🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

80

Chassis Code:

B3

Generation Designation:

Third Generation (Typ 89/8A)

Production Years:

1986-1991

Engine Codes Common:

JN, KE, PM, NE, NG, KX, RU, RP, RT, PP, PL, KW, SK

Body Styles Covered:

Saloon (89, 89Q, 8A), Avant (89Q, 8A) Wagon, Coupé (8B)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

A premium compact executive car, known for its build quality, refined driving experience, and advanced (for its time) technology. The B3 Audi 80 was positioned to compete with models like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz 190.

Competitors:

BMW E30 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz W201 (190), Volvo 240, Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra A

Features:

Profoundly solid construction, sophisticated suspension tuning for a comfortable yet engaging ride, available quattro all-wheel drive, aerodynamic styling, and a driver-focused interior.

Audience:

Audi 80 B3 owners, independent repair shops specializing in European vehicles, DIY mechanics with an interest in maintaining or restoring their Audi.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Troubleshooting

Specific Systems:

Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Lighting, HVAC, Body, Interior

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Comprehensive Workshop Manual / Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing belt/chain, seals, gaskets

Fuel System:

Fuel injection systems (K-Jetronic, KE-Jetronic, Digifant), carburetors, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel tank, fuel lines

Ignition System:

Distributor, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition control module (ECU), timing

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan, expansion tank

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, muffler, exhaust pipes, oxygen sensors

Transmission Manual:

Clutch assembly, gearbox internal components, shift linkage, servicing, repair

Transmission Automatic:

Transmission fluid, torque converter, valve body, electronic controls, servicing, repair

Drivetrain:

Front-wheel drive, quattro all-wheel drive system, driveshafts, CV joints, differential

Suspension:

Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, sway bars

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Disc brakes (front and rear), brake pads, brake calipers, brake rotors, master cylinder, brake fluid, ABS system (if equipped)

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, sensors, ECU diagnostic connectors

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, turn signals, interior lighting, bulb types and replacement

HVAC System:

Heater core, A/C system, blower motor, climate controls, refrigerant, troubleshooting

Bodywork:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, window regulators, bumpers, body trim

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, instrument panel, door panels, carpet, headliner

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, brake system bleeding and repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair, body panel repair

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues like starting problems, poor running conditions, overheating, electrical faults, brake noise, etc.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Specific diagnostic routines for fuel injection, ignition, and electronic control units (ECUs).

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque values for critical fasteners throughout the vehicle.

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

In-depth coverage suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts, including full engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and body repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchable:

Yes

Printable:

Yes

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction of original factory manual content.

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 4-cylinder, SOHC / DOHC

Displacement Common:

1.6L (1595 cc), 1.8L (1781 cc), 2.0L (1984 cc)

Horsepower Range:

70 hp - 137 hp (depending on engine and configuration)

Torque Range:

120 Nm - 173 Nm (depending on engine and configuration)

Injection Types:

Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS), Bosch KE-Jetronic (CIS-E), Digifant electronic fuel injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline

Engine Mounts:

Hydraulic or rubber engine mounts for vibration isolation.

Engine Cooling:

Water-cooled, pressurized system with thermostatic control and electric or viscous fan.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission

Type:

3-speed or 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 4HP22)

Drivetrain Options:

Front-wheel drive (FWD), Permanent All-Wheel Drive (quattro)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 (API) SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil, e.g., VW G 052 171 A2

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron-III or equivalent, e.g., VW G 055 025 A2

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

4300-4400 mm

Width Approx:

1700 mm

Height Approx:

1400 mm

Curb Weight Approx:

1050-1250 kg

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Approx:

1500-1700 kg

Trunk Volume Approx:

0.43 m³ (Saloon)

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Not available for this era, but considered safe for its time due to solid build.

Braking System:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (standard), optional ABS.

Steering System:

Recirculating ball or rack-and-pinion with power assist.

Airbags:

Driver airbag optional, passenger airbag not typically available.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia reel seatbelts front and rear.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted AM/FM radio with cassette player, optional CD player. Basic speaker systems.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was an optional feature on many models.

Features:

Limited connectivity by modern standards. Central locking, power windows (optional), and basic climate control were the primary electronic features.

Dashboard Layout:

Driver-centric dashboard with clear analogue gauges (speedometer, tachometer, fuel, temperature), warning lights, and basic HVAC controls. 'Message Systems' mentioned in description likely refer to the check control system with dashboard warning lights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 km or 12 months (whichever comes first), using quality synthetic oil.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Typically every 80,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years for applicable engines (e.g., 1.8L, 2.0L with toothed belt).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 30,000-50,000 km depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. platinum).

Engine Oil Type:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2/A3, e.g., SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 3.7-4.5 Liters (depending on engine)

Coolant Type:

G11 (blue) or G12 (red) ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4

Common Problems:

Fuel injector seal leaks (K-Jetronic), distributor O-ring leaks, fuel pump relay failure, ABS sensor failures, front suspension control arm bushings wear, exhaust system corrosion, heater control valve failure.

Electrical Faults:

Corroded grounds, failing dashboard warning lights, issues with the central locking system.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Focus:

Audi's reputation for engineering excellence, quality manufacturing, and Quattro all-wheel-drive technology. The 80 series represented Audi's resurgence in the compact executive segment.

Predecessors:

Audi 80 B1, Audi 80 B2

Successors:

Audi A4 (B5)

Manufacturing Locations:

Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; Neckarsulm, Germany

Production Period:

1986-1991

Aerodynamics:

Significant improvement in aerodynamic efficiency compared to previous generations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Historical Accolades:

While specific awards for the B3 generation aren't prominently documented in modern databases, the Audi 80 series consistently received praise for its build quality, safety, and refined driving dynamics from contemporary automotive press, contributing to Audi's growing reputation in the automotive market.