The Audi DBPA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2018 and 2023. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, it was engineered to meet stringent Euro 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d emissions standards. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 110 kW (150 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, with improved combustion efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
Fitted to models including the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the DBPA was designed for balanced performance, combining responsive low-end torque with enhanced motorway refinement. Emissions compliance is achieved via a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system, a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d compliance across European markets.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel injector coking under low-load driving conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2019-05-07. This can lead to misfires and increased particulate emissions if urban driving dominates. From 2020, revised injector tip geometry and updated ECU calibration were introduced to improve deposit resistance and maintain emissions compliance.
All production years (2018–2023) comply with Euro 6d-TEMP or Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi DBPA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2018–2023). 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 6d-TEMP and Euro 6d 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2018–2020); Euro 6d (2020–2023) | |
| 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 2018-10-06). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP applies to 2018–2019 models; Euro 6d compliance verified for 2020–2023 units in UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets using EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A20107).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18842, A19233, A19504, SIB 2019-05-07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DBPA was used across Audi's B9/F5/FY platforms with longitudinal mounting in quattro applications and transverse in front-wheel-drive variants. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Q5 FY and revised EGR routing in the A4 B9—and from 2020 the updated A5 F5.5 facelift integrated enhanced SCR control logic, 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 A18892). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('E' for DBPA). All DBPA engines feature a top-mounted EGR cooler with AdBlue dosing; no pre-2018 side-mounted variants exist. Critical differentiation: DBPA uses a Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 120-pin connector, while earlier EA288 variants use different ECUs. Service parts require production date verification—fuel injectors before 07/2020 are not compatible with later calibration updates (Audi SIB 2019-05-07).
The DBPA's primary reliability risk is fuel injector coking under urban driving conditions, with elevated incidence in city-operated vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2020 indicated a significant number of pre-2020 units required injector cleaning or replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA MOT records show increased particulate-related failures linked to injector degradation. Frequent short trips and low-load operation increase carbon buildup, making fuel quality and regular highway use critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2018–2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2019–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DBPA.
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