Market Position:
The Audi 200 was Audi's flagship luxury sedan in the late 1980s, positioned as a premium competitor to German rivals like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. It was known for its advanced technology, particularly its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and turbocharged engines, offering a blend of performance and luxury.
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking advanced technology, performance, and all-weather capability. Often appealed to those who appreciated understated luxury and engineering.
Competitive Analysis:
Competed directly with models such as the BMW 5 Series (E34), Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W124), and to some extent, the Volvo 700 Series. The Audi 200 differentiated itself with standard Quattro AWD on many models and a focus on aerodynamic design.
Key Features:
Available turbocharged 5-cylinder engines, standard or optional Quattro all-wheel-drive, luxurious interior appointments, advanced aerodynamics for its time, and a robust chassis.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveline, Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (including ABS), Electrical System, Body Electrical, Climate Control, Interior Systems, Exterior Body Panels, Safety Systems (Seatbelts), Body Repairs, Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH)
Electrical System Details:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse box layouts, relay locations, diagnostic procedures for ECUs, starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, and all electronic accessories.
Interior Systems Coverage:
Seats, seatbelts, airbags (if equipped), dashboard and console removal/installation, interior trim panels, headliner, door panels, instrument cluster service, interior lighting, power windows, power locks, sunroof operation.
Driveline System Coverage:
Front and rear CV joints, driveshafts, propeller shaft, wheel bearings, differential service, and Quattro system components.
Procedures Included:
Routine Maintenance, Scheduled Servicing, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Component Removal & Installation, Reassembly, Adjustments, Overhauls, Wiring Diagrams, Hydraulic Diagrams, Emission Controls
Engine Repair Procedures:
Detailed procedures for cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod work, crankshaft service, valve adjustment, camshaft timing, oil pump servicing, water pump replacement, and full engine assembly/disassembly.
Brake System Procedures:
Disc brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, master cylinder replacement, ABS system troubleshooting and component replacement, parking brake adjustment.
Body Repair Procedures:
Panel straightening, dent removal, rust repair techniques, welding procedures, replacement of body panels (fenders, doors, hood, trunk lid), bumper repair and replacement.
Suspension Repair Procedures:
Replacement of control arms, ball joints, tie rod ends, shock absorbers, struts, coil springs, bushings, and wheel bearing replacement.
Technical Depth:
Dealer Level Factory Manual Standard - Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical system diagnostics.
Torque Specifications:
Includes detailed torque values for all critical fasteners in engine, transmission, suspension, and chassis components.
Diagnostic Charts:
Troubleshooting flowcharts for common problems, symptom-to-cause identification, and diagnostic procedures for electronic control units.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed, high-quality wiring diagrams are a hallmark of factory service manuals, allowing for precise electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Options:
2.2L (2144cc) 5-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (various power outputs, e.g., 165-200 hp depending on market and specific variant), 2.5L (2461cc) 5-cylinder naturally aspirated diesel engine, 2.5L (2461cc) 5-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine (TDI).
Turbocharged Petrol Performance:
Around 165-200 horsepower, 230-270 Nm torque for turbocharged petrol variants. Specific output varied by engine code and market (e.g., MC, KG, KU engine codes).
Fuel System Petrol:
Bosch CIS-Jetronic or later Motronic electronic fuel injection. Turbocharged models featured intercoolers.
Fuel System Diesel:
Indirect injection with glow plugs for starting. Later models may have featured early turbo-diesel direct injection (TDI) technology.
Engine Layout:
Inline 5-cylinder
Bore Stroke 2 2L Turbo:
82.5 mm x 94.0 mm (approximate, for 2.2L)
Turbocharger Details:
Garrett or KKK turbochargers were commonly used. The manual will detail boost pressure, wastegate operation, and intercooler system service.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type used. Check manual for specific recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 5-cylinder engines. Typically every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. The manual will specify the exact interval and replacement procedure, including tensioner and idler pulley replacement.
Engine Oil Specification:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-40) and API service classification based on engine type (petrol/diesel). Typically API SG or SH.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, mixed with distilled water. Typically G11 specification or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity (e.g., 75W-90). Check manual for precise specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Capacity varies by model, typically around 7-10 liters.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid meeting Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Common Issues:
Fuel injector seals, vacuum line deterioration, electrical connector corrosion, ABS sensor failures, radiator fan control issues, power steering leaks, window regulator problems, headliner sagging. Turbocharged models require careful maintenance of the turbo system.
Climate Control Issues:
Common issues include leaking heater cores, non-functional blower motors, or faulty climate control sensors/actuators.
Fuel Filter Example Part Number:
Requires consulting specific Audi/VW parts catalog for 1990 model year, but common aftermarket equivalents exist (e.g., Mann-Filter WK series).
Oil Filter Example Part Number:
Requires consulting specific Audi/VW parts catalog for 1990 model year, but common aftermarket equivalents exist (e.g., Mahle OC series, Mann-Filter HU series).
Brand Heritage:
Audi, a German automotive manufacturer, has a history dating back to the early 20th century. It is known for innovation, engineering prowess, and particularly its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which revolutionized rallying and found its way into production cars.
Model Evolution:
The Audi 200 was derived from the Audi 100. The second generation (Type 44) was introduced in 1982 and was produced with a facelift in 1988, which updated styling and technology. The 1990 model year represents the final iteration of this generation before the introduction of the Audi V8 and later A6.
Sedan Vs Coupe:
The Audi 200 was primarily offered as a 4-door sedan, though a 2-door coupe variant based on the Audi Coupe platform was also produced, sharing many mechanical components but with distinct bodywork.
Production Period:
1979-1991 (Type 44 generation)