Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil

3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837)

Petrol · 2,995 cm³ · 200–260 kW

model generations

known faults

Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.

Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.

In our database this engine is fitted to 8 model generations, among them: Audi A4 (B8), Audi A4 (B9), Audi A6 (C7), Audi A5 (8T), Audi Q5 (8R), Audi Q7 (4L) and 2 more.

The most expensive known risk is timing chain tensioners (3.0 TFSI, to 2012): it usually appears at 100,000–200,000 km and costs €2,500–5,000 to fix.

Key facts

Fuel	Petrol
Displacement	2,995 cm³
Power	200–260 kW
Years	2008–2018
Timing drive	Chain
Oil	5W-30 · VW 504.00 · ~6.8 L · every 15,000 km
Engine codes	CAJA, CAKA, CCBA, CGWA, CGWB, CGWD, CGXB, CTUA, CTUC, CREC, CMUA

Known engine faults

Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.

Water pump and thermostat leak (3.0 TFSI)

usually 60,000–140,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Coolant loss, overheating warning, coolant pooling in the engine valley

Fix: Replace the water pump and thermostat (they sit under the supercharger)

€600–1,400

Oil separator (PCV) failure

usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Whistling, rough idle, rising oil consumption

Fix: Replace the oil separator

€300–800

Carbon build-up on intake valves

usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk

Signs: Rough idle, misfires (direct injection)

Fix: Walnut blasting

€300–600

Timing chain tensioners (3.0 TFSI, to 2012)

usually 100,000–200,000 km · High risk

model years 2008–2012 only

Signs: Rattle on a cold start that gets longer over time

Fix: Replace the chains and tensioners (the engine or gearbox has to come out)

€2,500–5,000

Engine-related service

Intervals and typical prices, using the Audi A4 (B8) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.

Item	Interval	Typical price
Engine oil + oil filterEngine	every 15,000 km or every 12 months	€70–150
Air filterEngine	every 30,000 km or every 24 months	€15–45
Spark plugsIgnition	every 60,000 km or every 48 months	€50–160
Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine	every 120,000 km	€70–180
Coolant replacementCooling	every 150,000 km or every 96 months	€70–150
Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine	every 150,000 km	€0–120

Models with this engine

Model generations this engine is fitted to.

Audi A4 (B8) 2007–2015 Audi A4 (B9) 2015–2024 Audi A5 (8T) 2007–2016 Audi A6 (C7) 2011–2018 Audi A7 (4G) 2010–2018 Audi A8 (D4) 2010–2017 Audi Q5 (8R) 2008–2017 Audi Q7 (4L) 2006–2015

Common questions

Does the 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?

Chain.

What oil does the 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837) engine take?

5W-30 · VW 504.00 · ~6.8 L · every 15,000 km.

What are the known problems with the 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837) engine?

The faults with the highest risk: timing chain tensioners (3.0 TFSI, to 2012) (100,000–200,000 km, €2,500–5,000); water pump and thermostat leak (3.0 TFSI) (60,000–140,000 km, €600–1,400); oil separator (PCV) failure (80,000–160,000 km, €300–800); carbon build-up on intake valves (100,000–180,000 km, €300–600).

Which cars have the 3.0 TFSI V6 supercharged (Audi EA837) engine?

Audi A4 (B8), Audi A4 (B9), Audi A6 (C7), Audi A5 (8T), Audi Q5 (8R), Audi Q7 (4L) and 2 more.

Sources and notes

Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.

Updated 08/10/2026

Check your car by VIN