The Audi CEPA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for compact and mid-size diesel applications. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 81–103 kW (110–140 PS) and torque outputs from 250 to 320 Nm, depending on application and tuning.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8P, 8V), A4 (B8), A6 (C7), and Q3 (8U), the CEPA engine was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance. Emissions control is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in later models, enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold and EGR system, particularly in stop-start urban driving conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-13-01, stems from high levels of exhaust gas recirculation and oil vapour ingress. From 2015 onward, revised EGR coolers and intake manifolds were introduced to mitigate coking, improving long-term reliability.
Production years 2008–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CEPA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2008–2018). 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 5 and Euro 6 standards, it balances everyday drivability with stringent emissions requirements.
| 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 | 81–103 kW (110–140 PS) | |
| Torque | 250–320 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (single-stage, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The CEPA engine delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. The SCR system requires regular AdBlue replenishment and is sensitive to low-quality diesel, risking injector deposits and NOx sensor faults. Intake carbon buildup is common in short-trip usage; periodic cleaning of EGR valves and intake manifolds is recommended. Post-2015 revisions improved EGR cooler durability per Audi SIB 2015-13-01. The chain-driven timing system is robust but inspection is advised beyond 200,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2013-11-02). Supersedes ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to pre-2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b compliance from 2015 varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires EU5 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A34590).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34590, SIB 2013-11-02, SIB 2015-13-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CEPA was used across Audi's 8P/8V/B8/C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro models. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake tracts in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 B8.5 adopted Euro 6-compliant tuning with SCR integration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A34595). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CEPA series). Pre-2015 models lack SCR and AdBlue tanks; post-2015 units have SCR under the front bumper. Critical differentiation from EA189: CEPA has revised EGR routing and updated ECU calibration (Bosch EDC17CP54). Service parts require model year verification—EGR coolers for pre-2015 units are not compatible with Euro 6 models (Audi SIB 2015-13-01).
The CEPA's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup in the intake and EGR system, with elevated incidence in urban driving. Audi's internal field reports from 2016 indicated over 30% of pre-2015 units required EGR servicing before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows DPF-related MOT failures are common in short-trip diesel vehicles. Stop-start cycles and low oil quality increase soot and deposit formation, making regular maintenance and proper oil specification critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CEPA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
