The Audi CXXB is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It belongs to the EA888 Gen 3B engine family, featuring enhanced thermal management and revised emissions control. Utilizing fuel stratified injection (FSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and a twin-scroll turbocharger, it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering a balance of responsive performance and efficiency for premium compact and mid-size applications.
Fitted to models such as the A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the CXXB engine was engineered for drivers seeking refined power delivery and daily drivability. It meets Euro 6c and later Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards through a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), integrated exhaust manifold, and precise combustion control. The engine supports both front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive layouts via transverse or longitudinal mounting.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Service Information Bulletin 2017-12, stems from inadequate oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts. From 2018, Audi implemented revised oil gallery design and updated tensioner components across the EA888 Gen 3B range to improve reliability.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6c standards; 2019–2021 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6780).
The Audi CXXB is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine developed for transverse and longitudinal applications (2016–2021). It integrates fuel stratified injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range performance and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet evolving Euro 6 emissions standards, it incorporates a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and integrated exhaust manifold while maintaining responsive driving dynamics.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,450–4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (FSI), Bosch MED 17.8.8 ECU | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2021) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | BorgWarner K04 twin-scroll turbo | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 137 kg |
The twin-scroll turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 502 00-spec oil to prevent timing chain wear. The gasoline particulate filter (GPF) increases backpressure and requires regular high-load driving to maintain regeneration cycles. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure adequate oil pressure at the upper timing chain guide. Direct injection leads to intake valve coking over time, requiring periodic walnut blasting. Post-2018 models feature revised oil galleries and tensioners; pre-2018 units should follow Audi SIB 2017-12 for inspection and upgrade. PCV system maintenance is essential to prevent vacuum leaks and oil consumption.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2017-12). Critical for chain system longevity.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to 2016–2018 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6780). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance verified for 2019–2021 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU fuel grades meeting EN 228.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34120, A34210, A34567, SIB 2017-12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6780)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CXXB was used across Audi's MLB Evo and MQB platforms with transverse or longitudinal 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 A5-and from 2018 the updated EA888 Gen 3B 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 A34120). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CXXB in AUDI models). Pre-2018 units have a black plastic cam cover with '2.0 TFSI' badge; post-2018 models use revised oil pump and tensioner. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 3: CXXB features gasoline particulate filter (GPF) and updated ECU calibration. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for pre-2018 engines are incompatible with Gen 3B units due to oil gallery redesign (Audi SIB 2017-12).
The CXXB's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 noted increased chain guide wear in pre-2018 units before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA data links intake coking 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 (2016-2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CXXB.
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