The Audi CESA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2012. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, designed for compact and mid-size applications. 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 enhanced low-end response for urban drivability.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), and A6 (C6), the CESA engine was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy in daily driving. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 5 certification across its production run in accordance with EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2010-15. Premature wear has been linked to fuel quality and extended service intervals. From 2011, revised pump calibration and updated fuel filtration were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2012 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CESA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2008–2012). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances urban efficiency with highway refinement.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 120,000 km or 6 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The CESA's VGT turbo enables strong low-end torque ideal for city driving, but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system. The Bosch CRS 2-20 pump requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector and pump wear. Timing belt replacement is critical at 120,000 km or 6 years to avoid catastrophic interference engine damage. EGR and DPF systems need regular regeneration cycles; urban-only use may require forced regens to prevent clogging. Post-2011 models benefit from revised HPFP calibration per Audi SIB 2010-15, improving long-term reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2010-15). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CESA models (2008–2012) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A32050).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32102, SIB 2010-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CESA was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A4-and from 2011 updated fuel calibration improved HPFP longevity, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Audi TIS A32050). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for EA189 series). Pre-2011 models use Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel system with black high-pressure lines; post-2011 units feature revised HPFP calibration. Critical differentiation from EA189 variants: CESA has specific ECU mapping (04L906056AH) and VGT turbo (Garrett GT1544V). Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2010 models are not compatible with post-2011 revisions due to tensioner redesign (Audi SIB 2010-15).
The CESA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2011 noted increased HPFP failures in pre-2011 units before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows EGR/DPF clogging as a leading cause of emissions failures. Short-trip driving and poor fuel quality amplify system stress, making fuel filtration and oil quality adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2008–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2012–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CESA.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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AUDI Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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.
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