Audi A3 1.2 TFSI & 30 TFSI Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

For an Audi A3 1.2 TFSI (CBZB/CBZA), expect £2,200-£3,500 supply-only for a rebuilt unit, or £600-£1,300 for a used engine. For the 30 TFSI (DLAA), rebuilt units typically range £3,200-£4,500, with used options from £1,000-£1,800. Fitting adds approximately £520-£650 labour at UK specialist rates.

• Rebuilt 1.2 TFSI: £2,200-£3,500
• Rebuilt 30 TFSI: £3,200-£4,500
• Used 1.2 TFSI: £600-£1,300
• Used 30 TFSI: £1,000-£1,800

The most common warning sign on EA111 and EA211 1.2 TFSI engines is a metallic rattling noise on cold start lasting 1-3 seconds. This is the tensioner losing hydraulic pressure. Other symptoms include engine management light illumination, timing-related fault codes, and eventually misfiring or non-start if the chain jumps. The 1.2 TFSI and 1.4 TFSI are the most susceptible to this issue.

• Cold-start rattle is the earliest warning
• Timing-related diagnostic trouble codes indicate advanced wear
• Do not ignore - chain failure can destroy the engine

It depends on your A3's value. On 8P/8V examples worth under £4,000: a used engine at £600-£1,200 plus fitting often makes more sense than a rebuilt unit. On cars worth £5,000+: a rebuilt engine at £2,200-£3,500 is financially viable and carries a 12-month warranty. For 8Y 30 TFSI models worth £14,000+, a rebuilt engine at £3,200-£4,500 is a small percentage of the vehicle's value.

• Sub-£4k value: used engine is the economic choice
• £5k+ value: rebuilt engine with warranty is justified
• £14k+ (30 TFSI): replacement is clearly viable

Both are 1.2-litre TFSI engines, but they belong to different families. The CBZB (2010-2012, 8P) is an EA111 engine with 105hp, known for timing chain tensioner failure. The CBZA (2012-2016, 8V) is an EA211 engine with 105-110hp, featuring an improved design but still with timing chain concerns. The later CYZA (2014-2016) is similar to CBZA with minor calibration differences.

• CBZB: EA111, 105hp, 8P generation (2010-2012)
• CBZA/CYZA: EA211, 105-110hp, 8V generation (2012-2016)
• All share timing chain as a key maintenance point

A straight engine swap on an Audi A3 1.2 TFSI or 30 TFSI typically takes 8-10 hours labour at a specialist, including transfer of ancillary components (alternator, starter, manifolds, sensors). Most workshops complete the job in 1-2 working days.

• 1.2 TFSI: 8-10 hours
• 30 TFSI: 8-10 hours (plus mild-hybrid system calibration)
• Plan for 2-3 days including diagnostics and road-testing

The EA111 1.2 TFSI (CBZB, 2010-2012) has a known timing chain tensioner weakness that makes it unreliable if not proactively maintained - tensioner failure can occur from 45,000 miles. The EA211 1.2 TFSI (CBZA/CYZA, 2012-2016) is improved but still has timing chain concerns. The 30 TFSI (DLAA, 2020+) is generally reliable, with occasional timing chain noise and mild-hybrid system complexity. Rebuilt units include upgraded components addressing original flaws.

• EA111 1.2 TFSI: timing chain is the critical failure point
• EA211 1.2 TFSI: improved but timing chain still a concern
• 30 TFSI: generally reliable; mild-hybrid adds complexity