Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus ES (XV10), Volvo S40/V40 (first generation)
Platform Significance:
First generation A4 based on the Volkswagen Group MLB platform (later B5), sharing components with the VW Passat (B5).
Design Philosophy:
Emphasized Audi's progressive design language, quattro all-wheel drive, and sophisticated interior appointments.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, timing belt, cooling system, lubrication, fuel injection, emissions controls
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, starting and charging, ECU diagnostics, sensors, actuators
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, fluid changes, clutch service
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive and Quattro all-wheel drive systems, CV joints, drive shafts, differentials
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, alignment specifications
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), hydraulic systems, ABS operation, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, chassis components
Electrical Systems:
Lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, wiring diagrams, fuses and relays
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks, belt inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal, installation, and adjustment for all major systems
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, sensor testing, ECU flashing (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics, including complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code Family:
VW EA827 (later modifications)
Engine Displacement Common:
2.8 Liters (2.8 V6 ABC/ACK)
Engine Displacement Alternative:
1.8 Liters (1.8T ADR/AEB - Turbocharged)
Engine Configuration Common:
V6
Engine Configuration Alternative:
Inline 4-Cylinder (Turbocharged)
Horsepower 2.8L V6:
172 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque 2.8L V6:
199 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
Horsepower 1.8T:
150 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque 1.8T:
155 lb-ft @ 1750-4600 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended for 1.8T)
Length:
Approx. 177.2 inches (4498 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.3 inches (2622 mm)
Curb Weight Approx:
3100 - 3400 lbs (1406 - 1542 kg), depending on configuration
NHTSA Front Crash Rating:
Not directly available for 1996 models in a standardized digital format; generally considered good for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Traction Control (ASR) on some models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 1.8T and 2.8L V6 engines. Consult manual for exact interval (often 60,000-90,000 miles or 5-7 years), as failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine type and spark plug material (e.g., copper, platinum, iridium). Check manual for specific recommendations.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 500 00 / 501 01 / 502 00 specifications is generally recommended. Consult manual for precise grade.
Coolant Specification:
G12 or G12+ ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Gear oil meeting VW specification for manual transmissions (e.g., G 052 171 A2).
Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:
ATF fluid meeting VW specification for automatic transmissions (e.g., G 052 162 A2).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Ignition Coils 1.8T:
Prone to failure, causing misfires and rough running.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and oil cooler seals can degrade and leak.
ABS Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensors for ABS can fail, leading to ABS warning lights.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can wear out due to age and mileage.
Climate Control Modules:
HVAC control units can malfunction.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail.
Founding:
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer founded in 1910. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group.
Predecessor:
Audi 80 (B4)
Segment Introduction:
The A4 was introduced in 1994 as a replacement for the Audi 80, marking a new naming convention for Audi's compact executive model.
Production Years:
1994-2001 (for the B5 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; and Mexico