The Audi CFHD is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 diesel engine family, designed for Euro 6 compliance and improved efficiency. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) with peak torque of 340 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, offering strong mid-range pull for highway and urban driving.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CFHD was engineered for drivers prioritising fuel economy and responsive performance. Emissions control is achieved through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting strict Euro 6b standards. The engine incorporates thermal management features including a regulated cooling circuit to reduce warm-up times.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2016-18, is linked to inadequate lubrication under high-load operation. In 2017, Audi introduced an updated Bosch CP4-based fuel system with revised calibration and enhanced oil conditioning to mitigate premature pump failure and improve long-term reliability.
All CFHD models comply with Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789); SCR system requires AdBlue refills to maintain emissions compliance.
The Audi CFHD is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine developed for mainstream Audi models (2015–2020). It integrates EA288 architecture with VGT turbocharging and SCR-based aftertreatment to meet Euro 6b emissions. Designed for balanced performance and efficiency, it delivers strong torque delivery with low CO₂ output.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common rail (up to 2,000 bar), CP4 HPFP | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (with SCR/AdBlue) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, regulated thermostat | |
| Turbocharger | Single BorgWarner VTG turbo (variable geometry) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (long-life design) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The CFHD's VGT turbo provides strong low-to-mid RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00–compliant oil to prevent HPFP wear and turbo degradation. The SCR system mandates regular AdBlue replenishment (approx. 1 L per 800 km) to avoid power derate. Use of ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD, EN 590) is essential to prevent fuel system coking. Early 2015–2016 models are prone to HPFP failure; Audi issued TSB 2016-18 recommending inspection and replacement with CP4-upgraded units. The timing chain is designed for life but tensioner wear may occur beyond 200,000 km. EGR/DPF systems require periodic cleaning to maintain flow and prevent regeneration issues.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi TSB 2016-18). ACEA C3 equivalent acceptable if VW-approved.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 6b (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). SCR functionality required for full compliance; AdBlue tank must not be depleted.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output maintained on standard diesel (EN 590) with functional EGR and SCR (Audi TIS A42107).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A42015, A42107, TSB 2016-18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CFHD was used across Audi's 8V/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with SEAT, Volkswagen, and Skoda under Group modular strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A4-and from 2018 the facelifted Q3 adopted the EA288 Evo variant with dual-loop cooling, creating interchange limits. Partnerships enabled shared tooling and calibration across brands. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A42015). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CFHD). Pre-2017 models have a Bosch CP3 HPFP with silver housing; post-2017 units use a CP4 pump with black housing and revised mounting. Critical differentiation from EA288 Evo: CFHD uses a single-loop cooling system, while Evo models feature dual-loop with electric coolant pump. Service parts require production date verification - EGR coolers before 06/2016 are not compatible with later revisions due to internal flow redesign (Audi TSB 2016-18).
The CFHD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained units. Internal Audi service data from 2018 reported over 25% of pre-2017 units requiring HPFP replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased NOx-related emissions failures in vehicles with neglected AdBlue systems. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel exacerbate pump wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CFHD.
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