Overview

Released in October 1993, the Audi B4 Cabriolet was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Germany, the front-wheel drive Audi Cabriolet was powered by a 2.6-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Despite being based on the B3 Coupe, Audi referred to the Cabriolet as having the B4 platform (Type G).

In October 1996, the Cabriolet was updated: the transmission was fitted with a new throttle linkage and revised software, the stereo was replaced and new-design alloy wheels were introduced.

Dimensions and suspension

The Audi B4 Cabriolet was 4366 mm long, 1716 mm wide, 1379 mm tall and had a 2556 mm long wheelbase. Furthermore, the B4 Cabriolet had MacPherson strut front suspension and torsion beam rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi Cabriolet included a driver’s airbag and ABS.

Features

Standard features for the Audi Cabriolet included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, central locking, power mirrors and power windows.

From October 1996, the Cabriolet was fitted with a six-disc CD changer.

1998 Audi Cabriolet SE

In September 1998, Special Edition or SE Cabriolet models were introduced; the SE omitted features such as the ten-disc CD changer and leather upholstery, but were priced at a significant discount relative to the standard Cabriolet.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Audi Cabriolet

Recalls: Audi B4 Cabriolet

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Audi B4 Cabriolet

1995 Audi B4 Cabriolet: airbag may deploy inadvertently

In February 1998, a recall was issued for 1995 Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles due to the possibility that the driver’s side airbag may deploy inadvertently under ceratin conditions (PRA 1998/3487).

1998-99 model year Audi B4 Cabriolet: Takata airbag and vehicle buyback

In December 2019, recall campaign 69AE was issued for 1998-99 model year Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles. These recalled vehicles had Takata airbags and, over time, moisture could enter the airbag inflators and degrade the airbag propellant. If this occurred, deployment of the airbag could cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture and project metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin – these fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality. The airbag could also under-inflate and not protect the driver as intended. As part of this recall, Audi Australia would offer to purchase the registered vehicle from the owner at present market value (i.e. as determined by a third party valuer appointed by Audi). Due to the age of the vehicles, replacement airbag inflators were not available. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2019/18002.

1999 Audi B4 Cabriolet with three-spoke steering wheel: Takata airbag recall

In November 2021, recall campaign 69CJ was issued for 1999 Audi B4 Cabriolet vehicles. The propellant in the gas generator of the Takata NADI 5-AT airbag that was fitted to certain vehicles with three-spoke steering wheels may degrade over time. As a result, the driver’s airbag may deploy with reduced force and this could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants in the event of a collision. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-004987.

Problems and faults: Audi B4 Cabriolet

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Audi B4 Cabriolet

• For the 2.6-litre V6 engine, the rear main seal is susceptible to oil leaks.
• The cruise control may not maintain a constant speed due to a defective vacuum servo unit.
• The ‘check engine’ light may illuminate – without any drivability issues – if the vacuum hose to exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve does not have sufficient slack.
• A rough or low idle may be due to a dirty throttle body bore and throttle control module.
• Clunking noises from the front of the vehicle when turning may be due to the heat shield on the left motor mount striking its bracket.

Released in October 1993, the Audi B4 Cabriolet was a two-door, four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured in Germany, the front-wheel drive Cabriolet was powered by a 2.6-litre V6 petrol engine that was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Despite being based on the B3 Coupe, Audi referred to the Cabriolet as having the B4 platform (Type G)… Read full Audi B4 Cabriolet review

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