Quick answer: Engine Oil & Filter Change on a 2015–2018 Audi A3 is rated Moderate and takes about 30-60 minutes. You'll need 3 tools for this job, and parts cost about $57. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.
Oil spec
2.0L TFSI I4 turbo (most common 2015-2018, quattro: 5.5L/5.8 qt with filter; 1.8L TFSI option in 2015)
Capacity 5.8 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-40 (alt: 5W-30, 0W-40) Spec VW 502 00 / 504 00
| Part Name |
Part Number |
Price |
Buy |
| Engine Oil (5W-40) |
— |
$45.00 |
|
| Correct engine oil filter and drain-plug washer for 2015-2018 Audi A3 |
— |
$12.00 |
|
About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.
💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully
1
Confirm oil specification and make the vehicle safe
The 8V A3's 2.0 TFSI takes full synthetic meeting VW 502 00 — 6.0 quarts with a filter change. The cartridge sits in a top-side housing; cap torque is 24 Nm. Buy a fresh drain washer.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
With the hood up I listen for whistling from the valve cover — the 2.0T's PCV diaphragm fails with age and drives oil consumption. Catching that whistle early has saved me from burning through a quart a month.
2
Warm briefly and protect the work area
Stage the cartridge, O-ring, drain washer, cap wrench, and drain pan. Idle two to three minutes to warm the oil, shut off, wait briefly. Remove the fill cap to vent, drop the undertray, position the pan under the plug.
3
Drain the used oil and replace the filter
Remove the drain plug and drain fully; refit with a fresh washer, snug on the aluminum threads. Open the top-side housing with the cap wrench, swap the cartridge, seat the new O-ring in its groove, and tighten the cap to 24 Nm.
🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker
I push the cartridge down until it clicks — the nipple has to press the housing's drain-back valve. If I don't feel it seat, I pull it back out rather than force the cap down on it.
4
Install the correct oil quantity
Pour 5.5 of the 6.0 quarts of VW 502 00 oil through a funnel and hold back the last half quart. Wait several minutes, then check the dipstick.
5
Check level, leaks, and service reminder
Start briefly, switch off, wait five minutes, recheck on level ground, top to the full mark. Inspect the plug and housing for leaks; refit the undertray fasteners. Reset the service reminder via the MMI or cluster; record date, mileage, and oil used.
All Done!
Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Using the wrong viscosity, capacity, or filter
- • Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack
- • Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer or leaving the old filter gasket stuck
- • Over-tightening the filter or drain plug
- • Starting the engine before checking the oil level and leaks
