Era:
Premium compact executive sedan/coupe of its time
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Acura Legend
Design:
Sleek, aerodynamic design by Giugiaro; known for its clean lines and sophisticated styling
Drivetrain:
Available in front-wheel drive and legendary Audi Quattro all-wheel drive
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement and refined performance
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance
Trim Levels Covered:
All available trim levels (e.g., Quattro, Base)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF) / Printable
Engine:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission systems, including Quattro AWD
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS (if equipped), parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, starter, alternator, battery
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, climate control system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, symptom-based troubleshooting
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including component disassembly and reassembly
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagrams:
Detailed exploded views, wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, and torque specifications
Engine Variants:
2.3L Inline-5 (NG engine code)
Horsepower:
130 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
137 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm (approx.)
System:
Bosch CIS-E (Continuous Injection System - Electronic) Fuel Injection
Bore X Stroke:
79.5 mm x 95.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valve Train:
SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 10 valves
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Quattro:
Viscous coupling center differential for permanent AWD
Manual Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-4 or GL-5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron II (or equivalent specification)
Crash Test Data:
Limited data available from this era; focus on occupant protection features
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) optional on some models, standard on higher trims
Traction Control:
Traction control often integrated with Quattro system (ASR - Automatic Slip Regulation) on later models
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag optional or standard depending on year/market
Seatbelts:
Front and rear seat belts
Chassis Design:
Unitized body construction with crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player, optional CD changer in later models
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic)
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control
Nav System:
No integrated navigation system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (refer to manual for precise intervals based on driving conditions)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical maintenance item)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (API SG/SH rated)
Coolant Type:
G11 (Ethylene Glycol based) with appropriate antifreeze protection
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Worn suspension bushings, aging rubber hoses, fuel distributor diaphragm issues (CIS-E), headlight leveling system failures, early ABS sensor issues, power steering leaks.
Part Numbers Guidance:
Manual includes detailed part numbers for most components, facilitating accurate ordering.
Audi History:
Audi AG, German automobile manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1909, known for engineering innovation
Audi 90 Lineage:
The Audi 90 was a more luxurious and performance-oriented version of the Audi 80 (B3 generation), positioned above the 80 in Audi's lineup. It was replaced by the Audi A4 in 1995.
Manufacturing Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany
Production Years:
1984-1991 (Audi 90 Type 85), with this manual covering the second generation update from 1988-1992.
Industry Acclaim:
Audi 90 and its sibling, the Audi 80, were generally well-regarded for their build quality, technology (especially Quattro), and refinement in their segment.
Editorial Reviews:
Automotive journalists of the era often praised the Quattro system's all-weather capability and the car's handling balance.
