Positioning:
The Audi RS2 Avant was a high-performance, limited-production station wagon, a collaboration between Audi and Porsche, positioned as a luxury performance estate car.
Competitors:
Competed with other performance estates of the era such as the BMW M3 Touring (though less common), Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG Estate, and potentially very high-spec Volvo estates.
Distinguishing Features:
Porsche-tuned engine, Porsche brakes and suspension components, distinctive front end styling (including Porsche mirrors and lights), Quattro all-wheel drive, potent acceleration for its class.
Benefit:
Enables owners and technicians to perform all repairs and maintenance, providing significant cost savings and ensuring the longevity of a classic performance vehicle.
Engine And Clutch:
Comprehensive coverage including maintenance, repair, and diagnostics.
Transmissions:
Detailed information on gearbox operation, repair, and maintenance.
Cooling Systems:
Covers radiator, coolant, thermostat, water pump, and associated plumbing.
Fuel And Exhaust:
Includes fuel injection, pumps, lines, catalytic converter, mufflers, and exhaust manifold.
Ignition And Electrical:
Covers ignition system components, battery, alternator, starter, and general wiring.
Brakes And Brake Assembly:
Detailed procedures for brake pads, discs, calipers, lines, ABS, and parking brake.
Wheels And Tires:
Information on wheel mounting, tire specifications, and balancing.
Steering And Suspension:
Covers steering rack, power steering, ball joints, control arms, springs, and shock absorbers.
Frame And Bodywork:
Includes chassis structure, body panel removal/installation, and basic repair guidelines.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.
Maintenance And Servicing:
Regular service tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and component inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic fault finding guides for diagnosing common and uncommon issues.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for engine disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Transmission Rebuild:
Procedures for gearbox overhaul, clutch replacement, and related components.
Brake System Repair:
Replacement of brake pads, discs, calipers, bleeding procedures, and ABS component service.
Suspension Component Replacement:
Guidelines for replacing shock absorbers, springs, control arms, and bushings.
Electrical Component Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and replacement of electrical parts using wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Professional Quality Information, covering all major repair topics in great detail.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced fault finding and troubleshooting techniques.
Illustration Quality:
Includes lots of high-quality pictures and diagrams to aid comprehension.
Engine Code:
Likely derived from the Audi 5-cylinder turbo, heavily modified by Porsche. Often referred to by its Audi Audi 3B or ABY roots with Porsche enhancements.
Displacement:
2.2 Liters (2226 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 5-cylinder, 20 valves (dual overhead camshafts)
Horsepower:
315 bhp (232 kW) at 6500 rpm
Torque:
480 Nm (354 lb-ft) at 3000 rpm
Induction:
Turbocharged, Intercooled
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic Engine Management System with Fuel Injection (likely CIS-E or similar for the base engine, enhanced for RS2)
Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Length:
Approx. 4758 mm (187.3 in)
Width:
Approx. 1786 mm (70.3 in)
Height:
Approx. 1420 mm (55.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2700 mm (106.3 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1670 kg (3682 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not explicitly specified, but typically around 2200 kg.
Cargo Volume:
Standard Avant capacity, detailed in manual for specific configurations.
Crash Test Data:
No standardized Euro NCAP or NHTSA ratings for this specific early model, but built to high German safety standards of the era.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, sourced from Porsche.
Traction Control:
ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) was often optional or part of sport packages.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard, passenger airbag often optional depending on market.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seatbelts, with pretensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Factory Audi radio/cassette/CD system, with upgraded speaker options available. Specific models and features detailed in manual.
Climate Control:
Manual or automatic climate control systems, depending on specification. Procedures for servicing AC and heating systems included.
Cruise Control:
Factory cruise control system, operation and diagnostics covered.
Wiring Diagrams Detail:
The manual's comprehensive wiring diagrams are key for understanding and troubleshooting electrical systems, essential for modern vehicle technology.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. The manual will specify precise intervals and conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical maintenance item, usually recommended every 80,000-100,000 km (50,000-60,000 miles) or 5 years. The manual will have precise figures.
Engine Oil Type:
High-quality synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-40 or 10W-40, meeting appropriate API/ACEA specifications. The manual will provide the exact specification (e.g., VW 500.00 or 501.01, likely higher spec for RS).
Coolant Type:
G11 (blue/green) or G12 (red) antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will confirm specification.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1. Manual will specify. Regular flushing is essential.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Manual gearbox oil specification will be provided. Often GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil.
Common Problems:
Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil cooler seals), aging vacuum lines, potential turbocharger issues, ignition coil failures, suspension wear, and brake wear due to performance demands.
Specific Rs2 Concerns:
Turbocharger reliability can be a concern if not maintained, potential for head gasket issues under heavy load if not properly cooled.
Audi Performance History:
Audi has a long history of performance vehicles, particularly with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engines, dating back to rally racing success.
Rs Lineage:
The RS2 Avant is the first of Audi's 'RS' (Rennsport) line, signifying a significant leap in factory-tuned performance vehicles.
Manufacturing Location:
Built by Porsche in Zuffenhausen, Germany, alongside the Porsche 911.
Production Volume:
Limited production run of approximately 2,891 units.
Collaboration:
A unique collaboration between Audi and Porsche, leveraging Porsche's engineering expertise to create a groundbreaking performance estate.
