The Audi DE is a 2,393 cc, inline — five petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2008. It features a naturally aspirated design with five valves per cylinder, DOHC valvetrain, and Bosch Motronic ME 7.1 engine management. Delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 240 Nm of torque, it provides smooth, linear power delivery ideal for grand touring applications. Its unique firing order and balance shaft contribute to refined operation without the need for forced induction.
Fitted to mode…
Production years 2000–2008 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/3456).
The Audi DE is a 2,393 cc naturally aspirated inline-five petrol engine engineered for mid-size luxury platforms (2000–2008). It combines five-valve cylinder heads with Bosch Motronic engine control to deliver smooth, linear power delivery and refined operation. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances performance with reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,393 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Inline-5, DOHC, 20-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 92.8 mm | |
Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 240 Nm @ 3,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.1) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Valvetrain | DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder | |
Timing system | Timing belt (interval: 90,000 km or 4 years) | |
Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-40) | |
Dry weight | 178 kg |
The Audi DE was used across Audi's B6/B7/C5/C6 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific tuning variations—slightly higher compression in the A6 and revised intake manifolds in the S4—and from 2004 updated timing components to address belt reliability, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The DE's primary reliability risk is timing belt failure on pre-2004 models, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended service intervals. Internal Audi field reports from 2007 indicated a significant share of tensioners failing before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased emissions-related failures in high-mileage units. Poor maintenance and use of non-OEM belts increase failure risk, making adherence to timing component upgrades critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2000-2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2008-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
Yes, the DE is generally very reliable when properly maintained. Its naturally aspirated design avoids turbo-related complexity, but pre-2004 models are prone to timing belt tensioner failure. Later revisions with updated metal tensioners show improved durability. Regular oil changes with VW 502 00 oil, valve clearance checks, and strict timing belt adherence (90,000 km/4 years) ensure longevity.
Key issues include timing belt tensioner failure (pre-2004), intake manifold runner flap degradation, ignition coil wear, and valve cover oil leaks. These are documented in Audi TSB 2005-021 and TIS service procedures. Using OEM parts and following maintenance schedules significantly reduces failure rates.
The DE 2.4L 190 PS was used in the Audi A4 (B6/B7, 2000–2008), A6 (C5/C6, 2000–2006), S4 (B6, 2000–2002), and Allroad (C5, 2000–2005). It is a longitudinally mounted inline-five meeting Euro 3 standards, known for smoothness and durability in Audi's luxury lineup.
Yes, though gains are modest due to its naturally aspirated design. ECU remapping can yield 10–15 PS safely by optimizing ignition and fuel curves. Intake and exhaust upgrades offer minor improvements. For significant power increases, forced induction conversions exist but require extensive modification. Stock internals support mild tuning without reinforcement.
Moderate. In an A4 2.4, combined consumption is ~9.2 L/100km (30.7 mpg UK). Highway driving achieves ~7.8 L/100km (36.2 mpg), while city driving is ~11.0 L/100km (25.7 mpg). Real-world figures typically range 25–32 mpg UK depending on driving style and condition. Premium fuel (RON 98) is recommended for optimal performance.
Yes. The DE is an interference engine. If the timing belt fails or jumps, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. This makes strict adherence to the 90,000 km or 4-year replacement interval absolutely critical, especially on pre-2004 models with plastic tensioners.
Audi specifies VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-40) petrol engine oil. This formulation ensures proper lubrication of the DOHC valvetrain and hydraulic lifters. Change every 15,000 km or annually to maintain engine health and prevent lifter noise or wear.
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.