Oil Change Analysis B8 S4

**redrocker55** · 04-08-2011 11:49 AM

This is the latest oil Change Analysis I just received on my S4. The past several oil changes I've used AMSoil 5w40. I used the German Castrol early on at switched to the AMSoil at the 5,293 mark.

For anyone who has not seen an oil analysis before, I thought this would be worth sharing with the group.

**fasttoys** · 04-08-2011 02:32 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

This is the latest oil Change Analysis I just received on my S4. The past several oil changes I've used AMSoil 5w40. I used the German Castrol early on at switched to the AMSoil at the 5,293 mark.

For anyone who has not seen an oil analysis before, I thought this would be worth sharing with the group.

What oil do you use? What dose AUDI recommend. Why are you concerned dose AUDI have an issue> I had mine checked when I had my e46 M3 but they had engine malfunctions with that motor..

**Dr GP** · 04-08-2011 02:57 PM

What it tells me is that the oil is still working well at 5K miles. If your going to go to a 9K interval(as suggested), you might as well just let Audi do the oil change for free at 10k.

**redrocker55** · 04-08-2011 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by fasttoys

What oil do you use? What dose AUDI recommend. Why are you concerned dose AUDI have an issue> I had mine checked when I had my e46 M3 but they had engine malfunctions with that motor..

I'm currently using AMSoil 5W40 European Formula. This is a VW approved oil for our engines.

I have zero concerns and no Audi does not have any oil related issues.

**redrocker55** · 04-08-2011 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Dr GP

What it tells me is that the oil is still working well at 5K miles. If your going to go to a 9K interval(as suggested), you might as well just let Audi do the oil change for free at 10k.

Hey Dr...I have over 35,000 miles on my car so I'm way outside of the free oil change range. I do my own oil changes and I like to use the money I save on paying a dealership to do an oil analysis on each oil change. This is what my car is showing since very early on.

I might take this oil change to 9,000. It might be interesting to see how a ultra premium oil that is being run to 10,000 miles actually does on these DI engines.

Right now I'm happy with the 7,000 mile is oil changes b/c my wear metals are much lower than the average for the 3.0 TFSI. I will most likely keep this car until I get to about 130,000 miles and trade it in on another Audi since I have absolutely fallen in love with this brand.

**Dr GP** · 04-08-2011 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Hey Dr...I have over 35,000 miles on my car so I'm way outside of the free oil change range. I do my own oil changes and I like to use the money I save on paying a dealership to do an oil analysis on each oil change. This is what my car is showing since very early on.

I might take this oil change to 9,000. It might be interesting to see how a ultra premium oil that is being run to 10,000 miles actually does on these DI engines.

Right now I'm happy with the 7,000 mile is oil changes b/c my wear metals are much lower than the average for the 3.0 TFSI. I will most likely keep this car until I get to about 130,000 miles and trade it in on another Audi since I have absolutely fallen in love with this brand.

If I planned to keep mine long term, I would do an oil change every 7.5k miles.

**fasttoys** · 04-08-2011 10:46 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

I'm currently using AMSoil 5W40 European Formula. This is a VW approved oil for our engines.

I have zero concerns and no Audi does not have any oil related issues.

cool I am new to AUDI what oil does the dealer use? & weight

**redrocker55** · 04-09-2011 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by Dr GP

If I planned to keep mine long term, I would do an oil change every 7.5k miles.

Based on what I'm seeing with the analysis the 7.5K changes provide fantastic protection while allowing a buffer. I thing it's interesting that a lower mile oil change will have a lower TBN. This can be due to driving habits, gas formulation, temperature differences in climate, more or less highway use during the change, etc.

I should probably do 1 10,000 mile interval to see what happens.

**redrocker55** · 04-09-2011 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by fasttoys

cool I am new to AUDI what oil does the dealer use? & weight

I bet most dealers are using the 5w40 that is recommended in the manual.

The brand of oil though can vary widely. I know my local dealer uses Pennzoil.

I am pretty particular on the oil in my car (obviously...laughing at myself), so this is part of the reason I do my own oil changes.

**L0U** · 04-09-2011 04:38 AM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

I bet most dealers are using the 5w40 that is recommended in the manual.

The brand of oil though can vary widely. I know my local dealer uses Pennzoil.

I am pretty particular on the oil in my car (obviously...laughing at myself), so this is part of the reason I do my own oil changes.

"do you own oil changes dates you to at least past 35 yr old" The generations driving in another 10 years won't even know what oil is, let alone how to change it...or want to.

