1996 Audi A4 Consumer Discussions

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Buying a 1999 A4?? yes,no? [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: rogersgr on Oct 29, 2011 6:20:14 AM

  My son has a 1996 Audi A4 Quattro - 2.8L V-6 with over 160K on the clock. He bought it thinking that is was a solid car and still had several miles left in it. Wrong decision - it has been a money pit. Anything with much over 100K on it is prone to be a maintenance nightmare. Audi's are difficult for the typical DIY's and parts on the older models ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Audi Drive Select

  Written by: markcincinnati on Oct 1, 2011 1:21:55 PM

  Short answer, no. At this point, an Audi A4 2.0T Prestige + SLine with everything on it except ADS would be a great car. I have ADS, I have, currently both a 2009 A4 Prestige + Sport Pakage (that has ADS) and a 2012 Acura TL Advance. In 2009 but not in 2011 or 2012 Audi A4 2.0T Prestige + Sport or SLine packages, I see less of a need for ... Read More

Audi A4 Lease Questions

• Just picked up a 2011 Avant

  Written by: manku on Jun 24, 2011 10:41:26 PM

  I was sick of my 2009 E350 (P1, black/black)...was able to turn it in with 14 months left on lease, and buy a 39450 avant... zero drive off, 515 month including 9.75 ca sales tax...audi care included...10k year...39 months/38 payments. i'm very happy...the car is awesome! my fourth a4 since 1996 (first year), and easily the best yet. please contact me if you want the salesperson's info...he was terrific.

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• Starting problems!

  Written by: shaned7 on May 20, 2010 5:31:26 PM

  I have an 1996 audi a4 quattro 2.8L. It takes me about 10 trys of starting the engine for it to finnaly start. It almost does everytime but it seems to be about 10 times before it actually does. After its started and running for about 5 minutes you can shut it off and easily restart it the first time when its warmed up. When im trying to start it and ... Read More

• Problem with ignition. Need advice Asap.

  Written by: jasey on May 19, 2010 12:45:18 PM

  Hello, My 1996 Audi A4 does not start up. The gauge lights turn on but it doesn't click or anything. The gas light stays on after attempting to start. It takes push starting this thing to get it going. When it has been started it stays on for a while at stop signs but every once in a while cutting off on it's own requiring a push start. The gas was ... Read More

Audi A4 Ignition Coil Problems

• audi a4 air mass meter problem

  Written by: dazzler on Oct 6, 2008 1:16:05 AM

  ive just bought a 1996 a4 1.9td, with the air mass meter connected it smokes and has a bad flat spot but is fine when it is disconnected just lacks a bit of power, i put a new one on and it was fine for a couple of minutes and then seemed to burn the new one out and i was left with exactly the same problem but over £100 out ... Read More

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• Noise from rear axle.

  Written by: gavthornton on Dec 22, 2007 11:18:34 AM

  I have a 1996 N Audi A4 Quattro and there is a bearing/diff noise coming from the back of the car. Afriend has also got this, he changed his diff with no luck. I'm hoping somebody knows of a common fault?? My suspicions were wheel bearing, however the previous owner changed them only 2 years ago.

• Re: 1996 A4 problem- Please help! [joeykain]

  Written by: lutefisk69 on Aug 9, 2007 12:26:30 PM

  I don't know about the trans, but my 99 A4 had the same brake/ABS thing. If you haven't fixed it yet, look at ebay for Audi ABS. You need to get the ABS controller rebuilt, I had mine done by ATE in Florida. Worked great after I put it back in.

• Audi A4 1996 starting problem

  Written by: albundy2 on Jan 16, 2007 11:04:31 PM

  Hello there Just wondering if someone can give me some advice. My wife has just bought a second hand Audi A4 SE 20V, 1996 model auto. Every time she starts it she needs to put her foot on the accelerator as soon as it fires to keep it going or it conks out. Once it is going it is fine and has never stalled but it is every time she starts ... Read More

