The Audi CTEC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It belongs to the EA288 engine family, designed for improved efficiency and emissions compliance. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, providing strong low-end performance ideal for daily driving.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), and Q3 (8U), the CTEC engine was engineered for drivers seeking responsive torque and highway refinement. It meets Euro 6 emissions standards through integrated exhaust gas recirculation (iEGR), a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system with AdBlue injection, and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Its compact design supports transverse mounting in front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive configurations.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2016-08, stems from inadequate oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts. From 2017, Audi revised the oil gallery design and updated tensioner components across the EA288 engine line to enhance reliability.
All production years (2015–2020) comply with Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CTEC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine developed for transverse applications (2015–2020). It integrates common rail injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver high low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet stringent Euro 6 standards, it uses SCR/AdBlue technology and iEGR for emissions control while maintaining strong drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (variable geometry turbo) | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Common rail (up to 2,000 bar), Bosch CP4 | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2015–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The variable geometry turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00-spec oil to prevent timing chain wear. The integrated EGR system reduces thermal load but increases soot accumulation over time. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure adequate oil pressure at the upper timing chain guide. The Bosch CP4 fuel pump demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent high-pressure pump failure. Post-2017 models feature revised oil galleries and tensioners; pre-2017 units should follow Audi SIB 2016-08 for inspection and upgrade. SCR system maintenance is essential to avoid AdBlue-related DTCs and limp mode.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2016-08). Critical for chain system longevity.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to 2015–2018 models. Euro 6d-TEMP compliance verified for 2018–2020 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU fuel grades meeting EN 590.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A35200, A35305, A35410, SIB 2016-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CTEC was used across Audi's MQB platform with transverse 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 2017 the updated EA288evo 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 A35200). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CTEC in AUDI models). Pre-2017 units have a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 TDI' badge; post-2017 models use revised oil pump and tensioner. Critical differentiation from EA288 Gen 1: CTEC features integrated EGR and SCR with AdBlue. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2017 engines are incompatible with EA288evo units due to oil gallery redesign (Audi SIB 2016-08).
The CTEC's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 noted increased chain guide wear in pre-2017 units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links EGR/DPF clogging 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 (2015-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CTEC.
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