The Audi CDLC is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It belongs to the EA288 Evo engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual — loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) with 340 Nm of torque, balancing strong low — end pull and fuel efficiency for mainstream applications.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, B9 A4, and 8U Q3, the CDLC engi…
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Audi CDLC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2016–2020). It combines common rail injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver responsive performance and stable fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances real-world usability with emissions 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,500–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020) | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (VGT) with water-cooled housing | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (HPFP wear risk under sustained load) | |
Oil type | Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 (5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 168 kg |
The Audi CDLC was used across Audi's 8V/B9 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 2018 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated emissions calibration, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CDLC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load operation. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2018 engines exhibiting lean mixture faults before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a portion of emissions-related failures to EGR valve clogging in high-mileage units. Extended highway use and delayed oil changes increase stress on the HPFP, making adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). 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 CDLC is generally robust when maintained properly, though early models (2016–2017) are prone to high-pressure fuel pump wear. Post-2018 revisions improved durability. Regular oil changes with Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 spec oil every 15,000 km are essential. With proper care, 200,000+ km reliability is achievable.
Key issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (especially pre-2018), EGR valve clogging, DPF saturation from short trips, and AdBlue system faults. These are documented in Audi service bulletins and field reports. Regular regeneration and HPFP upgrades significantly improve longevity.
The CDLC powered the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), Q3 (8U), and A5 (F5) from 2016–2020 as the 30 TDI variant. All applications feature longitudinal mounting and EA288 Evo architecture. It was not used in PHEV configurations due to SCR packaging constraints.
Yes. The CDLC responds well to ECU remapping, with safe gains of +25–35 kW on stage 1. Stock internals support moderate tuning, but upgraded cooling and fueling are recommended for higher outputs. Reputable tuners offer maps that retain OEM safety thresholds and emissions compliance.
In real-world mixed driving, expect 5.2–5.8 L/100km (48–54 mpg UK). Highway efficiency improves to ~4.8 L/100km (~58 mpg UK). The A3 30 TDI achieves best economy due to lower weight. Driving style and DPF regeneration cycles significantly affect consumption.
Yes. The CDLC is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, causing severe internal damage. Immediate attention to timing chain noise is critical to avoid costly repairs.
Audi specifies 5W-30 oil meeting Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 standard. Use only ACEA C2/C3 or BMW Longlife-04 compliant oils. Change every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper HPFP and turbo operation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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