Audi A3 TDI Diesel Oil Change DIY How To

This article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the engine oil and oil filter on 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 models with the 2.0L TDI diesel engine. We also provide information to the following questions: What type of engine oil should be used in the Audi A3 2.0L TDI diesel engine? What is the correct oil type specification required for A3 oil change service? What is the proper Audi A3 oil change interval? What is the oil change fill capacity and what are the necessary tools needed for changing the engine oil?

2.0L TDI Audi A3 Oil Change Info

Although the below video is demonstrated on a 2015 Volkswagen Passat 2.0L TDI diesel engine, the procedures also apply to the following Audi A3 models:

  • 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 2.0L TDI Diesel Oil Change

2.0L TDI Audi A3 Oil Change Parts Needed

BLAU® Oil Change Kits are the perfect choice for today's discriminating vehicle owners who desire only the highest quality products. Our kits are great for individuals looking to improve the performance, efficiency, and add to the longevity of their engine. Each oil change kit conveniently includes everything necessary for an oil change. All kits include the correct amount of premium oil, proper oil specification, OEM oil filter, and hardware for your vehicle (see the product image showing what is exactly included in this kit).

BLAU® oil change kit features:

6 Liters of 5W-30 VW 507 00 diesel oil quality standard as required for the 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 TDI engines equipped with diesel particulate filter emission systems.
1 VW Audi A3 Oil Filter and O-ring Seals (OEM Mahle)
1 VW Audi A3 Oil Pan Drain Plug and Crush Washer
1 VW Audi A3 Oil Change Interval Tag

Audi A3 Oil Change Capacity

  • 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 oil change capacity is 5.5 liters or 5.8 US quarts for 2.0L TDI diesel engine.

Audi A3 Oil Type

  • 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 models use the Audi VW 507 00 oil type specification for 2.0L TDI models.

Audi A3 Diesel Oil Viscosity Type

  • 2.0L TDI Audi A3 models use SAE 0W30 or 5W30 oil weight viscosity (as long as it meets Audi VW 507 00 oil type).

Audi A3 Oil Change Interval

  • 10,000 miles, once a year, or whichever occurs first.
  • Using only approved Audi VW 507 00 oil type specification for TDI.

Audi A3 Oil Change Tools Needed

  • T-25 Torx bit socket for under engine protective splash pan
  • T-40 Torx bit socket for under engine protective splash pan
  • 13mm socket for oil filter housing drain plug
  • 32MM socket for oil filter removal
  • 19mm wrench or socket for oil pan drain plug removal
  • Assorted ratchet wrenches and extensions to accompany the above sockets
  • Torque wrench for a proper oil pan drain plug and oil filter housing tightening torque
  • Oil drain pan container
  • Pouring Funnel

Step-by-Step TDI Audi A3 Oil Change Instructions

How To Audi A3 2.0L TDI Oil Change Video

Please Note: Although the video is demonstrated on a 2015 VW Passat 2.0L TDI diesel engine, the procedures also apply to 2015 - 2016 Audi A3 2.0L TDI diesel engine.

How To Step 1

Begin by confirming that the engine is warm. This will allow the oil to flow more thoroughly from the engine while it's being drained.

How To Step 2

To gain access to the bottom side of the engine we will be lifting the vehicle. In our case, we’re using an automotive lift. To confirm you're lifting the vehicle correctly you can reference your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures.

How To Step 3

Remove the Audi A3 splash pan. This is held in place with a total of 9 T 25 screws, one is located on the front side of the pan, four are located on the driver side, and four are on the passenger side. Last remove three T 45 bolts on the rear side of the splash pan. As you remove the last bolt support the rear of the splash pan.

How To Step 4

Next, release the two locking tabs located on the front side of the pan. At the same time, pull and remove the splash pan to the rear of the Audi A3.

How To Step 5

Using a 19 millimeter wrench loosen and remove the Audi A3 oil pan drain plug in a counterclockwise direction. This is located on the rear backside of the oil pan. As you remove the Audi A3 drain plug, allow the oil to drain into a suitable drain pan.

How To Step 6

Once the TDI Audi A3 oil is drained re-install your drain plug and sealing washer, threading it in a clockwise direction. Using a 19 millimeter socket and torque wrench, tighten the drain plug to the recommended torque specification of 22 ft lbs.

How To Step 7

Using a rag, clean any excess oil from around the drain plug area.

How To Step 8

Next, to gain access to the oil filter housing, unplug the wiring harness and loosen the harness from its mounting bracket. This is located on the front lower side of the engine. To unplug the wiring harness, slide out and release the gray locking tab from the plug in a horizontal direction. Once the lacking tab is released the harness can be unplugged. Release the plastic mounting bracket holding the wiring harness in place. This will allow for extra clearance and space to drain the oil filter housing and replace the Audi A3 oil filter.

