CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Wartburg 353 W

Wartburg 353 W — 4-door saloon; 5-door estate; 2-door coupe utility (pickup), 993 cc two-stroke I3. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine993 cc two-stroke I3

Transmission4-speed manual

About the Wartburg 353 W

Wartburg 353 W is a 4-door saloon; 5-door estate; 2-door coupe utility (pickup) in the sedan class. The available vehicle data lists 993 cc two-stroke I3 as an engine configuration, paired with 4-speed manual and a FF layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Wartburg 353 W guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 993 cc two-stroke I3 and 4-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Wartburg 353 W specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Wartburg
Model	353 W
Model years	Not specified
Body style	4-door saloon; 5-door estate; 2-door coupe utility (pickup)
Vehicle class	sedan
Manufacturer	VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE)
Production	June 1966 – October 1988
Market / country	FI, NL

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Wartburg 353 W includes 993 cc two-stroke I3.. Published power figures include 42 kW.. Transmission information includes 4-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FF layout.

Engine	993 cc two-stroke I3
Fuel type	Jikov 32 Sedr downdraught carburettor
Transmission	4-speed manual
Drivetrain / layout	FF layout
Power	42 kW

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2450 mm (96.5 in)
Length	4220 mm (166 in)
Width	1640 mm (64.6 in)
Height	1490 mm (58.7 in)
Kerb / curb weight	920 kg (2,028 lb)

Wartburg 353 W other specifications

Image	Wartburg 353 declared first registered January 1988 encine capacity 993 cc.jpg
Caption	1988 Wartburg 353W
Name	Wartburg 353
Aka	Wartburg Knight (export markets)

Wartburg 353 W generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Wartburg 353	June 1966 – October 1988	993 cc two-stroke I3	4-speed manual	FF layout

Wartburg 353 W features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓two-stroke, three-cylinder, petrol engine, liquid cooled

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Wartburg 353 W

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Wartburg 353 W

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Wartburg 353 W have?

The available source data lists the Wartburg 353 W engine as 993 cc two-stroke I3. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Wartburg 353 W?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Wartburg 353 W?

There is no single best engine oil for every Wartburg 353 W configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Wartburg 353 W?

The Wartburg 353 W is classified as a 4-door saloon; 5-door estate; 2-door coupe utility (pickup).

What fuel does the Wartburg 353 W use?

The available source data lists the Wartburg 353 W fuel type as Jikov 32 Sedr downdraught carburettor.

How much horsepower does the Wartburg 353 W have?

The published figure for the Wartburg 353 W is 42 kW. Output can vary by engine and specification.

What are the dimensions of the Wartburg 353 W?

The available source data lists length 4220 mm (166 in), width 1640 mm (64.6 in), height 1490 mm (58.7 in), and wheelbase 2450 mm (96.5 in).

What transmission does the Wartburg 353 W have?

The available source data lists 4-speed manual transmission options for the Wartburg 353 W.

Is the Wartburg 353 W FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Wartburg 353 W is FF layout.

Who makes the Wartburg 353 W?

The manufacturer listed for the Wartburg 353 W is VEB Automobilwerk Eisenach (AWE).

When was the Wartburg 353 W produced?

The available source data describes production as June 1966 – October 1988.

How much does the Wartburg 353 W weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 920 kg (2,028 lb). Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Wartburg 353 W built?

The available source record lists assembly information as East Germany: Eisenach.

What class of car is the Wartburg 353 W?

The Wartburg 353 W is listed in the sedan class.

Which markets or countries sold the Wartburg 353 W?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Wartburg 353 W with FI, NL. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Wartburg 353 W?

The available vehicle data lists Wartburg 1.3 as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Wartburg 353 W?

The available vehicle data lists Wartburg 1.3 as the successor where applicable.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Wartburg 353 W?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Wartburg 353 W?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Wartburg 353 W is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Wartburg 353 W images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.