🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

A4

Generation:

B5

Model Years Covered:

1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000

Platform Code:

B5

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Affluent individuals, professionals, families seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and practicality.

Primary Competitors:

BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20.

Competitive Advantage:

Audi's quattro AWD system, sophisticated interior design, refined ride quality, and typically strong safety features.

Design:

Clean, understated European styling with a focus on aerodynamics and build quality. Interior emphasizes ergonomics and premium materials.

Powertrain Options:

Available with both naturally aspirated inline-4 and V6 engines, with manual and automatic transmissions, and optional quattro AWD.

Interior Comfort:

High-quality cabin materials, supportive seating, and a quiet ride contribute to a premium feel.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners to perform maintenance and repairs efficiently, saving costs and ensuring longevity of the vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive workshop service and repair

Specific Regions:

Global (includes variations as applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

High (exact count not specified, but described as 'wealth of information')

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Subtype:

Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Primary Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul, timing belt replacement, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection systems (MPI, FSI where applicable), ignition system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis and wiring diagrams

Transmission Manual:

Removal, installation, internal overhaul, clutch replacement, gear shift linkage

Transmission Automatic:

Removal, installation, fluid and filter change, internal diagnostics, torque converter

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, drive axles, CV joints, differential (front and rear for AWD)

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rod ends

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake pads, rotors, calipers, hydraulic lines, bleeding procedures

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits

Body Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, seats, airbags, door mechanisms, window regulators

Body Exterior:

Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk lid, doors, glass replacement, seals

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement (compressor, evaporator, blower motor)

Safety Systems:

Airbag systems (SRS), seatbelt mechanisms, immobilizer system

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, fuel filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, power steering fluid change

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures

Repair Tasks:

Engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Adjustment Procedures:

Wheel alignment, headlight aiming, clutch adjustment, parking brake adjustment

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive, suitable for novice DIY to professional technician

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics with wiring diagrams and fault code interpretation

Rebuild Capability:

Detailed procedures for complete engine and transmission rebuilds

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Interactivity:

Interactive with subject/link navigation

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable (individual pages or sections)

Diagram Quality:

High quality diagrams/illustrations

Photo Quality:

Lots of photos included

Binding:

N/A (Electronic PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Electronic PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Codes Common:

AEB, APU, ARK, ATQ (1.8T); AHA, ATX, AWG, AVB, AFC, AGN, ALG, ALZ, AMB (2.4/2.8 V6); AJM, AHU, AHH (TDI)

Displacement 1.8T:

1.8 Liters

Configuration 1.8T:

Inline 4-cylinder, turbocharged, 20 valves (5 per cylinder)

Horsepower 1.8T:

150 hp @ 5700 rpm (AEB/APU/ARK), 170 hp @ 5900 rpm (ATQ)

Torque 1.8T:

155 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm (AEB/APU/ARK), 164 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm (ATQ)

Displacement 2.4L V6:

2.4 Liters

Configuration 2.4L V6:

V6, 30 valves (5 per cylinder)

Horsepower 2.4L V6:

165 hp @ 6000 rpm (APZ), 170 hp @ 6000 rpm (ALZ)

Torque 2.4L V6:

164 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (APZ), 164 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (ALZ)

Displacement 2.8L V6:

2.8 Liters

Configuration 2.8L V6:

V6, 30 valves (5 per cylinder)

Horsepower 2.8L V6:

172 hp @ 5500 rpm (AAH), 190 hp @ 6000 rpm (ACK/APG/AMX)

Torque 2.8L V6:

184 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (AAH), 207 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (ACK/APG/AMX)

Acceleration 0 60 1.8T:

Approx. 8.5-9.0 seconds

Acceleration 0 60 2.8L:

Approx. 7.5-8.0 seconds

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most variants, some later 2.8L models may feature FSI (Fuel Stratified Injection) or direct injection depending on market/updates.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Emissions Controls:

