I changed the oil on my 2006 A4 3.2. I forgot to get a filter insert at the dealer however I could not find the oil filter canister anyway. I also realized that there wasn't a gasket/seal on the drain plug. Can anyone tell me where the oil filter is located on this model? Also, is it normal for Audi's drain plugs not to have a crush gasket or seal? The dealer changed the oil at 5,000 miles. I didn't want to wait until 15,000 for the dealer to change the oil again.

 

Gotta get under and pull the skid plate off - should be obvious then!?!?

My '03 1.8 T always had a "crush gasket/washer" at the drain plug. Yours should too I would imagine.

 

Is the skid plate you are referring to the plastic shield I removed in order to access the drain plug? If so, I did that and still did not see the canister that would hold the paper filter element.

 

Yes .. and that would be a DUH on my part. I dont know on the 3.2. I had a 2.8 A6 that was obvious when you took the shield off. Check your manual if you haven't already......I just thumbed through mine and don't see where it show O/F location.
It's gotta be there somewhere!

 

Your oil filter is under the black cover on the rear of the engine (it just pulls right up), you will also need a 36mm to remove the housing

And a comment on your drain plug- you dont have a washer for the 3.2, dont worry about it and dont put one on there!

 

AudiTech

 

Thanks AudiTech04. I found the oil filter canister. I would have never looked under the Audi cover on top of the engine. I will never have to remove that plastic schroud or get under the car to change the oil again. I bet that even the dealer sucks the oil out through the dip stick tube. Do you know if the oil drains out of the filter canister when you turn off the engine or is there a mess when you remove the plastic oil canister cover?

 

Well, im not sure what you are suggesting about sucking the oil out of the dipstick tube, im certain that wont work

The oil does drain out of the filter housing to a certain extent, it will still get pretty messy so put a rag under there

 

I have a pump with a small diameter hose that I use to change the oil on my boat. The hose slides down the dipstick tube and bottoms out on the bottom of the oil pan. There is only around 3 inch clearance below the oil pan in the engine bay. I removed the plug once after I pumped out the oil to see how much remained and I was surprised to see that only a tablespoon remained. These pumps can be purchased from any boating supply company such as Overton's or West Marine. They cost from $20 for a hand operated one to $100 for a motorized one with self contained storage for the oil. The motorized ones connect to your battery with clips for power. If it does work you could change your oil in less time than it takes to remove the plastic shield under your car.

 

Ok...