The Audi CTCB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for efficiency and durability across compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with enhanced emissions control for Euro 5 and select Euro 6 compliance.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8P), A4 (B8), A6 (C7), and Q5 (8R), the CTCB was engineered for balanced performance, combining responsive low-end torque with highway refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in later variants, enabling Euro 5 certification for early builds and partial Euro 6 compliance in post-2015 models depending on market specifications.
One documented concern is EGR cooler failure due to thermal stress cracking, identified in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-11-01. This issue arises from repeated thermal cycling and coolant flow restrictions, leading to exhaust gas leakage into the cooling system. From 2016, Audi introduced an updated EGR cooler with improved casting integrity and revised coolant routing to mitigate failures.
Production years 2010–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016–2018 models may have Euro 6 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CTCB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and efficient operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 (and select Euro 6) standards, it balances real-world drivability with regulated emissions performance.
| 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 (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2015); Euro 6 (select 2016–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (integrated in rear cover) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The CTCB provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 specification oil to maintain turbo and high-pressure fuel system longevity. The SCR-based emissions system demands regular AdBlue refills and active regeneration cycles; neglect can trigger limp mode. EGR and intake carbon buildup is common in short-trip driving, requiring periodic cleaning per Audi TIS A41275. Post-2016 models feature revised EGR coolers; pre-2015 units should be inspected for coolant contamination. Use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent injector coking and fuel pump wear.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2013-08-05). Not compatible with ACEA A/B standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2010–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance limited to specific 2016+ variants with SCR.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across markets; SCR-equipped models maintain torque in high-altitude conditions (Audi TIS A41275).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A41275, SIB 2015-11-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
Volkswagen Group Product Technical Dossier PT-Diesel2014
The Audi CTCB was used across Audi's 8P/B8/C7 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse and longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the Q5-and from 2016 the updated A4 B8.5 facelift adopted the CTCB with SCR integration, 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 cover (Audi TIS A41275). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CTCB series). Pre-2016 models lack SCR and AdBlue tanks; post-2016 CTCB units feature SCR dosing module on the exhaust. Critical differentiation from EA189: CTCB has revised piston crown geometry and EGR routing. Service parts require production date verification—EGR coolers before 09/2015 are incompatible with post-revision units due to internal redesign (Audi SIB 2015-11-01).
The CTCB's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure on pre-2016 units, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway driving. Audi internal quality reports from 2017 noted increased coolant contamination events in models with extended service intervals, while UK DVSA data links EGR-related faults to over 18% of diesel-related MOT advisories. Thermal cycling and poor coolant maintenance amplify stress, making regular inspection and proper fluid use critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTCB.
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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