• 1996 audi a4 Ignition Sticking

  Written by: christophercar on Jul 18, 2006 3:18:06 PM

  Hello, My 1996 audi a4 quattro is sticking. When started, it does not return to the on position, it stays in the starter engage mode. Manually you can turn it to on. Also, sometimes it will not shut off completely. It stays in the accesory mode. I am an advanced weekend mechanic. Will to diagnose and repair if any one has guidance. Thanks, Chris

• 1996 audi a4 climate control, Air Conditioning Problem

  Written by: christophercar on Jul 18, 2006 3:15:05 PM

  I hava a 1996 a4 quarto> I am having a problem with the air conditioning. It is blowing hot though it is charged. Local foreign car shop wasn't able to trouble shoot. He mentioned that he thought there was a recal about this year. Any ideas how to test switches and trouble shoot. Does the controller go bad? Thanks, chris

• Over heating problem Audi A4 Aavant 2.6SE V6

  Written by: slimgready on Jul 28, 2005 2:30:19 AM

  Hi - I have a 1996 Audi A4 Avant and I am having a problem with the radiator over heating. It seems that the temperature gauge in the dashboard says it is running at about 90 degrees which according to my manual is fine, however sometime when mobile but usually immediately when I have stopped the radiator seems to steam from the valve on the top and overspill where the engine ... Read More

• Re: creaking, groaning noise [kjana1]

  Written by: hierro on May 12, 2005 11:04:23 AM

  I just got rid of my creaks (knockknock). They appeared after 60k miles, sounding like originating somewhere between cabin and motor. When the temperature went below 2-5 deg. celcius the sounds disappeared. Same happened when driving in wet conditions.The problem was actually both lower control arms on both sides. Especially the REAR ones: most of the creaking sound was coming from the bulky ball joint which were totally smashed on both ... Read More

• Re: Strange knocking noise on Audi A4 [mike59]

  Written by: spey on Apr 26, 2005 2:31:15 AM

  Mike59 You are suffering, almost without doubt, from worn ball joints on your front control arms. There are eight of these, four each side, which locate your front wheels and provide the correct camber angles etc. Although a fairly novel idea when the car was introduced, they have proven to be a weak point on the car. The ball joint cannot be separated from the arm therefore the complete assembly has ... Read More

• Strange knocking noise on Audi A4

  Written by: mike59 on Apr 25, 2005 3:01:48 AM

  I have a 1996 Audi A4 1.8SE that has developed a strange knocking noise at the front of the car. The knocking occurs above 15mph when turning the steering wheel in either direction. The noise is not noticeably louder in either direction. I’ve tried the usual reversing trick to check the CV joints and it remains quiet. All rubber gaiters are intact. I’ve had it checked by two garages and they ... Read More

Audi A4 Convertible

• 1996 audi cabriolet

  Written by: audicab007 on Mar 22, 2005 6:22:44 AM

  I own the predecessor to the A4 convertible. When trying to stow away the top, the tonneau top comes up partway then collapses down again making impossible to fold(stow) away the top in the compartment beneath. The tonneau top is supposed to remain open long enough for the top to fold away in side and then it's supposed to close. Any clues to what's happening? Also, I noticed two small copper ... Read More

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• Re: posts #627 & #628 [concrete1717]

  Written by: cyberpmg on Mar 18, 2005 6:58:39 AM

  For the previous person's complaint, they had bought a 1996 A4. That was the very first year that Audi released the A4. There's a good chance that there will be problems/issues that arise with the first year models. That's been true for other auto manufacturers as well. When Audi redesigned the A4 in 2002, I had bought one of the first ones to arrive in the US. It too had it's ... Read More

• Re: Question? [robphats]

  Written by: lynne on Mar 17, 2005 11:02:05 AM

  Audi is the worst company to deal with Ive had nothing but problems with my 1996 a4, cant wait to get rid of it Audi wouldnt pay me back for the suspension problems I paid for out of my own pocket, even though they knew it was a problem A host of electrical problems too...I would NEVER buy another Audi.