Catalytic converter, OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) compliant

🔧 Transmission

Manual Transmission:

5-speed manual

Automatic Transmission:

5-speed Tiptronic automatic (with manual shifting mode)

Drivetrain Availability:

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard on most models; Torsen-based Quattro All-Wheel Drive optional on many variants, especially with V6 engines.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:

Audi G 052 162 A2 (or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid Type:

Audi G 009 317 A2 (or equivalent manual gearbox oil)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 177.1 inches (4498 mm)

Width:

Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 102.6 inches (2606 mm)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 13.1 cu ft (370 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3500 lbs (1450-1590 kg) depending on engine and drivetrain

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by specific model and engine configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

Generally good ratings, specific year/trim variations exist.

IIHS Crash Test Results:

Consistently performed well in IIHS tests for its era, often achieving 'Good' ratings.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) became available on later models, particularly with Quattro.

Airbags Standard:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Optional:

Side airbags (optional on some trims)

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Structural integrity designed for occupant protection in rollovers.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory Audi Symphony or Concert audio systems, often with cassette and CD player. Optional CD changer.

Display Technology:

Basic LCD display for climate control and radio information. No integrated navigation on most standard models of this era.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

No factory-installed parking sensors or backup cameras for this generation.

Bluetooth:

Not available as a factory option for this model year range. Aftermarket solutions exist.

Usb Ports:

Not available as a factory option. Aftermarket solutions exist.

Headlights:

Halogen reflector headlights. Projector headlights and Xenon (HID) options available on later or higher trims.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for specific engine/oil recommendations.

Timing Belt Replacement Interval:

Crucial for 1.8T and V6 engines. Generally recommended every 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-144,000 km) or 5-7 years. Consult manual for exact intervals and related components (water pump, tensioners).

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

Varies by spark plug type. Platinum/Iridium plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. Check manual for specific recommendations.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles (24,000-48,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Type 1.8T:

Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 (VW 502 00/505 00 approved)

Engine Oil Type V6:

Synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 (VW 502 00/505 00 approved)

Coolant Type:

G12 (Pink/Red) or G12+ (Purple) ethylene glycol based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus

Ignition Coils 1.8T:

Coil-on-plug ignition coils are prone to failure, leading to misfires.

Pcv System 1.8T:

Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can become clogged, leading to oil leaks and vacuum issues.

Window Regulators:

Front and rear power window regulators are a common failure point, often breaking plastic components.

Subframe Mounts:

Front subframe mounting bolts can loosen or break, affecting alignment and stability.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and camshaft seals are common sources of oil leaks.

Cv Boots:

Outer CV joint boots can split, leading to grease loss and eventual CV joint failure.

ABS Sensors:

ABS wheel speed sensors are susceptible to failure due to corrosion or damage.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Heritage:

Audi AG, a German automobile manufacturer, has a long history dating back to the early 20th century, known for pioneering automotive technology and premium engineering.

A4 Introduction:

The Audi A4 was introduced in late 1994 as the successor to the Audi 80/90 (B3/B4 generation). The B5 platform marked a significant modernization and styling update for Audi's compact executive offering.

B5 Facelift:

The B5 generation received a significant facelift for the 1999 model year, featuring updated exterior styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers, grille), interior refinements, and new engine options, most notably the more powerful 1.8T engine.

Production Period:

1994-2001 (for the B5 generation, with model years covering 1995-2000 as per manual)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

The Audi A4 (particularly with quattro) was frequently recognized by Car and Driver magazine as one of its '10Best' cars in the mid-to-late 1990s, highlighting its driving dynamics and value.

Other Automotive Journalism Awards:

Received numerous accolades from automotive publications worldwide for design, performance, and engineering during its production run.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered a solid vehicle, though specific issues (as noted in maintenance) require proactive attention. Reliability ratings can vary by engine and maintenance history.

Emissions Certification:

Certified to meet EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.