jmn4667

Hi!

So, my local dealer wants $179 for just and oil/filter change on my 2015 Q5 3.0T ...OR... $500+ for the 15,000-mile scheduled service.

Here are my questions:

1) Do the scheduled service jobs have to be completed at the dealership to maintain the warranty?

2) Does the oil/filter change require special tools that a chain lube shop may not have?

3) Is the drain plug required to be changed with every service?

4) Are there any other questions I should have asked?

Thanks!

DennisMitchell

1) No.

2) No. Chain shops have been known to cutout a access hole in the bottom of car with box cutter to access the drain plug. One shop drained the transmission instead of the engine. Beware.

3) The preferred way to change oil is to pump out. Removal of drain plug will require its replacement.

4) You can buy AudiCare for about $850 and it prepays for 15K, 25K, 35K, and 45K services. As you can see if you want service by dealer, the AudiCare is a bargain.

jmn4667

Thanks! Interesting note on the Audi Care. How would I purchase that?

If I am unable to get it, can you recommend a chain shop that would likely know how to work on Audis?

jmn4667

I found this online.

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...ombined_j2.pdf

Looks like I'd be interested in the AudiCare plus plan.

I wish the dealer had told me about this!

Thanks again!

sszyma

ECS for a oil/filter. Schwaben extractor. 150$ OTD and 20 minutes of your time.

TJay74

I just researched this as well since my local dealer and a private shop both quoted around $600 for the 15k mile service. The oil change is just a standard process, can be done from the bottom easily and does not require replacement of the drain plug, only the replacement of a crush washer.


I am doing my own 15k mile service in about a month, I have the required documents from Audi advising what has to be done and will use all Audi parts and will detail and note the process for the records. I can reset the service interval light as well, dealer wanted $80 alone just to do that for me.

bobby3333

I used the "Goodwill cards" to pay for the Audicare. I think its worth the money.

DennisMitchell

AudiCare is for newer vehicles. You can purchase at your Audi service department for your 15k service. 15k, 25k, 35k, 45k services.

AudiCare Plus is for 55k, 65k, and 75k services.

You can purchase AudiCare Plus before your 55k service.

Redd

"Removal of drain plug will require its replacement."
Really? And here I thought Audi even sold replacement gaskets (crush washers) to be used after oil changes, using the same plug. Is there actually a spec saying the plug must be replaced? That would seem ludicrous.

Having heard of too many oil problems caused by "professionals" on various friends cars over the years (loose drain plug, fell out. Stripped drain plug, repairs required, loose filter, oil blows all over. Stuck filter, major effort to replace next time. etc.) I've almost always just put down a ground cloth and done it myself. The job is easy, and you know the idiot who did it was paying attention to the job.(G)

Vaccum extractor pumps are also commonly stocked in marine supply stores, boaters often MUST use them as drain plugs are illegal in some marine uses. (Because they might leak, and create hazards.) With Audi requiring 19(?!) various screws to remove the road pan, it is easy to see why the dealers use them. Aside from eliminating all the possible issues of "What gorilla stripped this drain plug!?"

WRT warranty, memorize this saying "That's not true and you know it. Shame on you, someone might call that terrorism!" all you need to do, is show receipts for the proper parts or service, matching Audi spec. And Audi are required to disclose those specs, like every carmaker here in the US for the last 50? 60? years.

snagitseven

Audi Care Plus for pre-2017 models has been replaced by Audi Care Select. 35/45K (for those without AC standard), 55/65K, 75/85K and 85/95K packages. MY2017+ AC services and packages start 5K miles later.