2.0 TDI (EA188) Typical Problems - Is It A Good Engine?

The 2.0 TDI (EA188) is a four-cylinder diesel engine from Volkswagen. The engine is fundamentally built the same as the 1.9 TDI, but it has a slightly larger displacement. The fuel mixture preparation is carried out using VW's developed pump-nozzle system. The timing is controlled via a timing belt, which has a replacement interval depending on the year of manufacture, at either 74,565 miles or 93,206 miles.

2.0 TDI Engine Technical Specs

MKB	Displacement	Power	Torque	Introduction
AZV	120.1 cu in	100 kW (136 hp) / 4,000 RPM	236 lb-ft / 1,750 – 2,500 RPM	2003
BMA, BVH	120.1 cu in	100 kW (136 hp) / 4,000 RPM	236 lb-ft / 1,800 – 2,500 RPM	2005
BGW, BHW	120.1 cu in	100 kW (136 hp) / 4,000 RPM	247 lb-ft / 1,900 RPM	2003
BKD, BLB, BRE, BKP	120.1 cu in	103 kW (140 hp) / 4,000 RPM	236 lb-ft / 1,750 – 2,500 RPM	2004
BRT	120.1 cu in	103 kW (140 hp) / 4,000 RPM	229 lb-ft / 1,900 – 2,500 RPM	2005
BMP	120.1 cu in	103 kW (140 hp) / 4,000 RPM	236 lb-ft / 1,800 – 2,500 RPM	2005
BMM	120.1 cu in	103 kW (140 hp) / 4,000 RPM	236 lb-ft / 1,750 – 2,500 RPM	2008
BMN, BMR, BKQ, BUY, BRD	120.1 cu in	125 kW (170 hp) / 4,200 RPM	258 lb-ft / 1,750 – 2,500 RPM	2005

Typical 2.0 TDI (EA188) Typical Problems

The 2.0 TDI has been used in numerous models of the VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat brands. Unlike the 1.9 TDI, the two-liter suffers from some issues that, if left untreated, can lead to a total engine failure. Below, we have summarized the most known problems.

Crack in the Cylinder Head

crack-in-cylinder-head

The 2.0 TDI occasionally experiences cylinder head cracks, which are indicated by a loss of coolant or, at that point, it may already be too late. Affected are the variants with 140 hp (engine code BKD) and with 170 hp (engine code BMN), with older versions seeming to be affected by this problem more frequently than newer ones.

Defective Oil Pump

Another serious problem is caused by the hexagonal shaft in the oil pump drive. This tends to wear prematurely, leading to a sudden failure of the oil pump and a lack of lubrication in the engine.

The consequence of this is usually a total engine failure, but at the very least, a destroyed turbocharger. Particularly affected are 2.0 TDIs of the older model years (often with the code BMP).

Defective EGR Valve

clogged-egr-valve

Power loss in the 2.0 TDI is usually due to a clogged or defective EGR valve. Whether it is worth cleaning or replacing this depends entirely on the condition of the component.

On one hand, cleaning the EGR valve, whose components are not too worn, can achieve a similar effect as replacing the part. On the other hand, improper cleaning of the exhaust gas recirculation valve can lead to permanent damage in both the 2.0 TDI and any other engine.

Carbon Buildup

carbon-buildups-on-valves

Carbon Buildation on the injectors and in the EGR valve can lead to costly repairs, especially in diesel vehicles. To prevent this or at least delay it, the preventive use of cleaning fuel additives, which are added at regular intervals when refueling, is recommended.

List Of Cars Equipped With 2.0 TDI (EA188) Engine

Conclusion

One should not blindly purchase a 2.0 TDI of the EA188 series – especially not if the service booklet has not been maintained or is completely missing. Before buying, it is also important to find out which engine code the desired vehicle has, to at least avoid engines at risk of cylinder head cracks.