Wondering how to change the oil and oil filter on your Audi A4 3.0? Unsure what type of oil to use in the 3.0L Audi A4? What is the oil fill capacity on the Audi A4 3.0L engine? Blauparts is here to help! Your Audi A4 oil change questions are answered in the video and instructions below.
Disclaimer: Refer to the owner's manual and factory manual for Audi oil change instructions. Blauparts recommend having an A.S.E. certified Audi mechanic perform vehicle maintenance.
Warning: Please be careful when handling hot engine oil. Always wear gloves and wear safety goggles when handling Audi fluids.
Audi A4 Oil Change Step-by-Step Video
How To Audi A4 Oil Change Video Details
Video Demonstrated using 2003 Audi A4 Wagon 3.0L 6 Cylinder V6 30 Valve Engine
Although the video and pictures show a 2003 Audi A4, the oil change steps and procedures also apply to the following models:
- 2002 - 2005 Audi A4 Sedan w/ 3.0L 6 Cylinder 30 Valve Engine
- 2002 - 2005 Audi A4 Wagon w/ 3.0L 6 Cylinder 30 Valve Engine
- 2003 - 2006 Audi A4 Cabriolet w/ 3.0L 6 Cylinder 30 Valve Engine
Audi A4 Oil Change Parts Needed:
- 7 Liters of German Ravenol Motor Oil - Audi motor oil quality standard 502 00 required for 3.0L gasoline engines
- 1 Mahle Audi A4 Oil Filter
- 1 Oil Pan Drain Plug w/ Washer
Audi A4 Oil Change Tools Needed:
- Regular screwdriver for under-body plash pan
- 19mm wrench for oil pan drain plug
- Oil filter wrench for oil filter removal
- Oil drain pan container
- Pouring Funnel
3.0L Audi A4 Oil Change Picture Instructions
How To Step 1
Allow your engine oil to warm up. Drive your Audi A4 for approximately 5-10 minutes, allowing the older used motor oil to warm up for optimal oil flow and thorough drainage.
How To Step 2 - 1
With a regular screwdriver remove the A4 under-body plash pan.
How To Step 2 - 2
This is typically held in place by several screws on the bottom side as well as screws in each wheel well.
How To Step 3
Open your hood. Locate the oil fill cap and loosen but do not remove. This will minimize crankcase pressure creating an easier flow for the old oil to drain from the engine, minimizing oil splashing.
How To Step 4
Place a suitable oil drain pan container just below the engine oil pan drain plug. With 19mm wrench loosen and remove the Audi A4 oil pan drain plug. Allow the oil to drain from the engine into the oil drain pan container. This is located on the driver side of the oil pan.
How To Step 5
While the oil is draining, inspect the oil pan drain plug and sealing washer. If the threads on the plug look worn, replace the oil drain plug. Reinstalling a worn oil drain plug may lead to the damage of the internal oil pan's threads, causing replacement of the whole oil pan. A worn oil drain plug can also inhibit the factory torque causing a poor seal and possible oil leaks. If the washer looks crushed it should also be replaced. Failure to do so could allow for oil leaks. While the oil is draining, inspect the oil drain plug. Blauparts recommends a new drain plug and washer every 4-6 oil changes (depending on condition).
Photo - How To Step 6
Place the oil drain pan container in the area under the oil filter. Use an oil filter wrench loosen the Audi A4 oil filter in a counterclockwise direction. Remove oil filter minimizing oil glugging or splashing. The oil filter as well is located on the driver side of the oil pan.
How To Step 7
Clean any excessive old oil from the oil pan. Install the Audi A4 oil drain plug and washer. Torque drain plug to 21 ft. lb.
How To Step 8
With the 3.0L V6 Audi A4, now is a good time to inspect the oil cooler to engine sealing o-ring area. After some years the Audi A4 oil cooler to engine sealing o-rings take a set and can weep or leak oil. If there is some weeping noticeable simply tighten the oil cooler gland nut with a 27mm socket to 20 ft lbs. This will allow the oil cooler sealing o-ring to take a new set and seal properly for years to come. If the weeping or leak will not stop replace the oil cooler sealing o-ring.
How To Step 9
With new oil lightly lubricate the new oil filter seal.
How To Step 10
Thread on the new Audi A4 oil filter back into place. Hand tighen the filter, don't over-torque! Over-torqueing can make the removal of the oil filter during future Audi extremely difficult.
How To Step 11
Remove the oil fill cap and begin filling with approved VW 502 00 Audi A4 oil. In most cases it is best to use a funnel to minimize oil splashing and spill over onto and under the decorative engine covers.
How To Step 12
Fill the engine with 0.5 liter to 1 liter LESS than full capacity. Using the dipstick check the Audi A4 oil level, being careful not to over fill the engine. Add the oil until the proper oil level is obtained on the dip stick. The oil level should never be above the maximum oil level indicated on the dipstick. When the engine oil is overfilled, excessive engine oil burn and damage to the catalytic converters can occur. If the oil level is over the max dipstick level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine. [The Audi oil capacity on a 2003 Audi A4 3.0L V6 is 6.6 liters.]
How To Step 13
Install the Audi oil fill cap. Start and run the engine for about 30 seconds. This will allow the oil filter housing to completely fill with oil giving you the opportunity to check for oil leaks. Observe the A4 oil filter and oil drain plug sealing areas for leaks. Turn engine off. If no leaks are found, install the under-body splash pan.
How To Step 14
With your Audi A4 back on a level surface, make a final oil level inspection. Add more Audi approved oil as needed.
NOTE: The oil level should never be above the maximum oil level indicated on the dipstick. When the engine oil is overfilled, excessive engine oil burn and damage to the catalytic converters can occur. If the oil level is over the max dipstick level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine. [The Audi oil capacity on a 2003 Audi A4 3.0L V6 is 6.6 liters.]
How To Step 15
Dispose of waste oil responsibly by taking it to a certified recycling collection center.
Note in your records the current mileage at time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. For help determining the correct Audi oil change interval for your vehicle, see our "How driving style can affect your Audi oil change intervals" section. 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
