Dimensions of Audi A4 B6. Second generation Audi A4. Breakdowns and operational problems
B6 is powerful and interesting car. According to many experts, this car is a real smaller copy of another version, which is known as the Audi A6 C5. Outwardly, of course, there are similarities, and in technical terms they can be seen, but there are also plenty of differences. Well, this is what we should talk about.
About the body
So, first of all, I would like to talk about the body of the Audi A4 B6. It is entirely galvanized, which is quite practical. If there are no accidents, then problems with corrosion can be forgotten forever. The only problem that may arise is the plastic panels - the manufacturers decided to cover the bottom of the car with them. This was also done to improve corrosion resistance and sound insulation.
By the way, if a person decides to purchase an Audi A4 B6, then he will often have to clean the drain located under the battery. Otherwise due to moisture vacuum brake booster can easily fail. And, of course, every few years the front wiper mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated. They just often turn sour, which is why they begin to perform their function poorly.
About the salon
Speaking about the Audi A4 B6, one cannot fail to note the interior design of this car. Everything inside is beautifully done. This car is truly a premium car. Comfort, coziness and quality - these are three words that can describe her salon. The developers used only high quality materials. In addition to being durable and strong, they also look very beautiful and expensive. The build is simply superb. True German order reigns in the interior of this Audi. All devices are in the places where they should be. Plus, everything is made in the correct, convenient sizes. A comfortable seating position can be found easily, and after some time after driving (at most an hour), the driver begins to feel as if he has owned this car for several years.
Electronics
One more topic is worth touching on when talking about the Audi A4 B6 quattro. And this is her electronic and technical equipment. Well, in this car there is almost everything you might need. This is a car with full power accessories. Plus, there is an alarm system, ESP with ABS, traction control, climate control, heated front seats and six airbags.
By the way, the car has “grown” a little - by 7 centimeters in length and 13 millimeters in height. The average trunk, the volume of which is 445 liters, of course, will not help when moving to a new place, but still several bags will fit in it easily. And this car also folds out back seat. In general, being inside this Audi is a real pleasure. And both for the driver and the passenger.
Engines and their variety
There is one point that is much more important than exterior or appearance Audi car A4 B6. Engine performance is what it's all about. The most popular ones in Russia are 1.8 liter petrol ones. They exist in three versions - 190 hp. (the most powerful), as well as 163 and 150 “horses”. The two-liter engine with 131 hp is also in demand. And, of course, diesel. It is the weakest, the power of the 1.9-liter engine is 110 hp.
So, special attention I would like to touch on the most popular. And this is the AVG 1.8T with 150 hp. This engine has a turbine, which produces another 25 “horses”. Such a motor, despite the fact that it is not on the list of the most powerful, can last quite a long time. The main thing is to follow the rules for operating a turbocharged engine. It is very important to change the oil on time (and use high-quality oil), clean or replace the oil pipe on time, and also turn off the engine not immediately, but a minute or two after stopping. Another option is to install a turbo timer. The worries are small, but the “life” of the engine can be extended for a long time.
About switching speeds
Of course, the most popular Audi cars are those with either a five- or six-speed manual transmission. She does not cause her owner absolutely any problems. But on the other hand, the clutch can cost a lot of money - if a person takes the car from someone else. You must first inquire as to whether the previous owner liked to skid or start quickly. If yes, then probably dual mass flywheel I couldn't stand it anymore. Replacement can cost $500. And that's without the clutch cost. So you shouldn’t buy a car that makes some strange noises when shifting. Otherwise, replacement may actually be required.
The Audi A4 B6 is also available with an automatic transmission. But they are considered less reliable, since after some time delays or shocks may begin when switching. Of course, more than one year will pass, but if a person decides to buy a car second-hand, then it is still better to make his choice in favor of mechanics.
About the chassis
The suspension of the Audi A4 B6 1.8 t has become much more reliable, unlike its predecessor. So, for example, if the B5 model had a gold pendant, then in this case it is silver. $600 is the price for the entire front suspension kit. And it will be enough for a decent mileage - at least 70,000 km. You don’t have to buy the whole set, but simply change the levers (again, if a person buys an already used car). Well, the new car works great with such a suspension. Only after several hundred kilometers, the silent blocks will probably have to be replaced. And this applies to the rear suspension.
