The B7-generation A4 with the 2.0 TFSI is a refined mid-size sedan built on the proven PL46 platform. This report covers the 200 and 220 PS versions (BGB/BWE and BUL); Europe also had a 125 kW/170 PS 2.0 TFSI, the BPJ/BYK, between 2006 and 2008, which is a lower-boost variant not described here. The EA113 engine is a robust unit that can reach high mileages with diligent maintenance, though it demands more attention than simpler naturally aspirated alternatives. It is widely considered more reliable than the successor B8's EA888 engine, and many owners report exceeding 200,000 km without major powertrain issues.· more· less
Robust engine with high-mileage potentialWidely available, affordable parts
Cam follower wear requires monitoringCarbon buildup from direct injection
Buy if: You want an affordable turbocharged Audi with manual or Tiptronic gearbox and can commit to regular cam follower inspections and preventive maintenance.
Avoid if: You are considering a Multitronic CVT variant or want a low-maintenance car without the need for periodic direct-injection-specific servicing.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€5,000
median asking price, typically 200,000 km
Typical range€3,400 – €8,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€750 – €1,500/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€450 – €800 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €700 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
The cam follower between the intake camshaft and high-pressure fuel pump wears through, damaging camshaft and pump · more· less
This is the most important maintenance item on any EA113 2.0 TFSI. The cam follower is a small metal disc that sits between the intake camshaft lobe and the high-pressure fuel pump plunger. As its coating wears through, the pump plunger grinds directly into the camshaft lobe. Volkswagen issued a Technical Service Bulletin acknowledging this as a known problem. A new cam follower costs approximately 10-20 euros and should be inspected every 15,000-20,000 km. If caught early, replacement is trivial and cheap (approximately 150-250 euros including labor). If the follower wears through completely, the camshaft lobe and fuel pump are damaged: a new HPFP costs 400-600 euros, and a camshaft replacement runs 800-1,400 euros including labor. Forum data suggests nearly every high-mileage EA113 will need at least one cam follower replacement, and roughly 15-20% of cars without proactive maintenance have suffered HPFP or camshaft damage. Later BUL engine variants (220 hp) have a modified cam lobe design that reduces this risk.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
€400 - 8002 of 8
Direct injection means no fuel washes over the intake valves, allowing carbon deposits to accumulate · more· less
All EA113 TFSI engines suffer from carbon buildup because fuel is injected directly into the cylinder, bypassing the intake valves. Over time, typically between 60,000-120,000 km, carbon deposits restrict airflow and cause rough idle, cold-start misfires, hesitation, and reduced power. The fix is removing the intake manifold and cleaning the valves via walnut shell blasting. Professional walnut blasting costs 400-800 euros at independent specialists in Western Europe. This is essentially unavoidable on any high-mileage direct-injection engine and should be considered every 60,000-80,000 km. Sustained high-RPM driving and quality fuel can slow the buildup but do not prevent it entirely.
Diverter valve failure
€100 - 2503 of 8
The rubber diaphragm in the turbo diverter valve tears, causing boost leaks and loss of power · more· less
The original diverter valve uses a rubber diaphragm that degrades from heat and pressure cycling. When it tears, boost pressure escapes, causing the turbo to underperform. Symptoms include loss of power under acceleration, a hissing sound from the engine bay, and fault code P0299 for turbo underboost. The revised piston-style valve from Audi (or aftermarket alternatives from Forge or GFB) is far more durable. Parts cost 50-100 euros for the revised OEM valve, and labor is 50-150 euros. This is one of the most common failures on the 2.0 TFSI, affecting the majority of cars by 100,000 km, and is one of the easiest fixes on the car.
PCV valve failure
€200 - 5004 of 8
The positive crankcase ventilation valve fails, causing oil leaks, boost loss, and blue smoke · more· less
The PCV system on the EA113 is known to degrade, particularly the valve integrated into the valve cover. When it fails, crankcase pressure builds up and pushes oil past seals and gaskets. Symptoms include blue smoke at wide-open throttle, oil accumulation around the valve cover and filler cap, rough idle, and reduced boost pressure. In severe cases, oil can be drawn into the ignition coil wells, causing misfires. The pressure-regulating valve is available separately as part 06F 129 101 for roughly 30-60 euros, so a failure does not normally mean a complete valve cover; budget 100-200 euros labour, and only if the cover itself is cracked or its seats are worn does a full assembly at 150-300 euros become necessary. Most cars will need PCV attention between 80,000-150,000 km.
Intake manifold flap motor failure
€250 - 6005 of 8
The tumble flap actuator motor in the intake manifold fails, triggering fault codes · more· less
The intake manifold has variable-length runners controlled by a flap motor that is prone to failure. Symptoms include check engine light with codes for runner control stuck open, implausible signal, or regulation deviation. The car may run slightly rough at idle but it is not immediately dangerous. A new flap motor costs 200-350 euros plus 100-200 euros labor. Alternatively, intake manifold runner flap delete kits are available for approximately 30-50 euros and can be combined with an ECU adaptation to eliminate the fault codes permanently. This is a popular approach among enthusiasts. The issue typically appears after 80,000 km.
