Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for CUNA, CRLB, DFGA and other 2.0 TDI engine codes across all A3 generations.
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Tested, bare/short engine
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Rod bearings addressed, tested
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Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Replacement Engine
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Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The 2.0 TDI badge has been the workhorse diesel option in the A3 range since the 8P generation, evolving through multiple engine codes and power outputs before becoming the 35 TDI under WLTP naming in 2020.

Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The 2.0 TDI badge has been the workhorse diesel option in the A3 range since the 8P generation, evolving through multiple engine codes and power outputs before becoming the 35 TDI under WLTP naming in 2020.
Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI
Engine History Timeline
8P generation launches with 2.0 TDI (140hp) BMN/BMM engine codes, PD (Pumpe Düse) unit injector system
Common rail 2.0 TDI introduced (140hp) CFFB engine code, replacing PD system for Euro 5 compliance
8V generation debuts with EA288 2.0 TDI (150hp) CUNA engine code, improved efficiency and lower emissions
8V facelift adds 2.0 TDI (184hp) CRLB engine code, for buyers seeking stronger performance
8Y generation launches with WLTP naming 35 TDI (150hp), DFGA engine code, mild-hybrid options introduced
8Y continues with refined DFGA and updated emissions systems for Euro 6d-ISC-FCM compliance
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostAudi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.0L Diesel PD (2003-2008)
Compatible Trim Levels
- 2.0 TDI
- 2.0 TDI Sport
- 2.0 TDI SE (early 8P PD units)

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£800-£1,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,800-£4,200
Common Failure
PD injector failure and camshaft wear common on high-mileage units; typical failure 100k-150k miles. [THIRD-PARTY - VW/Audi PD engine consensus]


The Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI is generally robust when maintained properly, but high-mileage examples commonly face injector failure, DPF/EGR issues, and turbocharger wear. The CUNA, CRLB and DFGA codes dominate replacement demand for this variant, particularly on 8V and 8Y generation cars with 100k+ miles. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Why the Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI EA288 Develops "Black Death"
Affected Vehicles
Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI (CUNA, CRLB, DFGA, 2012-present)
Typical Failure Mileage
80k-150k miles
Root Cause
Diesel injector seals degrade over time, allowing fuel to leak and create carbon deposits around the injector base ("Black Death"), eventually causing injector failure and compression loss.
Why It Happens
Diesel injector seals degrade over time, allowing fuel to leak and create carbon deposits around the injector base ("Black Death"), eventually causing injector failure and compression loss.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£400-£800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£250-£500
What it involves
Remove injectors, replace copper washers and seals, clean carbon buildup
Suitability
Temporary fix if caught early; doesn't address worn injectors
Dealer (parts + labour)
£800-£1,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£500-£900
What it involves
Replace one failed injector, code to ECU, clean surrounding area
Suitability
Viable if only one injector failed and others test good
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,800-£6,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,800-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt figure)
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded injectors and seals, 12-month warranty
Suitability
Best value when multiple injectors failed or severe carbon damage
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Injector seal replacement (early stage) Minor | £400-£800 | £250-£500 | Remove injectors, replace copper washers and seals, clean carbon buildup | Temporary fix if caught early; doesn't address worn injectors | |
Single injector replacement Best Value | £800-£1,500 | £500-£900 | Replace one failed injector, code to ECU, clean surrounding area | Viable if only one injector failed and others test good | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £3,800-£6,000 | £2,800-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt figure) | Supply & fit, upgraded injectors and seals, 12-month warranty | Best value when multiple injectors failed or severe carbon damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI from 2012-2016 (CUNA) is worth £5,000-£12,000; 2016-2020 (CRLB) £8,000-£18,000; 2020+ (DFGA/35 TDI) £14,000-£28,000 [THIRD-PARTY - Auto Trader UK 2025 data]. - Vehicle worth under ~£5,000: injector repair or used engine typically makes more sense than a full rebuilt unit. - Vehicle worth ~£5,000-£8,000: evaluate both; reconditioned is viable if keeping the car 2+ years. - Vehicle worth ~£8,000-£15,000: reconditioned/rebuilt usually justifies the premium via warranty and reliability. - Vehicle worth £15,000+: replacement cost is typically small relative to vehicle value.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If carbon buildup is caught early with minimal compression loss, injector seal replacement can extend life 12-24 months. However, once "Black Death" is visible or multiple injectors fail, a rebuilt engine with upgraded seals is more cost-effective than piecemeal repairs that risk recurring failure.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI
The 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI is a capable engine when healthy, but injector failure, DPF blockage and turbo wear are common on high-mileage examples. Rather than risking repeated repairs, a rebuilt engine from our specialist network includes upgraded components addressing these known failure points, backed by a 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty. Compare quotes today and save 30-50% versus dealer pricing while getting nationwide supply-and-fit service.
Compare rebuilt CUNA/CRLB/DFGA Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does an Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engine replacement cost-
A reconditioned Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engine costs £2,800-£4,500 supply-only, or £3,500-£6,000 fully fitted depending on engine code (CUNA, CRLB, DFGA) and supplier location. Used engines start around £1,200 but carry higher risk.
- CUNA (2012-2016, 150hp): £2,800-£4,500 reconditioned
- CRLB (2016-2020, 184hp): £2,800-£4,500 reconditioned
- DFGA (2020+, 35 TDI): £2,800-£4,500 reconditioned
Question 2What are the signs of injector failure in an Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI-
Common symptoms include rough idle, excessive smoke on startup, loss of power, and visible carbon buildup around injector bases ("Black Death"). You may also notice increased fuel consumption and difficulty starting when cold.
- Black carbon deposits around injectors indicate seal failure
- Knocking or rattling noise suggests injector mechanical wear
- ECU fault codes for cylinder balance or injector circuit
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in an Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI-
For 8V generation cars (2012-2020) valued £8,000-£18,000, a rebuilt engine at £2,800-£4,500 typically represents good value if you plan to keep the car 2+ years. For older 8P models under £5,000, a used engine may be more economical.
- 8P (2003-2012): Usually worth under £5k; used engine often better value
- 8V (2012-2020): Worth £8k-£18k; rebuilt engine justified for most owners
- 8Y (2020+): Worth £14k-£28k; rebuilt engine is small percentage of value
Question 4How long does an Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engine replacement take-
A complete engine swap typically takes 1-2 days for supply-and-fit service, depending on supplier workload and whether additional components (turbo, injectors, DPF) need replacement. Supply-only delivery takes 2-5 working days nationwide.
- Simple swap (good condition peripherals): 1 day
- Complex swap (turbo/DPF/injector work): 1.5-2 days
- Diagnostics and ECU coding: Additional 2-4 hours
Question 5What's the difference between the 2.0 TDI and 35 TDI in the Audi A3-
The 35 TDI is the WLTP naming convention introduced in 2020 for the 150hp 2.0 TDI engine (DFGA code). Mechanically, it's the same EA288 Evo engine family as the CUNA, just with updated emissions systems and mild-hybrid capability on some 8Y models.
- 2.0 TDI (CUNA/CRLB): 2012-2020, 150hp or 184hp, pre-WLTP naming
- 35 TDI (DFGA): 2020-present, 150hp, WLTP naming, Euro 6d compliance
- Engine codes differ but core architecture remains EA288 2.0L diesel
Question 6Are reconditioned Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDI engines reliable-
Yes, reconditioned 2.0 TDI engines from our specialists include upgraded components addressing known failure points like injector seals, timing chain tensioners, and oil pump wear. With proper maintenance, a quality reconditioned unit should last 80k-120k miles.
- All rebuilt engines include minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty
- Upgraded parts address original design weaknesses
- Specialist rebuilders test compression and oil pressure before dispatch
Compare Audi A3 2.0 TDI / 35 TDIEngine PricesToday
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supply & fit available for CUNA, CRLB, DFGA codes
Whether you need a CUNA replacement for your 2014 8V, a CRLB for your 2017 facelift, or a DFGA for your 2021 35 TDI, comparing quotes through EnginesMarket is free, fast and no-obligation. Our vetted UK specialists stock all 2.0 TDI engine codes and offer transparent pricing on used, reconditioned and rebuilt units. Get multiple quotes in minutes and save 30-50% versus dealer pricing, with every engine backed by a minimum 12-month warranty.

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