The Audi DFTB is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, designed for modular diesel matrix (MDM) integration and Euro 6 compliance. Featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivered 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm of torque, primarily powering performance-oriented compact and mid-size Audi models.
Fitted to the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the DFTB was engineered for dynamic performance, strong low-end responsiveness, and highway refinement. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel particulate filter (DPF), and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) with AdBlue injection, enabling full Euro 6d-TEMP and later Euro 6d (RDE) compliance. Its longitudinal mounting configuration allowed broad platform deployment across B9/F5/FY architectures.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 17 11. Extended idle periods and frequent short trips can accelerate pump degradation due to inadequate lubrication. From 2019, revised HPFP control strategies and updated ECU calibration were implemented across EA288 evo engines to improve durability.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6c standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d (RDE) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Audi DFTB is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for performance-oriented mid-size platforms (2016–2023). It combines common rail direct injection with a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient high-speed operation. Designed to meet Euro 6c and Euro 6d standards, it balances sporty performance with regulatory compliance and real-world drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,968 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 81.0 mm × 95.5 mm | |
| Power output | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,750–4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 1,750–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (2016–2018); Euro 6d (2019–2023, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; low wear under proper maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 507 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 158 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for dynamic driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 507 00 (5W-30) to maintain fuel pump and turbo longevity. Extended idling and low-fuel operation increase HPFP wear due to reduced lubrication; keeping fuel levels above 1/4 tank is advised. The Bosch CRS 2-20 system demands ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to prevent injector coking. Post-2019 models feature revised ECU mapping for improved thermal management; pre-2019 units benefit from updated fuel pump calibration per Audi TSB 01 17 11. EGR/DPF systems require periodic regeneration and cleaning to maintain efficiency and prevent DTCs. SCR/AdBlue system must be maintained to avoid power reduction modes.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 507 00 (5W-30) specification (Audi TSB 01 17 11). Supersedes ACEA C3 requirements for diesel engines.
Emissions: Euro 6c certification applies to pre-2019 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). Some 2019-2023 models meet Euro 6d RDE depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 140 kW output requires EU4+ fuel quality (Audi TIS Doc. A13335).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A13150, A13260, A13330, TSB 01 17 11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DFTB was used across Audi's B9/F5/FY platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for performance applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced cooling routing in the A5 and revised exhaust manifolds in the Q5—and from 2019 the facelifted A4 B9 models adopted the EA288 evo variant with enhanced SCR integration, 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 transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A13180). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA288 evo series). Pre-2019 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic cam covers; post-2019 units use gloss black covers. Critical differentiation from EA288: Original DFTB uses Bosch EDC17CP74 ECU with 100-pin connector, while pre-evo models use EDC17CP56 with 80-pin. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 06/2019 are incompatible with later units due to revised internal geometry (Audi TSB 01 17 11).
The DFTB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban and short-trip usage. Internal Audi quality reports from 2017 indicated a notable share of pre-2019 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 160,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to EGR clogging in city-driven vehicles. Low-fuel operation and extended idling increase pump stress, making fuel quality and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2016-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2017-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DFTB.
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