GDawgA4

Set out today to do my 60k maintenance, consisted of changing the air filter, cabin filter, transmission fluid and oil & filter change.

The cabin filter was the easiest, took about 2 seconds to change that. The one I took out was FILTHY, sand, dirt, pine needles, etc all inbetween the pleats.

The oil change went smoothly, 4.5 quarts of Castrol Syntec 0w-30. Engine seems a bit smoother now at idle and better gas mileage...placebo? Perhaps but definitely noticible differences I think.

The air filter was a pain and didn't get replaced...this is one of the items not completed. I got the snorkel off and the part that connects to the top of the filter box. I could see inside the box, pretty dirty inside, sand, leaves were seen. But I could not figure out how to get the top off to actually get the filter out! Looked at it, couldn't figure it out and just gave up for now. That was 1 out of 4 items not completed.

Now, the other item not completed. I've read a bunch of 5-speed manual transmission fluid changes and all seem pretty straight forward. The triple square tool was called for so I ordered this off ebay from a popular seller that sells VW/Audi tools. Others have ordered from him too. Got my Motul 300 set and ready to go. I get under there and the bit does not fit! It is too large. The drain plug is a 6-sided hex as well as the fill plug. This is the drain plug tool I got (as others here have gotten as well):
<img src="http://images.andale.com/f2/109/101/17613004/2007/1/21/VM3357.JPG">

Did they change the transmission drain plug to just a standard allen head (17mm as specified in a write up)? Compare the two fill plugs, mine and a 5-speed from a write up:

6-speed:
<img src="http://www.1point8turbo.com/6-speed/2.JPG">
5-speed:
<img src="https://www.audiworld.com/tech/pics/misc32-fill_plug.jpg">

Can anyone confirm that the drain and fill plugs changed? I didn't have a allen key bit that large so I couldn't size either up but they're 6 sided for sure.

Thanks!

For those keep track of prices spent for 60k service:
Air filter, cabin filter &amp; larger oil filter - $50
5 quarts (4.5 used) of 0w-30: $25
3 quarts of Motul 300 - $40
Total of $115, not bad at all.

A4AdMan

I do recall it being a PITA to get the new one in place but removing the old one was fairly simple. Once you spread the ends of the box open you should be able to reach in and pry (with your hands) the old filter out. If you have issues with it again tomorrow feel free to call my cell phone and maybe I can talk you through it.

GreenMonsterA4

if you remove the hose you can get in there to replace the filter Much easier.

GDawgA4

tomorrow. Thanks!

GDawgA4

the old filter out. I think the hose running along the rear top of the box is restricting that. I'll need to look at removing the hose...did you have to do anything like that?

javanator

The pinch clamps can be a major pain.

Once moved, the box will open...you may need to give it a little force on opening it...only enough to pull the old filter out and put the new filter in.

javanator

The screws are kinda self threaded into the box, and you will strip them if over tightened. Tighten only enough to snug the air box shut.

I helped a friend do his, and he had one screw that was stripped thus the airbox did not tighten closed all the way. His dealer over tightened it.

A4AdMan

I recall unclipping a couple so I could get better access to the air box.

GDawgA4

Thats what it looked like I had to do but I gave up as I was tired already =P

GDawgA4

Thanks for the tip!