How do you prefer your oil changes?

[WhatADream]

Im kinda curious as to how you all do your oil changes...
I was thinking of switching my method to using an oil extractor since the filter is under the hood and would make things a lot easier, but im unsure of the pros and cons...
How do you feel about oil extracting through the dip stick?

[DuncanC]

I do it like a normal person. Drive onto ramps. I have a hole cut in my belly pan. Best car ever for oil changes, I love the easy clean top mount filter. Takes like 10 minutes tops and I don't even have to worry about getting dirty, I have a sheet of 4x8' 1/8" board I just lay down on the ground to slide under the car on.

[ngng]

Im kinda curious as to how you all do your oil changes...
I was thinking of switching my method to using an oil extractor since the filter is under the hood and would make things a lot easier, but im unsure of the pros and cons...
How do you feel about oil extracting through the dip stick?

Do it right, get under the car.

[staticuxo]

under the car. i have a hole cut in the belly pan, so once i get the car on the ramps, it's so easy.

getting my car onto the ramps is the pain..
1. OEM jack (widowmaker) to jack my car up slightly to get the regular jack under it.
2. use the floor jack to get it onto ramps
3. repeat on the other side...

[WhatADream]

wow. Im impressed with the results.
I would have thought the oil extractor would be prefered since the old fashioned way would entail, getting on ramps, taking off the skid plate, removing the oil pan bolt, replacing the crush ring, getting on your back under a 4000 pound beast, and if not careful, stripping the oil pan threads...

whats the cons with oil extracting? I read somewhere that mercedes techs are trained to use them.

[nfs1000f]

I had always done my oil changes on my '01 A6 that I sold when I got the B7 S4 3 weeks ago. I just had the dealer change the oil when the car was in for the window regulator and was charged only $69.00. I thought the price was low, but was told it was Castrol Syn. oil. You can't do it yourself for that price.

I always use ramps and have had no issue getting the S4 onto them.

[oblu]

i have a hole cut in the belly pan

I need to do ^ ... ramps for me, but I only do 5k every 6-7mo.

[gd10]

i take mine to the dealership and have them do it..

[WhatADream]

also why does Audi recommend 10k miles? That cant be good right?

[4RingPower]

Audi dealers are now getting air operated oil extractors for the new 2011 A8. I use one in the dealer from time to time. It's quick and easy, however, not all the fluid is extracted with mine. Say on a FSI V8 which holds up to 9.7qts and higher depending on model, it will only take out maybe 9qts. Mine holds 9qts, I'll have to empty it once then suck out maybe 1/2qt more give or take. I don't exactly measure the amount. But 95% of the time I will lift the car and drain it like you should.

[4RingPower]

Audi rec. 10K due to the 1 the required oil used in dealership and 2 the filter media is designed for filtering at those intervals. I rec. changing oil at intervals depending on driving style, climate, etc.

[Rommulus]

For those who have cut a hole in their belly pan, what size hole are you making?

[DuncanC]

4"... there abouts.

[road race s4]

I've always done it the old fashion way. I still do it with the s4 but I cheat a little bit by going to a friend's oil change shop and doing it my self there. He has those dugouts like they have at jiffy lube but it does the job.

[RAudi Driver]

I change my oil out every 2,500 miles by floor jacking it up, removing the belly pan, sliding the oil container under the car, removing the bolt and lowering the car back down for about 1/2 hour.

Ramping your car makes traps oil.

[staticuxo]

I change my oil out every 2,500 miles by floor jacking it up, removing the belly pan, sliding the oil container under the car, removing the bolt and lowering the car back down for about 1/2 hour.

Ramping your car makes traps oil.

not if you throw a jack under the rear d: (forgot to mention i do that to level it out)

[dparm]

also why does Audi recommend 10k miles? That cant be good right?

10k is fine. The filter element is large and we have a huge sump capacity. The oils are engineered to last 10k or longer, usually.

[dparm]

The Fumoto Valve is a decent alternative if you're sick of fiddling with the clumsy drain bolt.

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/


It's basically like a tap for your oil pan.

[RAudi Driver]

10k is fine. The filter element is large and we have a huge sump capacity. The oils are engineered to last 10k or longer, usually.

You also have to consider fuel dilution. Leaving your oil in the car for 10k will lower it's flashpoint making it easier to burn.

[Hazziar]

Same here..I just leave the car tilted slightly with the jack on the pass. side and let the pan drain for 30mins while I putter about and check other fluids/componants, lube hinges, clean belly pan, etc. No point in rushing something so vital to your cars operation...

[LJH]

I change my oil out every 2,500 miles

Why do you only go 2500 miles? Oil is engineered these days to go much longer. I go 5K on my changes and really wonder if that is excessive after getting a number of Blackstone reports done. Save yourself some money and be kinder to the environment, not that the S4 is kind to begin with.

P.S. I do it the old fashion way.

Cheers,
Jim

[dparm]

Agreed, 2500 is ridiculously short unless you have a lot of problems with shearing or fuel dilution. Have you ever had the oil analyzed to see if it can go longer?

