1.8 TSI 160hp (BZB / CDAA, EA888)
2007–2013 · petrol · 1798cc · 160hp
Engine codes: BZB, CDAA
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Skoda Octavia II 1.8 TSI 160hp (BZB / CDAA, EA888). Check this before you buy used.
Strong, torquey and the nicest petrol to drive here — but the EA888 1.8 TSI is notorious for heavy oil consumption from thin piston rings (the Gen2 CDAA can reach ~1–2 L per 1,000 km around 100,000 km), plus timing-chain stretch and the cam-follower under the high-pressure fuel pump. A well-sorted, low-oil-use example is genuinely good; an unchecked one is a gamble.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (BZB) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
Known Issues
Thin piston/oil-control rings (especially Gen2 CDAA) cause heavy oil burning, rising with mileage — up to ~2 L/1,000 km by ~100,000 km in bad cases. Runs low on oil = engine damage.
Fix / Workaround: Fix is replacing pistons/rings with revised (Gen1-style) parts — major job. Before buying, ask consumption and check the level. Keep oil topped meticulously.
Repair cost: €1500–€3000
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
EA888 chain stretches after ~100,000 km; early tensioner can let it jump → serious damage. Rattle on cold start is the warning.
Fix / Workaround: Fit revised tensioner/chain proactively.
Repair cost: €600–€1500
Typically appears after: 100,000 km
Coated follower under the high-pressure fuel pump wears; if ignored it can damage the pump/cam.
Fix / Workaround: Inspect/replace cam follower periodically (cheap part).
Repair cost: €30–€120
Typically appears after: 80,000 km
Plastic coolant housing leaks with age.
Fix / Workaround: Replace with updated part.
Repair cost: €150–€400
Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 100,000 km: Oil consumption and chain stretch both peak here.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Ask oil consumption directly and check the dipstick
- ☐Cold-start rattle check (timing chain)
- ☐Ask about cam follower inspection
- ☐Walk away from a heavy oil-burner unless priced for a rebuild
- ☐Check DSG fluid-change history if DSG
Frequently asked questions
Is the Skoda Octavia II 1.8 TSI 160hp (BZB / CDAA, EA888) reliable?
History-Dependent — Strong, torquey and the nicest petrol to drive here — but the EA888 1.8 TSI is notorious for heavy oil consumption from thin piston rings (the Gen2 CDAA can reach ~1–2 L per 1,000 km around 100,000 km), plus timing-chain stretch and the cam-follower under the high-pressure fuel pump. A well-sorted, low-oil-use example is genuinely good; an unchecked one is a gamble.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Skoda Octavia II 1.8 TSI 160hp (BZB / CDAA, EA888)?
The most commonly reported problems: Excessive oil consumption (piston rings), Timing chain stretch / tensioner, Cam follower wear (HPFP), Water pump / thermostat leaks.
Is a used Skoda Octavia II 1.8 TSI 160hp (BZB / CDAA, EA888) worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.