The Audi CRBC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA288 evo 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 360 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.
Fitted to models including the B9 A4, 8W Q5, and Škoda Kodiaq, the CRBC was engineered for balanced efficiency and responsive mid-range performance in compact and mid-size platforms. It met Euro 6d 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 2019-31. The issue stems from abrasive wear in the plunger assembly due to contaminated fuel or poor lubricity. From 2020, revised fuel system calibration and updated service intervals were implemented across EA288 evo diesel engines to improve long-term reliability.
All production years (2019–2023) comply with Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
The Audi CRBC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2019–2023). It combines common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver strong mid-range torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances real-world drivability with emissions compliance through integrated SCR technology.
| 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Honeywell variable geometry turbo (VGT) | |
| Timing system | Roller chain (front-mounted; revised guides post-2019) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
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-2020 models feature revised fuel calibration; pre-2020 units should be monitored per Audi SIB 19 31 07. SCR system requires periodic AdBlue refill to maintain emissions compliance and prevent power reduction.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 19 31 07). Supersedes ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: All models (2019–2023) comply with Euro 6d standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A42201).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A42050, A42102, SIB 19 31 07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6795)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CRBC was used across Audi's B9/8W platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-revised cooling routing in the Q5 and transmission-specific torque calibration in the A4-and from 2020 the facelifted Q5 adopted the CRBC with SCR integration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A42080). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 diesel). Pre-2020 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2020 units use black valve covers with SCR dosing module visible near exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CKRA: CRBC features Honeywell VGT turbo; CKRA uses IHI unit with different actuator interface. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 06/2020 are incompatible with later units due to calibration changes (Audi SIB 19 31 07).
The CRBC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on pre-2020 builds, with elevated incidence in regions with variable fuel quality. Internal Audi quality reports from 2019 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.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CRBC.
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