[ngng]

The Fumoto Valve is a decent alternative if you're sick of fiddling with the clumsy drain bolt.

http://www.quickoildrainvalve.com/


It's basically like a tap for your oil pan.

I have one on my truck, but there is no room on the audi

[whartung]

I change my oil out every 2,500 miles by floor jacking it up, removing the belly pan, sliding the oil container under the car, removing the bolt and lowering the car back down for about 1/2 hour.

Ramping your car makes traps oil.

I prefer to ramp the car then jack the rear end up till its level...

Not for a half hour though.

[nfs1000f]

I prefer to ramp the car then jack the rear end up till its level...

Not for a half hour though.

Where is the jack point?

[RAudi Driver]

Why do you only go 2500 miles? Oil is engineered these days to go much longer. I go 5K on my changes and really wonder if that is excessive after getting a number of Blackstone reports done. Save yourself some money and be kinder to the environment, not that the S4 is kind to begin with.

P.S. I do it the old fashion way.

Cheers,
Jim

If the RS4 didn't have all the issues with fuel dilution and carbon buildup then I would probably go a little longer. I try to contribute to the environment in every way, it's just that when it comes to my car, I take a little back. At least the oil gets recycled and I'm not running piggies or, worse yet, without cats.

Anyways, to those who use ramps and a floor jack. Isn't that more work than just a floor jack at the front?

[whartung]

Where is the jack point?

Rear differential

[JimmyBones]

Audi dealers are now getting air operated oil extractors for the new 2011 A8. I use one in the dealer from time to time. It's quick and easy, however, not all the fluid is extracted with mine. Say on a FSI V8 which holds up to 9.7qts and higher depending on model, it will only take out maybe 9qts. Mine holds 9qts, I'll have to empty it once then suck out maybe 1/2qt more give or take. I don't exactly measure the amount. But 95% of the time I will lift the car and drain it like you should.

We are supposed to use the extractors for all 2008 to 2011 models and it still doesn't help with the messy 3.6 V6 Q7 oil filters.

I prefer raising the car up to do oil changes because I can look it over while the oil is draining. Also if you plan it out right, it can look like a mad scientist laboratory with all the different things and lines attached to a car with the engine oil draining. My personal best for most machines attached and/or fluids draining from a car at one time while draining the engine oil had all of these things: pressure brake bleeder, catch for brake fluid, nitrogen tire machine, ac machine, bg coolant flush machine, draining the power steering fluid, transmission fluid draining/being filled, DRC machine for the suspension, while on the alignment rack with the alignment heads on the tires.

[Leeber]

i use a pela 14 oil extractor and it works well and gets out all the oil. i pour back in about 9 liters, I'm sure there is a little left in the bottom but not much. I don't think that little bit left in there will affect anything considering how much new oil goes back in.

Pros: no getting under the car, no ramps or jacks, no mess, easy to take the extractor to the auto parts place and dump the old oil or easy to store oil until your ready.

cons:none yet, but i've only used it 4 times on my car (a few times on my chicks lexus too)

it seems to work well for our S4's (because the great filter placement) but her Lexus IS250 is still a pain in the a$$, but a lot easier than her older IS300

[J0HN_R1]

My personal best for most machines attached and/or fluids draining from a car at one time while draining the engine oil had all of these things:

pressure brake bleeder, catch for brake fluid, nitrogen tire machine, ac machine, bg coolant flush machine, draining the power steering fluid, transmission fluid draining/being filled, DRC machine for the suspension, while on the alignment rack with the alignment heads on the tires.

I LoL'd...! Nice one...

[Faulk]

Someone on here had the idea of cutting a small hole in the belly pan below the oil drain nut. It was a great idea. I used a dremel and cut a hole about 2 inch diameter and now I won't have to take the belly pan off each time I do an oil change. My method (stock suspension) is jack the car up a little on the passenger side to tilt the pan towards the drain hole. I always warm the oil up before the change to increase exit flow.

[gear_head81]

1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of
oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a
scented tree; write check for $50.

2) Go by Qwik-Stop and buy a case of beer; write a check for
$20.00, drive home.

3) Drink a beer to "get started."

4) Jack car up. Spend 30-minutes looking for jack stands.

5) Find jack stands under kid's pedal car.

6) In frustration, have another beer.

7) Place drain pan under engine.

8) Look for 9/16" box-end wrench.

9) Give up and use crescent-wrench instead.

10) Unscrew drain plug.

11) Accidentally drop drain plug into pan of hot oil, splashing hot
oil on you in process.

12) Crawl out from under car to wipe hot oil off of face and arms.
Throw kitty litter on oil drops.

13) Another beer while watching oil drain.

14) Spend 30-minutes looking for oil filter wrench.

15) Give up; crawl under car and hammer a screwdriver through oil filter and
twist off.

16) Crawl out from under car with dripping oil filter splashing hot
oil everywhere from holes. Cleverly hide old oil
filter among debris in trash can to avoid environmental fee. Beer.