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

• re: platforms/chassis designations and immobilizers

  Written by: scirocco22 on Dec 5, 2002 1:42:40 AM

  bodydouble-- Yes, the B5 platform (or the chassis code for the Audi A4/S4 model being 8D) is for MY 1996-2001. The B6 platform, sometimes referred to as 8E (8E being the chassis code for the Audi A4) is the designation for MY 2002 and 2003. VAG has long used alpha-numeric platform designations associated with the market segment (A=entry/small, B=mid/medium, C=mid/large and D=luxury/large) and generation (1=1st, 2=2nd, etc.). The '96-'01 (in U.S.) ... Read More

2003 Saab 9-3

• Can't wait to try this baby out

  Written by: overworkin on Oct 25, 2002 7:44:03 AM

  I presently own a 1996 Saab 900 Se V6 auto and am happy with the way that it drives considering what I payed for it. Fortunately for used car buyers Saab is owned by GM and the price depreciates quite drastically compared to its competitors in the near luxury sport sedan segment. Unfortunately for new car buyers is that Saab is owned by GM. I purchased my Saab used and got ... Read More

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

• Audi Loyalty

  Written by: markcincinnati on Sep 10, 2002 7:16:52 AM

  URL - www.audiusa.com Copy and Pasted the following: "Loyalty has its rewards. . ." "Do you own an Audi and want more? More precision, more exhilaration, and an even more satisfying driving experience? Now Audi gives you more for a little less. If you own an Audi, you're entitled to the Audi Loyalty Advantage program which pays a cash incentive to current Audi owners of 1996 to current model year Audis ... Read More

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• 1996 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro

  Written by: khana on Jun 28, 2002 4:34:24 PM

  My 96 A4 Quattro has 59000 miles. It is in perfect condition, however, I have noticed the following (a) When I am stopped and then turn either left or right with my wheel completely turned at very low speeds, I notice this extreme vibration in the steering wheel. This immediately goes away once I straighten my wheel or reduce the turning angle. (b) On and Off, I get thins creaking noise ... Read More

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

• Audi's have had a bad reputation for first year reliability

  Written by: cr8n on Mar 17, 2002 2:53:07 PM

  CR has given a positive rating to Altima and Camry based on the proven ability of their manufacturer to produce a reliable car at their first try. Audi had a bad experience with the A6 and the TT when they came out, and the original 1996 A4 had problems too. I think they want to wait for a year or so on the new A4. You can follow the reliability stories ... Read More

• Audi - A Great Deal Today

  Written by: jagboyxkr on Feb 25, 2002 3:19:13 PM

  As many of you know, the Audis currently available today come with everything and sometimes more than their BMW rivals but for thousands less in price. BMW only gets away with their high prices because people are willing to pay for them and their name, where as Audi did not have BMW's name in the past (in fact it had a down-right bad reputation a decade ago in the U.S.). Audi ... Read More

• Short reply II

  Written by: markcincinnati on Feb 18, 2002 1:48:37 PM

  I have had two A6 4.2's one of them I have now, a 2001 A6 4.2 sport. I have test driven several A6 2.7T's -- one of them extensively and it had the 6spd manual. The 4.2 feels more solid and even though I know the 2.7T is quicker, the differences are not that great. Based on what I think I know now, I will probably end up with an '03 ... Read More

• 1996 A4

  Written by: vince217 on Jan 7, 2002 7:41:31 PM

  Hi dmmatix! Regarding your opinion on automatics, does that apply to Audis only, or to all cars with automatic transmissions? Coz the car i currently drive is a 1991 Toyota Camry automatic with over 200,000 miles on it, and to my knowledge, no transmission rebuild has been done on it. Btw, thanks for the advice, dmmatix. So far, 2 neg responses. Looks like i should look for a different car. But ... Read More

• 1996 A4

  Written by: vince217 on Jan 7, 2002 7:06:35 PM

  Thanks for the advice, markcincinnati. I have considered the Jetta, but found that the style of older Jettas doesnt appeal to me. I do agree though, that i could probably find a newer year VW (or other brand) for the amount of money that im willing to spend (and am currently looking for a 1999 and newer Jetta now... tough luck to me finding one at my price range though). Btw, ... Read More

• 1996 A4

  Written by: markcincinnati on Jan 7, 2002 1:59:11 PM

  Personally, I would avoid this car. If you can pay this much for a car that has this many years and miles on it (cash I presume?) -- why not look into a much much newer or new perhaps Jetta or other VW and consider (if new or late model) a lease? A 36 month lease on a new VW product at $300/month is $10,800 (which may get you a brand ... Read More

