shopping the a3... haven't quite decided on 2.0T vs. 3.2 but my choice is coming down between an a3 or an acura rdx (tech package)...

i'm beginning to lean towards the 2.0T side on the a3 and then load it up with some packages to bring me in line with what i would have had with the tech package on the acura... s-line, tech, cold weather and rear side airbags...

another part of a vehicle purchase i always consider is whether i can do my own oil changes... i know i can do them in the rdx (even though mobil 1 synthetic is required) but how are they on an a3? access from the top or bottom (i much prefer access from the bottom)..

thanks all!!

scott

 

Seems everybody can't wait to mod and chip but no one knows how to change the oil! ?????

 

[sm=violent053.gif]

 

depends on the age of the car as to what needs to be removed but from the bottom is best, you would need to remove the plastic shield to gain access to the filter and drain plug basically the same as most cars so not a difficult job

 

Changing the oil isn't that difficult. There is the typical drain plug on the bottom, but the oil filter resides in a canister. From under the car, there is a bleeder valve that you need to push open to relieve oil remaining above the filter housing after the oil is drained. You can then unscrew the canister, remove the filter, then change the rubber "O" ring, filter, and replace. Replace the drain plug and refill with the correct oil.

Not too difficult, and if you have ever owned a TDI, then it's exactly the same. ECS Tuning sells the complete kit with oil and filter for $48. I saw a write-up for the DIY somewhere, but not sure where. A little searching will do you good.

Cheers!

 

speaking of oil change. I have 2006 A3 2.0T DSG with a little over 11,000 miles on it now. I had my first oil change at 5000 miles and the next one according to the manual is 15,000 but my dash is telling me to get service now? Am I suppose to change my oil every 5,000 miles or is the computer screwed up and will remind me to get an oil change every 5000 miles?

 

your car is obviously no set to long term oil changes which is done through the ECU ( ask your dealer ) what its set to

 

Yeah, David is correct. You can go the 10k between oil changes as recommended in your service manual, but I would do it every 5k if you have any performance modifications. Engine oil is the number one thing you can do maintenance-wise to keep your engine living a long time. It's worth the extra $50 bucks in my opinion.

Cheers!

 

Since your going to load it up with a bunch of pkgs, i take it spending an extra 500 bucks for a service agreement would be in the budget, so you wont have to worry about oil changes or scheduled maintanance????[8D]

 

well i do have the service package but i remember the sales guy telling me service would only be covered when i follow the manual. is that true? or does it depends on the dealer? my car isn't modded yet and I dont floor it much only when i have to but i want to keep this car in good running condition as long as i can.