Generally, ride quality such "Audi" are magnificent. Control, dynamics, level of comfort while driving are simply gorgeous. Yes and the system all-wheel drive extremely reliable and does not cause problems. I don’t even want to get up from behind the wheel of such a car.
About the braking system
Audi has a good model of this braking system. What can you say about her? Basic, hydraulic, dual-circuit, has dual reinforcement and diagonal division. Excellent anti-lock brake system with electronic separation braking forces. Plus to everything - vacuum booster. We can say about the brake mechanisms that they are ordinary - disc. The only caveat is that the front wheels are ventilated, which has a positive effect on the softness of braking.
It should also be noted that this car has simply amazing aerodynamics, which was achieved through the use of lightweight materials. Due to this, in fact, fuel consumption has also decreased. And due to the use of high-strength steel, as well as other additional elements whose function is protection, it was possible to provide even more high level security than before. And, admittedly, the developers worked hard to create large deformation zones, which is also a plus.
Bottom line
Finally, I would like to say that the Audi A4 B6 receives mostly positive reviews. This is the optimal city car that behaves well on the road, does not require a lot of gasoline, and looks stylish and presentable - not to mention the comfort inside. Perhaps it can easily compete with some modern foreign cars. The main advantages are comfortable movement, high-quality, expensive finishing materials and, of course, excellent assembly of the galvanized body. And the engines are not bad. Among the minuses, the owners note a slightly weak suspension (if we talk about our roads) and high prices for original spare parts. Otherwise, everything is fine. It is not for nothing that this car is still popular today, even though other models already exist.
Since 2001, mass production of a new car body, called the Audi A4 B6, has been launched. The design of the car has changed a lot, of course the features of the previous body remained, but still the car became more like. In the end new body has become more spacious, which again suggests that this car is more like a solid car than a city car.
In the new body, Audi decided to take care of the driver’s safety, and they did a lot for this. First of all, we took care of the body and interior; we did it so that in the event of an accident, all parts of the body and interior were subject to deformation as little as possible. Airbags were installed on the front and sides. Stabilizer installed directional stability and a system that enhances braking during emergency braking.
Design
The appearance of the car has been changed for the better, but the previous generation is tracked. The optics used here are approximately similar in shape, but they are still slightly changed in filling and slightly in shape. The long, embossed hood wraps its relief around a small radiator grille with chrome trim. The massive bumper received a chrome insert, air intakes and round fog lights.
On the side, the model received even more bloated wheel arches, a small molding also appeared, the windows began to have chrome trim. Otherwise, only the body shape has changed.
The rear of the Audi A4 B6 has different headlights with halogen filling and a pleasant design. The trunk lid also looks great, smooth shapes and interesting lines. Rear bumper is also quite massive, most of it is plastic protection. Under the bumper there are two exhaust pipes.
The body dimensions have also been changed compared to the previous version:
- length – 4548 mm;
- width – 1772 mm;
- height – 1428 mm;
- wheelbase – 2650 mm;
- ground clearance - 110 mm.
Specifications
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Maximum speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.6 l | 102 hp | 148 H*m | 13 sec. | 186 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.8 l | 150 hp | 210 H*m | 9.1 sec. | 219 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.8 l | 163 hp | 225 H*m | 8.8 sec. | 225 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.8 l | 170 hp | - | - | - | 4 |
| Petrol | 1.8 l | 190 hp | 240 H*m | 8.4 sec. | 232 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.0 l | 130 hp | 195 H*m | 10.1 sec. | 208 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.0 l | 150 hp | 200 H*m | 9.9 sec. | 214 km/h | 4 |
| Petrol | 2.4 l | 170 hp | 230 H*m | 9.1 sec. | 223 km/h | V6 |
| Petrol | 3.0 l | 220 hp | 300 H*m | 7.1 sec. | 243 km/h | V6 |
We will not tell you in detail about each engine installed on this car, since there are more than 10 of them. Everyone's data gasoline engines you can find out from the table above.
