Historical Positioning:
The Audi 100 and 200 series represented Audi's entry into the executive sedan market, competing with established German luxury brands. They were known for their advanced engineering, safety, and Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Key Competitors:
BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Saab 9000, Volvo 700 Series.
Design Philosophy:
Aerodynamic styling, transverse engine mounting for improved interior space (FWD models), and the pioneering Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
Manual Value Proposition:
This comprehensive workshop manual provides invaluable resources for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair the Audi 100/200. Its detailed nature ensures that even complex procedures can be tackled with confidence.
Engine Mechanical:
Diagnosis, maintenance, adjustments, minor service operations, component replacement, disassembly and assembly of major components
Fuel System:
Fuel supply, fuel injection (including specific systems for the NF engine), turbocharger (if applicable to specific 200 models), exhaust system
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, engine electrical diagnostics, fault memory reading
Transmission Manual:
Specific sections for 100 models, 200 models (Front Wheel Drive), and 200 models (Quattro)
Transmission Automatic:
Coverage for automatic transmission systems
Suspension And Steering:
Suspension components, wheel alignment, steering system diagnosis and repair
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, and maintenance
Body And Interior:
Exterior bodywork, interior trim, doors, windows, and related components
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair
Electrical And Accessories:
Instruments, radio, wipers, lighting systems, general electrical system diagnosis and wiring diagrams
Diagnostic Procedures:
Detailed fault finding and diagnostic trees for various systems, including engine management and electrical issues.
Maintenance Procedures:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair across all major vehicle systems.
Adjustment Procedures:
Specifications and procedures for adjusting various components, such as idle speed, ignition timing, and handbrake.
Disassembly And Assembly:
Comprehensive guides for disassembling and reassembling major components and sub-assemblies.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to in-depth repair and overhaul of major mechanical and electrical systems.
Engine Type:
Inline 5-cylinder, SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft)
Displacement:
2.3 Liters (2309 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
79.5 mm x 95.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.1:1 (typical for NF engine)
Horsepower Estimated:
134-137 hp @ 5700-6000 rpm (depending on specific configuration and market)
Torque Estimated:
180-184 Nm (133-136 lb-ft) @ 3500-4000 rpm (depending on specific configuration and market)
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E) or Motronic electronic fuel injection system, depending on specific model year and market.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (Octane rating as per manual recommendations, typically 91+ RON)
Engine Mounting:
Transverse mounting (typical for C3 platform FWD models)
Timing Drive:
Timing belt
Manual Transmission 100:
5-speed manual (FWD)
Manual Transmission 200 FWD:
5-speed manual (FWD)
Manual Transmission 200 Quattro:
5-speed manual (Quattro AWD)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (often ZF sourced) available for both 100 and 200 models.
AWD System:
Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system for 200 Quattro models, featuring a viscous coupling center differential.
Body Styles:
4-door Sedan, 5-door Avant (Wagon)
Length Estimated:
4700 - 4800 mm (185 - 189 inches)
Width Estimated:
1770 - 1800 mm (70 - 71 inches)
Height Estimated:
1420 - 1440 mm (56 - 57 inches)
Curb Weight Estimated:
1300 - 1500 kg (2866 - 3307 lbs), depending on model and options
Crash Testing:
While specific official crash test ratings for this era from organizations like NHTSA or Euro NCAP are limited and often not directly comparable to modern standards, the C3 platform was considered advanced for its time in terms of safety engineering.
Braking System:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear solid disc brakes. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an available option, particularly on higher trims and Quattro models.
Body Structure:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones, energy-absorbing steering column.
Restraints:
Seat belts, provision for airbags (though not standard on all models).
Radio System:
Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player. Often had integrated speaker systems.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature, significantly enhancing braking control.
Cruise Control:
Available as an option on many models.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed wiring diagrams are a crucial part of this manual, essential for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults and for aftermarket installations.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specification).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement every 60,000-80,000 km (36,000-48,000 miles) or 4-5 years due to the critical nature of this component in an interference engine.
Spark Plugs:
Replacement typically every 30,000-40,000 km (18,000-24,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for exact viscosity and API/ACEA specifications. Commonly 5W-40 or 10W-40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oil might be suitable, but manual verification is crucial.
Coolant:
G11 (blue/green) silicate-based antifreeze mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90. Manual confirmation needed for specific gearbox.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid). Manual verification is essential.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Cis E Fuel Injection:
The Bosch CIS-E system, while robust, can suffer from aging O-rings, faulty airflow meters, or clogged injectors, leading to rough idling or poor performance. This manual will provide diagnostic steps.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant flange at the rear of the engine block is prone to cracking. Also, heater core leaks are common in older vehicles.
Electrical System:
Grounding issues, aging wiring harnesses, and failing relays can cause intermittent electrical problems, particularly with lighting and accessories.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are common wear items that affect handling and tire wear.
Audi Legacy:
Audi's reputation for engineering excellence and innovation, particularly with the Quattro system, was solidified during this period.
C3 Development:
The C3 generation (1976-1991) was a significant step for Audi, introducing aerodynamic styling, front-wheel drive as standard for most models, and the revolutionary Quattro all-wheel-drive system to the Audi 100 and 200 line.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Ingolstadt, Germany.
Production Years:
1976-1991 for the C3 platform, with the 100 and 200 models within this manual covering the latter part of this range.
