Audi A3 8L 1996 - 2003 - USED, ENGINE, FAULTS

Audi A3 8L

1996 German company Audi makes a bold marketing move, represents a compact, positioned in a class unusual for the company. Model named Audi A3 8L built on platform VW Golf 4 and quickly won over fans with its modern and sporty look. Although identical to the fourth generation Golf, the Audi A3 8L compact brings the prestige inherent in four intertwined rings, which of course directly corresponds to the significant prices held by the car in the secondary market as well. Even today, the first generation Audi A3 8L is common in the used car market, as one of the best alternatives for its "twin brother". VW Golf IV, with which it shares many components such as engines and chassis. The Audi A3 is positioned as a sporting alternative to golf, which is reflected in its significantly solid suspension.

The Audi A3 looks businesslike, while the interior with the sports package has a sportier look. The Audi A3 8L is a compact car, but the comfort and equipment are much higher.

The Audi A3 (or Type 8L) marks Audi's return to smaller car production after the collapse of the Audi 50. This was the first Volkswagen Group model to use the "PK34" or "A4" platform, and thus bears a resemblance to the Volkswagen Golf mk4. The Audi A3 8L was initially only available with three doors, to represent a more sporty image than the Golf, with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. All engines were in-line four-cylinder and transversely mounted. After the A4, the Audi A3 is Audi’s second model to use five valves per cylinder. Today, this well-known platform is used by a number of other manufacturers in the Volkswagen Group for their models.

Audi is not cheap, it fits with the character of the brand. The new Audi A3 8L was more expensive than its identical competitors. This further affected the sale price. The Audi A3 also has a slightly higher price in the old age, holds a slightly higher value, so depreciation remains within reasonable limits. It is understood that the diesel engine of this model is almost without exception and if they have huge mileage, but if well maintained TDI engines last a long time.

The main advantage of the compact Audi A3 is its very good corrosion protection.

Those looking for small cars with a touch of luxury will need to be interested in the Audi A3, which is not as big as the Audi A4 but is more than attractive and dynamic than the small clumsy Audi A2. The company expanded its clientele, wanting young well-to-do who were not interested in large or expensive sedans for functional or economic reasons. Compared to other compact cars, it is an option for people with a thicker wallet.

The Audi A3 three-door version can play the role of a dynamic car with a bit of a sporty character, the five-door is a small family car, very well equipped. The Audi A3 has many features of the Audi sedan - quality, interior finish, impeccable workmanship, comfortable seats, low engine and chassis noise, comfort, dynamic engines, 4 × 4 (Quattro) drive and of course the prestige of the German brand. At the same time, they offer good performance and management, excellent physical integrity and attractive value.

Although the quality of the Audi A3 was significantly improved in the second part of production, it was not up to the standard of BMW and Mercedes in the beginning of production, so carefully review the Audi A3 from the first years of production.

Although the first-generation Audi A3 was replaced in Europe in 2003, the first-generation model was still sold in some markets. Production of the first generation of models in Brazil was until 2006.

With a 2000 redesign, Audi has been given a more modern headlamp and tail light assembly. Also, a 1,8-liter turbocharged i 1,9 liter TDI are powered by 150 bhp to 180 bhp, or 110 bhp to 130 bhp.

COMFORT - Audi A3

Audi A3

Even when performance is neglected, the Audi A3 attracts audiences with its sleek looks, which are still equally appealing today. The car has an individual look and an undisguised sporty figure, which makes it a favorite choice even before its "twin" VW Golf IV. The fact is that the models are characterized by an elegant line and functionality, even in the 3-door variant.

As for the interior, the small Audi A3 is presented as a genuine Audi, demonstrating excellent material quality. However, when shopping, avoid models from the first two years of production (after 1998), when most of the small and irritating problems in the car's cabin have been eliminated. However, as an interior quality, the Audi A3 is a class above the Golf IV, the Golf IV may be slightly inferior just in terms of functionality and design. Otherwise the Audi A3 has a spacious cabin, offering space and better visibility for the driver and front passenger. Even the 3-door version has enough space in the back seats and the boot is satisfying, but if you're married it's a good idea to consider a 5-door model.

The Audi A3 has height adjustable front seats and height and depth adjustable steering wheel, the driver can choose the optimum seating position. The front seats have a sporty character. The dashboard is simple. It is dominated by a high speedometer and an equally large speedometer.

Audi A3 8L - Engines

From beginning to end production of the Audi A3, the range consisted of only four-cylinder engines, which offer more than enough power or those with extremely low fuel consumption.

Like most Audi models, there is a wide range of engines available from economical diesel to high-performance gasoline.

The base engine is 1,6-liter with 101 bhp which should work hard and does not fit the image of the Audi A3. A conservative engine is a reliable option, which does not have great parameters or properties, but for daily commuting, fully meet the needs of most drivers. Owners in this version often complain about the increase in noise, average fuel consumption between 7 and 8 l / 100 km and a little willingness to accelerate to high speed.

