Vehicle Segment:
Full-size Luxury Sedan.
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking refined performance, advanced technology, and superior comfort.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Lexus LS, Jaguar XJ.
Design Philosophy:
Understated elegance, advanced German engineering, quattro all-wheel drive (optional on some models).
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth technical knowledge for maintaining and repairing a complex luxury vehicle, enabling cost savings and ensuring longevity.
Powertrain:
Engine (all variants), Turbocharging, Fuel Supply, Ignition, Lubrication, Cooling, Exhaust Systems, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Final Drive, Transfer Box, Driveshafts.
Chassis:
Brakes (Mechanical, Hydraulic, ABS), Suspension (Self-Levelling), Steering (Power Assisted), Wheels, Tyres, Wheel Alignment, Parking Aid Systems.
Electrical:
Starter & Current Supply, Battery System, Gauges & Instruments, Lighting (Interior & Exterior), Wipers & Washers, Immobiliser, Cruise Control, Heated Steering Wheel, Relay & Fuse Carriers, Wiring Harness & Cables, CAN Bus Systems.
Body Interior:
Body (Front, Centre, Rear), Doors, Roof, Dash, Frame, Interior Equipment, Passenger Protection, Seats & Seat Belts, Airbags, Central Locking, Exterior Equipment.
Comfort Climate:
Heating & Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Auxiliary Heating System, Air Distribution.
Infotainment:
Radio Systems, Telephone/Telematics, Navigation System, Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE), Multi-Function Steering Wheel, Voice Control System.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication points.
Diagnostics:
Self-diagnosis system, fault code interpretation, troubleshooting guides, wiring circuit diagrams.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine removal/installation, component overhaul, transmission repair, body panel replacement, interior trim disassembly.
Technical Adjustments:
Camshaft timing control, ignition timing, wheel alignment, electronic control unit (ECU) adjustments.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Options:
2.8L V6 (30v & 12v), 3.7L V8 (32/40v), 4.2L V8 (32/40v), 6.0L W12 (48v), 2.5L V6 TDI (Turbocharged), 3.3L V8 TDI (Turbocharged).
Horsepower Torque:
Varies by engine; e.g., 4.2L V8 typically around 300-310 hp and 295-300 lb-ft torque. Specific figures for each engine are detailed in the manual.
Injection Systems:
Motronic (D3, D4), Multi-Point Injection (MPI), Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI).
Emission Standards:
EU II, EU III, EU IV compliant depending on engine and market.
Transmission Types:
5-speed Manual, 4-speed Automatic, 5-speed Automatic.
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Automatic Features:
Torque converter, hydraulic controls, shift mechanism details.
Manual Features:
Clutch mechanism, gearbox shift mechanism, gear wheel systems.
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2,940 mm (115.7 in).
Length:
Approximately 5,025 mm (197.8 in).
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and options, typically starting around 1,700 kg (3,748 lbs) for smaller engines and increasing significantly for W12 and diesel models.
Crash Test Performance:
While specific official ratings for this period might be limited, Audi's reputation for safety in this segment is high, focusing on structural integrity and advanced restraint systems. Manual details specific safety component designs.
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Stability Program (ESP - likely optional on earlier models, standard on later ones).
Restraint Systems:
Airbag System (front, side), Seat Belts, Passenger Protection features.
Audio Systems:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose), Radio, CD player, Cassette player (early models).
Cruise Control:
Cruise Control System (CCS) is covered.
Parking Assistance:
Acoustic Parking System (APS) or Parking Aid System is detailed.
Bus Systems:
CAN Bus Systems are explained, vital for understanding modern vehicle electronics.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control, dual-zone climate control, heated steering wheel features are detailed.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and specific engine oil used. Refer to the manual for exact schedules based on engine type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
For 12-valve 2.8L V6 and 3.7L/4.2L V8 engines, this is a critical maintenance item, usually around 60,000-100,000 miles. The 30-valve V6 and W12 engines utilize a timing chain. Manual provides specific intervals.
Engine Oil:
Viscosity typically 5W-40 or 5W-30 (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 503 00/504 00 depending on model year and engine). Manual specifies exact grades and capacities.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) for the 01F, 018, 01L, 01V gearboxes. Manual specifies the correct G 052 162 or equivalent fluid and capacity.
Coolant:
G12 (or G12+ on later models) ethylene glycol-based coolant. Manual specifies type and capacity.
Common Problems:
Timing belt tensioners/guides (on older V6s), ABS sensor failures, suspension component wear (especially self-levelling), electrical gremlins, ignition coil failures, transmission control module issues.