**B8_Jim** · 04-09-2011 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by L0U

dates you to at least past 35 yr old

LOL. You kids, GET OFF MY LAWN!

**redrocker55** · 04-10-2011 04:37 AM

Originally Posted by L0U

"do you own oil changes dates you to at least past 35 yr old" The generations driving in another 10 years won't even know what oil is, let alone how to change it...or want to.

true dat.

**audifan22** · 09-08-2011 07:22 PM

Has anyone done oil changes every 10k? I have audicare and was thinking of just following their schedule, but it seems like most want to change it every 5,000 miles. Furthermore, I'm not going to change the oil myself, so I'm curious how much does the dealer charge you guys for an oil change, if I decide to do it every 5k miles.

**redrocker55** · 09-09-2011 04:02 AM

I have offered to pay for the oil analysis at 10,000 miles to a few people and nobody has taken me up on it. I would love to see the pennzoil most dealers use with a 10,000 mile oil change interval. If you go that long and want me to pay for it PM me and we will set it up. The dealer should have no problem taking a quick sample for you as the oil is drained. I've heard dealer oil changes ranging in the $75-$105 range.

**audifan22** · 09-09-2011 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

I have offered to pay for the free oil analysis at 10,000 miles to a few people and nobody has taken me up on it. I would love to see the pennzoil most dealers use with a 10,000 mile oil change interval. If you go that long and want me to pay for it PM me and we will set it up. The dealer should have no problem taking a quick sample for you as the oil is drained. I've heard dealer oil changes ranging in the $75-$105 range.

I am not sure yet, as I still only have 500 miles on the car, but if and when it comes to that I will let you know what I decide. If it really was $75-$105 at the dealer than I'd be surprised as my b7 a4 I believe was only 5 quarts and the dealer here wanted $129. Isn't the S4 like 8.5 quarts? I used to go to VW dealer for my 2.0 where they charged $60, but I don't think VW has any car in their lineup where they can change my 12 S4.

**Brooklyn** · 09-09-2011 08:07 AM

What does it cost on average to have an oil analysis done. Might be interesting to see how my car looks. I'm just over 20k and have been following the Audi service schedule.

**ENV²** · 09-09-2011 08:08 AM

Dealer is generally 120-145 for oil changes. Indy shops using great oil (Ala Fuchs) $65-70

**redrocker55** · 09-09-2011 08:36 AM

I will be posting my Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5w40 in the next 2 weeks! Oil comes out by next weekend and then it takes a few days to get it back. This is the same oil used as factory fill in Ferrari's now...it's also the same exact oil used in the Indy Car Series teams. Same exact oil...right out of the bottle.

http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa...2011_indy.html

**FatalBert** · 09-09-2011 08:53 AM

Originally Posted by audifan22

Has anyone done oil changes every 10k? I have audicare and was thinking of just following their schedule, but it seems like most want to change it every 5,000 miles. Furthermore, I'm not going to change the oil myself, so I'm curious how much does the dealer charge you guys for an oil change, if I decide to do it every 5k miles.

Got mine changed about a month ago at 2.5k. They charged me $85 for parts + labor + tax. They used Castrol on mine. VW502 I believe.

**NWS4Guy** · 09-09-2011 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by audifan22

Has anyone done oil changes every 10k? I have audicare and was thinking of just following their schedule, but it seems like most want to change it every 5,000 miles. Furthermore, I'm not going to change the oil myself, so I'm curious how much does the dealer charge you guys for an oil change, if I decide to do it every 5k miles.

I pay to have mine done every 5K in betwen the 10K changes from Audi

Originally Posted by redrocker55

I have offered to pay for the free oil analysis at 10,000 miles to a few people and nobody has taken me up on it. I would love to see the pennzoil most dealers use with a 10,000 mile oil change interval. If you go that long and want me to pay for it PM me and we will set it up. The dealer should have no problem taking a quick sample for you as the oil is drained. I've heard dealer oil changes ranging in the $75-$105 range.

Pay for a free oil analysis?

**Vogz** · 09-09-2011 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by L0U

"do you own oil changes dates you to at least past 35 yr old" The generations driving in another 10 years won't even know what oil is, let alone how to change it...or want to.

