Segment:
Premium compact executive segment, competing with BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E.
Key Competitors:
BMW E30 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz W201 190E, Acura Legend, Lexus ES250.
Design Philosophy:
German engineering, sophisticated styling, front-wheel drive (standard) and quattro all-wheel drive options, inline-five engines.
Powertrain:
Renowned Audi inline-five cylinder engines known for smooth power delivery and unique sound.
Primary Coverage:
Maintenance and Repair Procedures
Secondary Coverage:
Specifications, Technical Features, Troubleshooting, Electrical Systems, Fuel Systems, Powertrain, Drivetrain, Suspension, Maintenance, Index, Appendix
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on specific model year and engine; typically 500+ pages for comprehensive factory manuals.
Type:
Service Repair Factory Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical, engine management, cooling system, lubrication system, emission control system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (CIS-E/KE-Jetronic), fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel tank
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, ignition system, lighting, instruments, accessories, starter motor, ECU diagnostics
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch, driveline components (CV joints, driveshafts)
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, disc brakes (front and rear), anti-lock braking system (ABS) if equipped, parking brake
Body Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, doors, windows, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), chassis components
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups), fluid checks and replacements, belt inspections and replacements
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common problems, fault code interpretation (if applicable), electrical system troubleshooting
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for major components and systems
Technical Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, idle speed settings, ignition timing adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics
Readability:
High clarity, zoomable sections for detailed views
Searchability:
Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval
Digital Quality:
Electronic (PDF), allowing for clear digital viewing
Format Type:
Digital Download (PDF)
Physical Equivalent Description:
Digital equivalent of a factory-issued bound manual
Engine Options:
2.3L (2309cc) I5 SOHC (5-cylinder, single overhead camshaft)
Horsepower Rating:
Approximately 130-136 hp (depending on market and specific tune)
Torque Rating:
Approximately 140-145 lb-ft (depending on market and specific tune)
Fuel Injection:
Bosch CIS-E (Continuous Injection System - Electronic) or KE-Jetronic
Bore X Stroke:
82.5 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Engine Placement:
Transverse
Engine Mounts:
Hydraulic mounts for vibration isolation
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2611 mm (102.8 inches)
Length:
Approximately 4335 mm (170.7 inches)
Width:
Approximately 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approximately 1390 mm (54.7 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1280-1400 kg (2820-3085 lbs) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1700 kg (3750 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 0.42 m³ (14.8 cubic feet)
Standard Wheel Size:
14-inch or 15-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
185/60HR14 or 195/60HR15 (varies by trim and year)
Crash Test Results:
No specific government ratings readily available for this era, but German engineering emphasized safety features for the time.
Braking System:
Standard front ventilated discs, rear solid discs. Optional Bosch ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Steering:
Power-assisted rack and pinion steering.
Occupant Protection:
Safety cage construction, padded interior, optional driver's side airbag (late models), seat belts (front and rear).
Lighting:
Halogen headlights, integrated fog lights (optional/standard on higher trims).
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM cassette radio with optional CD player integration.
ABS:
Optional Bosch Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available on some models.
Climate Control:
Manual HVAC system with optional automatic climate control on higher trims.
Windows Mirrors:
Power windows and power-adjustable mirrors were common options.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years due to interference engine design.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per manual recommendation.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SH, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check specific manual for exact grade and viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant:
G11 (Blue) or G12 (Pink) antifreeze (ethylene glycol-based) mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
VW G 052 172 A1 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF Dexron III (or equivalent)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Fuel System:
CIS-E/KE-Jetronic issues: cold start problems, rough idle, fuel distributor leaks, worn frequency valves.
Electrical System:
Wiring harness degradation (especially in engine bay), failing coolant temperature sensors, intermittent electrical connections.
Engine:
Timing belt failure if not replaced at intervals, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), vacuum leaks.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends leading to play and poor handling.
HVAC:
Compressor clutch failure, A/C system leaks, blower motor issues.
Brand Origins:
Founded in 1899 in Germany, Audi has a history of innovation in automotive engineering.
Chassis Platform:
Based on the Audi B3 platform, sharing some underpinnings with the Audi 80.
Body Styles:
Primarily offered as a 4-door sedan. A 2-door coupe variant was also available.
Production Years:
1988-1992 (for the Audi 90 designation)
Manufacturing Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany and other Volkswagen Group facilities.