The 1.8-liter engine with five valves per cylinder is better, but if you want better performance the turbo variant 1.8T is a gem and has proven to be the most popular petrol engine. Of course, true sport fans will want to find some S3 quattro, which manages to spill 210 hp from the same 1,8. The 3 S2001 model was upgraded to 222 hp. The diesel range is too strong - though 1.9 - liter TDI engine not the quietest. There are four engines available, 90 bhp, 100 bhp, 110 bhp and 130 bhp. The 90hp version is adequate but feels slow, but the 110 and 130 versions are excellent.

Since price levels are a requirement, a gasoline engine can be a cheaper alternative. However, the recommendation is the TDI model, because the diesels cause minor problems for resale.

Diesels provide the perfect balance that combines performance and value and this makes them traditionally more sought after than petrol engines. The weakest version of the 1.9 TDI engine, which has 90 hp and a maximum torque of 202 Nm available at 1900 rpm. This unit proved to be relatively the cheapest to maintain of all the diesels in the Audi A3. Fuel consumption is 6.5 l / 100 km per city and 4,2 outside the city, while the unit has enough power (don't expect sports results). Another common variant of the 1.9TDI, the engine is called the 110 hp AFN. Its fuel consumption is about 7.5 - 8 l / 100 km in the city, while when driving out of town it can drop to 5.2 - 5.5 l / 100 km. This engine has a variable geometry turbine, which is recommended to be cleaned from time to time, especially if you mostly drive in the city. The weak point is the clutch and it changes together with the flywheel. Overall, the 110 hp engine is very reliable.
Only one rule applies to all turbo engines - quality oil and its timely changes are essential for smooth operation. It seems that the biggest unknown here when buying used diesels, the relationship of the previous owner and how the car is maintained. It is recommended to clean the turbine lubrication line at some 25000 - 30000 km to prevent damage due to insufficient lubrication.
Generally damage to turbines is not as widespread as is often claimed, but that the problems are related to sensors, the air flow meter (flowmeter), the weak point of all TDI engines. 1.9 TDI diesels typically have uneven and loud operation.
The legendary abbreviation TDI in the A3 model showed with variants 1.9 TDI (66 KW) and 1.9 TDI (81 KW), later added a modern variant 1.9 TDI PD (96 KW) fuel injection system pump nozzle, which worked with a maximum injection pressure of 2.050 bar .
Those looking to save should buy an Audi A3 90 horsepower 1.9 TDI engine. This unit does not generate as high maintenance costs as its more powerful variants, as it lacks a floating flywheel and turbine with variable wing geometry.

The Audi A3 8L has also become the first mid-range luxury car to have Quattro all-wheel drive at an extra cost. The Audi A3 8L has a front drive as well as some four-wheel drive variants - the Quattro. The Quattro has excellent road holding in all conditions. The Haldex system transmits torque to the front axle most of the time, if necessary it can also transfer more than 50% to the rear axle. This is done in a split second, imperceptible to the driver. Equipped with a quattro system, the car raised consumption for about 1 liter of fuel, especially in urban areas. Their contribution to driving safety is likely to be recognized only in winter or in wet conditions. The Quattro system was only supplied with 1.8 T turbo petrol engines.

The Audi A3 had a choice of four-speed automatic transmission or a sporty five-speed manual.

Model History - Audi A3:

1996: Three-door Audi A3 premiere with 1.6, 1.8 / 1.8T and 1.9 TDI engines.
1998: Quattro version (4 × 4) 1.8 20V engine with 150 hp, new 1.8 20V engine (180 hp) 1999: S3 arrives in showrooms, 1.8T Quattro Sport joins the offer, five-door version is now available.
2000: Restailing brings a new grille, revised headlamps and taillights. ESP is now standard on all models.
2001: 100hp TDI replaces 90hp TDI, 130hp TDI also appears, S3 gets 225hp, which changes 210hp.
2003: Production of the second-generation A3 starts on the VW Golf V platform

Audi A3 8L problems and failures

Due to technical cooperation, the Audi A3 is as good and reliable as the Golf or any other Volkswagen product.

Gasoline engines were a common problem at first fuel pump and cylinder head. In later periods, there were significantly fewer such cases. The weak point is the alternator.

1.6, 1.8 and 1.8 T petrol engines. For models manufactured between January 2001 and January 2003, coil failure is common.

1.6 engine. Models made up to 2002 had several problems with acceleration noise. Noise sometimes came up in idle. This is due to a deficiency in the ECU itself.

1.6 engine. In the first years of production, often unstable idling and causing problems with insufficient throttle response.

The 1.8 20V gear belt needs to be replaced every 60 km or it will start and destroy the engine.

There are problems with the bobbins on 1.8T engines.

1.8 T 150 HP. On some models, there were problems with the turbine after traveling 100 kilometers.

Water pump. On the 1.8 T models of 150 and 180 hp, they had a few bugs on the water pump, it was leaking.

All 1.8 20V turbos made from August 2001 to October 2002 may have a problem with the failure of one or more up to four coils, leading to a dispute between VAG and the supplier.

Engine 210 hp 1.8 T (S3). At S3, when the vibration decelerates to about 1600 and 2800 rpm.

Water pump. At 1.8 T 150 and 180 hp, a water pump from 70 000 to 80 000 km can leak.

