Vehicle Class:
Executive/Luxury Mid-size Sedan and Avant (Wagon).
Target Audience:
Premium buyers seeking German engineering, all-weather capability, and refinement.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series (E39), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W210), Volvo S80, Lexus GS.
Competitive Advantage:
Quattro all-wheel-drive availability and strong value versus rear-wheel-drive German rivals.
Platform Design:
Introduction of the C5 platform, shared with the VW Passat B5, featuring a refined chassis and improved aerodynamics.
Quattro AWD:
Availability of the legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability.
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials, ergonomic design, and advanced features for a luxurious cabin experience.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, engine management.
Transmission Systems:
Manual and automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnosis, and control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive, quattro all-wheel drive, drive shafts, CV joints, differentials.
Suspension Systems:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, shock absorbers, springs, control arms.
Braking Systems:
Front and rear brakes, ABS, EBD, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads, lines.
Steering Systems:
Power steering system, steering rack, column, linkages.
Electrical Systems:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument panel, power windows, mirrors.
Climate Control Systems:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, HVAC controls, refrigerant system.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seat belts, SRS system diagnosis.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, seats.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt tensioning.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, starter motor replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Testing electrical circuits, diagnosing engine performance issues, checking for fuel system leaks.
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all major systems.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repairs.
Technical Depth Level:
Extremely high: from basic maintenance to complete component rebuilds and complex diagnostics.
Diagnostic Code Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes and their interpretations.
Diagram Quality:
Detailed, clear illustrations and diagrams for all procedures.
Torque Specifications:
Factory torque values provided for fasteners throughout all procedures.
Parts Information:
Part numbers, specifications, and exploded-view component diagrams included.
File Format:
PDF (searchable, bookmarked, zoomable)
Compatibility:
Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — any device with a PDF reader
Requirements:
A PDF reader application (e.g. Adobe Acrobat Reader, free)
Searchability:
Fully text searchable for fast lookup of any topic
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital pages, printable at full clarity
Binding Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical binding
Paper Type:
N/A — digital download, no physical paper
Engine Options:
2.8L V6 (ACK, AHA), 2.4L V6 (ALW, APC), 2.5L V6 TDI (AKE, AYM), 4.2L V8 (ASG).
2.8L V6 Horsepower:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
2.8L V6 Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
4.2L V8 Horsepower:
Approximately 300 hp (ASG engine, where fitted)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium unleaded recommended for gasoline engines.
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic (specific versions vary by engine code)
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Refer to manual for specific engine code; generally 60,000-80,000 miles or 5 years.
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (01A)
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic (01V)
Transmission Fluid Type:
G 052 911 A1/A2 for manual; G 052 990 A2 for automatic (check manual for exact spec)
Final Drive:
Integrated with transaxle; ratios vary by engine and drivetrain configuration.
AWD System Type:
Torsen T-3 Center Differential (mechanical, self-locking)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
Not readily available for this specific year/model from NHTSA public records, but generally considered safe for its era.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) often integrated with ABS.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags; optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with programmed crumple zones front and rear.
Radio Options:
Audi Concert, Audi Symphony (CD player, cassette, optional navigation system).
Speaker Systems:
Standard 8-speaker system, Bose premium sound system available.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were an available option on some models.
Onboard Computer:
Driver information system (DIS) displaying fuel economy, range, and trip data.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (synthetic oil recommended).
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic (VW 502 00 / 505 00 approval recommended for gasoline engines)
Coolant Specification:
G 12 or G 12+ Pink Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Common Issues List:
Ignition coil failure, coolant flange leaks (plastic), PCV valve issues, door lock actuator failure, window regulator problems, certain transmission control module (TCM) issues in automatics.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings and ball joints can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and alignment issues.
Manufacturer:
Audi AG (part of the Volkswagen Group)
Brand Focus:
Audi, a German manufacturer with a long history of engineering innovation, particularly in quattro all-wheel-drive and diesel engines.
C5 Introduction:
The C5 generation A6 replaced the C4 generation. It marked a significant step forward in design, technology, and platform architecture.
Platform Sharing:
Built on the Volkswagen Group PL45 platform, shared with the VW Passat B5.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany
Production Years:
1998, 1999 (covered by this manual)