The Audi CZEA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It forms part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for efficiency and durability across compact and mid-size platforms. 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 enhanced low-end responsiveness.
Fitted to models including the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8), and A6 (C7), the CZEA was engineered for balanced performance, combining motorway refinement with urban fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 and Euro 6d-TEMP compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is EGR cooler failure due to carbon buildup and thermal stress, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2015-01-03. This can lead to coolant contamination and engine overheating if not addressed. From 2015, revised EGR coolers with improved flow dynamics were introduced, reducing failure rates in later production units.
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Audi CZEA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances real-world economy with stringent 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 @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6d-TEMP (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (long-life, non-serviceable) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires regular highway runs to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) oil is essential to maintain turbo and high-pressure fuel system longevity. Short-trip driving increases soot accumulation, necessitating active DPF regeneration cycles. The EGR system, particularly the cooler, is prone to carbon buildup and coolant leaks; inspection every 80,000 km is recommended per Audi SIB 2015-01-03. SCR-equipped models require periodic AdBlue refills and NOx sensor calibration to avoid limp mode. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to protect the turbo and exhaust aftertreatment systems.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) specification (Audi SIB 2014-07-02). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to pre-2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance verified for 2015–2018 units in UK markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets using EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A20105).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18840, A19231, A19502, SIB 2015-01-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CZEA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive variants and longitudinal in quattro applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the A6 C7 and revised EGR routing in the A3 8V—and from 2015 the updated A4 B8.5 facelift integrated SCR-based emissions control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front face of the cylinder block, near the timing cover (Audi TIS A18890). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CZEA). Pre-2015 models use a side-mounted EGR cooler without SCR; post-2015 units feature a top-mounted cooler with AdBlue dosing. Critical differentiation: CZEA has a Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 120-pin connector, while similar EA288 variants use different ECUs. Service parts require production date verification—EGR coolers before 08/2014 are incompatible with later SCR-equipped models (Audi SIB 2015-01-03).
The CZEA's primary reliability risk is EGR cooler failure, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip driving. Internal Audi quality reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 units required EGR cooler replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA MOT records show increased coolant-in-oil failures linked to EGR degradation. Frequent cold starts and low-load operation increase thermal stress, making regular inspection and coolant quality critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CZEA.
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