crew219

Since I don't have my A3 yet . . . I was wondering if you guys could help me.

What is the oil change interval on the A3? I know for the 1.8t they changed it to 10k versus 5k intervals. When does the first "free" oil change come at?

I ask because I'm looking at doing an oil change 1k into the interval. Audi IIRC doesn't require the first oil change until 5k or maybe 10k.

My second question is:

Has anyone done an oil change on the 2.0t yet? Supposedly there are special tools required to drain the cartridge filter or something like that. The new filter is also something like $17-20 . . . . does anyone know the VAG designation for the special tools?

Thanks,
Dave

crakerhead

they say 10k, but 5k never hurts

BrandonLive

In my 1.8T I used Mobil 1 every 3k miles. But this is my first brand new car and I don't know whether it should be changed at 1k, 3k, or the 5k that the manual suggests.

I've heard that the first oil shouldn't be changed too soon because seals need to form. But I don't know how true that is.

My car already has 1200 miles on it, and she's only a week old!

Timmay

stipulates. This is one topic that is always raised on forums and there's always a 50/50 split in opinion. I have always gone along with whatever the manufacturer says and have NEVER had a problem. The oil that comes from the factory has special additives that is not contained in the over-the-counter oil you can get at the parts store.

Yes, the seals need to seat themselves. Put it this way..what advantage does Audi have by telling owners to get the first oil change at 5k miles as opposed to say 1 or 3k miles? If it's a risk and may cause some sort of damage I seriously doubt they would implement this schedule.

Crakerhead's comment is true in that it won't hurt to change out at 5k miles, but why do it? That will come out of your own pocket. Synthetics will last a hell of a long time and will be fine at 10k miles. But if people want to spend extra money, there's no problem with that either.

Europeans laugh at Americans all the time because of how paranoid we are with the frequency of oil changes. Ask a Porsche owner how often they change their oil.

Just my $.02

crew219

I'm just trying to figure out what audi provides as "free maintenance"

One point is . . . .

European synthetics are true group IV & group V synthetics whereas most American synthetics are group III (what they would consider a synthetic blend). BIG difference in performance and longevity.

Dave

Timmay

spec it should be just fine as far as I'm concerned. The oil change frequency you've stated is correct as per my understanding. This is why I really like owning the Audi as opposed to my last VW. V8 Touareg oil changes was in the $120 and up range for a stupid oil change!!

crew219

A group III dino-based synthetic is Valvoline 5w40 and it has the 502 spec.

A group IV pure synth is Mobil 1 0w40 and also has the 502 spec as well as 503 & 505

I'd feel more comfortable running 10k on M1 than the Valvoline.

$120 oil changes do suck indeed. W8 passats use something like 10 quarts of 502 synth.

Dave

Timmay

he thinks they are using the Castrol however. It may be dealer-dependant because I had a similar situation with the Touareg. Some service departments were using the Valvoline 502 spec and others were using Castrol. Personally I am not at all concerned about it. I use Mobil 1 0W40 for top off purposes. I used it on the Touareg as well and brought it to the dealer to have them use it instead of the Valvoline..saved some money and peace of mind as well.

But this time around I'm not spending any extra money and will stick with the regular maintenance schedule.

crew219

I used the 1k oil change on my dad's Lexus LS430 (factory provided), 2003 Pilot, 2000 VW Passat and all three of those engines have had zero consumption whatsoever.

I'd be tempted at least to change the oil filter to help remove any abrasives in the system.

Dave

crew219

The valvoline is just as expensive as everything else . . . . Autozone has started carrying the Belgian Castrol now in the 5w40 bottles. It even mentions Audi/VW/BMW on the front of the bottle.

I'd give that a shot.

Dave