The Audi EPBA is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA888 Gen 4 engine family, designed for high efficiency and performance across compact and mid-size platforms. Featuring gasoline direct injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust, it delivered 169 kW (230 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, with overboost capability raising torque to 400 Nm temporarily.
Fitted to the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the EPBA was engineered for dynamic driving dynamics and strong mid-range pull. It met Euro 6d emissions standards through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and dual catalytic converters. Its longitudinal mounting configuration enabled deployment across premium platforms.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under low-quality fuel conditions, highlighted in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 01 18 06. Extended short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes can accelerate wear on the timing chain tensioner. From 2021, revised HPFP control algorithms and updated oil pump components were implemented to improve durability.
Production years 2019–2020 meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards; 2021–2023 models comply with Euro 6d (RDE) depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9124).
The Audi EPBA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for performance-oriented mid-size platforms (2019–2023). It combines gasoline direct injection with a single-scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid-range torque and sporty responsiveness. Designed to meet Euro 6d standards, it balances performance with regulatory compliance and real-world emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,984 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.5 mm × 92.8 mm | |
| Power output | 169 kW (230 PS) @ 5,000–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 1,600–4,500 rpm (400 Nm overboost) | |
| Fuel system | Bosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020); Euro 6d (2021–2023, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single-scroll turbo (BorgWarner KP39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted; wear-sensitive under poor maintenance) | |
| Oil type | VW 508 00 / 509 00 (SAE 0W-20) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The single-scroll turbo provides strong mid-range torque ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using VW 508 00 (0W-20) to prevent timing chain wear and turbo bearing degradation. Extended short-trip operation increases HPFP and GPF stress due to incomplete regeneration cycles. The Bosch HDEV6 fuel system demands high-octane petrol (RON 98) to prevent knock and injector coking. Post-2021 models feature revised oil pump geometry; pre-2021 units benefit from updated tensioner per Audi TSB 01 18 06. GPF and EGR systems require periodic cleaning to maintain combustion efficiency and prevent DTCs.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 508 00 (0W-20) specification (Audi TSB 01 18 06). Supersedes ACEA C5 requirements for GPF-equipped engines.
Emissions: Euro 6d-TEMP certification applies to pre-2021 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9124). Some 2021-2023 models meet full Euro 6d RDE depending on market.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 169 kW output requires RON 98 fuel quality (Audi TIS Doc. A14350).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A14050, A14160, A14240, TSB 01 18 06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9124)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Audi EPBA 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 2021 the facelifted A4 B9 models adopted the EA888 Gen 4 variant with enhanced thermal management, 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 A14080). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for EA888 series). Pre-2021 models have silver valve covers with ribbed plastic cam covers; post-2021 units use gloss black covers. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 3B: Original EPBA uses Bosch MED 17.8.8 ECU with 100-pin connector, while Gen 3B models use MED 17.8.6 with 80-pin. Service parts require production date verification - timing kits for engines before 06/2021 are incompatible with later units due to guide rail redesign (Audi TSB 01 18 06).
The EPBA'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 2020 indicated a notable share of pre-2021 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of emissions-related MOT failures to GPF clogging in city-driven vehicles. Short-trip cycles and extended idling increase pump and filter stress, making fuel quality and driving habits critical.
Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI EPBA.
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