🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Audi

Model:

S6

Model Variant:

C4 Chassis (Sedan/Avant)

Year:

1998-2004

Chassis Code:

C4

Paint Code Location Reference:

Covered in catalog (refer to PAINT CODE LOCATION)

Clear Coat Identification Reference:

Covered in catalog (refer to CLEAR COAT IDENTIFICATION)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Luxury Performance Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Audi S6 owners (1998-2004) seeking accurate parts information, DIY repair enthusiasts, and independent workshops.

Competitors:

BMW M5 (E39), Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W210), Porsche Panamera (later models).

Performance Focus:

The S6 variant of the Audi A6 (C4) was positioned as the high-performance flagship, featuring a larger displacement V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension.

Parts Catalog Utility:

Provides essential data for maintaining and repairing a specific performance model, crucial for its longevity and value retention.

📋 Manual Details

General:

Comprehensive parts list and labor hour estimates for 1998-2004 Audi S6.

Specific Sections:

Special Cautions, Engine Transmission Mounts, Paint Code Location, Engine Under Cover, Clear Coat Identification, Air Cleaner, Information Labels, Exhaust, Front Bumper, Emission System, Grille, Electrical (excluding wiring diagrams), Front Lamps, Windshield, Hood, Cowl & Dash, Cooling, Instrument Panel, Engine Oil Cooler, Center Console, A/C Refrigerant Capacities, Rocker/Pillars/Floor, A/C Heater/Ventilation, Front Seat, Front Fender, Rear Seat, Underhood Dimensions, Seat Belts, Front Inner Structure, Front Door, Air Bag System, Roof, ABS/Brakes, Sunroof, Cruise Control System, Back Window, Wheel, Quarter Panel, Front Suspension, Quarter Glass, Front Drive Axle, Luggage Lid, Front Steering Linkage/Gear, Rear Suspension, Steering Pump, Fuel Tank, Steering Wheel/Column, Rear Body, Engine/Transmission (excluding internal parts), Rear Lamps, Rear Bumper.

Estimate:

Estimated 300-600 pages (typical for a parts catalog of this scope, actual not provided).

Type:

Parts List Catalog

Purpose:

Identify part numbers, prices, and labor hours for repairs.

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Externals:

Engine mounts, transmission mounts, air cleaner assembly, exhaust system components, engine under cover, engine oil cooler.

Chassis Suspension Steering:

Front suspension components, rear suspension components, front drive axle, front steering linkage, steering pump, steering wheel/column, wheels.

Body Exterior:

Front bumper, grille, front lamps, windshield, hood, front fender, front inner structure, front door, roof, sunroof, back window, quarter panel, quarter glass, luggage lid, rear bumper, rear body panels, rear lamps.

Interior:

Center console, instrument panel components, front seat, rear seat, seat belts, cowl & dash components.

Brakes Safety:

ABS components (excluding internal hydraulic control units unless specified), air bag system components.

Cooling Climate:

Cooling system components, A/C refrigerant capacities, A/C heater/ventilation system components.

Fuel Emissions:

Fuel tank, emission system components.

Electrical Accessories:

Front lamps, rear lamps, cruise control system components (excluding complex wiring).

Parts Identification:

Identification of all replaceable parts with corresponding Audi part numbers.

Pricing Information:

List prices for individual parts (may be outdated but provides reference).

Labor Estimation:

Labor hours required for various repair and replacement operations as performed in a professional shop.

Ordering Guidance:

Facilitates accurate ordering of necessary replacement parts for DIY repairs.

Depth:

Parts catalog level. Focuses on part identification, interchangeability (where applicable within the model range), and labor times. Does not provide step-by-step repair instructions or diagnostic procedures.

Diagnostic Scope:

Limited to identifying parts that may be faulty based on their function, not diagnostic routines.

Repair Scope:

Enables procurement of parts for repair but does not detail the repair process itself.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Typically searchable if the PDF is text-based (OCR'd) or natively generated.