And this is the data diesel engines TDI, of which there were also many in the lineup.
| Type | Volume | Power | Torque | Overclocking | Maximum speed | Number of cylinders |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 1.9 l | 100 hp | 250 H*m | 12.5 sec. | 191 km/h | 4 |
| Diesel | 1.9 l | 115 hp | 285 H*m | 11.5 sec. | 197 km/h | 4 |
| Diesel | 1.9 l | 130 hp | 310 H*m | 10.1 sec. | 208 km/h | 4 |
| Diesel | 2.5 l | 163 hp | 310 H*m | 8.8 sec. | 227 km/h | V6 |
| Diesel | 2.5 l | 180 hp | 270 H*m | 8.7 sec. | 223 km/h | V6 |
All these motors are still famous for their excellent reliability and relatively inexpensive maintenance. The suspension used here is interesting; in front there is an independent system on 4 levers. Unfortunately, the Audi A4 B6 (2001-2005) uses a beam at the rear, and trapezoidal levers are also used. In general, the chassis is complicated; in case of repairs, you will have to pay a little money, but it will be difficult to make it. The car stops with the help of hydraulic disc brakes, which do an excellent job. BAS is also present.
Interior
The car interior already looks much better for the modern world than the previous generation. The driver will already have a steering wheel with buttons, which was a rarity in 2001. This is a leather 4-spoke steering wheel adjustable in height and reach. Dashboard has big analog sensors speedometer and tachometer with chrome trim, as well as small fuel level and oil temperature sensors. There is also a fairly informative on-board computer.
The front seats are leather, quite comfortable, heated, and a person of almost any size can fit in them. Back row equipped with fabric chairs, or more precisely a sofa designed for three passengers. There is also an armrest with an ashtray and cup holders. There's also plenty of space in the back.
The center console of the Audi A4 B6 can have as large head unit with a large number of buttons, it can also get a small display with a navigation system, there will be no less buttons. Its availability depends on the configuration. Below we can see a 2-zone climate control control unit that was stylishly designed for that time. It consists of setting buttons and three screens, two display temperature, and the third displays air direction.
The tunnel is essentially nothing surprising, it is a small niche for small items, a large gear selector, a handle parking brake, cigarette lighter and large armrest. You can also find wood in the cabin, including on the tunnel, but it will not be in all versions. The trunk volume is 445 liters; if you fold the rear sofa, it increases to 720 liters.
Price
Basically now in modern world You can easily buy this car at secondary market, there are many living specimens there that will travel for many more years. On average, these models sell for 300,000 rubles, but there are models for 500 thousand.
A good car even by modern standards, considering its cost. It seems to us that the Audi A4 B6 has nice salon, not bad technical specifications, the most important thing is reliability and therefore we recommend it for purchase.
Video
In the nineties Audi years had not yet produced small cars, except for the very strange Audi A2, and the A4 series was the youngest in the family. But since the brand has decided to firmly take its place in premium segment, then the cars looked very good in their class - at least when it came to numbers on paper. In reality, the cars also looked like quite worthy competitors for the third BMW series, for the Mercedes C-Class, although - frankly speaking - they were mainly competitors of the “new premium” represented by Lexus, Volvo, Saab, Cadillac and Infiniti.
Spacious interiors, good finishing, wide choice additional equipment and, of course, powerful motors and all-wheel drive. Plus, the tradition of using turbocharged engines and the high quality of workmanship and comparatively inexpensive service. In short, there is a lot to love about Audi.
History of the generation from 2001 to 2013
The Audi A4 series in the B6/8E body replaced the outdated first A4 in the B5 body on the assembly line in 2001. Technically, the B5 series was very progressive - its multi-link front and rear suspension and a series of engines with minimal changes migrated to a new body. The new series also received the main engines of the old one - 1.8 turbo, 1.6 and 1.9 turbodiesels.
