3700 - 4000 lbs (1680 - 1815 kg), depending on engine and drivetrain
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Rating:
Good
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Esp:
Standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (ASR)
Passive Features
Airbags Front:
Standard dual front airbags
Airbags Side:
Standard front side-impact airbags
Airbags Curtain:
Optional front and rear curtain airbags (Sideguard)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Audi Navigation System Plus (optional), Symphony or Concert audio systems, CD player, cassette player (early models).
Driver Assistance
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Optional (Adaptive Cruise Control - ACC)
Parking Sensors:
Optional (Audi Parking System)
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional (via accessory modules or integrated systems on later models)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, based on Audi's 'LongLife' service regime, with oil quality sensor adaptation.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).
Transmission Fluid Service:
Automatic: Recommended every 40,000-60,000 miles (64,000-96,000 km) for long-term reliability. Manual: Check for leaks, fluid change at higher mileage (e.g., 80,000-100,000 miles) as per severe service schedule.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30 (depending on climate and specific engine, refer to owner's manual for precise spec, often meeting VW 502 00 or VW 503 00)
Power Steering Fluid:
G 002 000 (or Pentosin CHF 11S)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus)
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Ignition coil failures (coil-on-plug), mass airflow sensor issues, oil leaks (valve cover gaskets, oil pan), HVAC blower motor resistor failure, transmission shift solenoid issues in higher mileage automatics, CV joint wear, timing belt service (on non-TSI engines before 2006, but C5 typically uses chain or belt depending on specific engine - 3.0 ASN is belt driven).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
German engineering, premium quality, quattro all-wheel drive technology, sophisticated design.
Model Evolution
C5 Generation:
Second generation A6 (Typ 4B), introduced in 1997, facelifted in 2001. The 2003 model falls within the later C5 production run.
Production
Production Period C5:
1997-2004
Manufacturing Location:
Germany, Slovakia
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best 10:
The Audi A6 range, particularly with the 2.7T and 4.2 V8, was frequently recognized for its blend of performance, luxury, and comfort, often appearing on lists like Car and Driver's '10Best' in its class during its production run.