How To Change Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0L TDI Engine

This article will provide the necessary steps and information on how to change the engine oil and oil filter on a 2014-2016 Audi Q5 3.0L TDI diesel engine. We will also provide information to the following questions: What type of engine oil should be used in the 3.0L TDI diesel engine? What are the necessary tools needed for changing the engine oil and filter? What is the Audi Q5 3.0L TDI engine oil fill capacity? And what is the correct oil quality specification required for this service?

Step-by-Step Audi Q5 Oil Change Instructions

Although this is demonstrated on a 2014 Audi Q7 3.0L TDI, the procedures also apply to the following Audi Q5:

  • 2014-2016 Audi Q5 3.0L TDI Diesel Oil and Filter Change (6.4-liter capacity)

Audi Q5 3.0L TDI Oil Change Parts Needed:

  • 7 liters of motor oil with Audi motor oil quality standard VW 507 00 required for 3.0L TDI diesel engines (see above vehicle application and below oil capacity)
    • Eurol Syntence 5W30, Ravenol VMP 5W30, and Ravenol SMP 5W30 meet this required spec
  • 1 Mahle Audi Q5 TDI Diesel Oil Filter
  • 1 Audi Q5 TDI Diesel Oil Pan Drain Plug (Optional)
  • 1 Audi Q5 TDI Diesel Oil Pan Drain Plug Sealing Washer

Audi Q5 TDI Diesel Oil Change Capacity:

The engine oil change capacity for the 2014 - 2016 Audi Q5 diesel is 6.4 liters or 6.7 quarts. Many customers also purchase an extra 1-liter bottle of oil for topping off the engine oil between the factory's intended 10k oil change interval and confirming that mixed oil brands and types are not used when topping off the engine oil.

Audi Q5 3.0L TDI Oil Change Tools Needed:

  • T-25 Torx bit socket for under engine protective plash pan
  • 10mm shallow socket for under engine protective plash pan
  • 6mm hex bit socket for engine oil drain plug
  • 32mm socket for the oil filter housing
  • 19mm wrench for oil pan drain plugs
  • Assorted Rachet wrenches and extensions to accompany the above sockets
  • Oil drain pan container
  • Pouring Funnel

Disclaimer: Always refer to the owner's manual and factory service manual for Audi oil change instructions. Blauparts recommend having an A.S.E. certified Audi mechanic perform vehicle maintenance. Always wear safety gloves and wear safety glasses when performing engine oil and engine oil filter changes.

How To Step 1

Begin by allowing the engine to warm. This can be done by taking your car for a quick 10-15 minute drive. This will allow the engine oil viscosity to get thinner and flow more thoroughly from the engine while it's being drained.

How To Step 2

Raising the Audi Q5 in the air to change the oil isn't necessarily required. The Audi Q5 has enough ground clearance to access and remove the lower protective splash pan and loosen and remove the engine oil drain plug. If you do desire to lift the vehicle for more working area under the vehicle, please proceed as follows. Confirm you are lifting the vehicle correctly by referencing your factory owner’s manual for the proper vehicle lift point locations and procedures. The vehicle needs to be in a level position to confirm engine oil level when refilling. If the vehicle is not level this can cause the engine oil level to be incorrect and could cause catastrophic engine damage.

How To Step 3

Open your hood and remove the decorative engine cover. The oil filter housing is located under the decorative engine cover. The decorative engine cover is held in place by several grommets in the corner areas. To remove the cover, gently pull up on each corner. One at a time. Be careful not to crack any of the plastic. (Image 1) NOTE: Although this is demonstrated on a 2014 Audi Q7 3.0L TDI, the procedures also apply to the following Audi Q5.

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 1

How To Step 4

Using a 32mm oil filter housing socket loosen and remove the oil filter housing cap and oil filter. Typically, you shouldn't get any spillage as this is loosened. As the oil filter cap and oil filter are being loosened a small valve within the oil filter housing will open and allow the oil in the oil filter housing to drain into the lower crankcase sump area. Gather some old rags or shop towels. Have the drain pan nearby. Carefully guide out the housing and oil filter and place them in the drain pan to minimize a mess. (Image 2)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 2

How to Step 5

Remove the old oil filter from the housing cover by pulling directly outward from the oil filter housing cap. This might take some gentle persuasion. (Image 3)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 3

How To Step 6

Pop the new Audi Q5 3.0L TDI oil filter onto the oil filter housing cap. You'll hear a pop or click when it has popped into place. (Image 4)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 4

How To Step 7

Remove the old O-ring from the oil filter housing cover. Confirm the exact groove on the oil filter housing cover that the O-ring is removed from. If the new O-ring is not placed back into the exact groove it was removed from it is possible to have an oil leak.

Install the new Audi Q5 3.0L TDI oil filter O-ring (which comes with the new oil filter) back onto its groove on the housing cap. Lubricate it with some fresh clean oil. Be careful not to stretch the O-ring too. Also, lubricate the O-ring on the oil filter with a little bit of fresh oil. (Image 5)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 5

How To Step 8

Thread the new oil filter and oil filter housing cap back into the oil filter housing. Confirm that you're threading it in correctly, so as not to cross-thread it. Using a 32mm oil filter housing socket, torque to 25 Newton meters or 18ft-lbs. (Images 6 and 7)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 6

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 7

How To Step 9

Locate the oil fill cap and loosen it. Do not remove it. Loosening it will minimize crankcase pressure creating an easier flow for the old oil to drain from the engine, and minimizing oil splashing.

