Audi · A3 8V · 2013-2020

Audi A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 specs and common problems

The most common diesel version of the A3, the entry model of the premium segment. It uses the same EA288 engine and 7-speed S tronic (DQ200) gearbox as the Golf 7.

Engine code
EA288 1.6 TDI
Engine oil · 5W-30
4.3 L
Timing
Belt
Original size
205/55 R16
LPG
No

01 / 07

How much oil does the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 take?

The A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 takes about 4.3 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: VW 507.00.

Engine oil
5W-30
With filter
4.3 L
Approval
VW 507.00
Alternative
0W-30
S tronic 7-speed (DQ200)
Mechatronic: VW G 004 000 · ≈ 1.0 L (mechatronic)
Manual 6-speed
VW G 052 171 (75W) · ≈ 2.0 L
Coolant
VW G13 · ≈ 7 L
Brake fluid
DOT 4

02 / 07

Timing belt and maintenance

TimingBelt

Manufacturer interval around 210,000 km; in practice 150,000 km / 6 years

The water pump is belt-driven; replace them together.

The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.

Oil change
15,000 km or once a year (up to 30,000 km in LongLife mode)
Glow plug
4 pcs · When they fail
Valves / tappets
Hydraulic tappets.
Fuel filter
30,000-60,000 km
Power
110 hp @ 3,250 rpm
Torque
250 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Displacement
1,598 cc
Fuel
Diesel · Variable geometry turbo, intercooler
Valvetrain
DOHC 16V
Injection
Common-rail direct injection
Transmission
6-speed manual / 7-speed S tronic (DQ200)
Emissions
Euro 6 (DPF)

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
33/32 PSI
Full load
36/41 PSI
Original size
205/55 R16
Alternative sizes
225/45 R17 · 225/40 R18
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x112
Centre bore
57.1 mm
Wheel
6.5J x 16 ET43
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine
  • Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

05 / 07

A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    DSG (DQ200) mechatronic failure

    High Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    Clunky shifts, flashing gear indicator in the cluster, car won't engage gear.
    Cause:
    Pressure accumulator or valve body failure in the mechatronic unit.
    Proper fix:
    Mechatronic repair or replacement, followed by basic setting.
    P0700
  2. #02

    DSG dry clutch wear

    Medium Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Judder when pulling away, jerk on the 1-2 shift.
    Cause:
    Dry clutches wearing in stop-and-go traffic.
    Proper fix:
    Clutch kit replacement and basic setting.
    P0700
  3. #03

    EGR and DPF sooting

    Medium Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Loss of power, DPF warning.
    Cause:
    Short city trips.
    Proper fix:
    EGR cleaning, service regeneration, DPF cleaning if needed.
    P0401P2002

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 take?

The A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 (EA288 1.6 TDI) takes about 4.3 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the VW 507.00 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.

When should the timing belt on the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 be replaced?

This engine uses a timing belt. Manufacturer interval around 210,000 km; in practice 150,000 km / 6 years. The water pump is belt-driven; replace them together.

What tyre pressure should the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 run?

With the original 205/55 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 32 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 41 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine. Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

What are the common problems of the A3 8V 1.6 TDI 110?

The best-known problems are: DSG (DQ200) mechatronic failure, DSG dry clutch wear, EGR and DPF sooting. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·