17) Buddy shows up; finish case of beer with him. Decide to finish
oil change tomorrow so you can go see his new garage
door opener.

18) Sunday: Skip church because, "I gotta finish t he oil change."
Drag pan full of old oil out from underneath car. Cleverly dump oil in hole
in backyard instead of taking it to be recycled, and avoid environmental
fee.

19) Throw kitty litter on oil spilled during step 18.

20) Beer? No, drank it all Saturday.

21) Walk to Qwik-Stop, buy more beer.

22) Install new oil filter, making sure to apply a thin coat of oil
to gasket surface.

23) Dump first quart of fresh oil into engine.

24) Suddenly remember drain plug from step 11.

25) Hurry to find drain plug in drain pan.

26) Recall that the used oil is buried in a hole in the backyard **
along with drain plug.

27) Beer.

28) Shovel out hole and sift through oily mud for drain plug.
Re-shovel oily dirt into hole. Steal sand from kid's sandbox to cleverly
conceal oily patch of ground and avoid environmental fee. Wash drain plug in
lawnmower gas.

29) Discover first quart of fresh oil is now on the floor. Throw kitty
litter on oil.

30) Beer.

31) Crawl back under car, get kitty litter into eyes. Wipe eyes
with oily gas rag used to clean drain plug. Slip
with stupid crescent wrench tightening drain plug rapping knuckles on sharp
edge of frame.

32) Bang forehead on exhaust manifold in reaction to step 31.

33) Cussing fit.

34) Throw stupid crescent wrench.

35) Cuss for additional 10-minutes.

36) Beer.

37) Clean up hands and head, and apply bandages to stop blood flow.

38) Beer to stop pain....

39) Ditto.

40) Dump in five fresh quarts of oil.

41) Beer.

42) Lower car from jack stands.

43) Accidentally crush remaining case of new motor oil.

44) Move car back to apply more kitty litter to fresh oil from
steps 23 - 43.

45) Beer.

46) Test drive car.

47) Pulled-over and arrested for DUI.

48) Car towed and impounded .

49) Call loving wife; make bail.

50) 12-hours later; bail out car.

[Mr. Goodwood]

I also cut a hole and drain the oil from under.

[aaaaaahhhhhhhhh]

does it matter if the oil is heated up or does it just flow faster?

[WhatADream]

1) Wait until Saturday, drive to auto parts store and buy a case of
oil, filter, kitty litter, hand cleaner and a
scented tree; write check for $50.

2) Go by Qwik-Stop and buy a case of beer; write a check for
$20.00, drive home.
... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ...

HAHA that was pretty entertaining!
thats a nightmare oil change lol

[JimmyBones]

I LoL'd...! Nice one...

I try I try. Every tech that wasn't on my team thought I was taking a horribly long time doing that alignment (3 hours) but I have never made so many hours from repairing an RS4. I kid you not that ticket made me an entire full time week worth of hours.

does it matter if the oil is heated up or does it just flow faster?

It is highly recommended because the debris and tiny sludge particles get suspended in the oil when hot so you a good portion of that crap out. It also makes the oil change go a lot faster too which is an added bonus since our cars hold almost ten quarts of oil.

On topic though, I have a lift at work that I use to change my oil and I change it every 3K to 3.5K miles because I drive really hard once the engine heats up. I also add BG MOA to the oil every time too because I really don't want to start hearing any start up rattle. The oil and filter also cost me about half what normal customer's pay so it all works out. Audi's 10K mile oil change interval is ridiculous in my opinion and even 5k miles is pushing it when you drive in rush hour traffic, extreme temperature areas (like the hot south or cold north), or drive heavy with the gas pedal.

[JeST]

Drain oil the old fashion way. Peace of mind the debris from the lowest part of the oil pan is being removed.

wow. Im impressed with the results.
I would have thought the oil extractor would be prefered since the old fashioned way would entail, getting on ramps, taking off the skid plate, removing the oil pan bolt, replacing the crush ring, getting on your back under a 4000 pound beast, and if not careful, stripping the oil pan threads...

whats the cons with oil extracting? I read somewhere that mercedes techs are trained to use them.

Seriously? What the hell kind of monkey requires training to pump a pump to extract oil...

[JimmyBones]

Drain oil the old fashion way. Peace of mind the debris from the lowest part of the oil pan is being removed.

Seriously? What the hell kind of monkey requires training to pump a pump to extract oil...

The kind that don't want to make a mess all over the place. This is not something new because Mercedes has been draining their engine oil this way for the past twenty years almost.

[WhatADream]

For all the old fashion people. I found this vid. Funny, but walks you through it...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hY9R8...e_gdata_player

[Tweak]

Performed my first oil change on the new-to-me S4 yesterday. Probably one of the easiest vehicles I've ever had the pleasure to work on. The drain plug is very easy to get to and the filter housing is obviously a breeze too. Now that I've cut the hole in the belly pan this should be a 15 minute job going forward.