HDEV6 system when low-octane fuel is used. From 2017, Audi introduced revised fuel pump calibration and updated oil specifications (Audi VW 502 00 → 504 00) to mitigate premature wear risks.
All production years (2015–2020) comply with Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CDHA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for mid-range performance in compact and executive models (2015–2020). It combines TSI direct injection with dual-loop thermal management and a compact turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range pull and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances driving refinement with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with dual-circuit thermal management | |
| Turbocharger | IHI turbocharger with electronically controlled wastegate | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2017) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 107 kg |
The EA888 Gen 3 architecture provides strong low-to-mid-range torque ideal for spirited driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump wear and turbo bearing degradation. VW 502 00 / 504 00 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its shear stability and protection for the front-mounted chain system. Aggressive driving with low-octane fuel increases HPFP wear risk. The Bosch HDEV6 fuel pump demands high-octane petrol (RON 95 minimum) to prevent knock and injector coking. Post-2017 models feature updated fuel pump calibration; pre-2017 units should follow Audi TSB 2016-10-03 for inspection. Dual-circuit cooling enhances warm-up efficiency and reduces thermal stress on critical components.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 504 00 specification (Audi TSB 2016-10-03). Supersedes ACEA A5/B5 requirements.
Emissions: All CDHA models meet Euro 6 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 140 kW output requires RON 95 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A42385).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A42385, A42386, TSB 2016-10-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CDHA was used across Audi's B9/8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications in select markets. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised intake manifolds in the A4 and enhanced cooling paths in the A5-and from 2017 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CDHA with updated fuel pump calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Audi TIS A42386). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for EA888 series). Pre-2017 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2017 units feature revised fuel pump calibration visible via diagnostic software. Critical differentiation from CDHB: Original CDHA has Bosch MED 17.1.1 ECU with 100-pin connector, while CDHB uses MED 17.8.8 with 120-pin. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 04/2017 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Audi TSB 2016-10-03).
The CDHA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in performance-oriented driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2017 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a notable portion of fuel system-related MOT failures to HPFP degradation in driven vehicles. Aggressive acceleration and low-octane fuel increase pump stress, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDHA.
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