Positioning:
The 1999 Audi A8 and S8 represented Audi's flagship luxury sedan, competing directly with established European luxury marques. The A8L offered extended wheelbase for enhanced rear passenger comfort.
Competitors:
Primarily competed with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Jaguar XJ of the same era. Known for its advanced all-wheel-drive system (quattro) and understated luxury.
Features:
Aluminum space frame (ASF) construction for reduced weight and improved rigidity, quattro all-wheel-drive, available V8 and W12 engines (though W12 not typically in 1999 US models), luxurious interior appointments.
Mechanical Engine:
Detailed coverage of engine mechanical systems, including disassembly, inspection, and reassembly for various Audi V-configuration engines.
Transmission:
Comprehensive repair procedures for automatic transmissions, including torque converter, valve body, and internal components.
Brakes:
In-depth coverage of the hydraulic brake system, including ABS, EBD, brake caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, and brake fluid specifications.
Electrical:
Extensive electrical system coverage, including starter, alternator, battery, lighting, ignition, fuel injection, and comfort systems.
Body Frame:
Detailed instructions for interior and exterior bodywork, including panel removal, installation, door mechanisms, and trim components.
Suspension:
Coverage of front and rear suspension systems, including shock absorbers, control arms, springs, and alignment procedures.
Steering:
Detailed information on the power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, tie rod ends, and steering column adjustments.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.
Restraints:
Information pertaining to the airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, and associated control modules.
Audio Visual Telematics:
Coverage of the factory audio system, navigation, and telematics components.
Driveline Axle:
Repair and maintenance of the front and rear axles, driveshafts, and differential components.
Tire Wheels:
Specifications for tire sizes, wheel torque, and related components.
Lights:
Detailed schematics and repair procedures for interior and exterior lighting systems, including bulb types and replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Detailed procedures for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, and general servicing.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common and complex issues.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for removing and installing major and minor vehicle components.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools and interpreting fault codes across various vehicle systems.
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, crucial for troubleshooting electrical faults.
Emissions Control:
Information on emission control systems, catalytic converters, and related diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level technical information, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
Guidance on using VAG-COM or similar diagnostic tools for accessing ECU data, reading fault codes, and performing adaptations/coding.
Engine Options:
3.7L V8 (AAH/AKG), 4.2L V8 (ABZ/AKB/ART), 2.8L V6 (ACK/APR/AQD) - Note: Manual covers multiple engine variants, specific details for each would be within the manual.
Hp Torque:
Varies by engine. For example, the 4.2L V8 (ABZ) produced approximately 300 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Specific figures are detailed within the manual.
System Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection.
ECU:
Bosch Motronic electronic engine control unit (specific model number varies by engine).
Coolant Type:
G12 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent)
NHTSA Rating:
Specific NHTSA ratings for 1999 models are not readily available in a consolidated format, but generally considered safe for its era. Refer to manual for detailed safety system information.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Traction Control (ASR).
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, side airbags (standard or optional depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
System:
Audi Navigation System Plus (optional), CD player, AM/FM radio, premium sound system options (Bose).
Features:
Cruise control, parking sensors (optional), automatic climate control.
Phone:
Optional integrated car phone system.
Headlights:
Halogen or Xenon (HID) headlights (optional), automatic headlight range adjustment.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (check manual for specific engine and oil type recommendations).
Timing Belt:
For V6 and V8 engines with timing belts, the interval is typically around 60,000-100,000 miles. Check specific engine type in manual.
Engine Oil:
Varies by engine. Typically SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 specification. Manual will list exact requirements.
Coolant:
G12 ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix of coolant and distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Examples include: coolant leaks from metal coolant pipes, failing ABS sensors, transmission control module issues, worn suspension components (e.g., control arm bushings), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, and infotainment system glitches.
Filters:
Oil Filter: 078115561B (example, actual may vary by engine). Air Filter: 4B0129620A (example). Cabin Filter: 4B1819439 (example).