The Audi CWUC is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2020. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, engineered as a refined, emissions-compliant successor to the EA189 series. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and DOHC valvetrain, it delivers 105 kW (143 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with improved low-end responsiveness and enhanced thermal efficiency.
Fitted to models including the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), A6 (C7), and Q5 (8R), the CWUC was designed for balanced performance and efficiency across Audi’s mid-size lineup. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, meeting Euro 6 standards across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation, particularly in vehicles subjected to prolonged short-trip driving or marginal fuel quality. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2016-28, is linked to wear in the Bosch CP3-type pump due to insufficient lubrication under low-temperature operation. Later production revisions incorporated updated pump calibration and enhanced fuel filtration to mitigate premature wear.
Production years 2013–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Audi CWUC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for mid-size platforms (2013–2020). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and smooth highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances real-world performance 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 | 105 kW (143 PS) @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–2,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 150,000 km or 5 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 147 kg |
The CWUC provides strong low-end torque ideal for mixed driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals and high-quality 5W-30 oil meeting VW 504 00/507 00 standards to protect the turbo and fuel system. The timing belt must be replaced every 150,000 km or 5 years—failure risks severe engine damage due to interference design. The Bosch CP3 fuel pump is sensitive to water and contaminants, requiring regular use of ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590). EGR and DPF systems need periodic regeneration; prolonged short trips may lead to clogging and limp mode. Pre-2016 models benefit from updated fuel pump calibration per Audi TSB 2016-28 to reduce wear under low-temperature operation.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 23 10 12). Compatible with ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CWUC models (2013–2020) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across markets with EU diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A32010).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32010, A32105, SIB 23 10 12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CWUC was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for transverse applications. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-fuel mapping in the A3 and enhanced cooling in the Q5-and from 2016, certain A4 B9 models adopted revised EGR routing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block, just below the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS A32010). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine type ('B' for CWUC in Audi models). Pre-2016 units have a black plastic intake manifold; post-2016 variants may feature revised EGR routing with integrated cooler. Critical differentiation from other EA288 engines: CWUC uses a Garrett VGT turbo with a vacuum-actuated wastegate, whereas non-VGT variants use a fixed geometry turbo. Service parts require production date verification—timing belts for pre-2016 models are not interchangeable with later revisions due to tensioner design changes (Audi SIB 23 10 12).
The CWUC's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in mixed urban/highway use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 indicated a measurable share of pre-2016 units requiring HPFP replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults contributing to emissions test failures in stop-start traffic. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel increase pump and EGR stress, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CWUC.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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AUDI Official Site
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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
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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.
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