Hey now. I'm 31 and I've always done my own oil changes (along with a lot of other stuff). My first car didn't have airbags either ;)

**Vogz** · 09-09-2011 10:38 AM

BTW, I did an oil change @ 1,300 miles and Iron and Copper were a little high which I expected. I'm going in for my first free one @ 5000mi and I'll have my dealer grab a sample for me then. I've been using blackstone for years. I don't think I'll be running 10K miles on the oil anytime soon though. Not that I don't trust synthetic oils...I just think it's cheap insurance to do it every 5K.

**redrocker55** · 09-09-2011 02:16 PM

Pay for a free oil analysis?[/QUOTE]

Ha...nice catch! Something like that...I meant I have offered to pay so the oil analysis is free for the person donating the oil sample! Guess I should edit that one...

**redrocker55** · 09-09-2011 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by Vogz

BTW, I did an oil change @ 1,300 miles and Iron and Copper were a little high which I expected. I'm going in for my first free one @ 5000mi and I'll have my dealer grab a sample for me then. I've been using blackstone for years. I don't think I'll be running 10K miles on the oil anytime soon though. Not that I don't trust synthetic oils...I just think it's cheap insurance to do it every 5K.

Vogz...I'd love to see your report if you can post it.

Check out this one. This has my first 2 oil changes on it at similar miles to your first. My Copper and Iron were also higher. But you can see from my earlier post in this thread that they have settled down substantially. I've done an analysis on every single oil change with this car and I'm currently at 48,000 miles. Engine is wearing very nicely!

I can fill you in on why I did early oil changes at the beginning if you are curious.

**Vogz** · 09-09-2011 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Vogz...I'd love to see your report if you can post it.

Check out this one. This has my first 2 oil changes on it at similar miles to your first. My Copper and Iron were also higher. But you can see from my earlier post in this thread that they have settled down substantially. I've done an analysis on every single oil change with this car and I'm currently at 48,000 miles. Engine is wearing very nicely!

I can fill you in on why I did early oil changes at the beginning if you are curious.

No prob, I'll post it up when I get back in town tomorrow. Glad to hear that your engine is wearing so well!

Sent from my EVO 4G

**Vogz** · 09-10-2011 01:17 PM

Dan,

Here's my first analysis. Looks almost identical to yours.

**redrocker55** · 09-11-2011 07:09 PM

Vogz...thank you for posting that analysis. Very nice! Ours were almost exactly the same. I like the consistency! I can't wait to see what this Pennzoil Ultra looks like. Pulling it out of the car either this Saturday or earlier depending on my schedule this week. I like doing that early oil change on new cars. Analysis like these seem to provide some evidence that it's a relatively smart move.

**Vogz** · 09-11-2011 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Vogz...thank you for posting that analysis. Very nice! Ours were almost exactly the same. I like the consistency! I can't wait to see what this Pennzoil Ultra looks like. Pulling it out of the car either this Saturday or earlier depending on my schedule this week. I like doing that early oil change on new cars. Analysis like these seem to provide some evidence that it's a relatively smart move.

No problem! I'll post more in the future, but it will be a while before I have a good bunch since I will probably only average about 12K miles a year on my S4.

Based on what I've read about Pennzoil Ultra, you should be very happy. Is that the oil that Audi dealers use? I've always done a least one early oil change on a new car and I've NEVER had any engine wear issues.

**redrocker55** · 09-12-2011 04:46 AM

The dealers are using Castrol. I would love to see a dealer installed Castrol oil analysis with 10,000 miles on it. I will pay for the analysis. Offer is still out there if anyone wants to take me up on it.

**redrocker55** · 09-21-2011 02:30 PM

Hey Guys,

Here's my latest oil analysis. This oil change interval I used the Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5W40. The same exact oil that is used in the IndyCar series teams are using. Also factory fill from Ferrari.

The analysis came back pretty good. Looks like Pennzoil uses a slightly higher (compared to the AMSoil Euro 5W40) amount of calcium/magnesium/phosphorus and zinc. These items will absorb some of the byproducts of the combustion process and provide a bit of cleaning to the engine. The zinc also helps w/ wear.

The Pennzoil also has a slightly higher viscosity rating...but very close to the AMSoil.

Wear metals...iron/copper/lead/tin are all very low and also lower than the universal averages for this engine.

Enjoy!!

**FatalBert** · 09-21-2011 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Hey Guys,

Here's my latest oil analysis. This oil change interval I used the Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5W40. The same exact oil that is used in the IndyCar series teams are using. Also factory fill from Ferrari.

The analysis came back pretty good. Looks like Pennzoil uses a slightly higher (compared to the AMSoil Euro 5W40) amount of calcium/magnesium/phosphorus and zinc. These items will absorb some of the byproducts of the combustion process and provide a bit of cleaning to the engine. The zinc also helps w/ wear.

