Selecting the right battery for an Audi 100 C4 manufactured between 1990 and 1994 is an important decision that affects the reliability and performance of your car. The Audi 100 C4, known for its robust engineering and refined ride, features a variety of petrol and diesel engines, each with its own specific requirements regarding battery capacity, cold cranking amps (CCA), and physical dimensions. Proper battery selection not only ensures smooth starting in all weather conditions but also helps maintain the health of the vehicle’s electrical system, which is especially crucial as these cars age and original components become more demanding to replace.
For petrol-powered Audi 100 C4 models without the Start-Stop system, including the 2.0, 2.0 E, 2.0 E quattro, 2.0 E 16V, 2.0 E 16V quattro, 2.3 E, 2.3 E quattro, 2.6, 2.6 quattro, 2.8 E, 2.8 E quattro, and S4 Turbo quattro, the ideal battery capacity falls between 53 and 62 Ah. The required cold cranking current should be in the range of 480 to 600 A. The recommended battery technology for these engines is the traditional lead-acid (kwasowo-ołowiowy) type, which offers a balance of affordability, reliability, and longevity. When selecting a battery, one of the most critical details is the battery’s height. For the Audi 100 C4, you must ensure the battery height does not exceed 175 mm, as a higher battery may not fit properly in the engine bay, potentially leading to installation issues or even electrical short circuits.
Some of the example compatible battery models for these petrol engines, which can be used as a reference during your search, include Bosch S30 04, Bosch S40 04, Bosch S50 04, Exide EA612, Exide EB602, Exide EC542, Halfords HB 075, Halfords HCB 075, Lucas LP065, Lucas LP075, Lucas LS075, as well as Varta C11, Varta D21, and Varta D59. These models represent some of the most reputable battery manufacturers, known for their high-quality standards and wide availability in Europe and beyond. Always double-check the exact dimensions, especially the height, before making your purchase, as even within the same brand, there might be small differences depending on the production batch or regional variations.
For higher-displacement and performance-oriented engines like the S4 V8 quattro, as well as diesel variants such as the 2.4 D and 2.5 TDI, the battery requirements are more demanding. These engines require a battery capacity between 65 and 74 Ah and a cold cranking current ranging from 540 to 750 A. The same lead-acid technology is recommended here, but due to higher compression ratios in diesels and the additional electrical loads in performance models, a more powerful battery is necessary. Again, you must pay close attention to the battery height, which should remain at or below 175 mm.
Examples of suitable batteries for these larger engines include Bosch S30 07, Bosch S40 07, Bosch S50 07, Exide EA722, Exide EB712, Exide EC652, Lucas LP100, Lucas LS100, as well as Varta E38, Varta E43, and Varta E9. These are only example, matching models, so when shopping, you can use them as a starting point, but always verify compatibility with your specific Audi 100 C4 variant. It is also advisable to check the battery terminal layout (polarity) and clamp type to ensure a seamless installation.
An interesting aspect of the Audi 100 C4 is that, despite its age, the model was ahead of its time in terms of electrical system design, which is why battery fitment remains a critical detail even today. The C4 generation’s attention to under-hood packaging and safety means that using a battery with the correct height is not only about fitting under the hood but also about maintaining proper airflow and preventing potential contact with the hood, which could cause dangerous short circuits.
When choosing a battery for your Audi 100 C4, it is always worthwhile to consider not just the technical specifications but also the date of manufacture. A fresh battery will always provide better performance and a longer lifespan compared to one that has spent a year or more on the shelf. Additionally, while AGM and EFB batteries are increasingly popular in modern cars, the classic lead-acid design remains the preferred choice for the Audi 100 C4 due to its compatibility and proven reliability in this model range.
Finally, if you are a car enthusiast who enjoys keeping your classic Audi in top shape, you might also consider investing in a smart battery charger and regularly checking the battery’s state of charge, especially if the car is not driven daily. This simple habit can significantly extend the lifespan of your battery and help avoid the frustration of unexpected starting issues, ensuring your Audi 100 C4 continues to deliver its distinctive blend of comfort and performance for years to come.
Audi 100 in version C4 was produced in the years 1990 – 1994. We invite you to a list of batteries matching individual engine versions.
Basic parameters of batteries suitable for Audi 100 (1990-1994):
| Layout | Terminal types | Base hold-down |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – positive on the right side | 1 | B13 |
Audi 100 C4 – petrol engines:
- 2.0
- 2.0 E
- 2.0 E 16V
- 2.0 E 16V quattro
- 2.0 E quattro
- 2.3 E
- 2.3 E quattro
- 2.6
- 2.6 quattro
- 2.8 E
- 2.8 E quattro
- S4 Turbo quattro
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 04 | 53 Ah 500 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 04 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 04 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC542 | 54 Ah 500 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB602 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA612 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Essentials HB 075 | 56 Ah 500 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Halfords Standard HCB 075 | 60 Ah 550 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP065 | 53 Ah 480 A | 243x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP075 | 60 Ah 540 A | 243x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS075 | 62 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic C11 | 53 Ah 500 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic D59 | 60 Ah 540 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic D21 | 61 Ah 600 A | 242x175x175 mm | More |
Audi 100 C4 – petrol engines:
- S4 V8 quattro
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 07 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 07 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 07 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC652 | 65 Ah 540 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB712 | 71 Ah 670 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA722 | 72 Ah 720 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP100 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS100 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E9 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E43 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E38 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
Audi 100 C4 – diesel engines:
- 2.4 D
- 2.5 TDI
| Model | Capacity and CCA | Dimensions (LxWxH) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch S3 S30 07 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S4 S40 07 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Bosch S5 S50 07 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Classic EC652 | 65 Ah 540 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Excell EB712 | 71 Ah 670 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Exide Premium EA722 | 72 Ah 720 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Premium LP100 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Lucas Supreme LS100 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Black Dynamic E9 | 70 Ah 640 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Blue Dynamic E43 | 72 Ah 680 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
| Varta Silver Dynamic E38 | 74 Ah 750 A | 278x175x175 mm | More |
If you’re still unsure which battery fits your Audi 100 , or if you want to help others in their selection, please send us a photo of your current battery in the comment section at the bottom of the page. You can also send the picture to contact@whatbattery.co.uk (we will place it in the comments to also help other users). Be sure to specify the car model, year, type, as well as the engine capacity and power. We’ll do our best to assist you!