The Audi CEPB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for efficiency and durability across compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with start-stop technology and energy recovery systems enhancing fuel economy.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and A6 (C7), including the 2.0 TDI 140 PS variants, the CEPB was engineered for balanced performance, low-end torque, and motorway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection on later models, enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6 compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented reliability concern is EGR and intake manifold carbon buildup, particularly in urban-driven vehicles with frequent short trips. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-01-02, stems from soot accumulation due to cooled EGR operation. From 2015, Audi introduced revised EGR coolers and intake manifolds with improved flow characteristics to mitigate coking.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CEPB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and executive models (2010–2018). 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 emissions compliance with real-world drivability.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 (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 GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The CEPB provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires consistent highway runs to maintain EGR and DPF health. Using VW 504 00/507 00 (5W-30) oil is critical for turbo and high-pressure fuel pump longevity. Short-trip driving accelerates EGR and intake carbon buildup, leading to rough idle and reduced efficiency. AdBlue-equipped models require periodic tank refills and SCR system checks. The roller chain timing system is robust and typically maintenance-free, but tensioner wear can occur beyond 200,000 km in poorly maintained units. Always use ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent fuel system damage.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2014-03-01). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to pre-2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b compliance from 2015 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A34722).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34720, A34721, A34722, SIB 2015-01-02
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
Volkswagen Group Product Bulletin PT-Diesel2013
The Audi CEPB was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive models and longitudinal in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated starter-generator (ISG) in mild-hybrid variants from 2016-and from 2015 the facelifted B8.5 and C7.5 models adopted SCR/AdBlue systems, creating emissions system 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 A34725). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CEPB series). Pre-2015 models lack AdBlue tanks and have a simpler EGR setup; post-2015 SCR-equipped variants have a blue AdBlue filler cap on the right rear fender. Critical differentiation: CEPB has a Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system and Garrett GT1544V turbo; earlier CAEA engines use different injection components. Service parts require model-year verification—EGR manifolds and DPFs are not interchangeable between Euro 5 and Euro 6 models (Audi SIB 2015-01-02).
The CEPB's primary reliability risk is EGR and intake carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Internal Audi field reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 units required EGR cleaning before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows DPF-related failures are common in short-trip diesel vehicles. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation increase soot accumulation, making regular highway driving and correct oil selection critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CEPB.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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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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