The Audi DNWA is a 1,968 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2022 and 2025. Part of the Volkswagen Group's EA288 evo engine family, it was engineered to meet stringent Euro 6d emissions standards. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivers 120 kW (163 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, with optimized combustion efficiency and reduced particulate emissions.
Fitted to models including the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the DNWA 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 EGR valve coking under low-load driving conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2023-08-10. This can lead to airflow restriction and turbo response issues if urban driving dominates. From 2024, revised EGR valve coatings and updated ECU calibration were introduced to improve deposit resistance and maintain emissions compliance.

All production years (2022–2025) comply with Euro 6d standards depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9123).
The Audi DNWA is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact and mid-size models (2022–2025). 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 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 | 120 kW (163 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 | |
| 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 2022-12-11). Compatible with ACEA C3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 6d compliance verified for all units (2022–2025) in UK markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9123).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across EU markets using EN 590 diesel (Audi TIS Doc. A20110).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A18845, A19236, A19507, SIB 2023-08-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9123)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi DNWA 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 2024 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 A18895). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('H' for DNWA). All DNWA engines feature a top-mounted EGR cooler with AdBlue dosing; no pre-2022 variants exist. Critical differentiation: DNWA uses a Bosch EDC17CP56 ECU with 120-pin connector, while earlier EA288 variants use different ECUs. Service parts require production date verification—EGR valves before 10/2024 are not compatible with later calibration updates (Audi SIB 2023-08-10).
The DNWA's primary reliability risk is EGR valve coking under urban driving conditions, with elevated incidence in city-operated vehicles. Internal Audi quality reports from 2024 indicated a significant number of pre-2024 units required EGR valve cleaning or replacement before 90,000 km, while VCA MOT records show increased boost-related failures linked to airflow restriction. Frequent short trips and low-load operation increase carbon buildup, making regular highway use critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2022–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2025). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI DNWA.
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