Segment:
Premium Compact/Small Family Car
Positioning Statement:
The Audi A3 (Typ 8L) represented Audi's entry into the premium compact segment, offering a blend of sophisticated design, upscale interior, and advanced engineering typically found in larger vehicles.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series Compact (E36/5), Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W168), Volkswagen Golf Mk4, Ford Focus Mk1
Design Philosophy:
Understated German elegance, high build quality, driver-focused cockpit
Platform:
Volkswagen Group A4 platform (shared with VW Golf Mk4, Bora, Seat Toledo, Skoda Octavia)
Primary Benefit:
Empowerment of owners and independent mechanics with professional-grade repair information
Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, technical students
Region:
Global (European market focus, but applicable to most international models)
Estimated Pages:
Extensive (Specific count not provided, but described as 'complete' and 'packed with all information')
Type:
Full Service & Repair Manual
Primary Language:
English
Engine:
All gasoline (MPI, FSI) and TDI diesel engines
Transmission:
Manual (5 & 6-speed), Automatic (Tiptronic), DSG (for later models)
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, ESP (where applicable), component replacement
Suspension:
Front (MacPherson strut), Rear (Torsion beam, independent multi-link for quattro)
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, ignition, lighting, dashboard instruments, comfort electronics, ECU diagnostics
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, glass, interior trim, collision repair basics
Climate Control:
HVAC system, refrigerant handling, components
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, evaporative emissions control
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, timing belts/chains, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, diagnostic checks
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), common symptoms and their causes, guided repair steps
Repair:
Component removal and installation (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, etc.), rebuild procedures for major assemblies
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), sensor testing, electrical circuit testing, pressure testing
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific tools required for certain procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Common Engines:
1.6L (AHL, ANA, APF), 1.8L 20v (AGN, APU), 1.8T 20v (AGU, AQA, APY, AMK, AUM), 1.9 TDI (AHF, ALH, ASV)
1.8T (Agu/Aum) Horsepower:
150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp)
1.8T (Apy/Amk) Horsepower:
180 PS (132 kW; 178 bhp)
1.9 Tdi (Alh) Horsepower:
90 PS (66 kW; 89 bhp)
1.9 Tdi (Ahf/Asv) Horsepower:
110 PS (81 kW; 109 bhp)
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Injection (MPI), Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI - limited in this generation), Direct Injection (TDI)
Coolant Type:
G12 (or equivalent pink/red ethylene glycol based coolant)
Spark Plugs:
NGK PFR6Q (for 1.8T), Champion RE10LYC (for 1.6)
Transmission Options:
5-speed Manual, 6-speed Manual (on some 1.8T models)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed Tiptronic Automatic (01M/01N)
Clutch Type:
Dry single-plate clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 052 171 A1 (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 055 025 A2 (or equivalent ATF fluid compatible with VW G 055 025)
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door Sportback
Wheelbase:
Approximately 2513 mm (98.9 in)
Length:
Approximately 4141 mm (163.0 in)
Width:
Approximately 1735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
Approximately 1424 mm (56.1 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approximately 350 liters (12.4 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approximately 1040 liters (36.7 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Varies by engine and configuration, typically 1200-1350 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by configuration, typically 1700-1850 kg
Euro Ncap Rating:
Generally rated 3 or 4 stars for frontal/side impact protection (depending on testing year and exact specification).
ABS:
Standard on most models
Esp:
Optional or standard on higher trims and later models (Traction Control System - ASR also available)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard, side airbags optional
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and load limiter equipped front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first (flexible service intervals on some models with specific oil and driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
120,000 km (75,000 miles) or 5 years for most gasoline engines (TDI engines use timing chains or belts depending on the specific engine code, with different intervals).
Engine Oil Specification:
VW 502 00 / 505 00 (or equivalent API SN/ACEA A3/B4) for gasoline, VW 505 01 for TDI PD engines. Viscosity typically 5W-40 or 0W-40.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 - 7.0 liters (depending on engine)
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition systems on 1.8T models can be prone to failure, leading to misfires.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms can degrade and break.
Climate Control Flaps:
Actuator motors for climate control flaps can fail, leading to incorrect air distribution.
N75 Valve (1.8T):
The boost control solenoid valve (N75) can become clogged or fail, affecting turbocharger boost pressure.
Tdi Injector Seals:
Early 1.9 TDI PD engines can experience leaking injector seals, leading to rough running and oil dilution.
Brand Focus:
Audi is known for its 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Progress through Technology), emphasizing engineering, design, and a premium experience.
Facelift:
Minor facelift occurred in 2000 with updated front/rear styling, interior refinements, and engine enhancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Ingolstadt and Brussels
Platform Sharing:
Crucially shared its platform with the Mk4 Volkswagen Golf, allowing for cost efficiencies and shared componentry.
