Segment:
Executive Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Positioning:
Luxury, performance, and advanced technology for its era
Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Volvo 240/700 Series, Saab 9000
Design:
Aerodynamic styling, distinctive Audi grille, Quattro AWD option
Engineering:
Front-wheel drive as standard, sophisticated independent suspension, focus on driver control
Value:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair data, enabling accurate and efficient maintenance, crucial for preserving the vehicle's sophisticated systems.
Engine:
All engine types, diagnostics, repair, overhaul
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, overhaul
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, geometry, repair
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (if equipped), discs, pads, lines, master cylinder, caliper overhaul
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostics, ECU, sensors, actuators, lighting, charging system, starting system
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (K-Jetronic, KE-Jetronic), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, fan operation
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, piping
Climate Control:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system components and service
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, alignment, rust repair guidance
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard components, trim panels
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component specifications
Diagnostics:
Specific diagnostic codes (where applicable), measurement values, signal tracing
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (Factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers)
Engine Code Variants:
e.g., NG (2.3L I5), WC (2.2L I5 Turbo, Coupe/Quattro), NF (2.0L I4), PM (2.0L I4)
Displacement Options:
2.0L, 2.2L, 2.3L (Inline-4 and Inline-5, naturally aspirated and turbocharged)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 115 hp to 170 hp (depending on engine and turbocharging)
Torque Range:
Approx. 125 lb-ft to 177 lb-ft (depending on engine and turbocharging)
Injection Type:
Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS) and KE-Jetronic (CIS-E)
Fuel Recommendation:
Unleaded gasoline (Octane rating appropriate for engine, e.g., 91 AKI or higher for turbo models)
ECM Type:
Various digital engine control units (ECUs) depending on engine and year, often with diagnostic connectors
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP-22)
AWD System:
Optional Torsen center differential Quattro all-wheel drive system
Atf Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF (e.g., Dexron III or equivalent for automatic transmissions)
Manual Trans Oil Spec:
Refer to manual for specific gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)
Crash Testing:
Limited official crash test data available for this era, but generally designed to meet European standards of the time.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became available/standard later in the C3 generation, optional on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear.
Chassis Design:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many models.
Audio System:
Factory premium sound systems available (e.g., Audi Concert), often with cassette player and analog tuning.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control standard; optional automatic climate control (Climatronic on later models, but less common in '90 C3).
Cruise Control:
Optional cruise control system.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD) capabilities may be limited to basic fault codes via specific diagnostic connectors, not the comprehensive OBD-II standard.
Oil Change:
Typically every 5,000 - 7,500 miles (8,000 - 12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Timing Belt:
Crucial replacement interval for 5-cylinder engines (e.g., 60,000 - 90,000 miles or 5-7 years). Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
Refer to manual: Typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic for optimal protection, or SAE 10W-40 for older specs/warmer climates. Check API classification.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Refer to manual for specific Audi G11 or equivalent specifications.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine:
Fuel distributor leaks (K-Jetronic), ignition coil failure, vacuum hose degradation, oil leaks from seals and gaskets, timing belt tensioner issues.
Electrical:
Degrading wiring insulation (especially in engine bay), headlight switch failures, power window regulator issues, dashboard illumination problems.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends; rear torsion bar issues on some Quattro models.
Body:
Rust, particularly around wheel wells, rocker panels, and sunroof drains.
Part Availability:
Some specific parts may be scarce due to age, requiring specialized suppliers or donor vehicles.