Oil Change

[tdmopar59]

Now I'm sure i am beating a dead horse but i searched and couldnt find what i was looking for. I am pretty new to the forum so i would like to use my get out of jail free card here

I like to do my own work on all my vehicles

I have never owned a german car or anything that wasnt a dodge or ford for that matter. I am getting ready to do my first oil change but i need a few things answered and i appreciate any help! I know I am going to use mobil 1 because its easy to find and a good oil. The car is a 2005 A4 quattro 6spd 1.8T

1) What grade should i get (0w-30, 5w-40, etc.)
2) Which filter?
3) How many quarts does it take?

and are there any special tips for these cars??

Thanks a lot!!

[Gom33]

if you go to a4mods.com they have a diy in there... they list all the things you need... i think it is under mantainance... and i think they are using 0w40? don't count on my word though, i am new here as well...

[Papachristou]

OEM large oil filter.. .ive also used mobil 1 m-301 filter but it has a bit less capacity than OEM but supposedly filters better... our cars need a huge oil filter to help keep sludge down... full syn mobil 1 0w40 (4 quarts) oil filter is on the drivers side under the intake... dont strip the aluminum oil pan putting the drain plug back in, just snug should be fine... some people replace their copper drain plug crush washer every time, i do it every few times.. oh and change oil every 5k!!!

[diztek]

0 40 or 5 40 is good. oil filters, just make sure you get the newer larger ones. they changed to the larger ones to avoid sludge.

good place to buy them is authausaz.com

but yeah, a4 mods is really helpful.

[jessefrank]

As of M1 that's readily avaliable here in the states the only one on the "approved" list is 0w-40 to the best of my knowledge.

There is such a debate and personal opinions on weight, oil change intervals, filters, etc, etc...that you are bound to get a million different opinions on this subject. I say if you like Mobil 1, then get the 0w-40 and a decent filter (my list would be either OEM VW/Audi, Mobil 1, K&N, WIX/Napa Gold, or Bosch).

It takes just shy of 5 quarts, somewhere around 4.5 I believe, with the large filter (the one most places sell now...and don't get the small one). If you look at the oil filter on the right side of the engine and the though that "that's a huge filter for this small engine" comes to mind, then you have the large filter on it now...so get one that is similar in size. The large mobil 1 filter part # is M1-301 if my memory serves me right.

The only tip I can give you if you don't want to make a huge oil puddle/mess is to let the car completely cool down (this only works IF IT IS COMPLETELY COLD). Take a "good" trash bag and place it under the filter so that any thing that drips will be caught. Also make sure it is under the oil cooler (the oil cooler is attached just above the filter BTW and sticks off the block) and up tight against the block (under the filter). Unscrew the filter w/o letting it fall and weave it out the top through the mess of hoses (it fits w/o spiling). Screw in new filter and dispose of the oil filled trash bag = NO MESS . Oh and change it every 5k...not 10k like the manual/dealer says to do.

If you have an Advance Auto Parts near you they have a Mobil 1 oil special...5 quarts syn, any weight and a M1 filter for $27. Checker has it too...but it's via mail-in rebate.

[FourRings80]

here's audi approved oils:

Mobile 1 = 0W-40

http://www.audiusa.com/etc/medialib/....0023.File.pdf


Special tips: Yes, carry an extra coilpack in the trunk! You will need it some day

http://forums.audiworld.com/a4gen2/msgs/1003672.phtml

and welcome

[04QuattroTurbo]

Anyone ever used Royal Purple?

[Maverick]

get your oil filters from ECStuning. Mann/Mahle filters are used.
Mobil 1 0W-40 is very good. Please don't aruge whether it is full synthetic or not, too much already I have read all of them.
btw, get the magnetic drain plug and the copper washers from ECS as well.
good luck, this is an easy job.

[FourRings80]

Mobil 1 0W-40 is very good. Please don't aruge whether it is full synthetic or not, too much already I have read all of them.

I was thinking the same thing.

[A4_Mike]

On the approved list from above, is the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40 the same as the one Audi is referring to? From the research I have done, the link I provided is essentially Delvac 1 and is supposedly some really good oil. Has anyone else heard anything like this before?