In the photo: Audi A4 in the back of B5 and Audi A4 in B6/8E body
But the design of the new body, made by Peter Schreyer (who now works at Kia), has become completely different, and at the same time the car has become noticeably more spacious. In accordance with new trends, cheap configuration options were removed and almost all weak engines, except for the smallest 1.6. As an automatic transmission on new series For gasoline engines proposed a CVT jointly developed with LuK. Unfortunately, the main shortcomings of the first A4 migrated to new car. Difficult multi-link suspension still did not impress with its service life, the electrical part and interior trim were also prone to create problems at a far from advanced age - three-year-old cars could already “delight” their owners with all their might. The very popular variator also added problems - its rather crude (at that time) design created many problems for those who chose an automatic transmission. Over time, transmission problems were solved, but it became relatively problem-free only after the release of the next A4 in the 8C/B7 body in 2005.
After a major redesign of the electronics and a slight redesign of the exterior, the car was produced as the 8C/B7 generation until 2007. In fact, the next generation is only a deep restyling of the 8E, retaining the general architecture of the body, suspension and range of engines. But the story does not end there; after the production of the Audi A4 B7 was curtailed, production was completely transferred to Spain to the SEAT plant, and there the car was produced in a somewhat simplified form as the SEAT Exeo until 2013.
Wealth of choice
The choice of car configurations is quite premium: seventeen engine options, full or front wheel drive, automatic boxes gears for almost any of them, a wide selection of equipment. In addition, in addition to the usual sedan and station wagon bodies for the A4, a convertible also appeared in the new series, replacing the long-outdated “convertible” of the Audi 80 series, produced until 2000.
Breakdowns and operational problems
Engines
The classic Audi layout with the engine in front of the front axle has the same disadvantages as on. Attempts to make the engine compartment as short as possible had a negative impact on the ease of maintenance of the engines. And many operations require complete removal of the front panel along with the bumper, headlights and radiators. Fortunately, there are rarely V6 engines on the A4 for which these operations are required, and for in-line “fours” there are various “workarounds” to perform most routine maintenance. If you have a 2.4 or 3.0 engine, then the cost of maintenance will increase significantly simply due to the increased labor intensity of performing any work. Owners of V8 cars are unlikely to care about the cost of maintenance, but it must be said that this big engine is not much more difficult to maintain than a V6. Undoubtedly, the most successful engine for a car on the aftermarket is the 1.8T in all its many variants - AWT, APU, etc. Weaknesses These EA113 series motors have little. The complexity of a twenty-valve cylinder head is compensated for good quality execution, a successful belt-chain drive of the camshaft (the camshafts are connected by a chain, which is often forgotten, and the camshafts themselves are driven by a belt). Piston group with a good margin of safety and is not prone to coking. There is a reserve for boosting, and there are a lot of spare parts for every taste.
The main thing with this engine is not to forget to change the timing belt every 60 thousand kilometers - it may not go beyond the scheduled 90. In addition, do not forget to check the condition of the chain and tensioner. It is important to monitor the turbine - KKK K03-005, K03-029/073 or even the K04-015/022/023 series are used here on more powerful and tuned versions for power up to 225 horsepower. On older engines, the main problems are control system failures, oil leaks, poor crankcase ventilation (CVG), rapid contamination throttle valve and “floating” speed. Non-turbocharged options with a volume of 1.6 and 2 liters and a power of 101 and 130 hp. Accordingly, they may appeal to those who are not used to rushing. And for those who would like to get the most reliable engine. These motors deservedly hold the lead in terms of low cost of maintenance, and the service life two-liter engine deserves praise, many copies with a mileage of 300 thousand kilometers still do not even require replacement piston rings and liners. Just don’t confuse it with the newer 2.0FSI engine - it has direct injection, but a little more high power at 150 hp does not make it a competitor to a turbocharged engine. In terms of maintenance cost, this option is not much inferior to the turbocharged one, there is no complex supercharging system, but the injection system is extremely troublesome, and it also does not like frosts, in general, obviously not for Russia.
