The Audi DD is a 2,967 cc, V6 turbo-diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's TDI engine family, specifically the EA897 series, designed for longitudinal mounting in premium and performance-oriented models. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 176 kW (240 PS) in standard tune, with peak torque of 500 Nm available from 1,500 rpm.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A6 (C6), A8 (D3), and Q7 (4L), the DD was engineered for strong low-end pulling power and refined highway cruising. Its driving character emphasizes smooth torque delivery ideal for executive and luxury applications. Emissions compliance is achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and urea-based selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling Euro 5 certification.
One documented reliability concern involves high-pressure fuel system wear, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2011-10, is linked to marginal lubrication conditions in the Bosch CP3-based high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP). From 2010, updated fuel pump cam followers and revised fuel specifications were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
The Audi DD is a 2,967 cc V6 turbo-diesel engineered for premium models (2008-2013). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low-RPM performance and improved fuel efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it integrates advanced aftertreatment for clean operation.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged with VGT | |
| Bore × stroke | 83.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 176 kW (240 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 1,500–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common-rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (Garrett GT2256V) | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (long-life design) | |
| Oil type | VW 505 01 / 507 00 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The VGT provides strong low-end torque ideal for heavy vehicles, but requires regular longer runs to prevent EGR and DPF clogging. Use of VW 505 01 / 507 00 (5W-40) oil is essential to maintain fuel pump lubrication and protect the DPF. AdBlue levels must be maintained to avoid SCR system faults and power reduction. The EA897 block design is robust, but early units (pre-2010) are prone to HPFP wear under marginal fuel quality. Always follow Audi SIB 2011-10 for fuel system inspection intervals.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 505 01 / 507 00 specification (Audi SIB 2011-10). Higher viscosity critical for HPFP longevity.
Emissions: Euro 5 applies to all production years (2008–2013) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5680).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output remains stable with EN 590 diesel fuel. No power increase in later revisions.
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A40023, A40222, SIB 2011-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5680)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DD was used across Audi's C6/D3/4L platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for premium applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated AdBlue tank in C6 and revised EGR routing in 4L-and from 2010 the updated C6 facelift adopted revised fuel pump cam followers to improve HPFP durability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block, near the oil pan rail (Audi TIS A40023). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for DD). Pre-2010 models have a silver valve cover with a single EGR pipe on the intake manifold; post-2010 units feature a black valve cover with dual-pipe EGR routing. Critical differentiation from EA897 non-SCR variants: DD has SCR/AdBlue system with tank filler behind fuel cap, while non-SCR variants lack AdBlue. Service parts require model year verification - HPFP components before 2010 are not compatible with post-2010 models due to cam follower revisions (Audi SIB 2011-10).
The DD's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear, with elevated incidence in early production units. Internal Audi service data from 2012 indicated over 25% of pre-2010 units required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA records show SCR-related faults as a leading cause of Euro 5 MOT failures. Short-trip cycles and infrequent AdBlue refills increase soot and NOx accumulation, making regular maintenance and longer runs critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2009-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DD.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with AUDI or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
AUDI Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
