Audi Audi A3 1997-2003 Body Specifications
Audi Audi A3 1997-2003

Audi Audi A3 1997-2003 Body Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the body system of the 1997-2003 Audi A3. Includes body dimensions, materials, structural components, and repair guidelines.

Updated

Audi A3 (1997-2003) Body Specifications Specifications

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the body specifications for the 1997-2003 Audi A3. It includes detailed information about dimensions, materials, and features. Use this guide to understand the technical aspects of the vehicle's body structure, exterior, and interior design. Navigate through the sections to find specific details or use the quick reference for key specifications.

How to Use

To find specific information, use the search functionality by entering relevant keywords such as 'dimensions' or 'materials.' Results will be highlighted within the document.

Navigate through the document by selecting sections from the table of contents. Each section contains subsections with detailed technical points. Use the quick reference section for fast access to key specifications.

Key Specifications

Length

4,152 mm

Width

1,728 mm

Height

1,421 mm

Wheelbase

2,512 mm

Cargo Capacity (max)

1,100 liters

Available Specifications

General Dimensions

This section provides an overview of the external dimensions of the Audi A3, including length, width, height, and wheelbase. These measurements are crucial for understanding the vehicle's overall size and proportions.

Exterior Dimensions
  • Length: 4,152 mm
  • Width: 1,728 mm
  • Height: 1,421 mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,512 mm
  • Front track: 1,503 mm
  • Rear track: 1,496 mm

Body Structure

This section details the construction and materials used in the Audi A3's body, including the use of high-strength steel and corrosion protection methods.

Body Construction
  • Monocoque (unibody) construction
  • High-strength steel used for enhanced safety and rigidity
  • Galvanized body panels for corrosion resistance
  • Welded construction for structural integrity
  • Aluminum hood and doors for weight reduction

Exterior Features

This section covers the external features of the Audi A3, including doors, windows, and other exterior components.

Doors and Windows
  • 4 doors (front and rear)
  • Frameless door windows
  • Power windows with one-touch operation
  • Remote central locking system
  • Heated rear window

Interior Dimensions

This section provides information about the interior space of the Audi A3, including passenger and cargo areas.

Interior Space
  • Front headroom: 1,024 mm
  • Rear headroom: 968 mm
  • Front legroom: 1,044 mm
  • Rear legroom: 846 mm
  • Cargo capacity (rear seats up): 350 liters
  • Cargo capacity (rear seats folded): 1,100 liters

Component Specifications

Overview

Type
compact car
Configuration
5-door hatchback
Platform
Audi A4 (PQ34)
Material
steel and aluminum
Location
Ingolstadt, Germany
Body Type
monocoque

Dimensions

Length
416 cm (163.78 in)
Width
173 cm (68.11 in)
Height
142 cm (55.91 in)
Wheelbase
251 cm (98.82 in)
Front Track
148 cm (58.27 in)
Rear Track
147 cm (57.87 in)
Curb Weight
1,100 kg (2,425 lbs)
Ground Clearance
120 mm (4.72 in)

Materials

Body Shell
steel
Doors
aluminum
Hood
aluminum
Front Fenders
aluminum
Roof
steel

Features

Exterior Features
  • halogen headlights
  • power-adjustable mirrors
  • optional alloy wheels
  • body-colored bumpers
  • rear spoiler
interior Features
  • cloth upholstery
  • manual-adjustable seats
  • optional leather upholstery
  • adjustable steering wheel
  • cruise control (optional)
Functional Features
  • split-folding rear seats
  • cargo area cover
  • rear window wiper
  • optional roof rack
Optional Equipment
  • sunroof
  • fog lights
  • 17-inch alloy wheels
  • sport suspension

Safety Features

Structural integrity
Reinforced Body Structure: high-strength steel
Crumple Zones: front and rear
Passive Safety
  • dual front airbags
  • optional side airbags
  • optional head airbags
Active Safety
  • anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • optional electronic stability program (ESP)
  • optional traction control

Comfort Features

Heating And Ventilation
  • manual air conditioning
  • optional automatic climate control
  • rear seat ventilation
Seating
  • height-adjustable driver seat
  • optional lumbar support
  • optional heated seats
Convenience
  • power windows
  • optional remote central locking
  • optional rain sensor

Accessories

Exterior Accessories
  • roof rack
  • trailer hitch
  • optional bike rack
interior Accessories
  • cargo net
  • optional floor mats
  • optional trunk organizer
Styling Accessories
  • optional body kit
  • optional rear spoiler
  • optional chrome trim

Maintenance

Service interval
every 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months
Service Items
  • oil change
  • tire rotation
  • brake inspection
  • suspension inspection
  • fluid checks
Maintenance Notes
Recommended synthetic oil. Timing belt inspection at 60,000 km (37,300 miles).

