Audi Audi S6 1999-2004 Drivetrain Specifications
Audi Audi S6 1999-2004

Audi Audi S6 1999-2004 Drivetrain Specifications

Detailed technical specifications and documentation for the 1999-2004 Audi S6 drivetrain system, including engine, transmission, differential, and quattro AWD components. Essential for maintenance and repair.

Updated

Overview Specifications

Comprehensive description of the drivetrain specifications for the 1999-2004 Audi S6, including key features, measurements, and technical details

How to Use

Use the search function to locate specific drivetrain components or specifications by entering keywords such as 'transmission type', 'differential ratio', or 'torque distribution'.

Navigate through the drivetrain documentation by selecting the relevant section from the table of contents or using the sidebar menu to jump to specific subsections.

Key Specifications

Transmission Type

6-speed manual (01E)

Center Differential

Torsen T-2 (50:50)

Final Drive Ratio

4.111:1

Engine Torque

310 lb-ft @ 3,400 rpm

Top Speed

155 mph (limited)

Available Specifications

Transmission System

Details about the transmission system, including type, gear ratios, and operational characteristics

Transmission Type
  • 6-speed manual transmission (01E)
  • All-wheel-drive (AWD) configuration
  • Dual-mass flywheel for smoother operation
  • Hydraulic clutch system with 240mm clutch disc
Gear Ratios
  • 1st gear: 3.500:1
  • 2nd gear: 2.118:1
  • 3rd gear: 1.517:1
  • 4th gear: 1.156:1
  • 5th gear: 0.919:1
  • 6th gear: 0.778:1
  • Reverse gear: 3.500:1

Note: Gear ratios optimized for performance and fuel efficiency.

Differential System

Information about the differential system, including type, ratios, and torque distribution

Center Differential
  • Torsen T-2 type center differential
  • Default torque distribution: 50:50 front/rear
  • Dynamic torque distribution based on traction conditions
  • Integrated with the quattro all-wheel-drive system
Rear Differential
  • Open differential with electronic differential lock (EDL)
  • Final drive ratio: 4.111:1
  • Limited-slip functionality for improved traction
  • Sealed for life with no service interval

Note: EDL system uses ABS sensors to detect wheel slip and applies braking to the slipping wheel.

Driveshaft and Axles

Technical details about the driveshaft and axle components, including materials and specifications

Driveshaft
  • Two-piece steel driveshaft with center support bearing
  • Length: 1,250mm (front section), 850mm (rear section)
  • Balanced for high-speed operation up to 250 km/h
  • Rubber-mounted for vibration damping
Axles
  • Front axles: CV joints with 100mm outer diameter
  • Rear axles: CV joints with 90mm outer diameter
  • Axle shafts made from forged steel for durability
  • Sealed CV joints with lifetime lubrication

Note: CV joints are designed to handle high torque loads and extreme angles.

Torque and Power Delivery

Details about torque and power delivery, including engine output and drivetrain efficiency

Engine Output
  • 4.2L V8 engine producing 340 hp at 7,000 rpm
  • Maximum torque: 310 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm
  • Power transmitted through the drivetrain with minimal loss
  • Redline: 7,200 rpm
Drivetrain Efficiency
  • Estimated drivetrain loss: 15%
  • 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.6 seconds
  • Top speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
  • Fuel efficiency: 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway

Note: Performance figures may vary based on driving conditions and maintenance.

Component Specifications

Engine

Type
V8
Displacement
4.2 L
Power Output
340 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque
302 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Fuel System
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection
Part Number
077 100 012 A

Transmission

Type
6-speed manual
Gear Ratios
1st: 3.67:1
2nd: 2.05:1
3rd: 1.41:1
4th: 1.07:1
5th: 0.85:1
6th: 0.71:1
Reverse: 3.17:1
Final Drive Ratio
4.11:1
Part Number
01E 300 048 D

Clutch

Type
Single-plate dry clutch
Diameter
240 mm
Material
Organic friction material
Torque Capacity
400 Nm
Part Number
077 141 033 C

Driveshaft

Type
Two-piece with center support bearing
Material
High-strength steel
Length
1450 mm
Diameter
80 mm
Part Number
4B0 521 101 A

Differential

Type
Torsen T-2 limited-slip differential
Ratio
4.11:1
Torque Split
40:60 front to rear
Part Number
01E 409 755 B

Axles

Front Axle
Type: Independent, double wishbone
Cv Joint Diameter: 100 mm
Axle Shaft Diameter: 32 mm
Part Number: 4B0 498 101 A
Rear Axle
Type: Independent, multi-link
Cv Joint Diameter: 95 mm
Axle Shaft Diameter: 30 mm
Part Number: 4B0 498 102 B

Transfer Case

Type
Not applicable (front-wheel drive bias with Torsen differential)
Note
The Torsen differential provides torque distribution without a traditional transfer case.