How To Step 9

Using a 13mm socket loosen and remove the oil filter housing drain plug in a counterclockwise direction. Allowing the oil to drain into a suitable drain pan.

How To Step 10

Next, using a 32mm socket loosen and remove the oil filter housing in a counterclockwise direction. With the oil filter housing loose, guide and remove the oil filter and housing out from the engine.

How To Step 11

Next, separate the old Audi A3 oil filter from the filter housing cap.

How To Step 12

Using a small flat head screwdriver, remove the old oil filter housing sealing O-ring.

How To Step 13

Next, lubricate the new oil filter housing O-ring with fresh oil. This will ensure that the O-ring is not damaged during installation, that it seals the filter housing correctly, and aids the Audi A3 oil filter housing cap removal during your next oil change.

How To Step 14

Install the new sealing O-ring onto the oil filter housing. Confirm that the new Audi A3 o-ring is seated correctly in the groove, just above the oil filter housing lip.

How To Step 15

Using a small regular screwdriver, remove the old oil filter housing drain plug sealing O-ring.

How To Step 16

Next, lubricate and install the new Audi A3 oil filter housing drain plug sealing O-ring. Again, this will ensure that the O-ring is not damaged during installation, that it seals the filter housing correctly, and aids the oil filter housing drain plug during its next removal.

How To Step 17

Install the new Audi A3 oil filter into the oil filter housing cap until you hear and feel the locking tabs click into place.

How To Step 18

Next, install the oil filter along with the oil filter housing cap. Align and insert the oil filter into the vehicle side of the oil filter housing. Lightly apply upward pressure as you begin threading the Audi A3 oil filter housing cap in a clockwise direction. Be careful not to cross the threads while performing this step. Tighten the oil filter housing cap to 25-newton meters or 18 foot-pounds.

How To Step 19

Next, install the oil filter housing cap drain plug. Threading it in a clockwise direction. Tighten the drain plug to 5-7 newton meters or 3-4 foot-pounds.

How To Step 20

Using a rag, clean any excess oil from around the Audi A3 oil filter area.

How To Step 21

Next, re-install the wiring harness to the plastic mounting bracket, plug in the wiring harness, and confirm that the gray locking tab for the plug is re-engaged.

How To Step 22

Next, access the Audi A3 engine bay and remove the oil fill cap.

How To Step 23

Begin filling the engine with the required Audi A3 VW 507 00 engine oil specification. The engine oil fill capacity for this Audi A3 TDI diesel 2.0 liter engine is 5 and a half liters.

How To Step 24

Once you’ve completed filling the engine with the oil, reinstall the oil fill cap.

How To Step 25

Next, start the engine and allow it to idle for 20-30 seconds. This will allow the engine's oil system to pressurize, giving you the opportunity to inspect and confirm that you have no Audi A3 oil leaks coming from the oil filter and drain plug areas.

How To Step 26

Once you’ve confirmed you have no leaks you can reinstall the splash pan. First, line up and slide the front tabs of the pan in place. Begin by hand tightening the three T-45 bolts at the rear of the pan. Next, install the remaining nine T-25 screws on the sides and front of the splash pan. Last, evenly tighten all Audi A3 splash pan mounting hardware.

How To Step 27

With the vehicle on a level surface, check the oil level reading using the engine oil dipstick. Extract the dipstick, thoroughly clean it with a rag, and re-insert it into the engine. Once again, remove the dipstick confirming that the oil level is in the middle of the minimum and maximum level marks.

Keep in mind that oil expands and contracts. As the engine reaches full operating temperature the Audi A3 oil level will expand to the maximum level mark on the engine oil dipstick. This would indicate the recommended 5 and a half liter oil fill capacity has been achieved. Reinsert the dipstick once the correct oil level has been confirmed.

How To Step 28

Dispose of waste oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.

Recycle Oils

How To Step 29

Note in your records the current mileage at time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. You may also wish to reset the vehicles oil change interval system for future oil change indication. Keeping detailed service records is a must for proper vehicle maintenance and future resale value.

Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?

BLAU® oil change kits use high-quality, synthetic* engine oils. The engine oils we offer are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less oil changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions.

*For most kits, check the product description.

Technical Advantages:

  • Convenient BLAU® oil change kits with the correct spec oil and quantities for your specific vehicle make and model
  • Oils feature factory OEM approvals or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific oil specification requirements
  • Sustainable motor oils that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions
  • High-quality oil allows for longer oil change intervals and extended service life that conserve the Earth's resources
  • Motor oils using the latest advanced oil technologies with improved lubricating properties
  • High-performance oils with better HTHS, Noak, and TBN performance levels
  • Motor oils with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints
  • Better engine protection against sludging, coking, and varnish in the piston ring and valve train areas
  • Long-life OEM oil filters for extended oil change intervals