🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Audi Model: A4 Platform Code: B5 Model Year: 1999 Generation Generation Code: B5 (Typ 8D) Generation Years: 1994-2001 (Europe), 1996-2001 (North America) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon Target Audience: Drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and German engineering. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: BMW 3 Series (E46), Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Volvo S40/V40, Saab 9-3. Key Features Platform Strengths: Renowned for its sophisticated multi-link front suspension, available quattro all-wheel drive, and refined interior. Design Era: Represents a transition in Audi's design language, featuring clean lines and a more substantial presence than its predecessors. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Audi B5 Platform (including A4, S4) Specific Model Year Focus: 1999 Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2500 (Typical for comprehensive service manuals of this era) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF File Format: PDF Print Quality: High-resolution, printable pages. Binding Type: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline and diesel engines offered in the B5 platform. Engine Management: ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection, ignition systems, emission controls. Transmission: Manual (5-speed, 6-speed for S4) and Automatic (Tiptronic) transmission overhaul, repair, and clutch replacement. Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive, quattro all-wheel drive system (center differential, rear differential, CV joints, driveshafts). Suspension: Front independent suspension (multi-link), rear independent suspension (multi-link/trapezoidal link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings. Steering: Power-assisted rack and pinion steering system, steering rack, pump, hoses, alignment procedures. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes (solid/ventilated), ABS system (diagnosis, components), brake fluid flush and replacement, caliper and rotor service. Electrical: Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, lighting systems, starter, alternator, battery, power windows, central locking. Bodywork: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, trunk, hood, bumper repair, corrosion protection. HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser. Interior: Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement, airbag system safety precautions. Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotations. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon issues. Repair: Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all major systems. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures. Diagnostics: OBD-II system access and interpretation, specific diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor data analysis. Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Diagnostic Tools: Details on required specialized tools and diagnostic equipment (e.g., VAG-COM/VCDS compatibility discussed). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Codes 1999: AEB (1.8T), ADR/AGN (2.8 V6), AHL/ARM/APG (1.8 naturally aspirated), AJM (1.9 TDI) Engine Variants 1.8L Turbocharged (1.8T): 1781cc, DOHC, 20 valves, turbocharged inline-4. Power: 150 hp @ 5700 rpm, Torque: 155 lb-ft @ 1770-4600 rpm (AEB code). 2.8L V6: 2771cc, DOHC, 30 valves, naturally aspirated V6. Power: 190 hp @ 6000 rpm, Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (ACK/APR/AHA codes). 1.9L Tdi (Diesel): 1896cc, SOHC, 8 valves, turbocharged direct injection diesel inline-4. Power: 110 hp @ 4000 rpm, Torque: 184 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm (AHH/AJM codes). Performance 0-60 Mph 1.8T Quattro: Approx. 8.1 seconds 0-60 Mph 2.8 V6 Quattro: Approx. 7.3 seconds Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Direct Injection (TDI for diesel). Fuel Type: Unleaded gasoline (91+ octane recommended for 1.8T, 87+ for V6), Diesel fuel. 🔧 Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 5-speed manual (standard on most A4 models). Optional Automatic Transmission: 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (optional on A4, standard on some S4 variants). 6-Speed Manual S4: 6-speed manual transmission (standard on S4). Features Drivetrain Options: Front-wheel drive (FWD) or quattro permanent all-wheel drive (AWD). Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: G 005 292 (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil). Automatic Transmission Fluid: G 052 162 A1/A2 (or equivalent ATF fluid approved for ZF 5HP19FL/FA). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 4516 mm (177.8 in) Sedan, 4575 mm (180.1 in) Avant Width: 1765 mm (69.5 in) Height: 1423 mm (56.0 in) Sedan, 1448 mm (57.0 in) Avant Weights Curb Weight 1.8T FWD: Approx. 1420 kg (3130 lbs) Curb Weight 2.8 Quattro: Approx. 1580 kg (3483 lbs) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Driver: 4/5 stars (1999 model year ratings may vary). NHTSA Front Passenger: 4/5 stars (1999 model year ratings may vary). Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Traction Control: Available Traction Control System (TCS) or integrated with ESP on some models. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags available. Seatbelts: Front and rear 3-point seat belts with pretensioners. Child Seat Anchors: ISOFIX (LATCH) compatible child seat anchors. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player. Audi Symphony or Concert premium sound systems available with amplifier and subwoofer. Navigation: Optional factory navigation...
