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Audi CAGA
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Audi CAGA
Verdict
RISKY · 46/100
Est. cost /3yr
€1,200-3,500 over 3 years depending on DPF, EGR, and timing belt condition at purchase
Oil interval
10,000 km
Recalls
1
Worst issue
Timing Belt Failure Risk
CRITICAL
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
Timing Belt Failure Risk
€600-1,800
CRITICAL
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Clogging
€800-2,500
HIGH
EGR Valve and Cooler Failure
€300-1,200
HIGH
Thermostat and Coolant Temperature Problems
€200-600
MODERATE
Fuel Return Line Diesel Leak
€100-400
MODERATE
Low Power and Higher Than Expected Fuel Consumption
€150-800
LOW
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
•Verify full timing belt service history with correct VAG locking tools documented, reject if undocumented or done on marks alone
•Confirm the EA189 NOx recall software update has been completed on this VIN
•Scan all fault codes live before purchase, specifically P0401 (EGR), P2452/P244A (DPF), and P0128 (thermostat)
•Inspect all fuel return lines and connections at idle for diesel weeping or residue
•Test drive in cold conditions and confirm the engine reaches and holds 90°C on the gauge
•Check coolant for diesel or oil contamination indicating EGR cooler or head gasket issues
•Confirm DPF is present, unmodified, and not stuck in regeneration or limp mode during the test drive
•Ask about typical driving pattern, a mostly-motorway history is a strong positive sign for DPF condition
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
Timing Belt Kit (belt, tensioner, idler, water pump)
Replace with correct VAG locking pin and crankshaft stop tools, do not rely on marks alone; reject any car without documented tool use
120,000 km or 5 years
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
Inspect soot load and regeneration history; ensure regular motorway driving; budget for replacement if mostly town driven
150,000 km
EGR Valve and Cooler
Inspect and clean or replace; check cooler for coolant cross-contamination
120,000 km
Thermostats (multiple units)
Replace all thermostats as a set if the engine underheats or overheats
100,000 km
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
EA189 Emissions Control Software (NOx defeat device, Dieselgate)
This engine is part of the EA189 family at the center of the Volkswagen Group diesel emissions scandal. Software controlling the EGR system recognized test-cycle conditions and reduced real-world NOx aftertreatment effectiveness outside of testing. Regulators worldwide ordered a mandatory recall.
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
✓Proven VAG common rail diesel architecture with wide parts availability
✓Large community knowledge base and forum support for CAGA-specific issues
✓Capable of high mileage if timing belt, DPF and EGR are maintained proactively
✓Widely available as a used replacement engine if a rebuild is needed
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
Real consumption
6 L/100km
Official consumption
6 L/100km
Oil interval
10,000 km
Oil spec
VW 507.00 5W-30 (Low SAPS, DPF-compatible)
Est. cost /3yr
€1,200-3,500 over 3 years depending on DPF, EGR, and timing belt condition at purchase
Audi CAGA
B8 · B8 2.0 TDI
136 hp · 320 Nm
2007-2010
143 hp · 320 Nm
2008-2015
170 hp · 350 Nm
2008-2013
177 hp · 380 Nm
2010-2015
Do not choose between these purely on hp. The timing belt, DPF and EGR failure modes are shared across every power tune of this engine, the higher output versions just run the turbo and EGR system slightly harder. Prioritize a car with full documented timing belt history using proper VAG locking tools, a completed Dieselgate software update, and evidence of regular motorway driving (for DPF health) over any difference in power output.