Engine Code

AUDI CVUC engine (2020–2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi CVUC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2020 and 2023. It belongs to the EA288 Evo engine family, featuring common-rail direct injection (up to 2,500 bar), variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In standard tune it delivers 110 kW (150 PS), with peak torque of 360 Nm available from 1,750 rpm, providing strong low-end pulling power ideal for daily driving.

Fitted to models such as the 8Y A3, 8L A4, 8T A5, and 4J A6, the CVUC was engineered for optimal fuel efficiency and Euro 6d-TEMP compliance. Emissions control is achieved via a diesel particulate filter (DPF), selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, and advanced lambda control, enabling real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance across all production years, with OBD monitoring per EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007.

One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) actuator under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2021-12-03 (Ref. 616124). Wear stems from inadequate lubrication when fuel levels drop below 10%. From 2022, Audi revised the HPFP internal design and updated rail pressure diagnostics to improve durability and reduce failure incidence in later builds.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2020–2023 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/E/19856).

CVUC Technical Specifications

The Audi CVUC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2020–2023). It integrates Bosch CRS 4-25 common-rail injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver responsive torque and low emissions. Designed to meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances efficiency with stringent emissions compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,968 cc
Fuel typeDiesel
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke81.0 mm × 95.5 mm
Power output110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm
Torque360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch CRS 4-25 common-rail (up to 2,500 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d-TEMP
Compression ratio16.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled with map-controlled thermostat
TurbochargerSingle variable-geometry turbo (BorgWarner)
Timing systemTiming chain (front-mounted, maintenance-free design)
Oil typeAudi Longlife 05 (SAE 5W-40)
Dry weight142 kg
Practical Implications

The CVUC delivers strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway driving but requires consistent use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to prevent high-pressure fuel system damage. Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) oil is essential for turbo bearing and chain longevity. Extended low-fuel operation increases HPFP wear risk due to reduced lubrication; keeping fuel above 10% minimises this. The SCR system requires regular AdBlue refills and sustained driving to maintain regeneration cycles. Post-2022 models feature revised HPFP components; pre-2022 units benefit from updated pump and rail pressure monitoring per Audi SIB 2021-12-03.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife 05 (5W-40) specification (Audi SIB 2020-10-05). Supersedes ACEA B4 standards.

Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to all 2020–2023 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/E/19856).

Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. 110 kW output requires EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A29013).

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A28800, A28801, A28803, SIB 2021-12-03

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/E/19856)

European Commission: Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

CVUC Compatible Models

The Audi CVUC was used across Audi's MQB Evo and MLB Evo 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 2022 the facelifted 8L A4 adopted the EA288 Evo+ update with enhanced DPF regeneration logic, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2020–2023
Models:
A3 (8Y)
Variants:
30 TDI, 35 TDI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2022
Make:
Audi
Years:
2020–2023
Models:
A4 (8L)
Variants:
35 TDI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A28901
Make:
Audi
Years:
2021–2023
Models:
A5 (8T)
Variants:
35 TDI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A28902
Make:
Audi
Years:
2020–2023
Models:
A6 (4J)
Variants:
35 TDI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2022
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A28805). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2022 models have silver valve covers with integrated coil packs; post-2022 units feature black valve covers with revised injector connectors. Critical differentiation from EA288 Gen 1: CVUC includes SCR with AdBlue dosing and uses Bosch CRS 4-25 injectors. Service parts require model year verification—HPFP and DPF assemblies are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2022 models due to control strategy revisions (Audi SIB 2021-12-03).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A28805

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A28805).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2022: Silver valve cover with standard injector connectors
  • Post-2022: Black valve cover with updated Bosch CRS 4-25 injector connectors
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2021-12-03

Fuel System:

High-pressure fuel pumps and DPF units for pre-2022 models are not compatible with post-2022 CVUC engines due to revised rail pressure control and diagnostics per Audi SIB 2021-12-03.

Software Requirements:

ECU software must match production date; post-facelift 8L A4 requires updated adaptation routines for DPF regeneration.
HPFP Maintenance

Issue:

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

Evidence:

Audi SIB 2021-12-03

Recommendation:

Install updated HPFP and verify fuel rail pressure stability per Audi SIB 2021-12-03.

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI CVUC

The CVUC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) actuator wear under low-fuel conditions, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi quality reports from 2022 noted a significant share of pre-2022 units requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA MOT data links DPF 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) actuator 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 actuator arms; 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.
Diesel particulate filter (DPF) 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 poor-quality fuel contribute to soot accumulation.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via diagnostic tool; replace DPF 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.
AdBlue system faults (dosing module, tank heater)
Symptoms: SCR warning, reduced power mode, inability to restart after shutdown, frozen tank in cold climates.
Cause: Electrical failures in dosing module or heater circuit; crystallisation due to poor refill practices or low-quality fluid.
Fix: Inspect and replace faulty dosing unit or heater per Audi TIS; flush lines and refill with OEM-specified AdBlue.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2020–2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2021–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI CVUC

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CVUC.

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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