The Audi CSPB is a 1,798 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It forms part of the EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and a twin-scroll turbocharger. In standard tune, it delivers 125 kW (170 PS) and 250 Nm of torque, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency for everyday driving.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and Q3 (8U), the CSPB engine was engineered for drivers seeking agile performance and urban drivability. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards through precise combustion control and an integrated exhaust manifold, with later variants achieving Euro 6 compliance. The engine's compact design allows transverse or longitudinal mounting, supporting both front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive layouts.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2014-15. This issue stems from inadequate oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts, leading to increased wear. From 2015, Audi revised the oil gallery design and updated tensioner components to improve reliability across the EA888 Gen 3 range.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CSPB is a 1,798 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It combines fuel stratified injection (FSI) with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6 standards, it balances performance with regulated emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,798 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 84.5 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 5,100–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1,500–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (FSI), Bosch MED 17.8.8 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner K04 twin-scroll turbo | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00-spec oil to prevent timing chain wear. The integrated exhaust manifold improves warm-up time but increases cylinder head thermal load. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure adequate oil pressure at the upper timing chain guide. Direct injection leads to intake valve coking over time, requiring periodic walnut blasting. Post-2015 models feature revised oil galleries and tensioners; pre-2015 units should follow Audi SIB 2014-15 for inspection and upgrade. PCV system maintenance is essential to prevent vacuum leaks and oil consumption.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2014-15). Critical for chain system longevity.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance verified for 2015–2018 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU fuel grades meeting EN 228.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34120, A34210, A34567, SIB 2014-15
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CSPB was used across Audi's MQB and MLB platforms with transverse or longitudinal mounting and shared with Volkswagen Group brands. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated exhaust in the cylinder head and revised turbo routing in the A3-and from 2015 the updated EA888 Gen 3B variant introduced improved oil flow to the timing system, 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 transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A34120). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CSPB in AUDI models). Pre-2015 units have a black plastic cam cover with '1.8 TFSI' badge; post-2015 models use revised oil pump and tensioner. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CSPB features integrated exhaust manifold and twin-scroll turbo. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2015 engines are incompatible with Gen 3B units due to oil gallery redesign (Audi SIB 2014-15).
The CSPB's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 noted increased chain guide wear in pre-2015 units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links intake coking to frequent short journeys. Cold-start cycles and extended idling increase chain stress, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CSPB.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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