Original Market Segment:
Luxury Sedan/Sports Sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers seeking advanced technology and quattro all-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Jaguar XJ, Lexus LS.
Defining Features:
First Audi sedan with a V8 engine, standard quattro all-wheel drive, advanced styling, and a focus on driver engagement.
Manual Benefit:
Enables owners and technicians to maintain and repair the vehicle to factory standards, saving costs and ensuring longevity.
Engine Systems:
Engine overhaul, fuel system (injection), ignition system, lubrication system, cooling system, exhaust system, emission control systems.
Drivetrain Systems:
Transmission (automatic), Quattro all-wheel drive system (differentials, driveshafts, hubs), transfer case.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (McPherson struts, control arms), rear suspension (independent multi-link), steering system (power steering rack and pump), wheel alignment.
Braking System:
Front disc brakes (vented), rear disc brakes, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), brake hydraulic system, parking brake.
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, engine control unit (ECU), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, audio system, battery, alternator, starter motor.
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers, chassis components, corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system operation, diagnosis, and repair.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, fluid level checks and top-offs, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection, tire rotation.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, and mechanical failures. Emphasis on component function and diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, assembly, and reinstallation for virtually all vehicle systems.
Special Tool Usage:
Identification and usage instructions for specialized Audi tools required for specific adjustments or repairs, often referencing Audi special tool numbers.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine data (timing, clearances), fluid capacities, electrical specifications, dimensional data.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic tune-ups and routine maintenance to complex engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and bodywork. Assumes a qualified technician with general automotive knowledge.
Engine Code Family:
VW Group EA827/AEC (Modified)
Engine Configuration:
32-valve V8
Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3562 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.5 mm x 83.0 mm (approximate)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1 (typical for this engine)
Horsepower:
240 hp (179 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
312 Nm (230 lb-ft) @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) Electronic Fuel Injection
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Premium Octane Recommended)
Ignition Type:
Electronic Ignition with Knock Control
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) for fuel and ignition management.
Transmission Type:
ZF 4HP24 4-Speed Automatic Transmission
Manual Transmission Option:
Not available (automatic only for V8 Quattro).
Drive System:
Permanent All-Wheel Drive (Quattro)
Differential Lock:
Viscous coupling center differential (Torsen differential introduced in later iterations of quattro, but this model likely used a viscous coupling or open center diff with EDL). Manual will detail specific type.
Crash Test Performance:
Limited formal ratings available for this era; based on contemporary design principles and structural integrity of Audi's 'Type 44' platform.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Traction control was not standard on early models, but Quattro system provides significant traction benefits.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became available/standard in later model years of this generation.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts in front and rear.
Structural Safety:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, and side-impact protection beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (typical for the era, consult manual for exact specification).
Transmission Service Interval:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for fluid and filter change (typical, consult manual).
Timing Belt Replacement:
While this engine is a V8, it utilizes a timing chain system, requiring less frequent replacement than belts, but periodic inspection and tensioner checks are crucial.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, ACEA A2-96 or equivalent, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (verify viscosity based on climate and specific Audi recommendation in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
G11 or G12 (Ethylene Glycol based, purple or blue color) with distilled water mix.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (ZF TE-ML 04D, 14A spec).
Common Wear Items:
Wear on suspension bushings, aging electrical connectors, potential for catalytic converter failure, HVAC blower motor resistor issues, power window regulators.
Engine Specific Concerns:
While robust, the V8 can develop oil leaks from valve cover gaskets or oil pan seals. The KE-Jetronic fuel system can be sensitive to cleanliness and proper adjustment.
Audi Legacy:
Audi has a long history of innovation in automotive engineering, particularly with its quattro all-wheel-drive system, which debuted in the 1980s.
V8 Quattro Introduction:
Introduced in 1988, the V8 Quattro was Audi's flagship model, aiming to compete directly with established luxury sedans from German rivals by offering a potent V8 engine and its signature quattro AWD.
Platform Relation:
Based on the Audi Type 44 platform, shared with models like the Audi 100 and 200, but significantly upgraded and enlarged.
Production Period:
1988-1994 (with minor updates across years)
Manufacturing Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany
