Audi 2.0 TDi 170

[Dar_Williams]

Hello

I’m looking at an A5 Cab with the 2.0 TDi 170 engine (2010) and was just curious as to the reliability of the engine? It’s fairly low mileage for the year at 82k, with two owners and full service history so you’d think it’s be in pretty good shape! But what are they like generally?

Thanks

[Lee540]

Had in my A3. CR170. No issues in 4 years or so of ownership, just routine servicing at a local indy.

[georgeyboy12345]

That's the EA189 engine that was at the centre of the dieselgate scandal, but don't let that put you off as they are generally very reliable.

https://www.motorreviewer.com/engine.php?engine_id...

I imagine the version that car will have will be the CBBB variant, that achieves 170 bhp with a larger turbo and different injectors to the lower powered versions.

A remap can get you up to 210 bhp and 310 lb ft of torque, which is fine engine and turbo-wise, but may be a bit much for the flywheel/clutch/gearbox, depending on which one it has.

edit: having quite low miles for a diesel could be a concern with the DPF, but if you are doing decent length journeys, i.e. at least 10 minutes at 60 mph+ for your daily commute, and not start-stop low speed city driving, then you should be ok.

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 23 July 12:40

[Pablo16v]

I have an A6 Avant with that engine and it's running great with 136K on the clock.

[Dar_Williams]

Thanks for the reply!

Just as an alternative, I’ve got my eye on an A4, 2007 with the 1.8t petrol engine, any major issue with these? Not sure if it’s the same 20v unit that came in the Golf & Polo?

[georgeyboy12345]

I believe the 2007 A4s (B7 model) have the old 1.8 T 20v engines, which I think are quite reliable.

Be careful they are not the 1.8 TFSI's, as they will be gen 1 EA888 engines that had quite a few problems such as coking up leading to poor fuel consumption, oil consumption (about 1 litre every 2500 miles), coil pack failure, and most importantly crappy plastic timing chain tensioners that result in the chain letting go or jumping that results in catastrophic engine failure.

edit: worth pointing out the timing belts are recommended to be changed at 80,000 miles by Audi for the old 20 valvers, but 60,000 is better as there are a few horror stories about belts snapping prematurely.

For the 2.0 TDI, the belt is recommended to be changed at 133,000 miles

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 23 July 20:22

[Dar_Williams]

Thank you for the info, much appreciated! This is the car in question..

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Audi-A4-1-8T-S-Lin...

No mention of it being the 20v, any ideas how I’d identify which it is?

Edited by Dar_Williams on Friday 23 July 21:33

[georgeyboy12345]

I reckon it's a 20 valver

It's a B7

It was registered early on in 2007 (1st March)

Automobile catalog indicates this has 5 valves per cylinder, so it must be the 20v engine

https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/2007/248630...


edit: If you're going for that one off ebay, make sure it's definitely had the timing belt done, otherwise do it asap, and don't get it remapped from them unless it has been done!

Edited by georgeyboy12345 on Friday 23 July 23:52

[Walter Sobchak]

The 2.0 TDI engine is good and pretty strong, if you can or are inclined to though I’d not rule out the 3 litre TDI engine, I had one in an A5 and it was great, surprisingly quick and good on fuel, especially on the motorway it’s barely ticking over at motorway speeds.