Segment:
Executive Sedan / Mid-size Luxury Sedan
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E34), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), Lexus LS 400 (though the 100 was positioned slightly below), Cadillac DeVille
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on comfort, refinement, solid build quality, and sophisticated engineering, particularly the availability of Quattro AWD.
Notable Variants:
Available as sedan (4-door) and Avant (wagon). Offered with various engine options including 5-cylinder inline engines and V6 engines.
Engine:
Complete diagnostics, overhaul, tuning, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings), alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, components (rack and pinion, pump), fluid specifications
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis and repair, disc and drum brake service, fluid specifications
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, starting and charging system, lighting system, instrument cluster, power accessories, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, chassis lubrication
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system (R134a compliant or pre-conversion), heating system, ventilation, component testing
Fuel System:
Fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes, mounting hardware
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake pad inspection
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment
Rebuilding Procedures:
Detailed guides for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams for electrical systems, fault code retrieval and interpretation (OBD-I)
Depth:
Factory-level, from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and complex diagnostics
Engine Options:
2.8L (2793cc) V6 SOHC (AAA engine code) and 2.3L (2309cc) 5-cylinder SOHC (NG/NF/AAR engine codes)
Horsepower V6:
Approx. 172 hp @ 5500 rpm (for 2.8L AAA engine)
Torque V6:
Approx. 184 lb-ft @ 3300 rpm (for 2.8L AAA engine)
Horsepower 5Cyl:
Approx. 130 hp @ 5500 rpm (for 2.3L AAR engine)
Torque 5Cyl:
Approx. 137 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (for 2.3L AAR engine)
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)
Type:
Electronic ignition with distributor (on 5-cylinder) or distributorless ignition system (DIS) on some V6 models.
System:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics - first generation)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 4HP22)
AWD Option:
Quattro permanent all-wheel drive available on most models, providing enhanced traction and stability.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 052 162 A1 (or equivalent ATF specification for ZF 4HP22 - typically Dexron III compatible)
Manual Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 1.7 - 1.9 liters (specific to gearbox type)
Automatic Transmission Oil Capacity:
Approximately 3.0 - 3.5 liters for a fluid change, up to 7.5 liters for a full overhaul
Length:
Approx. 190.5 inches (4839 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1791 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.1 inches (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 109.4 inches (2780 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300-3700 lbs (1497-1678 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approximately 16.0 cubic feet (0.45 m³)
Cargo Volume Avant:
Significantly more with rear seats folded, offering practical wagon utility.
NHTSA Rating 1993:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1993 are not readily available in a standardized format, but the C4 chassis was known for solid construction.
ABS:
Standard or optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) depending on trim and market. The manual will detail its operation and servicing.
Traction Control:
Traction control (ASR - Anti-Schlupf-Regelung) was available on some models, often linked with Quattro.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag was standard from 1993. Passenger airbag became available later in the generation.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front-seat pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Designed with a robust unibody structure with integrated safety cage and crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for 5-cylinder engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4 years. V6 models may have timing chains or belts depending on specific engine variants, but the manual will confirm.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as specified for the particular spark plug type.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or A3-96. Viscosity typically 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check manual for specific engine and temperature range).
Coolant Type:
G 11 (Blue or Green) ethylene glycol-based coolant. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.0 liters with filter change (2.8L V6).
Engine Oil Capacity 5Cyl:
Approx. 4.0 - 4.5 liters with filter change (2.3L 5-cyl).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 - 8.5 liters (depending on engine and presence of auxiliary cooler).
Electrical Gremlins:
Common on vehicles of this age; issues with door lock actuators, window regulators, and dashboard warning lights can occur. Wiring harness degradation.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints are common wear items.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant flange on V6 engines can become brittle and leak. Radiator hoses can degrade over time.
ABS Sensors:
ABS wheel speed sensors can fail, leading to ABS warning lights.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and crankshaft/camshaft seals can develop leaks.
Audi Legacy:
Audi has a long history of engineering excellence, particularly known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and innovative technologies like front-wheel drive adoption.
C4 Generation Introduction:
The C4 generation of the Audi 100 (and its sibling, the Audi 200) was introduced in 1990 (as a 1991 model year in Europe) and replaced the C3 generation. The 1993 model year represents a refinement of this platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily produced in Ingolstadt, Germany.
C4 Platform:
1990/1991 - 1994 (followed by the Audi A6 C5 generation).