Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Turbocharger
Fuel Delivery V6:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection System (depending on market and year)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Base Engine:
5-speed Manual
Optional
Optional Transmission All Engines:
5-speed Tiptronic Automatic
Features
Quattro System Type:
Torsen Center Differential based permanent All-Wheel Drive
Tiptronic Functionality:
Allows manual selection of gears via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 052 171 A2 (or equivalent API GL-4 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 055 025 A2 (or equivalent ATF specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 4516 mm (177.8 in)
Width:
Approx. 1733 mm (68.2 in)
Height:
Approx. 1427 mm (56.2 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2613 mm (102.9 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1514 mm (59.6 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1504 mm (59.2 in)
Interior
Front Headroom:
Approx. 980 mm (38.6 in)
Rear Headroom:
Approx. 955 mm (37.6 in)
Front Legroom:
Approx. 1060 mm (41.7 in)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 820 mm (32.3 in)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 455 L (16.1 cu ft)
Trunk Volume Avant:
Approx. 400-700 L (14.1-24.7 cu ft) with seats up/down
Weights
Curb Weight 1 8T FWD:
Approx. 1390 kg (3064 lbs)
Curb Weight 2 8 Quattro:
Approx. 1550 kg (3417 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration, typically around 1900-2000 kg
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star driver, 4-star passenger (1998 model, may vary for later years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASR - Anti-Slip Regulation, often tied to ESP)
Electronic Stability Program:
Optional (ESP - Electronic Stability Program, often standard on V6/Quattro models in later years)
Passive Features
Airbags Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Optional:
Side airbags (front), Head curtain airbags (later models/optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners for all occupants
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) compatibility on rear seats
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Audi Gamma or Symphony CD/Radio systems, optional Bose sound system.
Navigation:
Optional Audi Navigation Plus system (late models).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Headlights:
Halogen headlights standard, Xenon HID headlights optional on some higher trims/later years.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Not available from factory; aftermarket solutions common.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available from factory; aftermarket solutions or specific CD changers.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, with synthetic oil.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 to 105,000 miles (96,000-168,000 km) or 5-7 years, depending on engine and original specification. Crucial for 1.8T and V6 engines.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, 30,000 miles (48,000 km) for standard plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40 (API SM/SN or newer, VW 502.00/505.00 compliant)
Engine Oil Capacity 1 8T:
Approx. 4.4 liters (4.6 US quarts)
Engine Oil Capacity V6:
Approx. 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if specified)
Power Steering Fluid:
G 002 000 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Known Issues
Common Issue 1 8T Coil Packs:
Ignition coil failures leading to misfires, rough idle, and check engine lights.
Common Issue ABS Sensor:
ABS speed sensor failures causing ABS and traction control warning lights.
Common Issue Window Regulator:
Failing window regulators, particularly on front doors.
Common Issue Suspension Components:
Wear on control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and CV boots, leading to clunks and steering looseness.
Common Issue Oil Leaks:
Leaking valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, and camshaft seals.
Common Issue Flocculating Oil Cooler Lines:
Degradation and leakage of oil cooler lines on some automatic transmission models.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Audi Heritage:
Audi AG, a German automobile manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence and innovation, particularly in quattro all-wheel-drive technology.
Model Evolution
A4 B5 Introduction:
The B5 generation Audi A4 succeeded the Audi 80/90 and was introduced in 1994 (Europe) and 1995 (North America). It represented a significant shift in design language and technology for Audi.
B5 Facelift:
A facelift occurred for the 1999 model year, featuring revised exterior styling (headlights, taillights, grille, bumpers) and interior updates.
Performance Variants:
Introduced the S4 variant (B5 S4) in 1997-2001, featuring a 2.7L biturbo V6 engine and more aggressive styling.
Production
Production Years:
1994-2001 (B5 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Ingolstadt, Germany; Brussels, Belgium; and other Audi/VW assembly plants.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997 and 1998.
Road And Track Best:
Recognized by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality.
Ratings
Overall Reliability Perception:
Generally good, though prone to certain age-related electronic and mechanical issues as detailed in known issues.
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