Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series (E36), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Volvo S70/V70, Saab 900/9000.
Design Philosophy:
Audi's commitment to Quattro all-wheel-drive, refined German engineering, and a premium interior experience.
Diy Appeal:
Encourages DIY repairs and maintenance, offering a cost-saving opportunity for owners and a way to gain practical automotive knowledge.
Covered Years:
1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000
Estimated Page Count:
Varies based on specific powertrain and options, typically 2000-4000 pages for a comprehensive factory service manual equivalent.
Type:
Service Workshop & Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (including timing, valve train, cooling, lubrication), Fuel system (EFI, fuel pump, injectors), Ignition system, Emissions control system, Starting system, Charging system, Automatic Transaxle.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear, including components, alignment), Axle components, Steering system (power steering, steering column, wheels), Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, parking brake).
Body And Electrical:
Body mechanical (including interior trim, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof), Body electrical (lighting, power accessories, wiring diagrams), Air Conditioning (HVAC system, refrigerant handling), SRS (Supplemental Restraint System/Airbags).
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code diagnosis, electrical system diagnostics, component testing.
Maintenance Procedures:
Routine service, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug service, belt replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for major repairs, component removal and installation, rebuild procedures for select components, alignment adjustments, AC system servicing, SRS system component replacement.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Advanced diagnostics covering engine management, ABS, airbags, and other electronic systems, often referencing diagnostic tool usage.
Repair Complexity:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, bodywork, and complex electrical repairs.
Engine Options:
Various inline-4 (e.g., 1.8L Turbo) and V6 (e.g., 2.8L, 2.6L) gasoline engines. Some markets may have diesel options (e.g., 1.9L TDI).
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 125 hp to 170 hp for naturally aspirated engines, and 150 hp to 190 hp for turbocharged variants, depending on specific engine code.
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, but typically ranging from 170 Nm to 280 Nm.
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), with Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) for diesel models.
Common Gasoline Engine Codes:
AEB (1.8T), ADR (2.8L V6), ACK (2.8L V6), APB (2.8L V6).
Common Diesel Engine Codes:
AHH (1.9L TDI), AFN (1.9L TDI).
Transmission Types:
5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., GBA, FJW) and 4-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission (e.g., 01N, 01V).
All Wheel Drive:
Quattro all-wheel-drive system available on many models, coupled with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Tiptronic Functionality:
Allows manual selection of gears in automatic mode.
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific ratings for the B5 generation may vary by year and country, typical ratings for vehicles of this era were generally good for frontal impacts. Comprehensive data for the early B5 generation may be limited.
Braking System:
All-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on most models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags. Side airbags became optional or standard in later model years.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/Cassette/CD player with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Bose).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on some models, typically a bulky unit integrated into the dashboard.
Cruise Control:
Standard feature on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rarely available on this generation, typically not a standard feature.
Bluetooth:
Not available on factory systems for this generation; aftermarket solutions required.
Engine Management:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) managing fuel injection, ignition timing, and other engine parameters. Diagnostics often require VAG-COM or similar OBD-II tools.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, for conventional oil. Synthetic oil may extend intervals based on manufacturer recommendations.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical for many B5 models with non-interference engines. Intervals vary by engine, but often around 60,000-90,000 miles (96,000-145,000 km).
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 10W-30) and API/ACEA specifications. Synthetic oils are highly recommended.
Coolant:
G12 or G12+ coolant (specific Audi approved type) mixed with distilled water, typically a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) meeting specific Audi/VW specifications (e.g., G 052 162 A2).
Power Steering Fluid:
Hydraulic fluid meeting Audi specification (e.g., G 002 000).
Common Problems Engine:
Ignition coil failure, MAF sensor issues, vacuum leaks, PCV system clogging (leading to oil leaks/consumption), coolant flange leaks, camshaft timing adjusters (on some V6 engines).
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints (leading to steering looseness and uneven tire wear), strut mount issues.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, dashboard warning light issues (e.g., ABS/Traction Control), door lock actuator failures.
Common Problems Cooling:
Leaking coolant expansion tanks, cracked coolant hoses, thermostat housing leaks, water pump failures.
Audi Legacy:
Audi's reputation for engineering excellence, Quattro all-wheel drive, and premium interiors dating back to its origins.
B5 Introduction:
The B5 generation Audi A4 replaced the Audi 80/90. It was a significant step forward in design and technology for Audi's compact executive offering.
Performance Variants:
Included the Audi S4 model (B5 S4), a higher-performance variant with a twin-turbocharged 2.7L V6 engine and more aggressive styling.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany.
Car And Driver Awards:
Audi A4 often appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists in its early years, recognized for its blend of performance, refinement, and Quattro.
Safety Perception:
Generally perceived as a safe vehicle for its class and era, benefiting from Audi's engineering reputation.
