The Audi CDLB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2020. Part of the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 engine family, it features common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). It delivers 85 kW (115 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, balancing efficiency and drivability in compact and mid-size applications.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Škoda Octavia Mk3, the CDLB was engineered for responsive low-end performance and highway refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6c and 6d-TEMP compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended service intervals, identified in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2017-10. This issue primarily affects vehicles operated with substandard diesel fuel or inconsistent maintenance. From 2018, Audi revised fuel system inspection protocols and updated pump calibration to improve durability.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6c standards; 2019–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CDLB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2016–2020). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 85 kW (115 PS) | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (BorgWarner KT18) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (long-life design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The CDLB's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires consistent operating temperatures to prevent soot accumulation in the EGR and DPF systems. Using VW 504 00/507 00 (5W-30) oil is essential for turbo and injector longevity. Regular highway runs (minimum 20 minutes above 3,000 rpm) are recommended to support passive DPF regeneration. The SCR system requires AdBlue top-ups every 10,000–15,000 km; neglecting this triggers derate modes. Early units (2016–2017) are prone to HPFP wear when operated with poor-quality diesel or extended oil intervals—monitor fuel pressure readings and replace pump per Audi SIB 2017-10 if performance degrades. Post-2018 revisions improve fuel system resilience.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2016-12). Supersedes ACEA C3; backward compatible with C2.
Emissions: Euro 6c applies to 2016–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance confirmed for 2019–2020 units depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 85 kW output requires ULSD meeting EN 590 and functional SCR system (Audi TIS Doc. A42012).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A41276, A41803, SIB 2016-12, SIB 2017-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CDLB was used across Audi's 8V, B9, and C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling circuits in A6 C7-and from 2019 the switch to Euro 6d-TEMP brought SCR/AdBlue integration, creating interchange limits. Partnerships within the Volkswagen Group allowed shared use in Škoda, Volkswagen, and SEAT models with minor software tuning differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A41276). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for CDLB series). Pre-2019 models may lack AdBlue tanks and use only DPF/EGR; post-2019 Euro 6d-TEMP models feature SCR systems with dosing unit and AdBlue filler behind the rear wheel arch. Critical differentiation from EA189 engines: CDLB uses a double-row timing chain and external EGR cooler, while EA189 uses a single-row chain and integrated cooler. Service parts require model-year verification—HPFP units before 2018 are incompatible with post-2018 revisions per Audi SIB 2017-10.
The CDLB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in regions with inconsistent fuel quality. Internal Audi field reports from 2018 indicated a notable number of 2016–2017 units required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased fuel system-related failures in urban-driven examples. Extended oil intervals and short trips exacerbate fuel system stress, making adherence to service intervals and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDLB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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