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 engine was engineered for responsive daily driving and efficient long-distance cruising. It met Euro 6b emissions standards through a close-coupled diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling compliance without compromising drivability.
One documented concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions, particularly in early EA288 Evo units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2016-18-03, can lead to lean mixture faults and misfires if not addressed. From 2018, revised pump internals and updated calibration were implemented to improve durability across the CDLC-powered lineup.
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 CDLC's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo degradation. Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its specific formulation protecting the high-pressure fuel system. Extended idling or short-trip usage increases soot loading in the DPF, requiring regular highway runs to initiate passive regeneration. The SCR system demands AdBlue top-ups every 10,000–12,000 km depending on driving style. Early-build engines (pre-2018) should have the updated HPFP assembly installed per Audi SIB 2016-18-03 to mitigate wear risks.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2016-18-03). Compatible with ACEA C2/C3 and BMW Longlife-04.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2016–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance from 2019 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained on standard diesel (EN 590) with proper DPF/SCR function.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33001, A33005, A33012, SIB 2016-18-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
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.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A33001). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CDLC in 30 TDI models). Pre-2018 units have a silver intake manifold; post-2018 models feature revised runner design. Critical differentiation from EA288 Gen 1: CDLC has SCR with AdBlue injection and revised EGR routing. Service parts require model year verification – fuel pumps for pre-2018 CDLC engines are superseded by updated kits (Audi SIB 2016-18-03).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDLC.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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