The Audi CRED is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, designed for enhanced emissions control and long-term durability over earlier EA288 variants. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 380 Nm of torque, offering strong low-end response and real-world efficiency.
Fitted to models including the A4 (B9), A5, and Q5, the CRED was engineered for balanced performance and compliance with stringent Euro 6d-TEMP standards. Emissions control is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling lower NOx output. Its compact design allows longitudinal mounting across mid-size and premium platforms with minimal adaptation.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2019-031, is linked to mechanical stress on the Bosch CP3.4 pump's internal drive mechanism. From 2019 onward, revised pump assemblies and updated ECU calibrations were implemented to improve durability and reduce failure rates.
All production years (2018–2023) meet Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9237).
The Audi CRED is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for mid-size and premium platforms (2018–2023). It integrates common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and efficient fuel consumption. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP 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 | 120 kW (163 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 380 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | |
| 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 | 150 kg |
The CRED's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use, but requires regular highway runs to complete DPF regeneration and prevent EGR/DPF clogging. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is essential for injector and pump longevity due to its low-ash formulation. Fuel quality is critical—ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) must be used to avoid high-pressure pump wear. The timing belt must be replaced at 180,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first, per Audi SIB 2018-016. Post-2019 models feature updated HPFP design and revised ECU mapping to reduce wear and improve throttle response.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2018-016). Not compatible with ACEA A/B standards.
Emissions: All models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9237). No earlier variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output assumes EU3+ diesel quality (Volkswagen Group PT-2019).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A40826, SIB 2018-016, SIB 2019-031
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9237)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CRED was used across Audi's B9/Typ 8W platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal and transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Q5 and revised intake manifolds in the A5—and from 2019 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated HPFP and ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Audi TIS A40826). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TDI EA288 series). Pre-2019 units have silver valve covers; post-2019 models use black. Critical differentiation from CNYA: CRED has Bosch CP3.4 HPFP with square fuel rail connector and updated ECU calibration. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2019 models are incompatible with post-facelift B9 units due to tensioner redesign (Audi SIB 2018-016).
The CRED's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2020 noted increased HPFP failure rates in pre-2019 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 fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CRED.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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