The Audi WH is a 1,984 cc, inline-four petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2023. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group’s EA888 Gen 3B engine family, featuring turbocharging, direct fuel injection (TSI), and variable valve timing with camshaft adjustment on both intake and exhaust sides. In standard configuration, it produces 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque, offering a balance of responsive performance and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Audi A4 (B9), A5 (F5), and Q5 (FY), the WH engine was engineered for mid-range driving dynamics and emissions compliance. It meets Euro 6c and later Euro 6d-ISC-FCM standards through a combination of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), gasoline particulate filter (GPF), and dual-injection technology (port and direct). The engine’s modular design supports transverse and longitudinal mounting for front-wheel and quattro all-wheel-drive applications.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under sustained high-load operation, particularly in early-build units. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 2017-31 (Ref. 031701), is attributed to mechanical fatigue in the pump’s drive lobe and insufficient lubrication during extended high-RPM use. From 2019, Audi implemented a revised HPFP with enhanced metallurgy and revised cam follower design to improve durability.
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6c standards; 2019–2023 models comply with Euro 6d-ISC-FCM (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Audi WH is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine from the EA888 Gen 3B series (2016–2023). It combines direct and port fuel injection with dual variable valve timing to deliver responsive mid-range performance and improved emissions control. Designed to meet strict Euro 6 standards, it powers mainstream Audi models with a focus on refinement and drivability.
| 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 | 140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,500–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Dual injection (direct + port) with high-pressure fuel pump | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6c (pre-2019); Euro 6d-ISC-FCM (2019–2023) | |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single turbo with variable turbine geometry (VTG) | |
| Timing system | Chain (dual-row; serviceable but wear-prone under high load) | |
| Oil type | VW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The dual-injection system provides strong low-end torque and reduced carbon buildup but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent high-pressure fuel pump and turbocharger wear. VW 502 00 (5W-40) oil is essential due to its thermal stability and protection of the VTG turbo and chain-driven components. Extended idling and aggressive warm-up cycles increase thermal stress on the HPFP. Post-2019 models feature updated fuel pumps; pre-2019 units should be inspected per Audi TSB 031701. GPF-equipped models require regular highway runs to support passive regeneration and prevent clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W-40) specification (Audi TSB 031701). ACEA A3/B4 compliant oils acceptable.
Emissions: Euro 6c applies to 2016–2018 models; Euro 6d-ISC-FCM certification applies to 2019–2023 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Audi Group PT-2024).
Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B48883, B49018, B49125, TSB 031701
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Power Measurement Standard
The Audi WH was used across Audi's B9/FY platforms with both transverse and longitudinal mounting and shared within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the Q5 and revised ECU tuning in the A5-and from 2019 the facelifted A4 B9.5 adopted the WH evolution with updated fuel pump and GPF, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (Audi TIS B48903). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for EA888 series). Pre-2019 models have silver valve covers with black cam covers; post-2019 units use all-black covers. Critical differentiation from non-turbo EA888: WH is turbocharged with dual injection and features a VTG turbocharger. Service parts require production date verification - fuel pumps for engines before 03/2019 are incompatible with later units due to internal revisions (Audi TSB 031701).
The WH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation on early builds, with elevated incidence in aggressive or track use. Internal Audi quality reports from 2018 indicated a notable share of pre-2019 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a significant portion of misfire-related MOT failures to fuel trim faults in high-mileage examples. Extended idling and poor-quality fuel increase pump stress, making oil quality and fuel additive use 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 WH.
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