Audi A4 B6 - the second generation of the popular German sedan that replaced the B5 model in 2000. This car continued the brand's traditions, offering more modern design, improved technical features and increased comfort. Let's examine what made the A4 B6 memorable, what modifications were available, and what interesting facts are associated with this model.

Internal Designation and Production Years

The B6 generation was produced from 2000 to 2006, though in some countries (like China) production continued until 2008. The internal B6 designation (Type 8E/8H) referred to the platform on which the car was built. This was a modified version of the previous B5 platform with noticeable changes to the suspension and body structure.

Facelift

The A4 B6 didn't receive an official facelift - the model remained in production for just 4 years before being replaced by the next generation B7 in 2005. However, in 2003 Audi made minor cosmetic changes: updated the radiator grille, slightly adjusted the bumpers and introduced new interior trim options.

Body Types

The A4 B6 was offered in three main body styles:

  • Sedan (Limousine) - classic four-door version, most popular in Europe

  • Wagon (Avant) - practical version with increased trunk space, favored by families and travelers

  • Convertible (Cabriolet) - open-top version based on coupe, introduced in 2002 with stylish design

Interestingly, there was no coupe version in this generation - instead Audi offered the separate Audi TT model on a similar platform.

Bumper Plastic Marking: >PP/EPDM-TV20<

How to Remove Front Bumper

  1. Open the hood

  2. In wheel arches, unscrew bolts securing fender liners to bumper

  3. In front of fog lights, remove two push pins (may not be present) and take off decorative grilles

  4. Under grilles, unscrew two long bolts (threaded bottom-up) securing brackets to reinforcement. If these bolts won't turn, you can remove headlights and unscrew brackets from body

  5. Inside wheel wells, unscrew three nuts on each side (two access methods:

    • Remove four bolts and take out headlights to access inner fender through headlight openings

    • In wheel arches, unscrew bolts and free fender liners. Nuts can be reached with long extension socket wrench)

  6. From underside, unscrew three retaining clips securing underbody cover

  7. Release clips in fenders (pull corners toward you)

  8. With assistant, pull bumper forward (watch for wires and hoses)

  9. Disconnect electrical connectors

  10. Disconnect headlight washer hoses (if equipped, fluid may leak)

Front bumper mounting locations Audi A4 B6 (2000–2006)

Audi A4 B6 (2000–2006) Front Bumper Mounting Diagram

How to Remove Rear Bumper

⇒Useful tips on how to remove the bumper and not break anything.⇐

  1. Open trunk lid

  2. In trunk, remove rear and free side trim panels (to access inner fender area)

  3. Inside fenders and under taillights, unscrew six nuts per side (wagon version: four nuts per side)

  4. From underside, unscrew two bolts (threaded bottom-up)

  5. In wheel arches, unscrew two bolts per side securing fender liners (rear portion)

  6. Release clips in fenders (pull bumper corner toward you)

  7. With assistant, carefully pull bumper backward (watch for wires)

  8. Disconnect parking sensor connectors (if equipped)

mounting locations of the rear bumper Audi A4 B6 (2000–2006)

Rear bumper mounting diagram Audi A4 B6 (2000–2006)

Modifications and Engines

The A4 B6 was offered with wide range of gasoline and diesel engines:

Gasoline:

  • 1.6L (102 hp) - base engine but underpowered for heavy body

  • 1.8L turbo (163 and 190 hp) - most popular option, especially in tuning community

  • 2.0L (130 hp) - naturally aspirated, less interesting than 1.8T

  • 2.4L V6 (170 hp) - smooth operation but mediocre performance

  • 3.0L V6 (220 hp) - top gasoline engine for power lovers

Diesel (TDI):

  • 1.9L TDI (100-130 hp) - reliable and economical with great longevity

  • 2.5L V6 TDI (163 and 180 hp) - powerful and torquey but more complex to maintain

The quattro all-wheel drive version was also available, becoming Audi's signature feature.

Model Description

The A4 B6 received more rounded and elegant design compared to angular B5. The grille became wider, headlights more expressive and body lines smoother. Interior used quality materials and ergonomics significantly improved.

Technical features included:

  • Multi-link suspension (front and rear) - improved handling

  • Reinforced body - increased torsional rigidity, especially in convertible

  • New safety systems - ESP, side airbags and improved passive protection

Interesting Facts

  • The convertible was co-developed with Porsche - their engineers helped create rigid roofless structure

  • S4 B6 got V8 engine - unlike previous turbocharged generation, it used 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 (344 hp)

  • There was no RS4 in this generation - instead Audi released RS6, with performance A4 returning in B7 generation

  • In China B6 was sold as "first A4" - as official Audi sales started there in 2000s, B6 became iconic model there

Conclusion

The Audi A4 B6 represents important milestone in brand history, consolidating success of previous generation and setting new quality standards. Despite short production run, it's remembered for reliability, variety of modifications and stylish design. Today B6 remains popular among classic Audi enthusiasts thanks to easy maintenance and tuning potential.