The 2.4 V6 engines are structurally similar to the 1.8T EA113 series; the same “generic features” are visible here in the form of a belt drive of camshafts, an additional chain in their drive, five valves per cylinder, etc. And the main problems are similar - some overcomplication, oil leaks, low timing belt life. However, problems that are not acute on the 1.8 inline four become critical on the V6, which fits tightly into the engine compartment. Particularly troublesome can be caused by unnoticeable oil leaks from under the cylinder head covers, leading to fires in the engine compartment. Except that there are no specific problems with turbocharged engines with similar dynamics. There is no need to worry about the tightness of the intake, the radiator package is smaller, there are fewer “tubes”, and it is easier for a low-skilled mechanic to understand the engine. 3.0 V6 with 218 hp – it’s completely different, it’s more new motor BBJ series. Among the advantages - perhaps a little more power and better traction low revs. As for the rest, spare parts are more expensive, there are expensive phase shifters, oil leaks are worse, access to components is hardly better. It is slightly less noisy and more economical, but cars with it are not so much faster than the turbocharged 1.8, as they are more expensive. Here is the V8 engine of the ASG/AQJ/ANK series with 300/340 hp. for the S4 it is quite reliable, as far as possible for a passenger V8 on a sports version of the model. Timing belt - also with a belt and chain at the same time. Specific problems include the same leaks, and much more oil leaks. Such aged cars “please” with frequent overheating and crumbling wiring harnesses under the hood. The 1.9 and 2.5TD engines are exactly the same here, but they are very rare and hardly deserve a separate story.
Transmissions
Let me make a reservation right away that there is no need to be afraid of all-wheel drive options. This is not only more traction in winter and better cross-country ability, but also high reliability. The all-wheel drive units themselves are very reliable, and in addition, the all-wheel drive versions are equipped with a classic hydromechanical transmission, and not a Multitronic CVT. On all-wheel drive vehicles with 1.8-3.0 engines they installed the ZF 5HP24A gearbox, or 01L in the VW designation, which is very reliable. This automatic transmission is five-speed, already familiar from BMW cars and other manufacturers. causes early problems with oil contamination and valve body, but with timely maintenance this is not a problem. The main thing is to replace the gas turbine engine after a mileage of 200 thousand kilometers and change the oil every 60 thousand kilometers. Then the box can last up to three hundred thousand, by the time the oil pump cover is replaced, when other work will be required to restore functionality. Slightly less resource than the classic “four steps”, the resource is rewarded by an order of magnitude better dynamics– no worse than the mechanics.
Front-wheel drive cars with engines 1.8, 2.0, 2.4 and 3.0 have Multitronic, already slightly touched upon above. At first, this transmission was touted as an ideal replacement for regular slot machines, with extended dynamic range, simple and resourceful. In practice, at first it “pleased” with many failures and glitches and a small circuit resource. In addition, it turned out that the possibility of towing the car was not provided - the chain would lift up the drive cones. Over time, most of the problems were solved, and cars of later releases with all the recall companies passed are even very reliable. Except for one detail. The chain resource remained about 80-100 thousand kilometers, sudden acceleration it is greatly reduced, and towing causes damage to the cones and a strong howl of the box. And the cost of repairs decreases little. Despite the simplicity of the design, an average repair on it includes replacing the chain and cones - at a cost of one hundred thousand rubles. And only with very careful operation and a timely replacement of the belt, the box will cover its 250-300 thousand kilometers without serious intervention, without annoying failures and glitches. By the way, the car is very pleasant to drive with it.
Chassis
Audi's choice of multi-link aluminum suspensions in the mid-nineties as the basis for the entire range of cars made it possible to reduce the gap in handling and comfort from the rear-wheel drive “grands” represented by BMW and Mercedes. The same choice made Audi suspensions significantly more expensive to maintain compared to its competitors. Finding a car with a completely “live” suspension is difficult. Price complete renovation is too large, and usually repairs are done “situationally”, as the elements completely fail, while the service life of the suspension from repair to repair and of each component separately decreases significantly, relative to a new one. The point here is not even that non-original materials are used. Just one half-worker. The suspensions are structurally similar to the suspensions of their “big brother” - the A6 in the C5 body, and the problems here are exactly the same, except that they are less pronounced, because the car itself is lighter. At the rear it is only the lower wishbone, but at the front both ball and all four levers are consumables. If you do repairs on time, then the costs will be moderate, but you need to buy spare parts for 25-35 thousand rubles at least once and do absolutely everything, then there is a chance that the suspension life before the first major replacements will be 100-150 thousand kilometers.