Warranty

Basic Warranty
Term: 4 years or 80,000 km (50,000 miles)
Coverage: bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain Warranty
Term: 5 years or 100,000 km (62,000 miles)
Coverage: engine, transmission, and drivetrain
Rust Perforation Warranty
Term: 12 years
Coverage: body panels
Maintenance Warranty
Term: 2 years or 30,000 km (18,600 miles)
Coverage: routine maintenance

Production Details

Manufacturer
Audi AG
Manufacturing Process
  • robotic welding
  • laser cutting
  • computer-aided design (CAD)
  • CAT (Computer Aided Technology) modeling
Quality Control
inspections: visual inspection, stress testing, paint thickness measurement
Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001
Sustainability Practices
  • recycled materials in production
  • reduced water consumption
  • energy-efficient manufacturing
Production Metrics
Units Produced: over 1.2 million units
Production Years: 1997-2003
Quality Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Durability: 5-year corrosion warranty

Service Information for body Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

5,000 miles
6 months
  • Oil and filter change
  • Tire pressure check and rotation
  • Brake inspection
  • Suspension and steering inspection
  • Fluid level checks

Inspect wiper blades and air filter. Check for any body corrosion.

15,000 miles
12 months
  • Spark plug replacement
  • Inspect and top up coolant
  • Inspect belts and hoses
  • Battery test
  • Check door and hatch alignments

Check for any signs of rust or damage to body panels.

30,000 miles
24 months
  • Timing belt inspection
  • Inspect and clean fuel injectors
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect and replace air filter
  • Check for any dents or scratches in the body

Apply rust-proofing treatment to underbody if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What are the exterior dimensions of the 1997-2003 Audi A3?

The 1997-2003 Audi A3 has an overall length of 4152 mm, a width of 1735 mm (excluding mirrors), and a height of 1423 mm. The wheelbase measures 2512 mm, and the track width is 1513 mm at the front and 1492 mm at the rear.

Q2

What materials are used in the body construction of the Audi A3?

The body of the 1997-2003 Audi A3 is constructed using a combination of high-strength steel and galvanized panels to ensure durability and corrosion resistance. The roof and hood are made from lightweight aluminum to reduce overall vehicle weight.

Q3

What is the drag coefficient of the Audi A3?

The 1997-2003 Audi A3 has a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.32, which contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and fuel economy.

Q4

What is the curb weight of the Audi A3?

The curb weight of the 1997-2003 Audi A3 varies by trim and engine configuration, ranging from 1180 kg (2601 lbs) for the base model to 1320 kg (2910 lbs) for the fully loaded version.

Q5

Are there any specific rust-prone areas on the Audi A3 body?

Common rust-prone areas on the 1997-2003 Audi A3 include the wheel arches, door sills, and underbody components. Regular inspection and application of anti-corrosion treatments are recommended to maintain body integrity.

Q6

What is the ground clearance of the Audi A3?

The ground clearance of the 1997-2003 Audi A3 is approximately 120 mm (4.7 inches), which is typical for a compact sedan in its class.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

Audi A3 Body Repair Manual

Coming Soon

Official repair manual for the 1997-2003 Audi A3 body, covering panel replacement, alignment, and corrosion prevention.

Audi A3 Paint Code Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide to identifying and matching paint codes for the 1997-2003 Audi A3, including factory color options.

Audi A3 Body Panel Dimensions

Coming Soon

Technical document detailing the exact dimensions and tolerances for all body panels on the 1997-2003 Audi A3.

Audi A3 Rust Prevention Guide

Coming Soon

Step-by-step guide to preventing and treating rust on the 1997-2003 Audi A3, including recommended products and techniques.

About the Author

Expert automotive knowledge and experience

Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
ASE

Alan Montanye

Automotive Technical Specialist

ASE Master Certified Technician with over a decade of hands-on experience in automotive repair and diagnostics.

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