Positioning:
Premium compact executive sedan.
Competitors:
BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus ES, Acura TL.
Design Philosophy:
Understated luxury, sophisticated engineering, quattro all-wheel drive availability, refined interior.
Target Audience:
Professionals, those seeking a blend of performance, comfort, and premium brand appeal.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts), fuel system (injection, pumps, injectors), ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions (including clutch, gear selection, final drive), quattro all-wheel drive system (if applicable).
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, hydraulic components, pads, rotors), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, battery), starting system, lighting system, instrumentation, power windows, door locks, climate control electronics, ECU diagnostics and pinouts.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, airbags, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), body control modules.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspections and replacement, fluid checks and changes.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring harness testing.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, brake caliper replacement, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine timing procedures, diagnostic specifications (e.g., sensor readings), fluid capacities and types, component measurements.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Professional Level
Scope:
Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and bodywork repairs.
Engine Code Common:
AEB (for 1.8T), ADR/AGN (for 2.8 V6)
Displacement 1.8T:
1.8 Liters (1781 cc)
Cylinders 1.8T:
Inline 4-cylinder
Aspiration 1.8T:
Turbocharged and Intercooled
Horsepower 1.8T:
150 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque 1.8T:
155 lb-ft @ 1770-4200 rpm
Displacement 2.8 V6:
2.8 Liters (2771 cc)
Cylinders 2.8 V6:
60-degree V6
Aspiration 2.8 V6:
Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower 2.8 V6:
190 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.8 V6:
207 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm
0 60 Mph 1.8T:
Approx. 8.4 seconds
0 60 Mph 2.8 V6:
Approx. 7.1 seconds (with quattro)
Fuel Delivery 1.8T:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger Control
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type Base:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission (with manual shift mode)
Drivetrain Options:
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Length:
Approx. 178.5 inches (4534 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.4 inches (1763 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)
Curb Weight 1.8T FWD:
Approx. 3150 lbs (1430 kg)
Curb Weight 2.8 V6 Quattro:
Approx. 3550 lbs (1610 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not readily available for 1998 model year specifically, but generally good for the era.
IIHS Ratings:
Not readily available for 1998 model year specifically.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Traction Control System (ASR) available, particularly on quattro models.
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags optional on some trims.
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts, with pre-tensioners for front occupants.
Audio System:
Factory Audi Chorus or Concert radio with cassette and/or CD player. Optional Bose sound system.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic) with digital display.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Assist:
Not available on this model year.
Phone Integration:
Optional factory-installed mobile phone preparation with hands-free functionality, but limited by 1998 technology standards.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendations based on driving conditions).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for 2.8 V6 engines. Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) or 5-7 years. The 1.8T uses a timing chain. Consult manual for exact intervals.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) depending on plug type (e.g., platinum).
Engine Oil 1.8T:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic or SAE 0W-40 Synthetic. API SJ or higher. VW 502 00 Approved.
Engine Oil 2.8 V6:
SAE 5W-40 Synthetic or SAE 0W-40 Synthetic. API SJ or higher. VW 502 00 Approved.
Coolant:
G12 (Purple) or G12+ antifreeze mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). VW TL 774 C/D.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
G 005 000 (VW TL 726) or equivalent GL-4 synthetic gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
G 052 162 A1 (VW LT 71141) or equivalent ATF fluid.
Power Steering Fluid:
G 002 000 (VW TL 521 46) or CHF 11S.
Ignition Coil Failures:
Common on 1.8T models, leading to misfires and rough running.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Failure can cause intermittent stalling or no-start conditions.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Can fail, causing ABS warning lights and loss of ABS functionality.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic clips can break, preventing windows from operating.
Cv Joint Boots:
Can tear, leading to grease loss and eventual CV joint failure.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and O-ring seals can degrade and leak.
Brand Origin:
Germany, founded in 1910.
Brand Philosophy:
Engineering prowess, 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Advancement through Technology).
Generation:
First Generation (B5) Audi A4.
Introduction Year Generation:
Introduced in Europe in 1994, North America in late 1995 for the 1996 model year.
Design Influences:
Successor to the Audi 80/90, introduced a more modern design language and platform.
Production Location:
Ingolstadt, Germany.
Production Years Generation:
1994-2001 (Europe), 1995-2001 (North America).
