The Audi DAXC is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 3B engine family, engineered for responsive performance and thermal efficiency. Featuring direct fuel injection (FSI), turbocharging, and variable valve timing (AVS), it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, with strong mid-range pull ideal for daily driving and highway overtaking.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q3 (8U), the DAXC engine was designed to balance sporty character with emissions compliance under real-world driving conditions. Emissions control is achieved through an integrated exhaust manifold, dual-circuit cooling system, and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), enabling compliance with Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards 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 2017-10-01, stems from insufficient oil supply to the upper chain guide during cold starts. From 2018 onward, Audi implemented revised tensioner designs and updated oil change intervals to mitigate risk, aligning with long-term reliability improvements in the EA888 engine series.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2021 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Audi DAXC is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2016–2021). It combines direct fuel injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and responsive acceleration. Designed to meet Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with environmental compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (single-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,800–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2021) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual-circuit with integrated exhaust manifold | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP35) | |
| Timing system | Double-row chain (front-mounted; tensioner wear-prone) | |
| Oil type | Audi Longlife-15 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The single-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using Audi Longlife-15 (5W-30) to prevent timing chain wear. Cold-start idling should be minimized to ensure proper lubrication of the front-mounted chain tensioner. The high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality and requires premium unleaded petrol (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended) to prevent injector coking. Post-2018 models feature updated tensioner design; pre-2018 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 2017-10-01. GPF systems require regular highway runs to maintain regeneration cycles and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires Audi Longlife-15 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 2017-10-01). Supersedes VW 502 00 and 505 00.
Emissions: Euro 6b applies to 2016–2018 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Euro 6d-TEMP compliance (6c/6d-TEMP) varies by model year and market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains consistent across markets with premium fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A32600).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32050, A32510, A32600, TSB 2017-10-01
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DAXC was used across Audi's 8V/B9/F5 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 Q3-and from 2019 the facelifted A4 B9.5 adopted the updated EA888 evo4 variant with enhanced thermal management, 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 ('D' for DAXC in 8V A3, 'B' for earlier B9 variants). Pre-2018 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2018 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from EA888 evo4: Original DAXC uses Bosch MED17.1.6 ECU with round diagnostic connector, while evo4 models use MD17.6.2 with rectangular port. Service parts require production date verification—timing kits for engines before 06/2018 are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Audi TSB 2017-10-01).
The DAXC'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 2017 indicated a significant number of pre-2018 engines requiring chain service before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data links a notable share of emissions-related MOT failures to GPF 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 (2016–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DAXC.
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