Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Consumers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Volvo S40/V40
Platform:
Shared VW Group B5 platform with Volkswagen Passat.
Drivetrain Options:
Available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and legendary Quattro all-wheel drive.
Design Language:
Clean lines, understated elegance, characteristic Audi grille, and high-quality interior materials.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Workshop
Scope:
Comprehensive vehicle diagnostics, maintenance, and repair
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service and Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system
Drivetrain:
Manual transmission, automatic transmission (Tiptronic), clutch, differential, drive shafts, axles, Quattro all-wheel drive system
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS), wheel alignment
Electrical:
Engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM), lighting systems, instruments and gauges, audio systems, climate control, power windows, central locking, airbags (SRS), immobilizer
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, sealing systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II)
Repair:
Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, part replacement guidance
Calibration:
Sensor calibration, module programming (where applicable)
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Options:
2.8L V6 (AAH, ACK, ALG, AMX, APR, AQD, ATQ), 1.8L Turbocharged Inline-4 (AEB, APU, ARK, AVC, AWM, AWV, AWW), 2.4L V6 (APG), 2.7L V6 Bi-Turbo (ARE, AZA, BES) - S4 models
Engine Displacement:
1.8L, 2.4L, 2.7L, 2.8L
Horsepower Range:
150 hp (1.8T base) to 261 hp (2.7T Bi-Turbo S4)
Torque Range:
164 lb-ft (1.8T base) to 258 lb-ft (2.7T Bi-Turbo S4)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPFI) / Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Quattro Permanent All-Wheel Drive (Torque-sensing Torsen center differential in most models)
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Avant (Wagon)
Wheelbase:
Approximately 103.3 inches (2624 mm)
Length:
Approximately 177.7 inches (4513 mm) for sedan
Width:
Approximately 69.3 inches (1760 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3200 - 3700 lbs (1450 - 1680 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (1998 model tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (1998 model tested)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Electronic Stability Program (ESP) on later models, Traction Control System (ASR) on some models
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette players. Bose premium sound system often available.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on later models.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors were not common on this generation.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory Bluetooth preparation or integrated phone systems on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 2.8L V6 engines (2.8L V6 is an interference engine). Interval typically 75,000-105,000 miles. The 1.8T uses a timing chain.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, typically 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium/platinum plugs.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH/SJ or higher, SAE 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30. Refer to owner's manual for specific viscosity for climate. (e.g., VW 500.00 or VW 502.00 approved)
Coolant Spec:
G12 (purple) or G12+ antifreeze/coolant concentrate mixed with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
G 052 171 A2 (SAE 75W-90 synthetic)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
G 055 005 A2 (ATF fluid, often referred to as 'Red'): Check for specific Tiptronic fluid specification.
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, front crankshaft seal are common leak points.
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug systems (on 1.8T and later V6) can be prone to failure.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints can wear prematurely, especially with aggressive driving or poor road conditions.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanism can break.
Climate Control Actuators:
Blend door actuators in the HVAC system can fail, affecting temperature control.
Mass Air Flow Sensor:
Can become dirty or fail, affecting engine performance and fuel economy.
Oil Filter Example 1.8T:
Mann-Filter HU718/1X, Mahle OX173/1D
Timing Belt Kit Example 2.8L:
ContiTech TB281K1
Brand Legacy:
Audi, a German luxury automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering innovation and motorsport success.
B5 Introduction:
The Audi A4 B5 replaced the Audi 80/90 and marked a significant step forward in design, engineering, and luxury for the brand in the compact executive segment.
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred in late 1999 for the 2000 model year, introducing updated styling, improved interiors, and new engine options.
Production Period:
1994-2001 (for B5 generation globally), 1997-2001 for North American market.
Manufacturing Locations:
Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; and other Audi assembly plants.