I have been using Pentosin 5W-40 (Fully Synthetic) for the past ~10,000 miles (the length of time I've had the car) and it has been doing well for me in conjunction with the large OEM filter. I'm simply looking for an alternative fully synthetic oil that can be found relatively easy and does not cost an arm and leg. Shipping is becoming really expensive from online retailers now. My father has always used Mobil 1 with zero issues, hence the interest in the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40.

The 1.8T engines are a very hard working engine and the 5000 mile oil change interval is a must in my personal opinion.

[audipotential]

Anyone ever used Royal Purple?

Someone told me its not on the approoved list?

I use Motul

[PRY4SNO]

Mobil 1 0W-40 is very good. Please don't aruge whether it is full synthetic or not, too much already I have read all of them.

Sorry, I have to inquire as to why? I have done so much reading on AZ and Bob is the Oil Guy forums and have seen no conclusive data suggesting Mobil1 0w40 is a full synthetic. It's classified as a Group 3 oil, not Group 4 so it's technically not a fully synthetic oil. Should I be out to lunch, help me clue-in with a link! Maybe I didn't get the TPS Sheet memo?

Please take a moment to check out this thread, and never mind the posturing and arguing that frequently ensues with "discussion" on this forum.

There are excellent links and some great discussion between different preferred oils that may be of use to you for your purposes. (IE duration between OCIs and driving environment, et cetera.)

For my part, switching to ELF Excellium DiD 5w40 and then Total Quartz Energy9000 5w40 absolutely helped reduce lifter noise (idle chatter) and increase ease/smoothness with cold-startups (including below minus 40 degrees without being plugged-in!).

GL and happy reading!

PS

I've posted some data sheets on popular oils for our cars used by enthusiasts in this thread, and if it turns out to be of service, do reply!

[tdmopar59]

Thanks for all the help!!! I am going to try and find one of the magnetic drain plugs locally... I wanna do it this weekend so i am going to try and avoid mailorder... Thanks again!!! Great Forum!

[AudiA4_20T]

Thanks for all the help!!! I am going to try and find one of the magnetic drain plugs locally... I wanna do it this weekend so i am going to try and avoid mailorder... Thanks again!!! Great Forum!

hold off on the magnetic plug, the ECS one is prone to leaking

[tdmopar59]

thanks for the tip! I'll stick to the basics....

[04QuattroTurbo]

Is the K&N Oil Filter as good, if not better than the larger Audi Oil filter?

[audipotential]

Is the K&N Oil Filter as good, if not better than the larger Audi Oil filter?

No

[Papachristou]

as long as its the same size, its fine...

[Maverick]

Sorry, I have to inquire as to why?

since you read so much and I read both of the threads you posted, I don't think there is much for me to say. Mobil 1 is just not full synthetic on paper or analysis. If you are not that anal about your car nor about the maintenance, then run mobil 1 0W-40, you will be perfectly fine.
If you are anal, then get the ELF/Motul/Amsoil (pick one of these) and change your oil every 3K(this is what I do). In addition that you are anal about the car, if you run the car hard or you have BT/BAT/BAFT/Supercharger on the car, you should definitely use a full synthetic oil.

That's what I have to say. don't ask me why, lol, i really don't know how to explain further.

[04QuattroTurbo]

No

So I shouldn't use the K&N spec'd oil filter for this car?

[Maverick]

So I shouldn't use the K&N spec'd oil filter for this car?

no. just use Mann/Mahle filters for your car. It's cheap.

[OneBadAudi]

Anyone ever used Royal Purple?

Do NOT use royal purple in any german car....Its not meant for german cars. Stick with mobil 1 Ow40 and youll be fine...

[04QuattroTurbo]

I just look at my CPO work order and they replaced my oil with "Castrol 5"...what is that? I can't seem to look that up. Is that a synthetic?

[Gallep]

hold off on the magnetic plug, the ECS one is prone to leaking

Mine doesn't leak. I replace the copper washer with a new one every time and have been running it for about 30k miles. Has yours leak?

[tdmopar59]

well i just picked up my 0w-40 Mobil 1 European formula and the m1-301 oil filter! just to double check how much oil should i put in it after i drain it all and replace the filter....?

[aaronz]

Mine doesn't leak. I replace the copper washer with a new one every time and have been running it for about 30k miles. Has yours leak?