• 1996 A4

  Written by: vince217 on Jan 7, 2002 1:01:57 PM

  Hello! Am seriously considering buying a used 1996 Audi A4 2.8 (no Quattro), automatic transmission, with many options loaded. The car has about 95,000 miles on it. Reason im considering it is because its being sold for a little less than $10k. I figure Id rather get a german car rather than a generic Japanese (ex: Accord) one. Can anybody give me advice, etc. on what to look for, any trouble ... Read More

• JOFO - Get the A4!!

  Written by: cyberpmg on Dec 10, 2001 6:03:36 AM

  My previous vehicle was a 1996 Toyota 4Runner Limited. I agree that the handling is nothing compared to what's been discussed here (what do you expect from a truck? :-p). When I went looking for a new vehicle, I knew I wanted AWD. I had looked at the Jaguar X-Type 3.0, Toyota Highlander Limited, Lexus RX300, BMW 325XI, and the Audi A4 3.0 Quattro. The Highlander is derived from the RX300, ... Read More

• First model year blues?

  Written by: markcincinnati on Nov 7, 2001 6:37:46 AM

  After visiting Germany over 15 times since 1993, and the Audi factory in Ingolstadt 5 times, I think the following is accurate: when a "new" Audi comes to the US, it is a second year car already (or sometimes even a third year car or more). Last year -- Calendar 2000 -- the USA version of the A4 for 2002 was on the road in Germany. In January 2001, the factory ... Read More

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• 1996 A4 Problems

  Written by: devinray1 on Oct 8, 2001 5:33:42 AM

  Keithlutz1 - I purchased a 1996 A4 new in May of that year. I have enjoyed my car, but there are problems I have had to deal with, some of these have been covered under warranty, but not all. For your case, I think I would be most worried about the AC Evaporator. My went out this past summer, and now I'm going to spend $1,300 repairing it. I think it ... Read More

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

• Jeff/John

  Written by: nitpicker on Sep 30, 2001 8:09:00 PM

  Jeff -- Consumer Reports' last auto issue gives these reliability ratings for the A4 2.8 (no ratings given for the 1.8T): 1996 model year: average 1997 and '98: better than average 1999 (latest ratings): average John -- According to postings on Audi World, Audi offers no comparable program for European purchases. Sorry....

Audi A4 Maintenance and Repair

• Question?

  Written by: robphats on Aug 24, 2001 6:59:37 PM

  I'm considering purchasing a 1996 Audi A4 Quattro (65,000 miles)and would like to know if anyone has experienced problems with this model or has any info regarding the car. Thank You

Audi A4 2004 and earlier

• 6Spd Tranny

  Written by: markcincinnati on Jun 5, 2001 7:53:00 AM

  Yep -- I read that the A4's would have 6spd's -- configured as they are for US customers (the US customers ONLY get the 3.0 V6 and the 1.8T for the time being, but in Europe the number of A4's/Engine options are many times what we are offered). Then, in the July Road & Track it says 5spd manuals. Period. Now, I do not claim that I believe everything I read ... Read More

• 1996 audi a4 2.8 quattro

  Written by: bkrichar on May 22, 2001 3:26:44 PM

  Someone is selling a white 1996 A4 2.8 Quattro 5spd, leather, bose, sunroof, 54k. The only deal is ac just stopped functioning. He's offered the car for 13k as is. or 14.5K to get it after he gets the ac fixed. So i have a few inqueries for the group. I think 13k is a great deal. Anyone have any estimates on the range of ac work that might need to ... Read More

• gooddesign

  Written by: cotmc on Feb 8, 2001 2:03:24 PM

  Back in 1996 the basic black 4-spoke steering wheel was the standard A4 steering wheel, but Audi also also offered a 3-spoke thickly-padded "Sport" steering wheel (with the chrome ring logo) as an option. I believe it was a $150-$180 option. I'm sure that was also the case for the 1997 models. I'm not sure if this changed for 1998 or not. For 2000 and 2001, there is a 3-spoke thickly-padded ... Read More