🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

90

Model Variant:

Coupe / Quattro / Sedan

Generation:

Type 85 / Type 89

Model Code:

Type 85 (pre-facelift), Type 89 (facelift)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact executive car / luxury compact sedan and coupe.

Target Audience:

Individuals seeking a premium, performance-oriented compact vehicle with advanced (for the era) technology and German engineering.

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Acura Integra, Honda Prelude, Ford Sierra (Europe).

Unique Selling Points:

Standard Quattro all-wheel drive (on many models), refined 5-cylinder engine, premium interior appointments, advanced aerodynamic styling.

Utility For Owner:

Essential for identifying correct replacement parts, understanding part numbers, and performing DIY maintenance or repairs efficiently.

Utility For Professional:

Indispensable tool for parts departments and independent workshops to quickly source correct Audi components.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

Covered Models:

Audi 90 Coupe, Audi 90 Sedan, Audi 90 Quattro

Covered Regions:

Primarily North America (US DM/Canada specifications)

Estimated Pages:

Varies by specific catalog, typically 500-1000+ pages

Type:

Parts List Catalog / Parts & Service Catalog

Language:

English

Format:

Printed

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All engine variants (2.3L 5-cylinder).

Engine Mechanical:

Engine block, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, timing belt, oil pump, cooling system components, intake and exhaust manifolds.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, intake manifold, throttle body, fuel injection control unit (ECU).

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition control module (ICM).

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox components, shift linkages, drive shafts, differentials (manual transmission variants).

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission internals, torque converter, valve body, transmission control unit (TCU), cooler lines (automatic transmission variants).

Drivetrain Quattro:

Front differential, rear differential, center differential (viscous coupling unit), drive axles, CV joints (Quattro models).

Brakes:

Brake calipers, brake discs (rotors), brake pads, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS components (if equipped), parking brake assembly.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, bushings, wheel bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Trailing arms, coil springs, shock absorbers, bushings, control arms, sway bar.

Steering:

Steering rack, power steering pump, steering column, tie rods, power steering hoses.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), horn.

Body Panels:

Hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid, bumpers, grille, rocker panels, quarter panels.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard, door panels, headliner, seat upholstery, carpeting, center console, climate controls.

HVAC:

Heater core, evaporator, blower motor, air conditioning compressor, condenser, refrigerant lines, climate control modules, vents.

Wheels Tires:

Wheel designs, tire sizes, bolt patterns, lug nuts.

Part Identification:

Detailed illustrations of all components with corresponding part numbers and descriptions.

Assembly Disassembly:

Lists all parts required for specific assemblies and provides order of disassembly/reassembly.

Cross Referencing:

Cross-references for superseded or updated part numbers.

Accessory Installation:

Parts for factory-installed and dealer-installed accessories.

Depth:

Highly detailed for parts identification, interchangeability, and exploded views. Does not typically include detailed repair procedures or diagnostic flowcharts, which would be found in a separate Service Manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Quality:

N/A (Printed format)

Print Quality:

Professional, clear line drawings and text.

Binding:

Typically bound for durability (e.g., spiral-bound, perfect-bound).

Paper Quality:

Durable, often glossy paper for longevity in a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

NG (2.3E), KU (2.2E, pre-facelift)

Configuration:

Inline 5-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2309 cc (2.3 L)

Horsepower:

130 hp @ 5700 rpm (2.3L NG)

Torque:

137 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (2.3L NG)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch KE-Jetronic or CIS-E (Continuous Injection System - Electronic) Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline

Timing Belt Part Number:

034 109 119 E (example, verify with catalog)

Spark Plug Specification:

NGK BCPR7ES-11 or equivalent (example, verify with catalog)

Oil Filter Part Number:

037 115 561 A (example, verify with catalog)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transaxle

Quattro Integration:

Integral part of Quattro all-wheel-drive system, featuring a center differential.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 (example, verify with catalog or specific manual)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

G 052 162 A1 (Dexron III equivalent, example, verify with catalog or specific manual)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2500 mm (98.4 in)

Length:

4400 mm (173.2 in)

Width:

1700 mm (66.9 in)

Height:

1380 mm (54.3 in) - Coupe, 1400 mm (55.1 in) - Sedan

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1300-1500 kg (2866-3307 lbs), varies by drivetrain and trim.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, typically around 1800-2000 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

Ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards; focus on passive safety features.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional or standard on higher trims/later models.

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (ASR) available on some Quattro models in later years of this generation.

Seatbelts:

Front and rear seat belts with pretensioners (driver's side standard).

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag was an option or standard on later models.

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Audi Concert or Audi Symphony radio/cassette player, often with premium speaker options (e.g., Bose).

Climate Control:

Manual HVAC controls; automatic climate control was an option on higher trims, featuring electronic sensors and actuators.

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional depending on trim level.

Heated Seats:

Optional feature.

Connectivity Options:

Limited to radio/cassette functionality, no integrated Bluetooth or USB ports.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (depending on oil quality and driving conditions - consult specific manual).

Timing Belt Replacement:

Critical: Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (highly recommended to prevent catastrophic engine damage due to interference design).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (check type: copper vs. platinum).

Coolant:

G 11 specification coolant (e.g., ethylene glycol-based with silicates) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 7.5 liters.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify with manual). Check reservoir capacity.

Power Steering Fluid:

G 002 000 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent) - often a green synthetic fluid (verify).

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic engine mounts can degrade and leak, causing vibration.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant flange on the cylinder head can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Radiator, hoses, and water pump are also common wear items.

Fuel Injection:

KE-Jetronic system can develop issues with airflow meters, WUR (Warm Up Regulator), and injectors if not maintained.

Electrical Gremlins:

Aging wiring harnesses, especially grounds and connectors, can lead to intermittent electrical issues.

Suspension Bushings:

Rubber suspension bushings (control arms, subframe) are prone to wear and cracking, affecting handling and ride quality.

Window Regulators:

Manual and electric window regulators can fail.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Legacy:

Audi's reputation for engineering, Quattro technology, and German build quality.

Predecessor:

Audi 80 / 90 (Type 81/85)

Successor:

Audi A4 (B5 generation)

Production Period:

1987-1991 (for this specific 90 designation, part of the Type 89 platform which ran longer).

Manufacturing Plant:

Ingolstadt, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The Audi 90 (particularly the Quattro variant) was frequently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and advanced technology, though specific '10 Best' awards for this exact model are less common than for the later B5 generation. It was considered a strong contender in its class.

Historical Reviews:

Consistently rated highly for handling, build quality, and powertrain refinement. Criticisms often focused on price and complexity of some systems.