Ming02

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40723/100_0660.jpg"></center><p>Just changed my fuel filter last night. I had a request from someone here to cut open the old filter to see how dirty it really was. Well, as the pictures show it was pretty dirty, I would estimate something like 70% used up. Based on that number I would say the absolute EOL would be 100K, but I would not run it anything more than what I did - 75K. The second pic is the most telling about how dirty the filter media was. The dark side is the input side of the filter and the ligher side is the output. I believe the original color of the filter media was that buttery yellow color that is standard on most filters. By looking closely at where the media was torn I coul see that the dirt had penetrated it more than 50% - in fact the mottled look to the lighter side shows spots were the filter is 100% saturated w/ dirt. For the record I always use 93 octane gas from staions that are busy. I do not use one brand exclusively, but I do stick with the name brands, i.e. Mobil, Exxon, Sunoco etc.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40723/100_0665.jpg">

bam bam fka snail

I had mine replaced at the recent 50,000 mile service.

Ming02

The biggest PITA was getting the panel off as it had one of those 1 shot fasteners connecting it to the larger belly pan that runs the length of the car. Getting the filter off was simple once I realized that the connections required only a screwdriver to push on a spring loaded tab. While pushing the tab in the hoses just pop off easily.

akula-ssh

Excellent post! Always good to know what state components are in after certain mileage.

AndyA6

a lot of SAND! in the tank.

Quality fuel in Utah

rovision

Did you replace the fuel pump sometime? I just had a failure at 35K, and supposedly the fuel pump fails because the filter gets clogged. If you replaced the filter for the first time, the conclussion would be that either I use dirty gas here [even if I always buy from brand name stations, mostly Shell and only 91], or there's something else [pump design] that leads to these early pump failures as reported by other people recently.

Ming02

I don't believe any of the service intervals states that the fuel filter should be changed - at least not up to the end of the warranty at 50K. Cleanliness of your local gas supply would have a huge factor in the life of the filter. unfortunately it's not an inspectable item as it's all sealed up. Changing it is not a problem, but the price of it is little off-putting. I was quoted around $65 from the local dealer. Clairparts.com sold it to me for $40. Funny thing was when I called my local dealer to inquire about a price on the filter I was told that the filter was good for "lifetime". I assume "lifetime" meant until Audi was no longer responsible after 50K.

FireBirdSC

how much did that cost? I just changed my bearings and about to do my rear pads too. There goes all my money.

Ming02

Changed your bearings? Do you mean wheel bearings? I've heard that they typically go around 75K. If so, did you do the job yourself? How much did it cost?

rovision

So, did you ever replace the fuel pump?