Propeller Shaft

Type
Not applicable
Note
The drivetrain configuration does not require a propeller shaft.

Wheel Hubs

Front
Type: Bolt-on hub assembly
Bearing Type: Tapered roller bearing
Bolt Pattern: 5x112
Part Number: 4B0 498 625 A
Rear
Type: Bolt-on hub assembly
Bearing Type: Tapered roller bearing
Bolt Pattern: 5x112
Part Number: 4B0 498 626 B

Lubrication

Engine Oil
Type: Fully synthetic 5W-40
Capacity: 7.6 L
Change interval: 10,000 miles or 12 months
Transmission Fluid
Type: Synthetic gear oil 75W-90
Capacity: 2.6 L
Change interval: 30,000 miles or 36 months
Differential Fluid
Type: Synthetic gear oil 75W-90
Capacity: 1.2 L
Change interval: 30,000 miles or 36 months

Service Information Service

Detailed service requirements and schedules for the 1999-2004 Audi S6 drivetrain

10,000
12
  • Engine oil and filter change
  • Inspect drivetrain components for leaks
  • Check transmission and differential fluid levels

Use only Audi-approved fluids and lubricants.

30,000
36
  • Replace transmission fluid
  • Replace differential fluid
  • Inspect clutch wear and adjust if necessary

Clutch adjustment may be required based on driving conditions.

60,000
72
  • Inspect driveshaft and CV joints for wear
  • Check wheel hub bearings for play
  • Replace engine air filter

Replace worn components immediately to prevent drivetrain damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

What type of drivetrain does the 1999-2004 Audi S6 use?

The 1999-2004 Audi S6 features a permanent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system known as quattro. This system uses a Torsen (Torque-Sensing) Type 1 center differential, which distributes torque 50:50 under normal conditions but can adjust up to 75:25 front-to-rear or 25:75 rear-to-front depending on traction needs.

Q2

What is the gear ratio of the 6-speed manual transmission in the Audi S6?

The 6-speed manual transmission in the 1999-2004 Audi S6 has the following gear ratios: 1st gear - 3.500:1, 2nd gear - 2.118:1, 3rd gear - 1.517:1, 4th gear - 1.156:1, 5th gear - 0.939:1, 6th gear - 0.778:1. The final drive ratio is 4.111:1.

Q3

What is the torque capacity of the drivetrain components?

The drivetrain components of the 1999-2004 Audi S6 are designed to handle the engine's maximum torque output of 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) at 3,200 rpm. The Torsen differential and reinforced driveshafts ensure reliable power delivery under high-stress conditions.

Q4

How often should the drivetrain fluids be serviced?

Audi recommends replacing the transmission fluid and differential oil every 60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Use only Audi-approved fluids, such as G 052 145 A2 for the transmission and G 052 145 S2 for the differential, to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Q5

Can the quattro system be disabled or modified?

No, the quattro system in the 1999-2004 Audi S6 is a permanent all-wheel-drive system and cannot be disabled. Modifications to the drivetrain, such as aftermarket differentials or altered gear ratios, may void the vehicle's warranty and compromise safety.

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 S6 Drivetrain Service Manual

Coming Soon

Official Audi service manual detailing maintenance procedures, torque specifications, and troubleshooting for the drivetrain components.

Torsen Differential Technical Guide

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide explaining the operation, maintenance, and repair of the Torsen Type 1 differential used in the quattro system.

Audi Genuine Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Catalog of genuine Audi parts for the 1999-2004 S6, including drivetrain components such as driveshafts, differentials, and transmission parts.

Drivetrain Fluid Specifications

Coming Soon

Detailed information on Audi-approved fluids for the transmission, differential, and transfer case, including part numbers and compatibility.

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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