I just picked up a 96 A4 Quattro 2.8 5spd and don't have the manual for it. I want to do all the maintenance on it, is there a FAQ available online? The car is stock for now.

I would like to know:
What kind of spark plugs are recommended?

Fluids - trans, frt and rear diff, power steering, coolant. Any other fluids I'm forgetting?
Oil- 5w30 mobil 1 is ok?

I also need to replace the suspension, and would like to buy a used set of oem shocks/springs, what year/models are compatible?

Any online/discount audi parts dealers?

Thanks for any help.

 

Pickup a manual off of ebay...
I think 0w40 mobil is what you're after.
I'd go denso iridium spark plugs -- www.sparkplugs.com
Make sure you use the crazy coolant and other fluids... G12 coolant I think it's called.
Check the links on the top of the homepage I think... lots of audi parts retailers.

Welcome to the forums -- You've just purchased the most reliable a4 ever built.

 

the transmission takes 75w-90 and i will have a write up on that posted late tomorrow.
buy a bentley manuel they are around 75-100 bucks but defanetley worth it

 

If you want to use Mobil 1, 0W-40 is the only grade bearing the official VW 502.00 seal of approval. However, for our simple 2-valve V6's, oil choice is probably not that critical, and even a good name-brand dino oil should suffice, albeit on a reduced OCI. (My other car has a 1.8T; that 's a whole different story!) 5W-30 is probably a bit light for summer use, however.

I have a 1996 owner's manual and I have a scanner on my computer at home. PM me if you need any specific pages, info, etc.

Audi calls for a 7500 mi / 12k km OCI. Don't try this unless you are using synthetic oil.

 

Thanks for the info. I love this car so far, this is my first german car, and I already regret waiting so long to get one...

I'm looking for a more maintenance FAQ for DIY'ers, like I need to know fluid capacities of the frt and rear diffs(75w-90 in both?), trans(what weight/spec fluid), coolant (only Audi brand?), etc.

What is the OEM plug? Bosch? NGK? Denso? Model/part numbers?

Sandman, I couldn't find your write up, can you post a direct link to it by chance?

John E, sent you a PM.

Can anyone clarify which suspension is compatible with my car? what years/models? will an S4 oem suspension fit?

Thanks!

 

i PMed it to jestnomen a few hours ago if it doesnt go up later tonight i will post it here in the a4 section

-john

EDIT: yes s4 suspension will work but it will actually raise your car because the weight difference. i use bosch 4 pt spark plugs many people have there own preference, just stay away from autolite. the engine will take 5.5 quarts, the transmission will fit 2.91 quarts, the front diff will fit 1 quart, the rear diff 2.1 qt, cooling system 6.4 quarts

 

thanks for the info. Any more input?

Sandman, I still cant find your write up, can you post a link to it? thanks!

 

https://www.audiforums.com/m_156758/tm.htm

there are also a bunch of write ups here http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng.html