The Audi CRBD is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2024. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard tune, it produces 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, delivering strong low-end pulling power and improved efficiency over previous generations.
Fitted to models including the B9.5 A4, B9.5 A5, and 8Y A3, the CRBD was engineered for drivers seeking a balance of refinement, fuel economy, and responsive performance. Emissions compliance is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 6d-ISC standards across all production years.
One documented service concern is premature high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, noted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2020-23-01. This issue stems from inadequate lubrication under extended oil change intervals, particularly in urban driving conditions. Later production engines received updated pump components and revised oil maintenance schedules to mitigate the risk.
Production years 2020–2024 meet Euro 6d-ISC standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
The Audi CRBD is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine developed for transverse and longitudinal-platform applications (2020–2024). It combines a variable geometry turbocharger with common rail injection to deliver smooth power delivery and strong low-RPM torque. Designed to meet Euro 6d-ISC emissions standards, it balances performance with improved fuel efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
| 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 | Common rail (Bosch CP4.2, up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-ISC | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Honeywell VGT) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 159 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent HPFP wear and turbo degradation. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its specific formulation protecting the high-pressure fuel system. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce oil starvation at critical interfaces. The Bosch CP4.2 fuel pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent high-pressure pump seizure. Post-2021 models feature revised HPFP components; pre-2021 units should have the pump inspection per Audi SIB 2020-23-01. EGR/DPF systems require periodic cleaning to maintain emissions compliance and prevent limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2020-23-01). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6d-ISC certification applies to all CRBD models (2020–2024) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A35608).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35212, A35319, A35608, SIB 2020-23-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6795)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CRBD was used across Audi's B9.5/8Y platforms with both longitudinal and transverse mounting and shared with Volkswagen and SEAT under Group platform strategy. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-tuned intake manifolds in the A5 and revised cooling in the A3-and from 2022 the facelifted A4 Avant adopted revised emissions mapping, creating minor software incompatibilities. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A35252). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 evo). Pre-2022 models have silver valve covers with black plastic timing covers; post-2022 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from EA288: CRBD uses Bosch CP4.2 fuel pump with revised lubricity requirements. Service parts require production date verification - HPFP assemblies before 01/2021 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Audi SIB 2020-23-01).
The CRBD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in city driving with frequent cold starts. Internal Audi reports from 2021 indicated a significant number of pre-2021 engines required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related MOT failures in urban areas. Short trips and delayed oil changes accelerate wear, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2020-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CRBD.
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