The Audi CZDD is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2015. It belongs to the EA288 engine family, designed for transverse applications in compact and mid-size Audi models. 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 improved fuel efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8P), A4 (B7/B8), A6 (C6/C7), and Q5 (8R), the CZDD was engineered for responsive urban driving and efficient highway cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in later models, enabling Euro 5 compliance across its production run.
One documented reliability concern is EGR cooler failure due to thermal stress cracking, highlighted in Audi Service Bulletin 2013-11-01. Cracks develop from repeated thermal cycling, leading to coolant contamination in the intake tract. From 2012, revised EGR coolers with enhanced materials were introduced to improve durability.

Production years 2008–2010 meet Euro 5 standards; 2011–2015 models maintain Euro 5 compliance with SCR integration (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CZDD is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for transverse-mounted applications in compact and mid-size models (2008–2015). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and improved fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances performance with environmental 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (integrated into cylinder head) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 145 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM response ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent EGR and turbo degradation. VW 504 00/507 00 oil is critical due to its low-ash formulation protecting DPF and SCR systems. Extended idling and short trips increase soot loading, necessitating regular highway runs for passive DPF regeneration. The EGR system is prone to coking; cleaning every 60,000 km helps maintain airflow. Post-2012 models feature upgraded EGR coolers; pre-2012 units should be inspected for cracks per Audi SIB 2013-11-01. SCR-equipped models require AdBlue top-ups every 10,000 km to maintain emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2013-11-01). Low-ash oil essential for aftertreatment longevity.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all CZDD models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). SCR integration from 2011 improves NOx control.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 590 (Audi TIS Doc. A36022).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34721, A35102, SIB 2013-11-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CZDD was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised EGR routing in the Q5-and from 2012, SCR integration in A6 and Q5 variants created interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A34721). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for 2.0 TDI EA288 series). Pre-2012 models have a compact EGR cooler without SCR; post-2012 units feature an SCR module and AdBlue tank. Critical differentiation: CZDD has a Bosch EDC17CP55 ECU with 80-pin connector, while similar EA189 engines use EDC17CP14. Service parts require model-year verification—EGR coolers before 2012 are incompatible with SCR-equipped variants (Audi SIB 2013-11-01).
The CZDD's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent cold starts. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 noted a significant number of pre-2012 units requiring EGR cooler replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data links EGR-related faults to a notable share of emissions test failures. Short trips and poor maintenance increase thermal cycling stress, making coolant quality and regular inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2010-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CZDD.
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