Engine Code

AUDI CGXB engine (2015–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi CGXB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 engine family, featuring aluminium construction, common rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS), with peak torque of 340 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.

Fitted to models including the 8V A3, 8V A4, and SEAT Leon ST, the CGXB was engineered for balanced efficiency and responsive mid-range performance in compact and mid-size platforms. It met Euro 6 emissions standards through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, allowing compliance in stringent markets.

One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under extended service intervals, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2016-13. The issue stems from abrasive wear in the plunger assembly due to contaminated fuel or poor lubricity. From 2017, revised fuel system calibration and updated service intervals were implemented across EA288 diesel engines to improve long-term reliability.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years (2015–2018) comply with Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).

CGXB Technical Specifications

The Audi CGXB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2015–2018). It combines common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver strong mid-range torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances real-world drivability with emissions compliance through integrated SCR technology.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,968 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke81.0 mm × 95.5 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm
Torque340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6b
Compression ratio16.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerHoneywell variable geometry turbo (VGT)
Timing systemRoller chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2016)
Oil typeAudi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-30)
Dry weight142 kg
Practical Implications

The VGT turbo provides strong mid-range pull ideal for daily driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to prevent HPFP and turbo bearing degradation. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its specific formulation protecting the high-pressure fuel system. Extended idling and short trips increase EGR and DPF clogging risk. The Bosch CRS 2-20 fuel pump requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent plunger wear. Post-2017 models feature revised fuel calibration; pre-2017 units should be monitored per Audi SIB 16 13 07. SCR system requires periodic AdBlue refill to maintain emissions compliance and prevent power reduction.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 16 13 07). Supersedes ACEA C3 standards.

Emissions: All models (2015–2018) comply with Euro 6b standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6790).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A38401).

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A38250, A38302, SIB 16 13 07

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6790)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

CGXB Compatible Models

The Audi CGXB was used across Audi's 8V platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the A4 and transmission-specific torque calibration in the A3-and from 2017 the facelifted A3 Sportback adopted the CGXB with SCR integration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
A3 (8V)
Variants:
30 TDI, 2.0 TDI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2016
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
A4 (8V)
Variants:
35 TDI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A38350
Make:
SEAT
Years:
2016–2018
Models:
Leon (5F)
Variants:
150 FR, 2.0 TDI
View Source
SEAT EPC #S-568
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
Octavia (NJ)
Variants:
2.0 TDI
View Source
Škoda EPC #SK-789
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A38280). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 diesel). Pre-2017 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2017 units use black valve covers with SCR dosing module visible near exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CKRA: CGXB features Honeywell VGT turbo; CKRA uses IHI unit with different actuator interface. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 06/2017 are incompatible with later units due to calibration changes (Audi SIB 16 13 07).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A38280

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A38280).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2017: Silver valve cover with black plastic timing cover
  • Post-2017: Black valve cover with SCR dosing module on exhaust side
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Audi SIB 16 13 07

Turbocharger:

Honeywell VGT turbo (CGXB) is not interchangeable with IHI unit (CKRA) due to ECU control and actuator differences.

Fuel Components:

Fuel pumps revised in 2017 models. Pre-2017 pumps fit only pre-facelift engines.
HPFP Upgrade

Issue:

Early CGXB engines experienced high-pressure fuel pump degradation due to abrasive wear in the plunger assembly under poor fuel quality.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 16 13 07

Recommendation:

Use EN 590 diesel and monitor fuel system per Audi SIB 16 13 07.

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI CGXB

The CGXB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on pre-2017 builds, with elevated incidence in regions with variable fuel quality. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 noted a significant share of early engines requiring HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records associate a notable portion of emissions-related MOT failures with DPF clogging in stop-start traffic. Short-trip driving and low-quality diesel increase fuel system stress, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear or failure
Symptoms: Engine misfires, loss of power, difficulty starting, fuel pressure DTCs.
Cause: Plunger assembly wear due to contaminated or low-lubricity diesel, exacerbated by extended service intervals and cold starts.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest OEM-specified unit per service bulletin; verify fuel quality and update ECU calibration as required.
Turbocharger actuator failure
Symptoms: Loss of boost, limp-home under load, over/under-boost DTCs, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: VGT actuator wear or binding due to carbon buildup and thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace actuator or entire turbo unit per OEM procedure; recalibrate in diagnostics using guided functions.
EGR and intake carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Recirculated exhaust gases lead to soot and oil accumulation in EGR valve, cooler, and intake manifold.
Fix: Clean or replace EGR components and perform intake cleaning; ensure proper regeneration cycles and use quality diesel additives.
Oil leaks from seals and gaskets
Symptoms: Oil smell, drips at bellhousing/undertray, residue around valve cover and timing cover.
Cause: Age-hardened valve cover and rear timing cover gaskets/seals; crankcase ventilation ageing can raise case pressure.
Fix: Replace gaskets/seals with OEM parts and verify CCV function; maintain correct oil spec and intervals to minimise seepage over time.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI CGXB

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CGXB.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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