Printable:

Yes, PDF format allows for printing of individual pages or sections.

Quality:

Dependent on the source PDF. Generally expected to be clear for text and part diagrams.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Type:

Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement Liters:

4.2 L

Engine Code Families:

AEC, ABH (common V8 engines for this era Audi).

Horsepower Hp:

~322 hp (at 6,500 rpm) for the 4.2L V8.

Torque Lb Ft:

~302 lb-ft (at 3,500 rpm) for the 4.2L V8.

Type:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Octane Requirement:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Automatic Tiptronic Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (less common in North America).

Drivetrain:

Quattro All-Wheel Drive System (standard)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan In:

~196.7 inches

Width In:

~71.3 inches

Height Sedan In:

~55.8 inches

Curb Weight Lbs:

~3,800 - 4,000 lbs (depending on body style and options).

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

Not rated for this specific model year/variant, but typical for the era.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) or Traction Control (ASR) often included.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, potentially side airbags (check specific vehicle configuration).

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioning seat belts with force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Premium Audi sound systems, often with cassette and CD players. Navigation systems were optional and rudimentary by modern standards.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors were an available option on later models or trims.

Phone Integration:

Optional integrated cellular phone systems (primitive).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually, using synthetic oil. (Refer to specific vehicle owner's manual for exact interval).

Timing Belt:

If applicable to the specific engine variant, replacement is critical, often around 60,000-100,000 miles. The V8 in the S6 typically uses a timing chain system, which is generally considered more durable but requires periodic inspection and tensioner checks.

Engine Oil:

Refer to the catalog's 'A/C REFRIGERANT CAPACITIES' section, or commonly 5W-40 or 0W-40 synthetic oil. Specific Audi approval codes are important (e.g., VW 502 00 / 505 00).

Coolant:

G12 or G12+ antifreeze. Capacity approx. 8.0-9.5 liters. (Catalog likely specifies correct type and capacity).

Transmission Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent for automatic transmission; Gear oil (e.g., GL-4 or GL-5) for manual transmission and differentials. (Catalog will have specific PN).

Power Steering Fluid:

Typically Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent. (Catalog will specify).

Ignition System:

Coil pack failures, spark plug issues are common on V8 engines of this era.

Suspension Components:

Wear on control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rods due to weight and performance driving.

Exhaust System:

Corrosion and leaks in the exhaust system, particularly mufflers and catalytic converters.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant flange failures, radiator leaks, and thermostat issues are not uncommon.

Cv Boots:

Tearing of front CV joint boots leading to joint failure.

Window Regulators:

Failure of power window regulators.

📚 Vehicle History

Audi Performance Legacy:

Audi has a long history of performance vehicles, dating back to its Auto Union heritage and later with the Quattro rally cars and road-going performance models.

C4 Generation:

The C4 platform (Audi 100/A6) ran from 1990-1997 globally, with significant updates. The S6 model was introduced as a high-performance variant within this generation, succeeding the 200. The 1998-2004 timeframe likely refers to the C5 generation Audi A6/S6, but the description specifically mentions the '1998-2004 AUDI S6 Parts List Catalog' and covers parts typical of the C4 S6 (e.g., 4.2 V8). This implies the catalog may span the end of the C4 S6 and the beginning of the C5 S6, or focus on the last iteration of the C4 S6 available in some markets until 1997/1998. For clarity, this analysis assumes the catalog's primary focus is the C4 S6's componentry as detailed in its listed sections.

Production Years C4 S6:

1994-1997 (globally for C4 S6).

Manufacturing Location:

Neckarsulm, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Performance Acclaim:

While specific awards for the 1998-2004 S6 might be difficult to pinpoint, the C4/C5 Audi platforms were generally well-regarded for their build quality, comfort, and the effectiveness of the Quattro AWD system.

Car And Driver Comparisons:

Audi models of this era often appeared in comparison tests, lauded for their unique styling and Quattro grip, though sometimes criticized for transmission behavior compared to German rivals.