The Audi CTBD is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, designed for compact and mid-size applications. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) in standard tune, with peak torque of 320 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), and A6 (C6), the CTBD was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and low-end pulling power. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain markets, enabling Euro 4 and later Euro 5 compliance.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, particularly under high-load conditions or with substandard fuel. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2011-036, is linked to inadequate lubrication from low-sulfur diesel. From 2010, revised fuel system calibration and updated injector coding were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2013 models comply with Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CTBD is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2008–2013). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and highway efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 4 and Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulatory compliance.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2010); Euro 5 (2010–2013) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (timing belt for accessories) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM response ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent turbo bearing and HPFP wear. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (EN 590) is essential to maintain fuel system longevity. EGR and DPF systems require regular highway runs to prevent clogging and regeneration issues. Post-2010 models feature revised injector calibration and updated ECU mapping to reduce soot accumulation. Pre-2010 units are more susceptible to HPFP failure under aggressive driving; adherence to Audi TSB 2011-036 is recommended for early detection and mitigation.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi TSB 2010-089). Supersedes ACEA B4 and C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 applies to 2008–2009 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 5 compliance for 2010–2013 units varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Output consistent across EU markets with EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A34500).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34020, A34105, A34210, TSB 2011-036
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Audi CTBD was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—modified intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the A6—and from 2010 the facelifted A4 B8 models adopted updated ECU calibrations and enhanced DPF regeneration logic, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Audi TIS A34800). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine code ('C' for CTBD series). Pre-2010 models have a silver valve cover with black plastic cam cover; post-2010 units feature an all-black valve cover. Critical differentiation from similar EA189 engines: CTBD uses Bosch CRS 2-20 injection with EDC17 ECU, identifiable by 120-pin connector. Service parts require model-year verification—DPF housings and EGR coolers differ between B7 and B8 platforms (Audi TSB 2010-077).
The CTBD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban driving cycles. Internal Audi field reports from 2012 indicated a significant number of pre-2010 units required HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows EGR/DPF clogging as a leading cause of emissions failure in city-driven vehicles. Frequent short trips and low-quality diesel increase fuel system stress, making fuel quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2009–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTBD.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
