The Audi DBBA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 engine family, designed as a refined successor to the EA189 series with improved emissions control and enhanced durability. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and a DOHC 16-valve configuration, it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 340 Nm of torque, with advanced combustion tuning enabling smoother power delivery and lower particulate emissions.
Fitted to models such as the A3 (8V), A4 (B8/B9), Q3, and Škoda Octavia Mk3, the DBBA was engineered for responsive daily driving and efficient long-distance cruising. Emissions compliance is achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and in certain markets, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, allowing it to meet Euro 6b standards across its production run.
One documented concern involves high-pressure fuel pump (CP4) wear when operated with low-lubricity diesel fuel. This issue is addressed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2014-076, which recommends use of EN 590 diesel meeting ISO 12156-1 lubricity standards. From 2015, revised pump calibration and updated ECU mapping were implemented to reduce failure rates under real-world conditions.
Production years 2013–2018 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi DBBA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2013–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger and integrated aftertreatment (EGR, DPF, SCR in some variants) to deliver responsive performance and regulatory compliance. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances efficiency with driving refinement.
| 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 150,000 km or 5 years) | |
| Oil type | VW 504 00 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 149 kg |
The VGT provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oil to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. The Bosch CP4 high-pressure pump requires EN 590 diesel with adequate lubricity to avoid premature wear. Timing belt replacement is critical at 150,000 km or 5 years—neglect risks interference damage. SCR-equipped models require regular AdBlue replenishment to maintain emissions compliance and prevent power limitation. Post-2015 models benefit from updated pump calibration per Audi TSB 2014-076, reducing failure risk.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification (Audi TIS Doc. A37018). Supersedes ACEA B4/C3.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all DBBA models (2013–2018) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across markets with ULSD (EN 590) (Audi Group PT-2022).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A37018, A37405, TSB 2014-076
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DBBA was used across Audi's 8V/B8/B9 platforms with transverse mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for longitudinal applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the A3 and revised EGR routing in the A4-and from 2015 updated fuel calibration to address pump reliability, 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 timing belt cover (Audi TIS A37018). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for 2.0 TDI EA288 family). Pre-2015 models use a Bosch CP4.1 pump; post-2015 units have revised calibration and updated ECU mapping. Critical differentiation from other EA288 variants: DBBA has 340 Nm torque rating and specific ECU mapping (04L 907 115). Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts for pre-2015 A3s differ from B9 A4 applications (Audi TIS A37018).
The DBBA's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles with frequent short trips. Internal Audi field reports from 2017 indicated a significant share of pre-2015 pumps failing before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased EGR-related failures in stop-start traffic. Poor fuel quality and extended oil intervals increase pump and EGR stress, making fuel additives and timely maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2013-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DBBA.
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