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Introduction
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Market Position
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Market Position:
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The Audi 90 was positioned as Audi's premium compact executive sedan, competing with models like the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz 190. It emphasized Quattro all-wheel drive, refined interior, and robust build quality.
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Target Demographic:
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Professional individuals and families seeking a blend of European luxury, performance, and all-weather capability.
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Competitive Analysis
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Competitive Analysis:
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Competed directly with German luxury marques, offering a blend of performance and luxury. Its sophisticated Quattro system and inline-five engine set it apart from many contemporaries. This manual provides the depth needed to maintain these advanced systems.
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Key Features
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Key Features:
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The 1994 Audi 90 represented the zenith of the B3 platform, offering advanced Quattro all-wheel drive, a range of potent inline-five engines, and a luxurious, well-appointed interior. This manual is essential for owners and technicians servicing this sophisticated vehicle.
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Manual Coverage
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Systems Covered
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Systems Covered:
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Engine, Drivetrain (FWD/Quattro AWD), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, HVAC, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), Body Control Modules, Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Immobilizer (if applicable for the year), Audio System, and more.
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Chassis And Suspension:
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Front MacPherson struts, rear independent suspension (often semi-trailing arms), steering rack overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, wheel bearing replacement.
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Body And Interior:
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Door panel removal, headliner replacement, seat repair, bumper cover replacement, rust diagnosis and repair techniques.
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Electrical Schematics:
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Comprehensive, clearly labeled wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine management, lighting, comfort, and safety features.
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Procedures Included
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Procedures Included:
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Routine maintenance, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions for all major components, component removal and installation, specifications and torque values, exploded views, and overhaul procedures.
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Diagnostic Procedures:
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Troubleshooting charts for common drivability issues, starting problems, electrical faults, and HVAC malfunctions. OBD-I diagnostic codes and interpretation.
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Special Tools:
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Lists and diagrams of necessary special tools required for specific repair procedures unique to Audi vehicles of this era.
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Technical Depth
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Technical Depth:
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Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body panel repairs.
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Engine Rebuilding:
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Complete engine overhaul procedures, including piston ring replacement, bearing replacement, cylinder head gasket replacement, and camshaft installation.
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Transmission Overhaul:
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Detailed steps for manual gearbox synchronization ring replacement, clutch replacement, and automatic transmission component overhaul (e.g., valve body repair).
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Transmission
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Standard
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Standard Transmission:
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5-Speed Manual
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Optional
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Optional Transmission:
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4-Speed Automatic (Tiptronic)
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Features
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Drive Type:
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Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) standard, Torsen Center Differential Quattro All-Wheel Drive optional.
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Fluid Type
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Automatic Transmission Fluid:
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G 052 162 A1 (or equivalent)
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Manual Transmission Fluid:
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G 052 171 A2 (or equivalent, e.g., 75W-90 GL-5)
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Gear Ratios
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5 Speed Manual Gear Ratios:
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Refer to manual for specific ratios; generally geared for a balance of acceleration and highway cruising.
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4 Speed Automatic Gear Ratios:
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Refer to manual for specific ratios; designed for smooth power delivery.
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Safety Features
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Ratings
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Crash Test Ratings:
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Not standardized by NHTSA for this era, but Audi's safety was considered high for its class with features like an integrated safety cage.
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Passive Features
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Passive Features:
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Driver and front passenger airbags, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), side-impact protection beams, energy-absorbing steering column.
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Seatbelts:
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Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners for front occupants.
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Active Features
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Active Features:
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ABS, Traction Control (on some Quattro models).
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Brake System:
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Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Solid Discs
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Wheels And Tires
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Wheel Bolt Pattern:
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5x112 mm
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Standard Tire Size:
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205/55R15
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Maintenance
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Service Intervals
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Oil Change Interval:
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Every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
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Timing Belt Replacement:
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Every 60,000 miles or 5 years (critical for inline-5 engines).
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Spark Plug Replacement:
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Every 30,000 miles (typically copper plugs).
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Fluid Specifications
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Engine Oil Type:
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API SJ/SL, SAE 5W-40 or 10W-40 (check owner's manual for precise viscosity based on climate).
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Coolant Type:
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G 12/G 12+ or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant (typically purple or pink).
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Brake Fluid Type:
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DOT 4
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Known Issues
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Known Issues:
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Leaking valve cover gaskets, premature wear on control arm bushings, cooling system leaks (especially radiator and coolant hoses), potential for ABS sensor failure, window regulator failures, and aging electrical connectors.
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Common Repair:
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Replacement of coolant temperature sensors, heater core flush/replacement, and attention to the ignition system (coil packs, spark plug wires).
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Electrical Issues:
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Degradation of main wiring harness insulation, fuel pump relay failures, climate control module issues, and intermittent dashboard warning lights.
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Fluid Capacities
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Engine Oil Capacity:
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Approx. 4.5 liters (4.8 US quarts)
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Coolant Capacity:
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Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
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Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity:
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Approx. 3.5 liters (3.7 US quarts) for torque converter fill, total capacity higher.
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Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity:
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Approx. 2.0 liters (2.1 US quarts)
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Power Steering Fluid Capacity:
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Approx. 1.0 liter (1.1 US quarts)
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Filter Part Numbers
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Oil Filter Part Number:
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e.g., Mann-Filter W 940/1, Mahle OC 218, Bosch 0 451 103 071
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Air Filter Part Number:
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e.g., Mann-Filter C 35103, Mahle LX 59, Bosch 1 457 433 501
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Cabin Air Filter Part Number:
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Not typically equipped from factory on this model, or very basic filter.
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Vehicle History
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Brand Heritage
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Brand Heritage:
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Audi, a member of the Volkswagen Group, has a long history of engineering innovation, particularly with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which revolutionized rally racing and production cars.
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Model Evolution
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Model Evolution:
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The Audi 90 (Type 85, then B2, and finally B3) was Audi's entry into the compact luxury sedan market. The 1994 model represents the second generation of the Audi 90, based on the B3 platform, which introduced significant improvements in aerodynamics, safety, and chassis design over its predecessor.
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Platform Sharing:
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Shared platform elements with other Volkswagen Group vehicles of the era, but with distinct Audi engineering.
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Production
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Production Years For B3 90:
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1986-1991 (for the original B3 chassis, with updates carrying through to later models branded differently in some markets, but the core '90' designation was largely phased out for this generation's refresh).
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Manufacturing Location:
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Ingolstadt, Germany
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