Re: 1984-1987 Audi 4000 vs Audi 5000

[ti@amb.org (Ti Kan)]

Gerald Penyweit writes:
> I read a short article in the curret issue of "Automobile" magazine
> that spoke favorably of the Audi 4000 as being less complicated to
> work on, and more reliable than its bigger sibling the Audi 5000. I want to 
> get a good car for a daughter who is in college, but I don't want all the 
> fuss of maintaining. Even without considering the previous sentence, is it 
> true that the 4000 is more reliable and less
> complicated than the 5000?

Absolutely.  The most trouble-prone "feature" of the type 44 5000 models
is the hydraulic assist system for the steering and brakes.  The "bomb"
(aka hydraulic accumulator) that fails often is thankfully missing on
the 4000.  The 4Ks don't seem to have the same amount of problems with
the steering rack, pump and hoses as the 5K.  Also, most 4Ks don't require
the costly G 002 000 fluid (aka Pentosin) for the power steering.
Standard ATF/Dexron-II works fine.  There are also a lot less electronics
(basic heat/AC with manual controls instead of the GM electronic climate
control, which is another source of common problems on the 5K).  The 4K
also don't have memory power seats that come on some 5Ks.

The 4-cylinder 4K non-quattro cars also has the additional benefit of
being easier and cheaper to service.  More space under the hood, less
expensive parts, etc.,

-Ti
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
   ///   AMB Research Laboratories, Sunnyvale, CA. USA
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