Manual (5-speed, 6-speed for S4) and Automatic (Tiptronic) transmission overhaul, repair, and clutch replacement.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive, quattro all-wheel drive system (center differential, rear differential, CV joints, driveshafts).
Suspension:
Front independent suspension (multi-link), rear independent suspension (multi-link/trapezoidal link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings.
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for gasoline engines, Direct Injection (TDI for diesel).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91+ octane recommended for 1.8T, 87+ for V6), Diesel fuel.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual (standard on most A4 models).
Optional
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission (optional on A4, standard on some S4 variants).
6-Speed Manual S4:
6-speed manual transmission (standard on S4).
Features
Drivetrain Options:
Front-wheel drive (FWD) or quattro permanent all-wheel drive (AWD).
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
G 005 292 (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil).
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
G 052 162 A1/A2 (or equivalent ATF fluid approved for ZF 5HP19FL/FA).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
4516 mm (177.8 in) Sedan, 4575 mm (180.1 in) Avant
Width:
1765 mm (69.5 in)
Height:
1423 mm (56.0 in) Sedan, 1448 mm (57.0 in) Avant
Weights
Curb Weight 1.8T FWD:
Approx. 1420 kg (3130 lbs)
Curb Weight 2.8 Quattro:
Approx. 1580 kg (3483 lbs)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Driver:
4/5 stars (1999 model year ratings may vary).
NHTSA Front Passenger:
4/5 stars (1999 model year ratings may vary).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS) or integrated with ESP on some models.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Optional side airbags available.
Seatbelts:
Front and rear 3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) compatible child seat anchors.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM radio with cassette player. Optional CD player. Audi Symphony or Concert premium sound systems available with amplifier and subwoofer.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available on higher trims or as an aftermarket addition.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Connectivity
Telematics:
Limited built-in telematics by modern standards; primarily focused on core vehicle functions.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil specification.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended every 90,000-105,000 miles (145,000-170,000 km) for gasoline engines (especially 1.8T and 2.8 V6). Diesel engines typically use a timing chain.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Not typically a scheduled replacement but inspected. Automatic: 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil 1.8T:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic, meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification. Capacity: 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts) with filter.
Engine Oil 2.8 V6:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic, meeting VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification. Capacity: 5.5 liters (5.8 US quarts) with filter.
Coolant:
G 12 (Pink) or G 12+ (Purple) coolant concentrate mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4. Capacity: Approx. 1 liter.
Known Issues
Common Problem 1.8T Coil Packs:
Failure of ignition coil packs leading to misfires and rough running. Often resolved by replacing individual coils.
Common Problem ABS Sensor:
ABS wheel speed sensor failures causing ABS warning lights and loss of ABS functionality.
Common Problem Cv Joints:
Wear and tear on front and rear CV joint boots leading to grease leakage and eventual joint failure, often characterized by clicking noises during turns.
Common Problem Suspension Bushings:
Degradation of rubber suspension bushings (control arms, sway bars) leading to clunks, imprecise handling, and uneven tire wear.
Common Problem Climate Control Flaps:
Failure of internal blend door actuators within the HVAC system, resulting in loss of temperature control or improper airflow distribution.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Audi Legacy:
Audi, a German manufacturer with a history dating back to the early 20th century, known for its 'Vorsprung durch Technik' (Progress through Technology) philosophy.
Model Evolution
A4 B5 Introduction:
The B5 generation A4 replaced the Audi 80/90 and was introduced in Europe in 1994, with North American sales commencing in 1996. It marked a significant design and engineering step forward for Audi.
B5 Facelift:
A mild facelift occurred for the 2000 model year (often referred to as the B5.5), with subtle styling updates and minor mechanical revisions. The 1999 model year represents the pre-facelift version.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Ingolstadt, Germany, and Brussels, Belgium.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
The Audi A4 (B5) was frequently recognized by automotive publications like Car and Driver for its driving dynamics, quattro system, and upscale feel.
Automotive Journalism Awards:
Often praised for its handling and build quality, contributing to Audi's growing reputation in the luxury segment.
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