🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

A4

Generation Code:

B5

Production Years Covered:

1995-2000

Platform Code:

Typ 8D

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive / Premium Sedan and Avant (Wagon)

Competitors 1995-2000:

BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus IS200/IS300, Volvo S40/V40

Key Differentiators:

Quattro all-wheel drive availability, sophisticated interior design, refined ride quality

Chassis Platform:

Volkswagen Group B5 platform, shared with VW Passat B5

Design Philosophy:

Clean lines, understated elegance, focus on driver engagement and comfort

Powertrain Options:

Wide range of 4-cylinder and V6 engines, front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD)

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance

Specific Systems Listed:

Suspension System, Axles and Hubs, Braking System, Steering System, Body, Heating and Ventilation, Electrical System, Wheels and Tyres, Windscreen Wiper and Washer System, General Fault Finding

Estimated Page Count:

Varies by specific edition, typically 1000+ pages for comprehensive factory service manuals

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, cooling, lubrication, fuel, ignition, emissions control, exhaust

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual/automatic), clutch, drive axles, differential

Chassis:

Suspension (front/rear), steering, braking (hydraulic/mechanical), wheels, tires

Body And Accessories:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), wipers, washers

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort electronics, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation

Overhauling:

Detailed instructions for major component overhauls (e.g., engine, transmission)

Adjustments:

Alignment, clutch adjustment, brake adjustments, idle speed adjustments

Inspections:

Visual inspections, functional tests, wear checks

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostics, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and ECU information

Repair Scope:

From basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Full text search enabled

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital file)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital file)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine List:

1.6L (ADP, AHL, ANA, ARM), 1.8L 20V (AFY, AEH, AGN, APG, ARK, APX, AYP), 1.8L Turbo 20V (APU, AEB, ANB, APU, AWT, AVJ, BFB, ATW, AWM), 2.4L V6 30V (AGA, ALF, AML, APS, ARJ, APF), 2.8L V6 30V (AAH, ACK, APR, AQD, AMX, ATQ)

Power Range:

Approx. 100 hp to 200 hp (depending on engine variant)

Torque Range:

Approx. 140 Nm to 280 Nm (depending on engine variant)

Injection Type:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) and Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (Petrol)

ECU Systems:

Bosch Motronic, Siemens VDO, and other common OEM ECU systems

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Types:

5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic (Tiptronic optional on some V6 models)

Transmission Types:

5-speed Manual (likely across most variants), 5-speed Automatic (e.g., 01V for V6 models)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD), Quattro Permanent All-Wheel Drive

Clutch Type:

Dry single-plate (Manual transmission)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4510 mm (Sedan) / 4575 mm (Avant)

Width:

Approx. 1730 mm

Height:

Approx. 1420 mm (Sedan) / 1450 mm (Avant)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2600 mm

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 400 liters

Cargo Volume Avant:

Approx. 400-1300 liters (rear seats folded)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1350 kg to 1550 kg (depending on engine and drivetrain)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ncsa Crash Test Sedan:

NCSA ratings were not standardized in the same way as modern tests, but the B5 A4 generally performed well for its era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later models, Traction Control System (ASR) available

Airbags:

Front airbags (driver and passenger) standard; optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

Factory cassette and/or CD players, optional Symphony and Concert sound systems, Bose audio upgrade available.

Navigation:

Optional Audi Navigation System (ANavigation) with CD-ROM based maps.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Rare for this era, typically not factory fitted.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions required.

Auxiliary Input:

Rarely factory fitted; often requires adapter or aftermarket head unit.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 15,000 km or 12 months (flexible service system on some models, consult manual for specific interval)

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical for 1.8L 20V and V6 engines; consult manual for specific mileage (e.g., 90,000-120,000 km or 5-7 years)

Engine Oil:

Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., VW 500 00, 502 00, 504 00) and API/ACEA specifications.

Coolant:

G12 or G12+ ethylene glycol-based coolant (purple or pink color)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity depends on temperature and application)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

G 052 162 A1 or equivalent (e.g., ATF Type J, Dexron III for some models - consult manual)

Power Steering Fluid:

G 002 000 or Pentosin CHF 11S

Suspension:

Wear in control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints; sagging springs.

Engine 1 8T:

Oil sludge issues due to infrequent oil changes or poor quality oil, PCV valve failures, ignition coil failures, turbocharger oil feed line leaks.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant flanges cracking, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failures.

Electrical:

Door lock module failures, window regulator issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failures, dashboard warning light issues.

Cv Joints:

Torn CV boots leading to joint failure, especially on AWD models.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter W712/4 or Mahle OC 53/1

Air Filter Example:

Mann-Filter C28 130

Timing Belt Kit Example:

Gates PowerGrip Kit 5513 (ensure correct part number for specific engine)

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Legacy:

Audi's reputation for engineering excellence, Quattro all-wheel drive, and upscale interiors.

B5 Introduction:

The B5 generation A4 replaced the Audi 80/90 (B4 platform) and was a significant step forward in design and technology.

B5 Facelift:

Facelift introduced for the 1999 model year, featuring revised bumpers, lights, interior trim, and updated engines.

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Ingolstadt, Neckarsulm), also assembled in other locations globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Audi A4 (B5) was frequently included in Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, particularly for its Quattro system and driving dynamics.

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Generally received good to excellent ratings for initial quality in its segment during its introduction.

Euro Ncap Rating:

Initial Euro NCAP tests for the A4 B5 were conducted, typically earning good marks for occupant protection in its class and time.