Positioning:
Premium luxury sedan, competing with Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class, BMW E38 7 Series, Lexus LS400.
Manual Advantage:
Officially licensed, OE-derived data, convenient online access, detailed procedures.
Vehicle Usp:
Advanced aluminum space frame construction (ASF), quattro AWD, luxurious interior, refined ride quality.
Engine:
Complete engine systems, including V8 and W12 variants, diagnostics, repair, and overhaul procedures.
Drivetrain:
Tiptronic automatic transmission, quattro all-wheel drive system, differentials, drive axles, and CV joints.
Brakes:
Hydraulic and electronic brake systems, ABS, EBD, brake disc and pad replacement, caliper service, fluid flush and bleed.
Suspension Steering:
Independent suspension systems (front and rear), shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, power steering system, steering rack.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, seats, alarm system, central locking.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control system, refrigerant handling, A/C compressor, evaporator, condenser, heater core, blower motor.
Body Interior:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, airbags, seat adjustment, sunroof operation.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid level checks, belt inspection and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, error code interpretation, system specific fault finding guides.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component replacement and reassembly.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, engine control unit (ECU) analysis, sensor testing, actuator testing.
Engine Overhaul:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), and reassembly.
Transmission Rebuild:
Step-by-step guides for automatic transmission overhaul, including clutch pack replacement, valve body service, and torque converter repair.
Electrical Diagnostics:
In-depth wiring diagrams for all circuits, diagnostic flowcharts, and troubleshooting guides for electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors.
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to advanced component overhaul and diagnostics.
Engine Code:
AEW (4.2L V8)
Displacement:
4172 cc (4.2 Liters)
Configuration:
V8, 32-valve (4 valves per cylinder)
Bore X Stroke:
84.5 mm x 93.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.8:1
Horsepower:
300 PS (296 hp / 221 kW) at 6000 rpm
Torque:
400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Bosch Motronic M 5.9.2 multi-point fuel injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher)
W12 Option:
Optional 6.0L W12 engine (D2 generation, D2 facelift model, 1999 would typically refer to the earlier D2 which did not have the W12. However, for completeness of the generation, it's worth noting for later models.)
Crash Test Results:
Specific NHTSA/IIHS ratings for 1999 model not readily available in product description. Generally, the D2 A8 was considered a very safe vehicle due to its structure.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Traction Control (ASR)
Airbags:
Standard front airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Audio System:
Premium Audi Symphony audio system with CD player and cassette deck, optional Bose sound system.
Navigation:
Optional Audi Navigation System (RNS) with GPS functionality.
Parking Sensors:
Optional front and rear parking sensors (Parktronic).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Xenon Headlights:
Optional Xenon HID headlights for improved nighttime visibility.
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated car phone system or Bluetooth preparation (less common on early 1999 models).
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 1 year, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Timing Belt:
The 4.2L V8 uses a timing chain, not a belt, requiring less frequent service but still periodic inspection.
Transmission Fluid:
Audi recommended 'lifetime' fluid for the Tiptronic transmission, but many specialists recommend replacement every 60,000-100,000 km (40,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol Syntec or equivalent meeting VW 502 00 specification)
Coolant:
G 12 or G 12 Plus (G 012 A8D1 or G 013 A8D1 - pink/purple coolant), 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent G 002 000.
Common Problems:
Variable intake manifold runners (can cause rough idle/poor performance), ignition coil failures, catalytic converter issues, headlight leveling system faults, coolant flange leaks, ABS sensor failures.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular inspection of the aluminum space frame for corrosion, diligent fluid changes, and attention to the complex electrical systems are crucial for longevity.