The Pennzoil also has a slightly higher viscosity rating...but very close to the AMSoil.

Wear metals...iron/copper/lead/tin are all very low and also lower than the universal averages for this engine.

Enjoy!!

High in Zinc and Calcium, you've been feeding it multi vitamins?

Ill be getting my 5k oil change done in December, your offer of a free analysis still on for that? hehe...

**LeadToRome** · 09-21-2011 03:03 PM

Redrocker, nice heads up on the Pennzoil Euro, I'm going to go with it at my next change, thanks.

**CircuitTested** · 09-21-2011 03:36 PM

Doing an oil change this weekend...last oil change done by dealer so I'm guessing its Castrol. Worth it to see the analysis on just 6k, albeit hard miles worth?

Going with Mobil 1 0w-40 Euro formula this time around.

**redrocker55** · 09-21-2011 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by CircuitTested

Doing an oil change this weekend...last oil change done by dealer so I'm guessing its Castrol. Worth it to see the analysis on just 6k, albeit hard miles worth?

Going with Mobil 1 0w-40 Euro formula this time around.

At 6,000 miles you should have plenty of TBN left (acid fighting/reserve alkalinity). I think the curious aspect of doing a 6,000 mile oil analysis on your engine would be the wear metals since you track it and typically drive it harder than many others who own a S4 (I didn't say everybody...I just mean Circuit drives it more aggressively than most).

Originally Posted by LeadToRome

Redrocker, nice heads up on the Pennzoil Euro, I'm going to go with it at my next change, thanks.

I think the Pennzoil ULTRA Euro is a fantastic oil...make sure it's the Ultra and not Platinum. I can't find the Ultra anywhere in St Louis. I had to order my Ultra Euro from Pennzoil. And when I did that it was on back order!! It took about 2 weeks to arrive. Just letting you know in case you can't find it locally.

**redrocker55** · 09-21-2011 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by FatalBert

High in Zinc and Calcium, you've been feeding it multi vitamins?

Ill be getting my 5k oil change done in December, your offer of a free analysis still on for that? hehe...

Ha ha! Just read this. Well...not multivitamins...but for the oil change I have in the car right now I added 16 ounces of Lubro Moly! Always something different with me and oil!

So yes...the offer is still on the table for the oil analysis...but I'm looking for a 10,000 mile analysis...preferably on dealership oil...Castrol. It would be awesome if Circuit would wait 10,000 on that Castrol...but I sure don't blame him for getting it changed early!!!

**FatalBert** · 09-21-2011 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

Ha ha! Just read this. Well...not multivitamins...but for the oil change I have in the car right now I added 16 ounces of Lubro Moly! Always something different with me and oil!

So yes...the offer is still on the table for the oil analysis...but I'm looking for a 10,000 mile analysis...preferably on dealership oil...Castrol. It would be awesome if Circuit would wait 10,000 on that Castrol...but I sure don't blame him for getting it changed early!!!

Eh, I got mine changed at 2.5k and getting it again at 5k so you will probably get nothing out of my analysis (At least not what your looking for).

**dr bryan** · 09-21-2011 07:45 PM

Sent in a sample a few days ago after initial 4800 miles on the car. I'll post up the results. I won't be taking you up on your 10k offer, though!

**Vogz** · 09-21-2011 08:49 PM

I have my 5000 mi coming up and I'll get the dealer to grab a sample. This fill has 2 hours of hard track time on it, so it will be interesting to see the results.

**LeadToRome** · 09-21-2011 09:49 PM

Originally Posted by redrocker55

I think the Pennzoil ULTRA Euro is a fantastic oil...make sure it's the Ultra and not Platinum. I can't find the Ultra anywhere in St Louis. I had to order my Ultra Euro from Pennzoil. And when I did that it was on back order!! It took about 2 weeks to arrive. Just letting you know in case you can't find it locally.

They have it on Amazon for $52.93/6 qts. How's that sound pricewise? Thanks for all the info in this thread btw.

**redrocker55** · 09-22-2011 04:15 AM

That sounds like a pretty good price. When I bought on the Pennzoil website, if you buy 2 cases (12 quarts) then you also got a free Ferrari hat (

). I have not worn it and I'm not sure if I ever will. Their site is down this morning otherwise I would look up a price from them directly for price comparison. I'm guessing the $52 is a pretty competitive price.

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