Ignition coil pack failure
€150 - 4006 of 8
Coil packs degrade from heat, causing misfires and rough running · more· less
Ignition coil packs on the 2.0 TFSI tend to fail around 60,000-100,000 km, particularly when PCV issues cause oil to seep into the coil wells. Symptoms include cylinder-specific misfire codes (P0300-P0304), rough idle, and hesitation under load. Individual coils cost 25-50 euros each. It is recommended to replace all four simultaneously along with new spark plugs. Total cost for four coils plus plugs is typically 150-400 euros depending on whether OEM or aftermarket parts are used. Labor is minimal as the coils are easily accessible on top of the engine.
Turbocharger failure (K03)
€1,000 - 2,5007 of 8
The BorgWarner K03 turbo can fail from oil starvation or worn bearings at very high mileages · more· less
The K03 turbocharger is generally reliable and most B7 2.0 TFSI engines will never need a turbo replacement under normal use. Failures typically only occur beyond 150,000-200,000 km or when oil changes were neglected, causing bearing wear from oil starvation. Symptoms include excessive exhaust smoke, oil consumption through the turbo seals, and whining noises. A new OEM K03 costs approximately 500-800 euros, with aftermarket replacements available from 300-500 euros. Labor is typically 500-800 euros due to accessibility. Rebuilt turbos are available from 250-400 euros. For most owners with proper maintenance, this is a low-probability issue.
Multitronic CVT failure (FWD auto only)
€2,500 - 5,0008 of 8
The Multitronic CVT gearbox suffers from chain wear, control unit faults, and clutch pack degradation · more· less
This issue only affects front-wheel-drive models equipped with the Multitronic CVT automatic. Quattro models use a conventional Tiptronic, and manual gearboxes are essentially trouble-free. The Multitronic is known for chain wear, transmission control module (TCM) failures causing flashing PRND lights and limp mode, and clutch pack degradation causing judder on acceleration. The CVT fluid was never a lifetime fill in Europe: Audi's own B7 schedule calls for a Multitronic oil change every 60,000 km, and a car without that record is the one most likely to be near the end of its chain and clutch pack. TCM repair costs approximately 200-400 euros, but if the chain or clutch pack fails, a full rebuild runs 2,500-4,000 euros and a replacement gearbox costs up to 5,000 euros. If buying a B7 A4 automatic, strongly prefer quattro with Tiptronic over FWD with Multitronic.
Reliable with proactive maintenance, but cam follower is critical
The EA113 2.0 TFSI in the B7 A4 is fundamentally a solid engine that can exceed 200,000 km with proper care. The critical items are regular cam follower inspections (every 15,000-20,000 km), periodic carbon cleaning, and replacing the diverter valve and PCV when symptoms appear. Avoid Multitronic CVT-equipped models if possible. Manual gearbox and quattro Tiptronic versions are far more trouble-free. Forum owners with high-mileage examples consistently report that staying ahead of maintenance prevents the expensive failures.
Service history
Complete Audi dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 15,000 km or annually with VW 502.00/504.00 specification oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension or alignment issues.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattling, rough idle, or misfires in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check for boost hesitation, warning lights, and smooth power delivery.
Specific for this vehicle
Ask about cam follower inspection history
Request proof of cam follower checks or replacements. If no evidence exists, budget for immediate inspection. A worn-through follower leads to expensive camshaft and fuel pump damage.
Check for boost leaks and diverter valve function
During test drive, accelerate firmly in 3rd gear from low RPM and listen for hissing sounds or hesitation. A failing diverter valve causes noticeable power loss under boost.
Look for blue smoke on hard acceleration
After idling for a few minutes, apply full throttle. Blue smoke indicates PCV failure or turbo seal issues. Brief puffs on startup are less concerning than sustained smoke.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Check for rough idle and cold-start misfires
Carbon buildup causes rough idle and misfires when cold. If the engine stumbles for the first 30 seconds, the valves likely need walnut blasting.
Verify timing belt replacement records
The European B7 2.0 TFSI timing belt interval is 180,000 km. On a car of this age it should have been replaced at least once, and many owners bring it forward to around 120,000 km because a belt this old ages by time as well as mileage. Missing records mean you should assume it is due.
Verify gearbox type (avoid Multitronic CVT)
Check whether the car has a manual, Tiptronic, or Multitronic transmission. Multitronic CVT models have significantly higher failure risk. Quattro models always have Tiptronic or manual.
Inspect for oil leaks around valve cover and turbo area
Oil around the valve cover gasket indicates a failing PCV system. Oil around the turbo intake pipe suggests diverter valve or boost leak issues.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata passenger airbag inflator replacement - Audi France lists model years 2004-2008 for the A4, and the exact scope varies by countryCritical - verify applicability and completion
Takata driver airbag inflator, A4 Cabriolet - Audi France lists 2007-2009Verify applicability and completion
Stop-drive action R/2025/387 for 50 UK cars from 2008 previously associated with high-humidity regionsVerify applicability with the VIN
The Takata airbag campaigns are the critical safety recalls on the B7 A4, but the exact years differ by country: Audi France lists A4 passenger airbags for model years 2004-2008 and A4 Cabriolet airbags for 2007-2009, so check the car's own VIN rather than assuming a blanket 2005-2008 scope. The UK also has a separate stop-drive action, R/2025/387, covering 50 cars from 2008 whose history links them to high-humidity regions. Contact an Audi dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The airbag replacement is free of charge regardless of vehicle age.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all B7 A4 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired on all B7 A4 models
Recall repairsFree regardless of warranty status
All Audi A4 B7 models are well outside any factory or extended warranty coverage. Budget for all repairs out of pocket. Third-party warranty providers may offer limited coverage but typically exclude known problem areas on vehicles of this age.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
