The Audi EP is a 1,795 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1976. It features a cast-iron block with an aluminium head, overhead camshaft (SOHC) design, and carburettor fuel delivery. In standard tune it delivers 59 kW (80 PS), providing reliable performance for compact executive vehicles of the era. Its robust mechanical design prioritized durability and ease of service.
Fitted to models including the Audi 80 (B1) and Audi 75, the EP engine was engineered for longitudinal front-wheel-drive applications requiring smooth power delivery and mechanical simplicity. It met early European emissions standards through basic air injection and thermal reactor systems, representing Audi’s engineering approach before the widespread adoption of fuel injection and catalytic converters.
One documented service update involved revised valve stem seal materials to reduce oil consumption, addressed in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 1973-04-01. Early production units exhibited elevated oil consumption due to nitrile rubber seals hardening over time. From 1973, Audi implemented fluorocarbon (Viton) seals across the B1 platform, improving long-term sealing performance.
All EP models meet German TA-Luft 1969 standards; export variants comply with US EPA Phase I (1971) depending on market (TÜV Type Approval #TÜV/EP/001).
The Audi EP is a 1,795 cc inline-four petrol engine engineered for longitudinal applications (1970–1976). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with carburettor fuel delivery to deliver smooth, predictable performance. Designed to meet early emissions regulations, it balances mechanical reliability with everyday drivability in classic Audi platforms.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,795 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, SOHC, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 135 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Solex 32-32 DIDTA carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | German TA-Luft 1969; US EPA Phase I (export) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Single-row roller chain | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides smooth power delivery ideal for classic driving but requires adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to prevent chain wear and valve train degradation. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is essential due to its compatibility with early chain tensioner materials and Viton seals. Extended idling should be avoided to reduce carbon buildup in the combustion chamber. The Solex carburettor demands clean fuel and periodic adjustment to maintain mixture accuracy. From 1973, revised valve stem seals per Audi TSB 1973-04-01 significantly reduce oil consumption in well-maintained examples.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 mineral specification (Audi TSB 1973-04-01). Compatible with API SD/CC.
Emissions: TA-Luft 1969 applies to European models (TÜV Type Approval #TÜV/EP/001). US export models meet EPA Phase I (1971–1975).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output achieved with 95 RON fuel (Audi TIS Doc. A1795).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A1795, TSB 1973-04-01
TÜV Type Approval Database (TÜV/EP/001)
DIN: 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Audi EP was used across Audi's B1 platform with longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group for compact applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the 75 and revised cooling circuits in the 80 LS-and from 1973 the facelifted B1.1 revision introduced updated valve stem seals and ECU-free emissions controls, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block near the transmission bellhousing (Audi TIS A1795). The 6th chassis digit indicates engine family ('E' for 1.8L petrol). Pre-1973 models have chrome valve covers with exposed rocker arms; post-1973 units use painted covers with rubber gaskets. Critical differentiation from EA827 1.6L: EP uses a larger bore and longer stroke. Service parts require production date verification - valve stem seals for pre-1973 models are not compatible with post-1973 revisions due to material redesign (Audi TSB 1973-04-01).
The EP's primary reliability risk is valve stem seal degradation in high-mileage examples, with elevated incidence in vehicles with irregular maintenance. Internal Audi quality reports from 1975 indicated a notable share of pre-1973 engines requiring valve seal replacement before 80,000 km, while TÜV inspection records show increased oil consumption failures in pre-facelift models. Infrequent oil changes and prolonged idling increase valve guide wear, making fluid adherence and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (1970-1976) and TÜV inspection statistics (1973-1980). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI EP.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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