How To Step 10

Remove the under-engine protective splash pan and place it off to the side. Keep in mind this is a 2-piece splash pan. First, locate and remove all T-25 Torx bit splash pan mounting screws. Next, begin to remove the 10mm splash pan mounting bolts leaving one or two bolts hand threaded on the rear area of the splash pan. These last one or two mounting bolts remaining will allow you to support the pans with one hand and then hand loosen the last one or two bolts by hand minimizing the splash pan from falling on you.

It's also good to remove the rear portion of the splash pan and then the front splash pan. The front portion of the two-piece pan can be tipped down and then pulled back from the front of the vehicle for the easiest removal. (Images 8, 9, and 10)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 8

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 9

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 10

How To Step 11

Using a 6mm hex socket bit, locate and remove the engine oil drain plug and sealing washer. Allow the oil to drain from the engine into the oil drain pan container. (Images 11, 12, and 13)

Most Audi Q5 3.0L TDI diesel engines came with a 6mm hex bit drain plug. Some Audi 3.0L TDI diesel engines can have a T-45 Torx bit drain plug. If your car has the T-45 drain plug this is dimensionally the same just with a different bit preference.

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 11

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 12

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 13

How To Step 12

While the oil is draining from your Audi 3.0L TDI, 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).

How To Step 13

Clean any excessive old oil from the oil pan drain plug area. Install the Audi Q5 3.0L TDI oil drain plug and washer using a 6mm hex bit. Torque the drain plug and sealing crush washer to 21 ft. Lb. (Image 14)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 14

How To Step 14

Remove the oil fill cap. Fill your Audi Q5 3.0L TDI diesel engine with engine oil that carries the Audi 507 00 oil specification. Only use Audi 507 00 specification oils in the 3.0L TDI diesel engine. The Audi Q5 3.0L TDI oil fill capacity for the 2014-2016 models is 6.4 liters. (Image 15)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 15

How To Step 15

Reinstall the oil fill cap.

How To Step 16

Start and run the engine for about 30 seconds. Turn the engine off. This will allow the Audi Q5 3.0L TDI engine's oil system to pressurize with oil, allowing you to check for oil leaks. Observe the oil filter housing area and oil drain plug sealing areas and confirm you don’t have any leaks.

How To Step 17

With the vehicle on a level surface, make a final oil level inspection. With the engine oil temperature cold the oil level is correct when the oil level is just below the middle of the minimum and maximum oil level marks. If checking the engine oil level when the engine and oil are cold, never allow the oil level to exceed the middle of the minimum and maximum oil level marks. See the notes below for important oil level checking information.

Important Oil Level Checking Notes:

The most accurate oil level reading and indication should be done with the engine at full operating temperature. This allows the engine oil volume to be fully expanded. If the oil is checked when cold the oil level should never exceed the middle of the oil level indication marks.

Overfilling is a common mistake. If you fill and check the Audi Q5 3.0L TDI oil level when the engine is cold - the oil is not at its full expansion. As the oil gets hot it expands and you'll fill over the maximum oil level. When overfilled, the excess oil expands and makes its way into inopportune areas such as the PCV valve and crankcase ventilation breather hose system. Overfilling can also cause issues with the DPF, as the excess oil ends up adulterating the air intake system and burns into the exhaust system.

Once the engine is warm (15 minutes). Wait a few minutes once the engine is shut off and then check the dipstick or the oil level through the vehicle's MMI computer system. (Depending on the year of your Audi 3.0L TDI diesel engine some still had a dipstick. Others may need to have the oil level confirmed through the vehicle's MMI computer system.)

If at full engine operating temperature, the oil level is over the max oil level, the excess oil needs to be removed from the engine.

  • 2014-2016 Audi Q5 3.0L TDI Diesel Engine OIl Fill Capacity - 6.7 liter

How To Step 18

Reinstall the decorative engine cover. Take note of the engine cover alignment and confirm the mounting grommets have been gently pressed into place. You'll hear a light pop noise. (Image 16) NOTE: Although this is demonstrated on a 2014 Audi Q7 3.0L TDI, the procedures also apply to the following Audi Q5.

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 16

How To Step 19

Reinstall the splash pan. First, line up and mount the front side of the splash pan leaving the rear mounting hardware off. Install the rear section of the slash pan by mounting the rear of it first and then lastly tipping up both splash pan pieces to the center, installing the mounting hardware. (Image 17)

Audi Q5 Oil Change on 3.0 TDI Diesel Image 17

How To Step 20

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

Recycle Waste Oil Image 18

Note in your records the current mileage at the time of oil change, as well as, when you'll need to change your oil next. You may also wish to reset the vehicle's oil change interval system for future oil change indications. We also recommend keeping detailed service records to keep track of your vehicle's true condition. Keeping good vehicle maintenance records can also help improve your vehicle 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