🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

A4 / S4 / RS4 Avant

Model Code:

8E / 8E2 / 8E5 / 8EC / 8ED

Year:

2003

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Car / Sports Sedan & Wagon

Target Audience:

Performance-oriented luxury car buyers, enthusiasts, and professional automotive repair shops.

Key Competitors:

BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS

Segment Distinction:

The S4 and RS4 variants offered significantly higher performance and exclusive tuning compared to standard A4 models, often featuring V8 engines and advanced Quattro all-wheel-drive systems.

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on the S4 and RS4 performance variants, highlighting their enhanced engines and dynamic capabilities.

Comprehensive Coverage:

Extremely high page count indicates thorough coverage of all aspects of the vehicle's maintenance and repair.

Official Documentation:

Marketed as the 'most COMPLETED and OFFICIAL, full factory service repair manual', implying dealership-level accuracy and detail.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Factory Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

Delivery Method:

Instant Download

Printability:

Yes

Searchability:

Fully Searchable

Compatibility:

Windows and Mac

Software Requirements:

Adobe PDF Reader, WinRAR

Page Count:

14329

📖 Manual Coverage

General Information:

Includes vehicle identification, service precautions, torque specifications, and general procedures.

Accessories Equipment:

Covers installation, diagnostics, and repair of various accessories and aftermarket equipment.

Audio Visual Telematics:

Detailed information on infotainment systems, navigation, audio components, and telematics units.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of hydraulic and electronic brake systems, including ABS, EBD, and ESP.

Driveline Axle:

Covers front and rear axle assemblies, driveshafts, CV joints, and differential systems.

Electrical:

Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical architecture, including battery, charging system, and starting system.

Lights:

Details on exterior lighting (headlights, taillights, fog lamps) and interior lighting, including bulb types and diagnostics.

Restraints:

Information on airbags, seatbelts, pre-tensioners, and related control modules.

Steering:

Covers hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, and related components.

Suspension:

Detailed coverage of front and rear suspension systems, including components like control arms, shock absorbers, and springs.

Body Frame Interior Exterior:

Includes body panel removal and installation, structural components, interior trim, and weatherstripping.

Mechanical Engine:

Comprehensive engine repair procedures, including disassembly, assembly, timing, and component replacement.

Transmission:

Covers both manual and automatic transmission repair, diagnostics, and fluid specifications.

Tire Wheels:

Information on tire pressure monitoring systems, wheel alignment, and tire/wheel specifications.

HVAC:

Detailed coverage of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, including refrigerant handling and component diagnostics.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive and detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

Preventative Maintenance:

Includes scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, and inspections.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex issues.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for removing, installing, and adjusting all major vehicle components.

Engine Rebuild:

Comprehensive guidance for engine disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly.

Transmission Service:

Procedures for transmission fluid service, clutch replacement, and internal transmission repairs.

Electrical System Repair:

Guidance on diagnosing and repairing wiring faults, sensor issues, and module malfunctions.

Brake System Service:

Instructions for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, and bleeding brake systems.

Suspension Alignment:

Procedures for suspension component replacement and wheel alignment specifications.

Body Work Repair:

Guidelines for body panel repair, dent removal, and interior component servicing.

HVAC System Diagnostics:

Procedures for diagnosing and repairing HVAC system malfunctions, including refrigerant charging.

Depth:

Factory-level technical information suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.

Scope:

Covers everything from routine maintenance and diagnostics to complete mechanical and electrical system overhauls.

