Engine Code

AUDI CSWB engine (2015-2021) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi CSWB is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2021. It forms part of the EA888 Gen 3B engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI), variable valve timing, and integrated exhaust manifold for thermal efficiency. In standard tune it delivers 140 kW (190 PS), with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,500 rpm, enabling responsive urban and highway performance.

Fitted to models such as the 8V/8VFL A3, 8S/8Y TT, B9/B9L A4/A5, and C8 A6, the CSWB was engineered for balanced driving dynamics, blending fuel efficiency with sporty responsiveness. Emissions compliance was achieved via a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and advanced lambda control, allowing Euro 6b compliance across all production years, with OBD monitoring per EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2017-15-01 (Ref. 613151). Premature wear stems from inadequate lubrication when fuel levels drop below 10%. From 2018, Audi revised the HPFP material specification and updated fuel system diagnostics to monitor rail pressure variance, reducing failure incidence in later builds.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2015–2021 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/18472).

CSWB Technical Specifications

The Audi CSWB is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2015–2021). It combines TFSI direct injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver responsive low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,984 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 92.8 mm
Power output140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm
Torque320 Nm @ 1,500–4,100 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6b
Compression ratio9.6:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbo with electronic wastegate (Honeywell)
Timing systemTiming chain (front-mounted, maintenance-free design)
Oil typeAudi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-40)
Dry weight135 kg
Practical Implications

The CSWB delivers strong low-end torque ideal for daily driving but requires consistent use of high-octane fuel (RON 98) to maintain combustion efficiency and prevent knock sensor activation. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) oil is essential for turbo bearing and variable valve actuator longevity. Extended low-fuel operation increases HPFP wear risk due to reduced lubrication; keeping fuel above 10% minimises this. The GPF requires regular motorway runs to enable passive regeneration. Post-2018 models feature revised HPFP components; pre-2018 units benefit from updated pump and rail pressure monitoring per Audi SIB 2017-15-01.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 2015-10-02). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.

Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2015–2021 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/18472).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 140 kW output requires RON 98 fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A19012).

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18880, A18881, A18883, SIB 2017-15-01

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/18472)

European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

CSWB Compatible Models

The Audi CSWB was used across Audi's MQB and MLB platforms with transverse (MQB) and longitudinal (MLB) mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake runners in the A3 and revised cooling routing in the A6-and from 2018 the facelifted B9L A4 adopted the Gen 3B+ update with enhanced GPF regeneration logic, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2021
Models:
A3 (8V/8VFL)
Variants:
35 TFSI, 40 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2018
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2021
Models:
TT (8S/8Y)
Variants:
40 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2018
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015-2021
Models:
A4 (B9/B9L)
Variants:
35 TFSI, 40 TFSI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A18901
Make:
Audi
Years:
2016-2021
Models:
A5 (B9/B9L)
Variants:
40 TFSI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A18902
Make:
Audi
Years:
2018-2021
Models:
A6 (C8)
Variants:
40 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2018
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A18885). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA888 series). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with integrated coil packs; post-2018 units feature black valve covers with revised injector connectors. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 3A: CSWB includes a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and uses Bosch HDEV5 injectors. Service parts require model year verification—HPFP and GPF assemblies are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2018 models due to control strategy revisions (Audi SIB 2017-15-01).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A18885

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A18885).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2018: Silver valve cover with standard injector connectors
  • Post-2018: Black valve cover with updated Bosch HDEV5 injector connectors
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2017-15-01

Fuel System:

High-pressure fuel pumps and GPF units for pre-2018 models are not compatible with post-2018 CSWB engines due to revised rail pressure control and diagnostics per Audi SIB 2017-15-01.

Software Requirements:

ECU software must match production date; post-facelift B9L A4 requires updated adaptation routines for GPF regeneration.
HPFP Maintenance

Issue:

Early CSWB engines experienced HPFP wear when operated frequently with low fuel levels (<10%), leading to rail pressure faults.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2017-15-01

Recommendation:

Install updated HPFP and verify fuel rail pressure stability per Audi SIB 2017-15-01.

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI CSWB

The CSWB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear under low-fuel conditions, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2018 noted a significant share of pre-2018 units requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA MOT data links GPF clogging to stop-start driving in city environments. Extended idling and low-tank operation increase pump and filter stress, making fuel management and service interval adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Engine hesitation, misfires, rail pressure warning, start-up difficulty, especially when hot.
Cause: Inadequate fuel lubrication at low tank levels (<10%) accelerates wear in early-design HPFP; exacerbated by frequent short trips and urban use.
Fix: Replace with latest-spec HPFP per service bulletin; update ECU software to monitor rail pressure variance and prevent lean conditions.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, increased fuel consumption, DPF warning, active regeneration frequency.
Cause: Frequent short trips and low-load driving prevent passive regeneration; oil consumption and fuel additives contribute to soot accumulation.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostic tool; replace GPF if flow restriction exceeds threshold; advise owner on extended driving cycles.
Timing chain tensioner rattle (early models)
Symptoms: Rattle on cold start-up (5–10 seconds), especially in morning starts, diminishing as engine warms.
Cause: Delayed oil pressure build-up in early tensioner design causes brief chain slack; wear increases with extended oil intervals.
Fix: Install updated tensioner and verify oil flow to chain housing; use correct viscosity oil and adhere to 15,000 km service intervals.
Oil consumption (piston ring design)
Symptoms: Oil level drop between services, blue-tinted exhaust smoke under load, carbon buildup on intake valves.
Cause: Combustion pressure blow-by past early-design piston rings; exacerbated by extended oil change intervals and short-trip driving.
Fix: Perform oil consumption test per Audi procedure; replace piston rings with updated low-tension design if excessive; maintain oil level and quality.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2015-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI CSWB

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CSWB.

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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