🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

RS6

Generation:

C5

Years Covered By Manual:

2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

Platform Code:

C5

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

High-performance luxury sport sedan/wagon (Avant).

Key Competitors:

BMW M5 (E39), Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210), Jaguar S-Type R, Chevrolet Corvette C5.

Performance Highlight:

The RS6 represented the pinnacle of Audi's performance offerings in this era, featuring a potent twin-turbocharged V8, Quattro AWD, and sophisticated chassis dynamics.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and knowledgeable DIY mechanics seeking dealership-level repair and maintenance information.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control systems, engine management (ECU), turbocharging system.

Drivetrain Systems:

Transmission (automatic), torque converter, transfer case, driveshafts, axles, differential (front and rear), Quattro all-wheel drive system.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS and ESC components), wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort systems, driver information system, infotainment wiring.

Body And Interior:

Body structural components, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC), security system.

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common fault diagnosis, troubleshooting procedures for all major systems.

Estimated Page Count:

Likely exceeds 1000 pages, typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era and complexity.

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

Software Needed:

None (standard PDF reader required)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Detailed coverage of the 4.2L V8 twin-turbocharged engine, including rebuild procedures, component specifications, and maintenance for the 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro AWD system.

Suspension Steering Brakes:

Comprehensive data on the independent multi-link suspension, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, and the high-performance braking system, including ABS and Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC).

Electrical Electronics:

Extensive wiring diagrams, electrical component locations, diagnostic procedures for all electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, actuators, and comfort/convenience systems.

Body Safety:

Information on body construction, panel repair, door mechanisms, interior fittings, and safety systems including airbags, seatbelts, and the advanced restraint system.

Maintenance Tasks:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections/replacements.

Repair Tasks:

Engine rebuilds (including top-end and bottom-end overhauls), transmission overhaul, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms), exhaust system repair, HVAC system diagnosis and repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, leveraging diagnostic codes (DTCs), live data interpretation, and component testing.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed analysis of wiring schematics, troubleshooting electrical faults, diagnosing control module issues, and performing software updates/coding procedures.

Depth Of Coverage:

Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and structural bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Features:

Searchable text, bookmarked sections for easy navigation, hyperlinked cross-references (if implemented by publisher).

Print Readability:

Designed for clarity; illustrations and diagrams are sharp and easy to interpret for printing.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

BCY (for 2002-2004 models)

Engine Type:

4.2L (4172cc) Twin-Turbocharged V8 (32 valve, DOHC)

Horsepower:

450 PS (444 bhp / 331 kW) at 6000 rpm (Euro spec); 450 hp (US spec).

Torque:

560 Nm (413 lb-ft) from 1950-5000 rpm.

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with twin turbochargers.

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Cylinder Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Turbocharger Type:

Two Garrett GT2554R (or similar designation) turbochargers.

Intercooler Type:

Air-to-air intercoolers (one per turbo).

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.

Optional Transmission:

N/A (Manual transmission not offered on RS6 C5).

Drivetrain:

Full-time all-wheel drive (Quattro) with Torsen center differential.

Gear Ratios 1St:

3.57

Gear Ratios 2Nd:

2.20

Gear Ratios 3Rd:

1.55

Gear Ratios 4Th:

1.12

Gear Ratios 5Th:

0.86

Gear Ratios Reverse:

3.01

Transmission Fluid Type:

G 052 162 A2 (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon spec)

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Approximately 9.5 - 10 liters (dry fill), 5.5 - 6 liters (service fill).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2759 mm (108.6 in)

Length:

4845 mm (190.7 in)

Width:

1810 mm (71.3 in)

Height:

1442 mm (56.8 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1860 kg (4100 lbs) for Sedan, 1940 kg (4277 lbs) for Avant.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2450 kg (5401 lbs).

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 510 liters (18.0 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Avant:

Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft) with rear seats up, 1590 liters (56.2 cu ft) with rear seats folded.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

No official NHTSA ratings available for this specific performance model from the era, but general C5 platform vehicles received good ratings for their time.

Braking Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).

Stability Control:

Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) / Traction Control System (ASR).

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags, full-length side curtain airbags (on some models/markets).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters, three-point rear seatbelts.

💡 Technology Features

Audi Navigation System:

Optional Audi Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps, integrated into the dashboard display.

Premium Audio:

Optional Bose premium sound system.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Audi Parking System).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free phone preparation with microphone.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.

Transmission Fluid Service:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years, though often overlooked by owners.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum or Iridium spark plugs recommended, replacement interval around 60,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Specification:

SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40 Synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 specification.

Coolant Specification:

G 12 (or G12+) ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4.

Engine Vibration Misfires:

Can be caused by worn ignition coils, spark plugs, vacuum leaks, or MAF sensor issues. Twin-turbo setup can be sensitive to boost leaks.

Transmission Hard Shifting:

May indicate low fluid, worn solenoids, or torque converter issues. Regular fluid changes are crucial.

Susceptibility To Oil Sludge:

Older twin-turbo engines, particularly with infrequent oil changes or extended oil drain intervals, can be prone to sludge buildup, especially in the oil coolers and turbocharger oil lines.

Front Axle Drive Shafts Cv Joints:

Can wear out due to the immense torque, leading to clicking noises during turns.

Carbon Buildup On Intake Valves:

Direct injection was not common yet, but port injection can still experience carbon buildup over time, affecting performance and fuel economy.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Sport Division:

The RS (RennSport) designation signifies Audi's most potent performance models, developed by quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport).

Rs6 C5 Introduction:

The C5 RS6 was introduced in late 2002 for the 2003 model year, replacing the S6 as Audi's flagship performance sedan. It was built on the C5 platform shared with the A6 and Allroad.

Rs6 C5 Facelift:

The C5 RS6 received minor updates during its production run, with the primary 'facelift' occurring with the introduction of the 450 PS engine and updated styling cues.

Production Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany.

Production Years Overall:

2002-2004.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

Not explicitly on the Car and Driver 10Best list, but consistently praised by automotive journalists for its performance and luxury balance.

Performance Reviews:

Acclaimed for its substantial power, Quattro grip, and comfortable ride, often described as a 'super sedan' or 'sleeper' due to its understated styling compared to its performance.