Detail Level:

Includes torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and component testing procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

File Quality:

High-resolution, printable quality

Search Functionality:

Full text search enabled for quick access to information

Printability:

Print any page or the entire manual

Binding:

Digital (PDF)

Paper Format:

Digital document (printable to standard paper sizes)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code S4:

BBK (4.2L V8)

Engine Displacement S4:

4.2 liters (4163 cc)

Engine Configuration S4:

V8, 32 valves, DOHC

Horsepower S4:

340 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque S4:

317 lb-ft (430 Nm) @ 3600 rpm

Fuel System S4:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Engine Code Rs4:

BRV (4.2L V8 Bi-Turbo) - *Note: The 2003 model year typically refers to the B6 generation S4. The B7 RS4 (2006-2008) featured the Bi-Turbo V8. This manual likely covers the B6 S4 variant which shares the platform with the standard A4 (B6). If it explicitly covers the RS4 designation for 2003, it would refer to a specific or early RS4 model not commonly produced in 2003 in the B6 chassis, or an error in the product description referring to a later RS4 generation.*

Engine Compression Ratio S4:

11.0:1

Engine Cooling System:

Liquid-cooled

Engine Oil Type S4:

SAE 0W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (API SJ or higher)

Engine Oil Capacity S4:

8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type S4:

6-speed Manual Transaxle

Transmission Type S4 Optional:

6-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transaxle

Drivetrain:

Audi quattro permanent all-wheel drive

Clutch Type Manual:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate

Transmission Fluid Manual S4:

VW G 052 171 A2 (or equivalent 75W-90 GL-4)

Transmission Fluid Automatic S4:

G 055 025 (LT 71141) or equivalent ATF

📐 Dimensions

Length Avant B6:

4570 mm (179.9 in)

Width Avant B6:

1766 mm (69.5 in)

Height Avant B6:

1457 mm (57.4 in)

Wheelbase B6:

2640 mm (103.9 in)

Curb Weight S4 Avant Manual:

1715 kg (3781 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating S4 Avant:

2300 kg (5071 lbs)

Cargo Volume Avant:

455 liters (16.1 cu ft) with rear seats up, expandable

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (for B6 A4 sedan, Avant may vary slightly)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for B6 A4 sedan, Avant may vary slightly)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Esp:

Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASR)

Airbags:

Front, side, and optional head curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front belt tensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

ISOFIX child seat mounting points

💡 Technology Features

Navigation System:

Optional Audi Navigation Plus system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.

Parking Sensors:

Optional front and rear parking sensors (Audi Parking System).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Consult manual for specific Audi recommendations.

Spark Plug Replacement S4:

Refer to manual, often around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type.

Timing Belt Chain S4:

The 4.2L V8 uses a timing chain system, which generally requires inspection and occasional tensioner/guide replacement rather than a scheduled belt replacement.

Coolant Type:

G12 Plus or G12++ Antifreeze/Coolant (VW TL 774 J/F)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

G 002 000 or G 004 000 M2 (Pentosin CHF 11 S or similar)

Ignition Coils:

Premature failure of ignition coils is a common issue, leading to misfires.

Cam Phasers:

Wear in cam phaser mechanisms can cause rough idling and diagnostic trouble codes related to camshaft timing.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gaskets and oil cooler seals can develop leaks over time.

Suspension Components:

Wear in control arm bushings and ball joints can lead to premature tire wear and steering looseness.

E.G.R. Valve:

Clogging of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve can affect engine performance and emissions.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Philosophy:

Audi is known for its pioneering use of quattro all-wheel-drive, advanced engineering, and sophisticated design, often positioned as a premium European brand.

A4 Generation:

The B6 generation A4 was introduced in late 2000, replacing the B5. The S4 variant, particularly the B6 S4, was a significant performance upgrade with its V8 engine.

S4 Performance Line:

The S4 designation has historically represented Audi's sportier, higher-performance versions of its core models, often featuring upgraded engines, chassis tuning, and styling.

Rs4 Super Sport:

The RS (RennSport) models are the pinnacle of Audi's performance line, offering track-inspired engineering. The B7 RS4 (2006-2008) is renowned for its naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 FSI engine with a high redline and significantly more power.

Platform:

Volkswagen Group B6 Platform

Manufacturing Location:

Ingolstadt, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The B6 generation A4 and S4 were frequently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during their production years for their performance and handling.

Ward Best Engines:

Audi's V8 engines, including variants of the 4.2L used in the S4, have been recipients of Ward's 10 Best Engines awards.