The Audi BKH is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection (CRD), variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering 103 kW (140 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. Its compact design and thermal efficiency make it ideal for transverse mounting in Audi's compact and mid — size platforms.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, 8W A4, and 3C A6, the BKH engine was engineered f…
Production years 2010–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market .
The Audi BKH is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbocharged diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2010–2018). It combines common rail direct injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver strong low-end torque and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 and later Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances performance with fuel efficiency.
| 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 | 103 kW (140 PS) @ 3,500–4,000 rpm | |
Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,750 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Variable geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (front-mounted; low wear risk) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 148 kg |
The Audi BKH was used across Audi's 8V/8W platforms with transverse mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter exhaust manifolds in the 8V A3 and revised cooling routing in the 8W A4-and from 2015 the facelifted 8V FL models adopted the BKH variant with updated EGR calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The BKH delivers strong torque and good fuel economy, but early models (2010–2014) had concerns with EGR and DPF clogging due to carbon buildup. Later revisions (post-2015) improved EGR calibration and regeneration logic, so well-maintained examples can be quite robust. Regular highway driving and using correct oil (5W-30 Audi Longlife 03) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are EGR and intake carbon buildup, DPF clogging from short trips, and turbo actuator sticking. Other complaints include oil leaks from gaskets and occasional AdBlue system faults. These are well-documented in Audi service bulletins and technical reports.
This 2.0L diesel was used across Audi's lineup during the 2010–2018 period. It appeared in the A3 (8V), A4 (8W), and A6 (3C) as the 2.0 TDI variant. It was phased out in favour of EA288 Gen 2 engines with improved emissions control and DPF integration.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the BKH platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Excellent for a turbo diesel. In an A4 2.0 TDI (103 kW) from around 2013, typical consumption is ~5.8 L/100km (city) and ~4.2 L/100km (highway), or about 55 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures vary, but expect 50–60 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy BKH engine.
Yes. The BKH (like most modern Audis) is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails, pistons can strike open valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. However, the front-mounted chain system is generally robust when maintained with correct oil and intervals.
Audi specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Audi Longlife 03 (or newer) spec. Always use a low-ash, high-quality oil designed for turbocharged diesels and change it every 15,000 km or as Audi recommends to ensure proper DPF and SCR system function.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.