The Audi CZSE 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, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with enhanced low-end responsiveness for urban and highway use.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), A6 (C7), and Q5 (8R), the CZSE engine was engineered for balanced performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance. Emissions control is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 and later Euro 6 compliance depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2013-15-01, stems from inadequate oil flow to the upper chain guide during cold starts. From 2014 onward, Audi implemented revised tensioner designs and updated oil change intervals to mitigate risk, aligning with long-term reliability improvements in the EA288 diesel engine series.
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 CZSE 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 cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability 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 @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2010–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT1544V) | |
| Timing system | Double-row chain (front-mounted; tensioner wear-prone) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-05 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 168 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-end torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) to prevent timing chain wear. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure proper lubrication of the front-mounted chain tensioner. The Bosch CP4 fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) meeting EN 590 standards to avoid high-pressure system damage. Post-2014 models feature updated tensioner design; pre-2014 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2013-15-01. SCR and DPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-05 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2013-15-01). Supersedes ACEA B4-08 and C3-04.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to 2010–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6 compliance (6b/6c/6d-TEMP) varies by model year and market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with ULSD fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A32600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32510, A32600, TSB 2013-15-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CZSE was used across Audi's 8V/B8/C7 platforms with transverse mounting in front-wheel-drive models and longitudinal in quattro variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised cooling layouts in the Q5-and from 2015 the facelifted A4 B9 adopted the updated EA288 evo variant with enhanced SCR dosing, 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 A32075). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for CZSE in 8V A3, 'B' for earlier B8 variants). Pre-2014 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2014 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA288 evo: Original CZSE uses Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with round diagnostic connector, while evo models use EDC17CP74 with rectangular port. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for engines before 09/2013 are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Audi TSB 2013-15-01).
The CZSE's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in short-trip urban use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a significant number of pre-2014 engines requiring chain service before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR and DPF clogging in city-driven vehicles. Frequent cold starts and extended idling increase stress on chain components, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CZSE.
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