The Audi CDSB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, designed for responsive performance and efficiency in Audi's compact and mid-size lineup.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q5 (FY), the CDSB engine was engineered for drivers seeking strong low-end torque and quiet operation. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6b compliance (2015–2018) and Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) depending on model year and market.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2016-18-03. Premature wear is linked to extended service intervals and inconsistent fuel quality. From 2018, revised fuel system calibration and updated injector control strategies were implemented to improve durability in later Euro 6d-TEMP variants.
Production years 2015–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2018–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Audi CDSB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). 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 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 169 kg |
The CDSB provides strong low-end torque ideal for urban and motorway driving, but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) oil to ensure timing chain and turbo longevity. The Bosch CRS 2.0 fuel system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent HPFP wear. EGR and DPF systems require regular long-distance driving to prevent clogging. Post-2018 Euro 6d-TEMP models include SCR with AdBlue injection, necessitating periodic tank refills. Cold starts should be minimized to reduce thermal stress on the turbo and EGR cooler.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2012-08-03). Supersedes ACEA B4 and C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2015–2018 models; Euro 6d-TEMP certification for 2018–2020 units (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output remains consistent across markets; no derating observed in hot climates (Audi TIS Doc. A35012).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35012, A35105, A35200, SIB 2016-18-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
ISO 8854:2020 Road vehicles — Compression-ignition engines — Vocabulary
The Audi CDSB was used across Audi's 8V/B9/FY platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive models and longitudinal in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q5 (FY) and revised intake manifolds in the A3 (8V)—and from 2018 the Euro 6d-TEMP update introduced enhanced SCR and OBD-II diagnostics, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A35012). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CDSB series). Pre-2018 models have a black valve cover with silver accents; post-2018 units feature a fully black valve cover and integrated AdBlue dosing module. Critical differentiation from EA288 engines: CDSB uses a Bosch CRS 2.0 fuel system and lacks a dual-loop EGR system. Service parts require model-year verification—DPF and EGR components pre- and post-2018 are not interchangeable due to SCR integration (Audi SIB 2018-07-01).
The CDSB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles with short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 noted increased HPFP failures in units with oil change intervals exceeding 15,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a significant share of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR/DPF clogging. Frequent cold starts and low-quality diesel exacerbate fuel system stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CDSB.
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