Audi S3 engines

The Audi S3 is a German family-class car in the body of a hatchback, the so-called “hot hatchback”, from the manufacturer Audi AG. Manufactured since 1999 based on Audi A3. It has the following body modifications: 3- and 5-door hatchback and convertible. The S3 hatchback is the most powerful of the 3rd edition models, equipped with the quattro all-wheel drive system and has the same platform as the VW Golf IV .

Audi S3, 1st generation (8L), 1999

The Audi S3 hatchback – a charged version of the A3 model – debuted in 1999. The all-wheel drive car, offered only with a three-door body, was equipped with a 1.8-liter turbo engine with 210 hp and a six-speed manual transmission. In 2001, the Audi S3 was upgraded, as a result of which the output of its engine increased to 225 hp. In total, until 2003, 32,000 first-generation S3s were produced.

Audi S3, 2nd generation (8P), 2006

The second-generation Audi S3 hot hatchback, which went on sale in 2006, differed from the A3 model in a stiffer and lower suspension, reinforced brakes, “sporty” settings for the electric power steering and stabilization system, and, of course, a more powerful engine. Under the hood of the S3 was a two-liter engine with direct injection and turbocharging with a capacity of 265 hp. The car, equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive transmission, could accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

In 2008, the entire A3 family was restyled. At the same time, in addition to the three-door hatchback, the five-door Audi S3 Sportback appeared in the lineup, and the S tronic six-speed robotic preselective gearbox appeared in the S3 options list.

Production of the second generation Audi S3 ended in 2012.

Audi S3, 3rd generation, 2013

The car is equipped with a two-liter engine with combined fuel injection and turbocharging, developing 300 hp. Gearboxes – manual or preselective robotic, both six-speed.

The car has a three-door hatchback, a five-door hatchback, a sedan and a soft top convertible.

Audi S3, 4th generation, 2020

The current generation of the Audi S3 has been produced since 2020. The car is offered with two body types: a five-door hatchback and a four-door sedan.

Under the hood of the Audi S3 model is a two-liter petrol turbo engine that develops 310 hp. All cars have a seven-speed robotic gearbox and all-wheel drive. According to passport data, the car can accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The Audi S3 was offered with 4 engines between 1998 and 2016 (4 petrol). Displacement ranges from 1.8 to 2.0 liters, power output from 180 to 300 hp. 4 use a timing chain and 3 a timing belt. 4 are turbocharged. The longest rated lifespan belongs to the Volkswagen AUQ (about 300,000 km).

Audi S3 engines by generation

EngineYearsVolumePowerFuelTimingOilLifespan
Audi S3 1 (8L) 1998–2003
Volkswagen AUQ1998–20031.8 L R4180 hppetrol, turbochain + belt4.5 L~300,000 km
Audi S3 2 (8P) 2006–2012
Audi BHZ2006–20082.0 L R4265 hppetrol, turbochain + belt
Volkswagen CDL2008–20122.0 L R4220–280 hppetrol, turbochain + belt
Audi S3 3 (8V) 2013–2016
Audi CJXC2013–20162.0 L R4300 hppetrol, turbochain5.7 L~220,000 km

Audi S3 engine FAQ

What engines were used in the Audi S3?

Audi S3 1 (8L) (1998–2003): Volkswagen AUQ; Audi S3 2 (8P) (2006–2012): Audi BHZ and Volkswagen CDL; Audi S3 3 (8V) (2013–2016): Audi CJXC.

Which Audi S3 engine is the most durable?

By rated service life the most durable Audi S3 engines are: Volkswagen AUQ — about 300,000 km; Audi CJXC — about 220,000 km. Actual lifespan depends heavily on maintenance and oil change intervals.

How much oil does the Audi S3 engine take?

Engine oil capacity with filter: Audi CJXC — 5.7 L (0W-20); Volkswagen AUQ — 4.5 L (5W-30).

Does the Audi S3 have a timing belt or chain?

Timing chain: Audi BHZ, Audi CJXC, Volkswagen AUQ and Volkswagen CDL; timing belt: Audi BHZ, Volkswagen AUQ and Volkswagen CDL. Belts must be replaced on schedule: on many engines a broken belt bends the valves.

Was the Audi S3 available with a diesel engine?

No, all Audi S3 engines in our database run on petrol.

Engine details

Volkswagen AUQ

Volkswagen AUQ

2001–2006 · 1.8 L R4 · petrol · 180 hp · chain + belt

The main reason for the unstable operation of the engine is the constant air leakage through the crankcase ventilation.

Audi BHZ

Audi BHZ

2006–2008 · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 265 hp · chain + belt

The cam follower of the high-pressure fuel pump wears and can damage the camshaft lobe if it is not replaced in time.

Volkswagen CDL

Volkswagen CDL

2008–2015 · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 220–280 hp · chain + belt

The cam follower of the high-pressure fuel pump wears and can damage the camshaft lobe if it is not replaced in time.

Audi CJXC

Audi CJXC

2013–2018 · 2.0 L R4 · petrol · 300 hp · chain

Most of the problems here are caused by malfunctions of the adjustable oil pump.

Models with the same engines

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