TDI 90 and 110 models can suffer power losses due to burst hoses between the turbine and the ECU.

1.9 TDI engine. The units are very durable, but after 300 km they may have problems with the turbocharger and injection system.

The biggest problem with TDI engines is the gear belt that causes the most damage to the engine. Audi has therefore reduced the change interval from its former 90 to 000 kilometers.

TDI models have catalytic converter problems.

TDI models have problems with the flywheel.

TDI 130 Valve firing possible on some models.

TDI 110 on models manufactured up to September 1999, there was an error in the engine ECU.

Catalyst. The TDI 110 models had problems with the catalytic converter, which must be replaced after 45 kilometers.

TDI engines. On all TDI engines since 1998, progressive performance loss due to dirt on the air flow meter requires replacement of the flowmeter (cleaning does not produce results, returns quickly). New flowmeter adopted since late 2004.

TDI engine 110. On models manufactured until September 1999, idling at times chaotic can slow down when returning to neutral due to a defect in electronic engine control.

Brake discs wear out quickly, feel shaking and noise.

Rear brake pipe may corrode, check for tightness.

Early cars (1996/1997) may suffer premature wear of the steering rack.

Electricity does not show great weaknesses, but many small problems with defective instrument illumination, defective window lifts or central lock.

There were problems adjusting the front seat belt height in specimens manufactured from early February to mid-March 1997.

The Audi A3, which went down between December 1997 and June 1998, was able to block the accelerator pedal potentiometer.

Engine mounts. On some models, manufactured in June 1998, there was an unpleasant mechanical vibration due to an incorrectly attached engine mount.

Air conditioning . Several models have air conditioning compressor problems.

Possible cracking on the brake servo tube, resulting in the loss of assistance of the servo brake.

On models manufactured until July 1999, it sounds at the ends of the instrument panel.

Problems and recalls - Audi A3

The Audi A3 has been recalled nine times over seven years of production.

- The Audi A3 was first recalled in June 1997, and the recall included 1.097 units produced since February 01.02.1997, 31.03.1997. until 1997. years. On the recalled specimens, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the lashing strap was not installed according to the prescribed specifications, and in the event of an abrupt stop, it was possible to separate the entire mechanism from the B-pillar. A new belt height adjustment mechanism was installed, and the recall was registered under number R / 049/XNUMX.

- Audi recalled A3 for the second time in July 1998. There were 2.822 copies of the A3 model car manufactured in January 1998 for unforeseen service due to problems with the seat belt mechanism for rear seat occupants. Copies with chassis numbers of WA 000104 do WA 053717, the recall was registered with number R / 1998/047, and the defect was eliminated on all specimens.

- The third recall was for 1.765 copies of the Audi A3 equipped with a 1,8-liter 150hp turbocharged engine. The auditions were recalled in January 1999, namely those specimens that were produced as of December 01.12.1997, 30.06.1998. until XNUMX. years. The problem was expressed on the throttle pedal mechanism which was stuck due to direct contact with the body. By installing insulation material between the two elements, the problem is completely solved. Copies with chassis numbers of WAU *** 8L * WA 038264 do WAU *** 8L * WA 107931.

- The A3 was recalled for the fourth time in the sixth month of 1999, and a total of 11.450 copies produced during 1998 were recalled. The rear seat belt tightening mechanism released thermal energy sufficient to ignite the seat covers. On recalled specimens, the belt tensioning mechanism is coated with a high temperature resistant protective material. Models with chassis numbers of WAUzzz8LzWA 000001 do 139655 and fromWAUzzz8LzXA 000101 do 048069.

- In May 2000, 2.855 copies of the Audi A3 produced from January 1999 to May 1999 were recalled. The problem was again pronounced on the front seat belts, but this time the repairmen changed the belt lock mechanism, which in the event of a sudden stop could release the belt. Belt locking mechanisms on models with chassis numbers of WAU… 8L.XA 051993 do WAU… 8L.XA 100836 and from WAU… 8L.YA 000101 do WAU… 8L.YA 000230.

- The A3 was recalled for the sixth time in November 2001. 4.714 specimens were produced between February 1997 and February 2000. The models were recalled for having the wrong balls installed at the back of the suspension, and the services replaced the balls on all specimens. The revocation is registered with code R / 2001/128.

- 99 copies of the Audi A3 were recalled in June 2002. On the recalled specimens, the problem was with the ABS control unit, which could ignite due to a short electrical circuit, damaging other electronic components. The control units were replaced on the recalled specimens and the recall was registered with the code R / 2002/029.

- In October 2002, 541 Audi A2, A2, A4, A6 and TT were recalled, which had a problem with the activation of the airbag behind the wheel. The airbags were replaced on all copies, and the recall was registered with the mark R / 2002/143.

- 21.335 The Audi A3 was recalled in September 2003. This time, cars were recalled for cracks on the brake pump of a brake fluid that leaked the brake oil. Services replaced the brake pump vacuum pump on all specimens, and the recall was registered with mark R / 2003/128.

Audi A3 prices - used preview

Audi A 3 - engines

Source: wikipedia.org - Audi A 3 - Engine range

Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!