The Audi CGQB is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for improved emissions control and long — term durability over its EA189 predecessor. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering strong mid — range performance ideal for daily drivi…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2014–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).
The Audi CGQB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It integrates common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance through advanced aftertreatment systems.
| 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 @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2014); Euro 6 (2014–2018) | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 180,000 km or 10 years) | |
Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 148 kg |
The Audi CGQB was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q3 and revised intake manifolds in the A3—and from 2014 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated EGR and DPF calibrations, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The CGQB's primary reliability risk is EGR and intake carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip usage. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 noted increased EGR valve failure rates in pre-2014 builds, while UK DVSA MOT data links a significant portion of emissions-related failures to DPF clogging in stop-start traffic. Extended service intervals and low-quality diesel amplify fuel system stress, making maintenance adherence and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The CGQB is generally reliable when maintained properly, though pre-2014 models are prone to EGR and intake carbon buildup. Later revisions improved EGR valve durability. Regular oil changes with VW 504 00 oil, EGR cleaning, and timely timing belt replacement are essential. Well-maintained units can exceed 250,000 km reliably.
Key issues include EGR/intake carbon buildup (especially on early models), timing belt wear beyond service interval, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, and DPF clogging due to short-trip driving. These are documented in Audi SIBs 2013-012 and 2015-018 and require OEM-recommended maintenance to prevent.
The CGQB was used in the Audi A3 (8V, 2012–2018), A4 B8 (2012–2015), A4 B9 (2015–2018), and Q3 (8U, 2012–2018) as the 2.0 TDI 140 PS. It was also shared across the Volkswagen Group in the Škoda Octavia Mk3. Euro 5 and Euro 6 variants exist depending on model year.
Yes. The CGQB responds well to ECU remapping, with stage 1 tunes safely achieving 160–170 PS. The stock turbo and internals handle moderate increases, but upgraded cooling and fuel system components are recommended for higher outputs. Tuning should not exceed 180 PS without hardware upgrades.
Excellent. In an A4 2.0 TDI (B9), real-world consumption averages 5.1 L/100 km (55 mpg UK) combined. Highway driving can achieve 4.4 L/100 km (64 mpg UK). Expect 50–55 mpg UK in mixed conditions. Economy is sensitive to driving style and EGR/DPF health.
Yes. The CGQB is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails or skips, pistons will contact open valves, causing catastrophic internal damage. Adhering to the 180,000 km or 10-year replacement interval per Audi SIB 2013-012 is absolutely critical.
Audi specifies VW 504 00 or 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) low-ash oil. This is mandatory to protect the HPFP, injectors, and DPF. Change every 15,000 km or annually. Using incorrect oil can lead to fuel system damage and DPF clogging.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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