Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Professionals, families seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and practicality.
Key Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Volvo S/V40/V70, Lexus IS
Platform:
Volkswagen Group B5 Platform (shared with VW Passat B5)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) and legendary Quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Design Philosophy:
Understated European styling, sophisticated interior, focus on driver engagement and comfort.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with factory-level repair and maintenance information, reducing reliance on dealerships and potentially saving significant costs.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, fuel delivery, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions control (including detailed diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting for various engine variants)
Transmission Systems:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, shift mechanisms, hydraulic controls, and fluid specifications)
Drivetrain Systems:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) and Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems (including differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, and power transfer units)
Suspension Steering Brakes:
Front and rear suspension (independent McPherson struts, multi-link rear), steering system (rack and pinion, power assist), braking system (ABS, disc brakes front and rear, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinder, parking brake)
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, engine control unit (ECU), body control modules, power windows, locks, mirrors, instrument cluster, audio systems, climate control, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Body Chassis:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, seals, and chassis components
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system (compressor, condenser, evaporator, refrigerant handling, cabin filter, controls)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks/changes, belt inspections/replacements, spark plugs, brake pad/rotor service)
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair and overhaul procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and suspension/brake component replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults, including symptom-based troubleshooting guides and electrical circuit diagrams.
Diagnostics:
Information on diagnostic tools, connector locations, and interpretation of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) via OBD-II (where applicable for later models within the range).
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes and inspections to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Codes:
Various, including 1.8T (AEB, APU, ARK, AWM), 2.8 V6 (AAH, ACK, AHA, APB), 1.9 TDI (AHH, AFN, AVG)
1.8T Horsepower:
150-180 hp (depending on specific engine code and year)
2.8 V6 Horsepower:
174-190 hp (depending on specific engine code and year)
1.9 Tdi Horsepower:
90-115 hp
Torque 1.8T:
155 lb-ft (210 Nm) for 150hp variants, 162 lb-ft (220 Nm) for 180hp variants
Torque 2.8 V6:
199 lb-ft (270 Nm) to 210 lb-ft (285 Nm)
Torque 1.9 Tdi:
144 lb-ft (195 Nm) to 177 lb-ft (240 Nm)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for naturally aspirated gasoline engines, Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) for 1.8T models, Direct Injection (DI) for TDI models.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (premium recommended for 1.8T and V6), Diesel for TDI models.
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic, Siemens VDO (specifics vary by engine and year)
Transmission Type Std:
5-speed Manual (012/01A series)
Transmission Type Opt:
4-speed Automatic (01F series) or 5-speed Tiptronic Automatic (01V series for V6)
Quattro System:
Torsen center differential (permanent AWD) on Quattro models, often paired with open front/rear differentials. Later models may feature electronic differential locks (EDL) as standard or optional.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 005 295 00 (or equivalent 75W-90 GL-4 synthetic for most manual transmissions)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 052 162 A2 (or equivalent ATF fluid, often LT 71141 spec for 01F/01V)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2613 mm (102.9 inches)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 4516 mm (177.8 inches)
Length Avant:
Approx. 4545 mm (178.9 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1735 mm (68.3 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches) for Sedan, Approx. 1452 mm (57.2 inches) for Avant
Cargo Volume Sedan:
Approx. 455 Liters (16.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Avant Seats Up:
Approx. 400 Liters (14.1 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Avant Seats Down:
Approx. 1500 Liters (53 cu ft)
Curb Weight Est:
1300-1600 kg (2866-3527 lbs) depending on engine and drivetrain
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x112
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for these specific early model years in a consistent manner. Early Audi safety was generally considered good for its time.
IIHS Ratings:
Not consistently rated by IIHS for this generation in a comprehensive manner comparable to modern standards.
ABS:
Standard on most models, especially from mid-generation onwards.
Traction Control:
Optional on some models, particularly those with Quattro.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on later models.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants, three-point belts for rear occupants.
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure, particularly important for Avant models.
Audio Systems:
Factory Audi Chorus, Concert, and Symphony radio/cassette/CD players. Premium sound systems with amplifiers were optional.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control and optional automatic climate control (Climatronic) with digital display and sensors.
Cruise Control:
Available on most models.
Parking Assistance:
Rear parking sensors were not commonly factory-fitted during this generation.
Bluetooth:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket solutions would be required.
Usb Aux:
Not factory-equipped. Aftermarket solutions would be required.
Oil Change Interval Gasoline:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will specify precise intervals.
Oil Change Interval Tdi:
Typically 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. The manual will specify precise intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement 1.8T:
Recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. Crucial to follow as failure can cause catastrophic engine damage. The manual will provide the exact interval and procedure, including tensioner and water pump replacement.
Timing Belt Replacement V6:
Recommended every 60,000-80,000 miles (96,000-128,000 km) or 5-7 years. The manual will provide the exact interval and procedure, including tensioner and water pump replacement.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect, often recommended every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Often sealed for 'lifetime', but frequent changing (e.g., every 40,000-60,000 miles) is highly recommended by enthusiasts and technicians to prolong transmission life. The manual will specify official Audi recommendations.
Engine Oil 1.8T:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A3/B3, Viscosity 5W-40 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification, often VW 500.00, 501.01, or 502.00/505.00 for later models)
Engine Oil V6:
API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A3/B3, Viscosity 5W-40 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for exact specification, often VW 502.00/505.00)
Engine Oil Tdi:
API CG-4/CH-4, ACEA B3/B4, Viscosity 5W-40 or 10W-40 (refer to manual for exact specification, often VW 505.00)
Coolant:
G 12 (purple) or G 11 (blue) ethylene glycol-based coolant mixed 50/50 with distilled water. The manual will confirm the specific type for the production year.
Common Problems:
Coil pack failures (1.8T), mass airflow sensor (MAF) issues (1.8T), oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets), vacuum hose degradation, coolant flange leaks, ABS sensor failures, window regulator failures, differential bearing wear (Quattro), PCV valve system issues (1.8T).
Tdi Specific Issues:
Glow plug failures, turbocharger issues (variable geometry on some later models), injection pump timing, EGR system clogging, DMF (Dual Mass Flywheel) wear on manual transmissions.
Audi Legacy:
Audi has a long history of engineering excellence, particularly known for its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated engineering, stemming from its roots in Auto Union.
A4 B5 Introduction:
The A4 B5 replaced the Audi 80/90 and was a significant step forward in design and technology for Audi in the premium compact segment, marking the beginning of Audi's modern design language.
B5 Facelift:
The B5 platform underwent a significant facelift for the 1999 model year, with updated styling, improved interiors, and some powertrain revisions (e.g., introduction of the 1.8T AMB engine, updated V6 engines).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Ingolstadt, Germany and Brussels, Belgium.
Production Volume Est:
Millions of units worldwide over its production run.
