e_santi

Hello!

I recently purchased a 2019 CPO A3 40 TFSI (2.0T) from a local dealership. Their high-pressure sales tactics got the best of me and sold me the Audi Care package to cover 20k, 30k, 40k, and 50k scheduled maintenance with the big selling point being the fact that it covers spark plug replacement at 40k. Maybe it's just me but after reading through the 2019 year model maintenance schedule it does not look like spark plugs need to be replaced until 80k for the A3.

The dealership says the spark plugs need to be replaced at 40k for the A3, but the maintenance schedule only indicates the S3. Unless I can't read (not ruling that out), I'm trying to figure out if I was misled by the dealership when purchasing Audi Care or if there is a pretty significant typo in the 2019 year model maintenance schedule.

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...-Year-2019.pdf

Any input is greatly appreciated!

Flying Scotsman

The dealership is correct for 2018 or earlier A3 models 40K or 6 years whatever comes first. The 2019 schedule for some reason does not show an A3. There is no mechanical difference in 2019 A3 model, so 2018 would apply

morris39

Actually the 2109 Maintenance Interval does show the A3. 80 k miles in USA but 120k Km in Canada, a small difference done for convenience,
There is a possible reason for the interval change. The gasoline sulfur content has been reduced, actually in 2017 in both countries but there were loopholes in USA.

Flying Scotsman

That is correct for 2109 model A3 model 80k miles...my mistake. Therefore that Audi USA dealer was incorrect in his statement

leftoverture

I'm looking at a 2016 A3 2.0t. The car I'm looking at has 38k miles. I was already figuring if I buy it I would negotiate to have the transmission service done prior to delivery, but am I to understand the spark plugs will also need replacing at 40k?

Flying Scotsman

For a 2016 it is 35K miles by Audi schedule USA

leftoverture

Wow. That's kind of crazy. These days I have become accustomed to 60k-100k intervals for spark plug changes. Are they at least easy to change out? I'd be doing it every 14-18 months at that interval.

morris39

Maybe easy if the car is new and/or you have the specialized tools. I haven't done this on my Audi (yet). Hard if not..The first step is to remove the electrical connectors from each ignition coil which are pressed on to the individual spark plugs,. The connectors were designed by satan, they (apparently) come off easy by horsing them around by hand or break. Apparently this type of connector has a push pull release which becomes difficult to release with age. Mine do not want to release easily and I don't have the special tool. Many stories on the web bragging how they can but also many that claim that this type of VAG connector is a very common service problem. Think "schadenfreude".
Removal of the coils requires a special tool according to Audi. The tool's clamps on to the coil mounting screw and it looks like the coil is jacked up. I'm guessing from the photos as I don't own one. Early VAG motors had a different arrangement, no individual mounting screws and so were easier to remove. Different tool which will not work on later models. If you are new to this and your motivation is to save some money consider the risks.

leftoverture

Well, I found this video and it looks simple enough to me:

morris39

Yes it looks simple,. Please do us a service. Look at your car to see if it looks the same as the video. Look at the ignition harness attachment, the angle of the coil connectors and coil attachment method. Same? It does not look like my MY5 292HP L4 layout.
Next try to release the coil connectors by hand.
Thanks in advance.