Does your Audi A1 1.4 TFSI have a timing chain or belt?
The older Audi A1 8X models with the EA111 1.4 TFSI engine have a timing chain. The things we watch for here are chain stretch and problems with the tensioner that keeps it tight. On the newer versions, from around 2014 onwards, Audi switched to the EA211 engine, which uses a timing belt instead. And if your A1 has the 150 hp engine, you've also got a cylinder deactivation system.
When should you change the engine oil?
My advice is simple: change the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of which oil you use. Don't wait for the LongLife interval, especially if most of your driving is around town. On short journeys, the engine barely gets a chance to warm up properly, and the oil ages faster. Get it changed on time. Otherwise, you'll be the one paying for the engine problems later.
What should you know about the S tronic gearbox?
If your Audi A1 1.4 TFSI is an automatic, it has the seven-speed S tronic DQ200 with dry clutches. If you notice it jerking or juddering when you pull away, don't rush into replacing parts. First, we check the clutch readings and see how the DSG is actually behaving. We check it at every service and always carry out an adaptation.
What else needs servicing?
- Spark plugs — we replace them according to the service schedule.
- Air filter and cabin filter — we replace both whenever we change the engine oil, every 10,000 km or once a year.
- Crankcase ventilation filter — we replace it every 60,000 km.
- Brake fluid — we change it every two years.
- Coolant — we change it every third heating season.
What should you watch out for on the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI?
- Timing chain on the older engines — especially if you hear a rattling noise when starting from cold.
- Water pump and thermostat on the EA211 — we keep an eye on the whole assembly.
- DQ200 clutches — we check the readings and how the clutches behave in use.
- Ignition coils and spark plugs — you can often feel an ignition problem in the way the engine runs.
If your A1 rattles for a few seconds when you start it from cold, don't ignore it. On the timing chain engines, it could be the tensioner. Let us check it before a small problem turns into a big one. I'm telling you this because I'd rather save you the headache.
Tip from Kris Mladenov: When you're sitting in traffic, hold the car still with the brake, not the accelerator. Don't make the clutches slip when they don't need to. Do that, and the DQ200 clutch will last you much longer.
If you drive an Audi A1 1.4 TFSI, bring it to Das Auto Service for a service. We'll give the engine and gearbox a proper check so you know exactly how they're doing and what to keep an eye on from now on.
What do you need from our shop?
Genuine Longlife III FE 0W30 engine oil 5L
Genuine Longlife III engine oil for your 1.4 TFSI. We change it every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first.
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Genuine DOT 4 brake fluid B000750M1 Audi/Volkswagen 250ml
Genuine DOT 4 brake fluid — change it every two years.
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Genuine VAG G12Evo coolant G12E050A2 1.0l
Genuine G12evo coolant — change it every third heating season.
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- Routine servicing at Das Auto Service
- Gearbox servicing
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- DSG DQ200 with Dry Clutches: Why Does the Gearbox Jerk and Judder?
- Audi A3 8V 1.4 TFSI and 1.5 TFSI Service Schedule
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI have a timing chain?
The older EA111 engines do have a timing chain. The newer EA211 engines use a timing belt instead.
Which automatic gearbox does the Audi A1 1.4 TFSI have?
A seven-speed S tronic DQ200 with dry clutches.
How often should I change the oil in my Audi A1 1.4 TFSI?
Change the engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. That's especially important if you mostly drive around town. It's what I recommend.