Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz 190E, Volvo 240/740 Series
Distinguishing Features:
Permanent Quattro All-Wheel Drive system, build quality, refined interiors, sporty driving dynamics
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Turbocharging (if applicable)
Drivetrain:
Clutch, Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission (if applicable), Transfer Case, Driveshafts, Differentials, Quattro All-Wheel Drive System
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension, Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering
Brakes:
Front Brakes (Disc), Rear Brakes (Disc/Drum), Parking Brake, Brake System Hydraulic Components
Electrical:
Battery, Charging System, Starting System, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Gauges, Wiper System, Horn, Power Windows, Central Locking, Audio System
Body Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior Trim, Seats, Chassis Components, Frame Structure
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection and Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Caliper Rebuild, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (where applicable), Symptom-Based Diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque Specifications, Gapping Specifications, Clearances, Tolerances
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds)
Engine Codes:
KV (2.2L 5-Cylinder, 10v, Mono-Jetronic), NG (2.3L 5-Cylinder, 10v, KE-Jetronic), WT (2.0L 4-Cylinder, 8v, Carbureted/Fuel Injection)
Horsepower Range:
115-136 hp (approx.)
Torque Range:
160-190 Nm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Fuel Injection (Bosch CIS-Jetronic, KE-Jetronic, Mono-Jetronic), Carburetor (on some early 2.0L models)
Crash Test History:
Limited comprehensive crash test data available for this era, but generally considered robust for its time.
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - optional on some models
Restraints:
Seat Belts (front and rear), Optional driver-side airbag (later models)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles or 6-12 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 60,000-80,000 miles or 5 years (critical for 5-cylinder engines)
Engine Oil:
API SG or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 5W-40 (check owner's manual for specific viscosity and type)
Coolant:
G11 (Blue/Green) antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 Gear Oil, SAE 75W-90 (approx. 2.5 liters for 5-speed)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III (or equivalent), 3.0-4.0 liters (check dipstick)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Common Problems:
Fuel distributor issues (CIS-Jetronic), coolant leaks (especially hose connections and radiators), exhaust manifold cracks (5-cylinder), worn suspension bushings, aging electrical wiring and connectors, timing belt tensioner failure (if not replaced on schedule).
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, rocker panels, jacking points, rear spring perches.
