The Audi CDLC is a 1,968 cc, inline — four turbo — diesel engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It belongs to the EA288 Evo engine family, featuring common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual — loop exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In standard tune it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) with 340 Nm of torque, balancing strong low — end pull and fuel efficiency for mainstream applications.
Fitted to models such as the 8V A3, B9 A4, and 8U Q3, the CDLC engi…
Production years 2016–2018 meet Euro 6b standards; 2019–2020 models comply with Euro 6d-TEMP depending on market .
The Audi CDLC is a 1,968 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engine engineered for compact and mid-size platforms (2016–2020). It combines common rail injection with variable geometry turbocharging to deliver responsive performance and stable fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 6b and later Euro 6d-TEMP standards, it balances real-world usability with emissions compliance.
| 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 | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 3,250–4,200 rpm | |
Torque | 340 Nm @ 1,500–3,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2-20 common rail (up to 2,000 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6b (2016–2018); Euro 6d-TEMP (2019–2020) | |
Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Single variable-geometry turbo (VGT) with water-cooled housing | |
Timing system | Chain-driven (HPFP wear risk under sustained load) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 168 kg |
The Audi CDLC was used across Audi's 8V/B9 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared architecture within the Volkswagen Group. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated starter-generator in the A3 e-tron and revised cooling paths in the Q3-and from 2018 the facelifted B9 A4 adopted updated emissions calibration, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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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 CDLC is generally robust when maintained properly, though early models (2016–2017) are prone to high-pressure fuel pump wear. Post-2018 revisions improved durability. Regular oil changes with Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 spec oil every 15,000 km are essential. With proper care, 200,000+ km reliability is achievable.
Key issues include high-pressure fuel pump wear (especially pre-2018), EGR valve clogging, DPF saturation from short trips, and AdBlue system faults. These are documented in Audi service bulletins and field reports. Regular regeneration and HPFP upgrades significantly improve longevity.
The CDLC powered the Audi A3 (8V), A4 (B9), Q3 (8U), and A5 (F5) from 2016–2020 as the 30 TDI variant. All applications feature longitudinal mounting and EA288 Evo architecture. It was not used in PHEV configurations due to SCR packaging constraints.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the CDLC 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 real-world mixed driving, expect 5.2–5.8 L/100km (48–54 mpg UK). Highway efficiency improves to ~4.8 L/100km (~58 mpg UK). The A3 30 TDI achieves best economy due to lower weight. Driving style and DPF regeneration cycles significantly affect consumption.
Yes. The CDLC is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, causing severe internal damage. Immediate attention to timing chain noise is critical to avoid costly repairs.
Audi specifies 5W-30 oil meeting Audi Longlife Diesel VW 507 00 standard. Use only ACEA C2/C3 or BMW Longlife-04 compliant oils. Change every 15,000 km or annually to ensure proper HPFP and turbo operation.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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