Positioning:
The Audi A4 (B5) was positioned as a premium compact executive car, competing directly with models like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It offered a blend of luxury, performance, and sophisticated design.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Volvo S40/V40, Saab 900/9-3.
Design Philosophy:
Emphasis on clean lines, solid build quality, driver-focused interior, and advanced (for its time) technology.
Quattro AWD:
The availability of the renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system was a significant differentiator, enhancing traction and stability.
Years Covered:
1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001
Type:
Complete Workshop Service & Repair Manual
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing belts, fuel injection, ignition systems, emissions controls, cooling systems, lubrication systems.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, clutch replacement, torque converter, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, CV joints, driveshafts, differentials, hub assemblies.
Suspension And Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, brake fluid specifications, caliper and rotor replacement, parking brake system.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, ignition system, lighting, power windows, central locking, fuses, relays, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, rust prevention, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, chassis repair and alignment.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control, blower motor, refrigerant, servicing procedures.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and complex issues across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.
Diagnostics:
Engine management diagnostics, ABS diagnostics, electrical system diagnostics, fault code interpretation.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and wiring diagrams.
Engine Options:
Inline 4-cylinder (1.6L, 1.8L naturally aspirated and turbocharged), V6 (2.4L, 2.6L, 2.8L).
1.8T:
1.8L DOHC turbocharged inline-4 (codes like APU, ARK, AEB, ATW, AWM) producing approximately 150-170 hp and 155-184 lb-ft of torque. Known for its smooth power delivery and tunability.
2.8 V6:
2.8L DOHC V6 (codes like ACK, APR, AHA, ATQ) producing approximately 174-190 hp and 199-210 lb-ft of torque. Offered excellent refinement and smooth acceleration.
Acceleration 0 60 Mph:
Varies by engine and drivetrain, typically 7-9 seconds for 1.8T and 1.8 NA, 6-7 seconds for V6 models.
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated, sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) for turbocharged variants.
Systems:
Catalytic converters, Oxygen sensors (Lambda sensors), EGR (in some markets), Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system on some early 1.8T models.
Manual:
5-speed manual transmission was standard on many models.
Automatic:
Tiptronic 5-speed automatic transmission was a popular option, offering manual shifting capability.
Transaxle Design:
Front-mounted engine with transaxle design for FWD and Quattro models.
Automatic Fluid Type:
G 052 162 A1/A2 (or equivalent for 5-speed automatic transmissions).
Length Saloon:
Approx. 4517 mm (177.8 in)
Length Avant:
Approx. 4577 mm (180.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1765 mm (69.5 in)
Height Saloon:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Height Avant:
Approx. 1450 mm (57.1 in)
Cargo Volume Saloon:
Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Avant:
Approx. 455 liters (16.1 cu ft) (seats up), 1510 liters (53.3 cu ft) (seats down)
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and drivetrain, typically 1350-1550 kg (2976-3417 lbs).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2607 mm (102.6 in)
Wheel Size:
Typically 15-inch or 16-inch wheels, with 17-inch options available on sportier trims.
Tire Sizes:
Common sizes include 205/55 R16, 215/55 R16, 225/45 R17.
NHTSA Rating:
No specific NHTSA ratings publicly available for all model years/configurations. Generally considered a safe vehicle for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) across most models.
Traction Control:
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control systems (ASR) were optional or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags were standard. Side airbags and rear airbags were optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners for all occupants.
Child Anchors:
ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
Audio System:
Factory fitted Audi Chorus, Concert, or Symphony radio/cassette players with CD compatibility. Optional Bose sound system available.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (RN-S or similar) with CD-ROM maps, available on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional hands-free phone preparation with Bluetooth or GSM cradle, depending on the year and options.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights, with optional Xenon HID headlights becoming available on later models or higher trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first. Check manual for specific engine/oil type recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 1.8T and V6 engines. Intervals vary, but commonly around 90,000-120,000 km (56,000-75,000 miles) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A2/A3 quality. Specific viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-40, 5W-30, 10W-40) depend on engine and climate. Consult manual.
Coolant Type:
G 12 (Pink) or G 11 (Blue/Green) antifreeze/coolant concentrate, diluted with distilled water. Check manual for specific formulation compatibility.
Ignition Coils:
Failure of ignition coil packs or spark plug wires (on some early models) can cause misfires and rough running.
Mass Airflow Sensor:
The Mass Airflow (MAF) sensor can become dirty or fail, leading to poor acceleration and engine management issues, particularly on 1.8T models.
Suspension Components:
Wear in control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends is common due to age and mileage, leading to steering looseness and uneven tire wear.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and O-rings on the oil filter housing can develop leaks.
Coolant Flange:
The plastic coolant flange on the rear of the engine block is a common failure point, leading to coolant leaks.
Climate Control Modules:
Issues with climate control modules and HVAC blower motors can affect heating and cooling performance.
Window Regulators:
Power window regulators can fail, causing windows to drop or become inoperable.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Varies by engine. For example, 1.8T typically holds around 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts).
Coolant Capacity:
Varies by engine, typically around 6.5-8.0 liters (6.9-8.5 US quarts).
Audi Legacy:
Audi has a long history of engineering excellence, particularly known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, advanced engineering, and premium build quality, dating back to the early 20th century.
A4 Introduction:
The A4 (B5) replaced the Audi 80/90 in 1994. It marked a significant redesign with a more modern platform and styling, and was the first Audi to feature the longitudinally mounted engine with transaxle layout, which became a hallmark of Audi's front-wheel-drive and Quattro models.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Ingolstadt, Germany, and also in Brussels, Belgium.
B5 Generation Years:
1994-2001 (with a facelift in 1999/2000).
