🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Audi Model: A4 (B5 Platform) Generation: B5 Model Years Covered: 1997-2001 Codes Platform Code: B5 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Entry-level luxury compact executive car Target Audience: Discerning car owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts seeking in-depth knowledge. Competitive Analysis Competitors: BMW 3 Series (E36/E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Lexus IS200/IS300, Volvo S40/S60 Key Features Platform Strength: Known for its solid chassis, refined interior, and available quattro AWD system, offering a blend of performance and comfort. Engine Options: Featured a range of turbocharged 4-cylinder and naturally aspirated V6 engines, appealing to different driving preferences. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Workshop Service & Repair Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (typically 1000+ pages for full workshop manuals) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: All engine variants: 1.8L Turbo (APU, ARK, AWM), 2.8L V6 (AFC, ACK, AHL, AMX, APR, AQD, ATX, AXT, BBG) Engine Management: Fuel injection systems, ignition systems, emission control systems, ECU diagnostics Transmission Manual: 5-speed and 6-speed manual transmissions (e.g., 01A, 01E) Transmission Automatic: Tiptronic automatic transmissions (e.g., 01V) Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD) and quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) systems, differentials, drive shafts, CV joints Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, wheel bearings Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS, EBD, brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake line bleeding Electrical System: 12V battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement Body And Interior: Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, seats, door mechanisms, glass replacement Chassis: Chassis lubrication, structural components Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant checks, brake fluid flushes Scheduled Maintenance: Timing belt replacement (1.8T), accessory belt inspection/replacement, fluid change intervals Engine Repair: Engine overhauls, cylinder head removal/installation, piston/ring replacement, valve servicing Transmission Repair: Transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, torque converter service Suspension Repair: Component replacement, alignment procedures, shock absorber installation Brake Service: Brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS system diagnostics Electrical Diagnostics: Troubleshooting electrical faults, reading wiring diagrams, component testing Troubleshooting: Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics. Diagnostic Codes: OBD-II code explanations and troubleshooting procedures Torque Specifications: Detailed torque values for all critical fasteners Schematics: Detailed wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, and hydraulic schematics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Searchability: Typically text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific topics Printability: Printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual Print Quality Image Clarity: High-resolution diagrams and illustrations for clarity Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 1.8T Engine (E.G., Apu, Ark, Awm): 1.8L Inline-4, DOHC, 20 Valves, Turbocharged 1.8T Horsepower: 150-180 hp (depending on year and specific engine code) 1.8T Torque: 155-207 lb-ft (depending on year and specific engine code) Secondary Engine 2.8L V6 Engine (E.G., Ack, Apq, Amx): 2.8L V6, DOHC, 30 Valves, Naturally Aspirated 2.8L V6 Horsepower: 190-200 hp 2.8L V6 Torque: 207-207 lb-ft Performance Acceleration 0 60 Mph: Approx. 7.5-9.5 seconds (depending on engine and drivetrain) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Motronic Engine Management Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended) 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 5-speed Manual (e.g., 01A) Optional Automatic Transmission: 5-speed Tiptronic Automatic (e.g., 01V) Features Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm) Length: Approx. 178.4 inches (4531 mm) Width: Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm) Height: Approx. 55.8 inches (1417 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1400-1550 kg), depending on configuration 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver: 4/5 Stars (1999 model year) NHTSA Front Passenger: 5/5 Stars (1999 model year) Active Features Traction Control: Available (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation) Stability Control: Not widely available on this generation ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory AM/FM/CD player with premium Audi Sound System options available, including Bose speakers. Navigation: Optional factory navigation system (Chorus, Concert, Symphony head units). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional integrated hands-free phone preparation systems in later models. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil. Timing Belt Replacement 1.8T: Every 60,000 to 70,000 miles (96,000 to 112,000 km) or 5 years. This is a critical maintenance item...
Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or quattro All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 102.7 inches (2609 mm)
Length:
Approx. 178.4 inches (4531 mm)
Width:
Approx. 69.7 inches (1770 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.8 inches (1417 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100-3400 lbs (1400-1550 kg), depending on configuration
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver:
4/5 Stars (1999 model year)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
5/5 Stars (1999 model year)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Available (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation)
Stability Control:
Not widely available on this generation
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD player with premium Audi Sound System options available, including Bose speakers.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (Chorus, Concert, Symphony head units).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional integrated hands-free phone preparation systems in later models.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000 to 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Replacement 1.8T:
Every 60,000 to 70,000 miles (96,000 to 112,000 km) or 5 years. This is a critical maintenance item to prevent catastrophic engine damage.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Typically 'lifetime' fill but periodic inspection and fluid change is recommended. Automatic: Check manufacturer recommendation, often every 30,000-60,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic (VW 502.00 or 503.00 approved)
Coolant Type:
G12 or G12+ (Pink) Antifreeze/Coolant concentrate (VW TL 774-C or F)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Transmission Fluid Manual:
G 052 171 A1 or equivalent manual transmission fluid
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
G 055 025 A2 or equivalent ATF fluid for 5-speed Tiptronic (check specific application)
Known Issues
Ignition Coils:
Coil-on-plug ignition systems (on many 1.8T and some V6) are prone to failure, leading to misfires.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and cam tensioner seals are common sources of oil leaks.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends wear out due to road conditions and age.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms are known to break.
ABS Sensors:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, triggering ABS and traction control warning lights.
Thermostat Housing:
Plastic thermostat housings can crack and leak coolant.
Timing Belt Tensioner 1.8T:
While the belt itself needs replacement, the tensioner and idler pulleys are also critical components that should be replaced simultaneously.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
Audi, part of the Volkswagen Group, is known for its 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Progress through Technology) philosophy, emphasizing advanced engineering and design.
Model Evolution
B5 Introduction:
The B5 generation Audi A4 was introduced in 1994 (Europe) and 1995 (North America) as a successor to the Audi 80/90. It marked Audi's return to rear-wheel-drive bias for its sedan lineup, with quattro AWD as a key option.
B5 Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 1999 model year (as a 2000 model year in North America), featuring redesigned headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior trim, along with updated engines and transmissions.
Production
Production Period:
1994-2001 (B5 generation worldwide)
Manufacturing Locations:
Ingolstadt, Germany; also assembled in other VW Group facilities.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The Audi A4 (B5) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list in the mid-to-late 1990s, recognized for its driving dynamics and luxury feel.