You and your first generation Audi A4 (Audi A4 B5)

The A4 models described in this Handbook were first introduced to the UK market in February 1995. Mechanically these cars are virtually identical to the VW Passat B5, however, the engines are installed longitudinally, unlike the VW Passat, where the power units are located transversely. The cars are produced with two body types - "sedan" and "station wagon" (Avant), equipped with engines of different volumes. This Guide describes models with four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines - naturally aspirated and turbocharged. Gasoline engines - two of the smallest volumes 1600 cm³ SOHC and 1781 cm³ DOHC. All diesel engines SOHC with turbocharging.

The cars are equipped with independent front suspension mounted on a subframe. The rear suspension is semi-independent, with a torsion beam and trailing arms.

A five-speed gearbox is installed on all models as standard equipment.

A wide range of standard and optional equipment to suit all tastes includes anti-lock brakes and air conditioning.

For car enthusiasts, the A4 is not at all difficult to maintain, and mechanisms that require regular attention are easily accessible.

The purpose of this manual is to help you operate your vehicle with maximum efficiency. This can be achieved in several ways. The manual will help to convince you that the work can be done in any case, even with the help of a garage. It will also provide you with reliable information on routine maintenance and give you a logical course of action for diagnosing and eliminating accidental faults. It is also hoped that this manual will be useful to you if you undertake the work yourself. In simple cases, this may even be faster. Than towing the car to the garage and visiting it twice to drop it off and pick it up. Perhaps, and what is more important, the manual will help you avoid the labor and knowledge costs of mechanics at the garage.

The manual contains clear and understandable sketches and descriptions of the vehicle's system and mechanism units. These tasks are provided by a clear step-by-step sequence of photographs and descriptions.

The meanings of the words "left" and "right" must be considered in relation to the driver sitting behind the wheel, facing forward.

Reading illustrations

The Audi A4 1.8L petrol saloon model, produced in 1997, was used to create most of the illustrations in this guide. The 1.9L turbocharged diesel estate model, produced in 1998, was also used.

In order to ensure that this manual is published in the UK with a focus on right-hand drive vehicles, the translated version may contain discrepancies in the text and illustrations for left-hand drive vehicles. Paragraphs where attention should be paid to such discrepancies are marked with the icon. Therefore, when using this manual for the removal and installation of certain units, mechanisms or components, some operations may be skipped or may be required additionally.