The Audi CBAB is a 1,984 cc, inline — four petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It features turbocharging, direct fuel injection (FSI/TFSI), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), delivering responsive performance across Audi's compact and mid — size lineup. In standard tune, it produces 125 kW (170 PS) with peak torque of 280 Nm available from 1,750 rpm.
Fitted to platforms including the 8P A3, 8J A4, and Typ 53 RS3, the CBAB engine was engineered for balanced perform…
Production years 2008–2009 meet Euro 5 standards; 2010–2013 models comply with Euro 5b (EURO Vb) depending on market .
The Audi CBAB is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size Audi models (2008–2013). It combines turbocharging with fuel stratified injection (TFSI) to deliver responsive low-end torque and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it balances sporty performance with moderate fuel consumption.
| 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 | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 4,300–6,000 rpm | |
Torque | 280 Nm @ 1,750–4,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 150 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5 / Euro 5b | |
Compression ratio | 9.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single BorgWarner KP35 turbocharger | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (rear-mounted; tensioner wear concern) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 142 kg |
The Audi CBAB was used across Audi's 8P/8J platforms with transverse and longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter intake manifolds in the 8P A3 and revised cooling routing in the 8J A4-and from 2011 the facelifted 8J A4 B8.5 models adopted updated chain tensioners, 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 CBAB delivers strong performance and responsiveness, but early models (2008–2010) had reliability concerns, particularly timing chain failures. Later revisions (post-2011) improved chain durability, so well-maintained examples can be quite robust. Regular servicing and using high-quality oil (5W-30 Audi Longlife-04) greatly aid longevity.
The biggest issues are timing-chain wear (leading to rattle or breakage), turbo actuator failures, and intake carbon buildup affecting EGR and swirl flaps. Other complaints include oil leaks from gaskets and occasional injector faults. These are well-documented in Audi service bulletins and technical reports.
This 2.0L TFSI engine was used in several Audi models including the 8P A3, 8J A4, and 8P S3. It also shares core architecture with the 2.5 TFSI in the Typ 53 RS3. Applications span 2008–2013, primarily in Euro 5-compliant vehicles. It was not used outside the Audi/VW Group.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CBAB 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.
Moderate. In an A4 2.0 TFSI (125 kW) from 2010, typical consumption is ~9.5 L/100km (city) and ~6.0 L/100km (highway), or about 38 mpg UK combined. Real-world figures depend on driving style, but expect 35–45 mpg (UK) on mixed roads for a healthy CBAB. Turbo efficiency improves highway economy.
Yes. The CBAB series is an interference engine. If the timing chain jumps or breaks, pistons can collide with open valves, causing catastrophic engine damage. That's why chain maintenance is critical—any rattling at startup should be investigated immediately.
Audi specifies a 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Audi Longlife-04 (or newer) spec. Always use a quality oil designed for turbocharged petrol engines and change it every 15,000 km or as Audi recommends to ensure proper chain lubrication and minimize carbon buildup.
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.