Ditto, I just put mine in last oil change ( ordered the kit with 10 washers) and have not noticed any issues. However, my stock one before when I got it from the dealership, they reused the crush washer and it leaked a little. You should always be using a new washer after any change and trq it down to the right specs. Worthwhile investment if you ask me!

[Mike02A4]

well i just picked up my 0w-40 Mobil 1 European formula and the m1-301 oil filter! just to double check how much oil should i put in it after i drain it all and replace the filter....?

Appx 4.25 qts.

[My OOOO My]

On the approved list from above, is the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40 the same as the one Audi is referring to? From the research I have done, the link I provided is essentially Delvac 1 and is supposedly some really good oil. Has anyone else heard anything like this before?

I have been using Pentosin 5W-40 (Fully Synthetic) for the past ~10,000 miles (the length of time I've had the car) and it has been doing well for me in conjunction with the large OEM filter. I'm simply looking for an alternative fully synthetic oil that can be found relatively easy and does not cost an arm and leg. Shipping is becoming really expensive from online retailers now. My father has always used Mobil 1 with zero issues, hence the interest in the Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40.

The 1.8T engines are a very hard working engine and the 5000 mile oil change interval is a must in my personal opinion.

Mike, I actually wanted this question answered ..... so I called Audi of America and got a YES.

Seems like the Synthetic Mobil1 5W40 for turbo diesel trucks is an approved oil.

So guess what..... that's what I used for my last oil change

I got a 5 quart jug at Walmart for $22.

[tdmopar59]

4.25... hmm... well thats sweet my old truck i used to put 7 quarts of amsoil in! lol

[andyblake]

ive run on amsoil full syn some sort of euro formula. i noticed that one day my oil light came on and there was litterally about 2 quarts of oil in my engine. No leaks No Burning off. Just some how disappeard i was about 3500 miles into my oil change. it was time an oil change and never used it since.
Don't get me wrong my car ran strong and smooth for the first couple weeks and then was just normal after a couple weeks.

Any one have a similar situation with amsoil?

-andy

[tdmopar59]

i ran it in the truck for 20K and never had an issue....

[PRY4SNO]

So you looked at your engine internally to see the wear?

[tdmopar59]

So you looked at your engine internally to see the wear?

i meant as far as leaks, extremely burnt, metallic flakes...

[A4_Mike]

Mike, I actually wanted this question answered ..... so I called Audi of America and got a YES.

Seems like the Synthetic Mobil1 5W40 for turbo diesel trucks is an approved oil.

So guess what..... that's what I used for my last oil change

I got a 5 quart jug at Walmart for $22.

Thanks for the input.

[04QuattroTurbo]

What's AofA's number? I gots me some questions! LOL

[dewok]

Has anyone used an oil extractor with these cars?

I just bought my wife an 05 A4 and will be changing the fluids this weekend.

I have an 04 GTI and never bought one because I would have to jack up the car anyways to get at the filter, but it looks like you can get to the filter from under the hood.

[My OOOO My]

What's AofA's number? I gots me some questions! LOL

HERE YAH GO....

"If you currently own an Audi and have questions or concerns about your ownership experience, and would like to speak with a Customer CARE Advocate call 1-800-822-2834 (AUDI), Mon-Fri, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time."

[PRY4SNO]

Has anyone used an oil extractor with these cars?

I just bought my wife an 05 A4 and will be changing the fluids this weekend.

I have an 04 GTI and never bought one because I would have to jack up the car anyways to get at the filter, but it looks like you can get to the filter from under the hood.

Just be sure to take the one screw off the coolant reservoir, pull up and out gently but firmly and set it to the side. `Presto, easy peasy access.

[PRY4SNO]

i meant as far as leaks, extremely burnt, metallic flakes...

That's got a lot less to do with the quality of the oil than it would appear. There are metallic flakes, always, but you just can't see them. Detergents can discolour oil before the regular OCI occurs without it indicating excessive wear, for instance.

You're really needing a peek inside for evidence of abuse due to poor oil choice.

[04QuattroTurbo]

HERE YAH GO....

"If you currently own an Audi and have questions or concerns about your ownership experience, and would like to speak with a Customer CARE Advocate call 1-800-822-2834 (AUDI), Mon-Fri, 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time."

Thanks!