The Audi BSM is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It belongs to the Volkswagen Group's EA189 engine family, featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and common rail direct injection with piezo injectors. In standard tune, it produces 103 kW (140 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, optimized for responsive mid — range performance and fuel — efficient operation in compact and mid — size platforms.
Fitted primari…
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 emissions standards .
The Audi BSM is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine designed for compact and mid-size models (2008–2013). It combines common rail direct injection with DOHC 16-valve architecture to deliver strong low-end torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with emissions compliance in transverse and longitudinal applications.
| 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) @ 4,000 rpm | |
Torque | 320 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 1,800 bar), piezo injectors | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (VGT) | |
Timing system | Timing chain (double-row, front-mounted) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 142 kg |
The Audi BSM was used across Audi's 8P/B7/B8 platforms with both transverse and longitudinal mounting and shared architecture with Volkswagen and SEAT units. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the A3 and revised ECU maps in the A4-and from 2010, updated EGR coolers were introduced to reduce carbon accumulation, creating service part distinctions. 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 BSM is mechanically robust with a timing chain and advanced common rail system, but long-term reliability depends on driving patterns and maintenance. Pre-2010 models are prone to EGR clogging, which can affect performance. Using correct oil (VW 507 00) and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals helps prevent fuel pump and chain wear. Well-maintained engines regularly exceed 200,000 km.
The most documented issues are EGR valve/cooler clogging, DPF regeneration failure, and high-pressure fuel pump wear. Timing chain guide degradation and turbo actuator faults are also frequent. These are confirmed in Audi SIB 2010-04-01 and field service data. Regular cleaning and use of quality diesel significantly reduce occurrence.
The BSM engine was used in the Audi A3 (8P, 2008–2012), A4 (B7/B8, 2008–2013), and A6 (C6, 2008–2011), all in 2.0 TDI form. It was also shared across the Volkswagen Group in the Golf (5/6), Jetta, and SEAT Leon (1P). All applications feature transverse or longitudinal mounting with FWD or quattro drivetrains.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the BSM 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.
In combined driving, the BSM achieves approximately 5.2–5.8 L/100 km (54–49 mpg UK). City driving may see 6.5 L/100 km (43 mpg), while highway runs can reach 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg). Real-world economy depends on driving style and DPF regeneration frequency. Carbon buildup can reduce efficiency by up to 15%.
Yes. The BSM is an interference engine, meaning that if the timing chain fails or jumps, the pistons can contact the open valves, resulting in bent valves or cylinder head damage. This underscores the importance of timely maintenance and immediate attention to any timing-related noises.
Audi specifies SAE 5W-30 oil meeting VW 507 00 (diesel) or 505 00 (multi-vehicle) standards. This low-SAPS synthetic oil ensures proper lubrication for the turbocharger, high-pressure pump, and EGR system. Oil changes every 15,000 km are essential to prevent premature wear and DPF contamination.
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.