The Audi CZVB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed for modular diesel matrix (MDM) integration and Euro 5/Euro 6 compliance. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivered 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, primarily powering compact and mid-size Audi models.
Fitted to the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), and Q3 (8U), the CZVB was engineered for balanced performance, fuel efficiency, and low-end responsiveness. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) in certain markets, enabling Euro 6b compliance from 2015 onward. Its longitudinal and transverse mounting flexibility allowed broad platform deployment.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 17 09. Extended idle periods and frequent short trips can accelerate pump degradation due to inadequate lubrication. From 2015, revised HPFP control strategies and updated ECU calibration were implemented across EA288 engines to improve durability.
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi CZVB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2012–2018). It combines common rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6b standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and real-world drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| 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 6b (2015–2018, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; low wear under proper maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 (5W-30) to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. Extended idling and low-fuel operation increase HPFP wear due to reduced lubrication; keeping fuel levels above 1/4 tank is advised. The Bosch CRS 2-20 system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector coking. Post-2015 models feature revised ECU mapping for improved thermal management; pre-2015 units benefit from updated fuel pump calibration per Audi TSB 01 17 09. EGR/DPF systems require periodic regeneration and cleaning to maintain efficiency and prevent DTCs.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 01 17 09). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements for diesel engines.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to pre-2015 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Some 2015-2018 models meet Euro 6b depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 103 kW output requires EU4+ fuel quality (Audi TIS Doc. A12725).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A12530, A12640, A12710, TSB 01 17 09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi CZVB was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9/8U platforms with both transverse and longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for broad application. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Q3 and revised cooling routing in the A4—and from 2015 the facelifted A3 8V models adopted the EA288 EVO variant with SCR integration, creating 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 transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A12580). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 series). Pre-2015 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use gloss black covers. Critical differentiation from EA288 EVO: Original CZVB uses Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 80-pin connector, while EVO models use EDC17CP74 with 100-pin. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 06/2015 are incompatible with later units due to revised internal geometry (Audi TSB 01 17 09).
The CZVB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip usage. Internal Audi quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR clogging in city-driven vehicles. Low-fuel operation and extended idling increase pump stress, making fuel quality and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CZVB.
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