Vehicle Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Key Competitors Era:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus ES (V20), Acura Legend.
Vehicle Key Attributes:
Quattro all-wheel drive (optional but iconic), refined interior, strong inline-5 engine, European driving dynamics, durable build quality.
Manual Benefit:
Essential tool for Audi 90 owners and independent repair shops to accurately identify and source correct original and aftermarket replacement parts.
Main Coverage:
Parts List Catalog
Vehicle Systems Cataloged:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Interior, Accessories
Estimated Page Count:
Over 500 pages (typical for this era's parts catalogs)
Manual Type:
Parts List Catalog (PLC)
Format:
Digital (likely PDF), potentially Print-on-Demand
Engine Parts:
Engine block, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, valves, timing components, oil pump, cooling system components (radiator, water pump, thermostat), intake manifold, exhaust manifold, fuel injection components, ignition components.
Drivetrain Parts:
Transmission components (manual and automatic), clutch assembly, driveshafts, CV joints, differential, wheel bearings, axles.
Suspension And Steering Parts:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings), steering rack, power steering pump, tie rods, steering column components.
Brake Parts:
Brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake components.
Electrical System Parts:
Wiring harnesses, fuses, relays, battery components, alternator, starter motor, lighting components (headlights, taillights, interior lights), sensors, ECUs (Engine Control Units), switches.
Bodywork And Exterior Parts:
Body panels (hood, fenders, doors, trunk lid), bumpers, grille, mirrors, window glass, seals, weatherstripping, trim pieces, roof rack components.
Interior Parts:
Seats, dashboard components, door panels, carpets, headliner, climate control components (HVAC vents, controls), seat belts, airbags (if applicable to the specific trim/year covered).
Wheel And Tire Parts:
Wheels (alloy and steel), lug bolts, tire pressure monitoring system components (if applicable).
Part Identification:
Provides detailed diagrams with exploded views for each system, clearly illustrating the location and assembly of every part.
Part Number Lookup:
Crucial for identifying the exact Audi Original Part (O.E.M.) number required for replacement, ensuring compatibility and correct fitment.
Component Interchangeability:
May indicate variations or superseded part numbers, aiding in sourcing parts for different production dates or minor updates within the model range.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive for parts identification and sourcing. Does not contain repair procedures or diagnostic steps, which would be found in a service manual.
Searchability:
Searchable by part number, description, and diagram section.
Diagram Clarity:
High-resolution diagrams for clear visualization of part placement and assembly.
Physical Binding If Printed:
Spiral-bound or perfect-bound (typical for technical catalogs to lay flat).
Physical Paper Type If Printed:
Durable, matte finish paper suitable for workshop environments.
Engine Code Common:
NG, ABK (2.6L V6), ACE (2.8L V6), (Inline-5 for earlier/other variants of the Type 89 chassis but the '90' designation primarily points to V6 for this period in many markets).
Engine Configuration:
V6 (primarily for 1993-1998 Audi 90 variants, though earlier Type 89 sedans/coupes had inline-5s)
Engine Displacement Liters:
2.6L (2600cc) and 2.8L (2800cc)
Horsepower Approx 2.8L:
172 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Approx 2.8L:
184 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Block Material:
Cast Iron
Cylinder Head Material:
Aluminum Alloy
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Typically every 60,000 - 80,000 miles or 5-7 years (crucial service item for V6).
Standard Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual
Optional Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22/4HP24 variants)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Spec:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Federal Safety Standards Compliance:
Compliant with DOT standards of the era for its respective model years.
Braking System Type:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Traction Control Availability:
Available as an option on some Quattro models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard from early in the generation, passenger airbag optional or standard on later models.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts front and rear.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 5,000 - 7,500 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions (check owner's manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 30,000 - 60,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend (check owner's manual/V.I.S. for exact V.A.G. specification, e.g., VW 502 00/505 00).
Coolant Specification:
G11 (blue/green) or G12 (pink/red) ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Common Maintenance Concerns:
Timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule (catastrophic engine damage), coolant leaks (especially from plastic coolant flange and thermostat housing), window regulator failures, ABS sensor failures, ignition coil issues (on some models), and CV joint wear on Quattro models.
Electrical Gremlins:
Degradation of wiring insulation over time can lead to intermittent electrical problems.
Audi Heritage Focus:
Known for engineering prowess, quattro all-wheel drive technology, and sophisticated styling.
Audi 90 Lineage:
Evolved from the Audi 80/90 (B2) and was succeeded by the Audi A4 (B5). The '90' designation typically signified a higher trim level or more powerful engine in the Audi 80 family.
Production Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany
Production Period For B3 Platform:
1986-1991 for the core B3 chassis, with variations and updates continuing into the mid-90s in some markets.
Model Naming Convention:
The '90' moniker was often used to denote the premium variant within the Audi 80 series, particularly those equipped with the V6 engine and Quattro.
General Automotive Press Awards:
Audi's lineup in this era was generally praised for build quality, safety, and refinement, contributing to its growing reputation in North America.
Car And Driver Comparisons:
Often featured in comparison tests against key European and Japanese luxury competitors, highlighting its strengths in handling and interior appointments.
Safety Certifications Era:
Achieved ratings consistent with contemporary safety standards in US and European NCAP equivalent tests of the period.
