Segment:
Entry-level luxury/compact executive sedan and wagon
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Volvo S40/V40, Saab 900/9-3
Platform:
Volkswagen Group B Platform (shared with VW Passat B5)
Design Philosophy:
Understated luxury, quattro all-wheel drive option, refined interior, and solid build quality
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides access to dealer-level repair information, enabling owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper procedures are followed.
Systems Covered:
Body, Electrical Equipment, Engine Mechanical, Fuel Injection and Ignition, Fuel System, Heating and AC, Maintenance, Suspension, Wheel, Brakes, Transmission
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typical factory service manuals for this era exceed 1500 pages)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Viewing Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components (cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing systems, etc.)
Fuel Injection And Ignition:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel delivery, injection systems (e.g., Bosch Motronic), ignition timing, spark plugs, coils, sensors (MAP, MAF, O2), and ECU
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, filter, lines, injectors, pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system
Heating And Ac:
Operation and repair of climate control system, refrigerant handling, compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, and controls
Suspension Wheel And Brakes:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), steering system, wheel bearings, brake system (pads, rotors, calipers, ABS), and alignment specifications
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM) diagnosis, fluid specifications, and internal component repair
Electrical Equipment:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component testing, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, audio system, and starter/charging systems
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, structural repairs, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers, and corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, tune-ups, and lubrication points
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, and diagnostic flowcharts
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including component removal, installation, adjustment, and calibration
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, pressures, and electrical values
Depth:
Factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Variants:
1.6L (AHL, ARM, ALZ), 1.8L (ADR, APT, APU, AJF, ANN, AJP, AQE, ARH, AYP), 1.8L Turbo (AEB, APU, ARK, AWL, AWM, ATW, AWW), 2.4L V6 (AHA, APZ, AMX, ATX, AYR), 2.7L V6 Biturbo (APB, ARE, BPG), 2.8L V6 (AAH, ACK, ALG, AMX, APR, AQD, ATQ, ARB, BCY)
Power Output Range:
Approximately 101 hp (1.6L) to 261 hp (2.7T Biturbo)
Torque Range:
Approximately 107 lb-ft (1.6L) to 258 lb-ft (2.7T Biturbo)
Induction Type:
Naturally Aspirated and Turbocharged (for 1.8T and 2.7T)
Injection System:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), primarily Bosch Motronic variants
ECU Type:
Various Bosch ECUs depending on engine and year (e.g., Motronic M3.8, ME7)
Type:
5-speed Manual (e.g., FBG, FJW, FGH)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (e.g., 01N, 01V Tiptronic)
Drivetrain:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 052 171 A1/A2 (or equivalent GL-4 synthetic)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 055 025 A2 (or equivalent ATF)
Sedan Length:
Approx. 4517 mm (177.8 in)
Wagon Length:
Approx. 4576 mm (180.2 in)
Width:
Approx. 1766 mm (69.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in) Sedan / 1458 mm (57.4 in) Avant
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1350-1550 kg (2976-3417 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 2000-2150 kg
Oil Change:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (synthetic oil recommended).
Timing Belt:
Crucial for 1.8T and naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engines: 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage. V6 engines use a timing chain.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect for leaks; typically no fixed interval but check for clarity. Automatic: 30,000 - 60,000 miles (48,000 - 96,000 km), especially under severe use.
Coolant Change:
Every 2-3 years or 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 (VW 502 00 / 505 00 approved) for most gasoline engines. Check specific engine requirements.
Coolant Type:
G 12 / G 12+ (pink/red) or G 11 (blue/green), always check current fill and manufacturer recommendations for compatibility. VW TL 774-C, D, F.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (VW TL 52161)
Engine:
Oil consumption (especially 1.8T and early V6), PCV system failures, coolant flange leaks, ignition coil failures (1.8T), timing belt tensioner issues.
Transmission:
Automatic transmission valve body issues, torque converter failure, clutch wear (manual).
Suspension Steering:
Worn control arm bushings (especially front lower), tie rod ends, wheel bearing failures, CV joint wear.
Electrical:
Climate control module failures, window regulator failures, mass air flow (MAF) sensor issues, ABS sensor failures.
Other:
Cracked dashboard (common on early models), door seal leaks, rear hatch struts (Avant).
Heritage:
Audi, a German manufacturer with a long history dating back to the early 20th century, known for its pioneering quattro all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated engineering.
Introduction:
The B5 generation Audi A4 replaced the Audi 80/90 and was introduced in 1994 in Europe and 1995 in North America. It marked Audi's return to the compact executive segment with a more modern and engaging design.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in late 1998 for the 1999 model year, featuring revised front and rear styling, updated interior trim, and improvements to engines and transmissions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Ingolstadt, Germany. Some assembly also occurred in other VW Group facilities.