I'm getting ready to change all the fluids in the "new" 98 A4 2.8Q, but going to start with oil/filter.

I have been doing hours and hours of reading different opinions on oil and filter even though I use Mobil-1 for every fluid in everything I own, and fortunately, the concensus is that M1 0w40 is a pretty good way to go. All set there.

Next I found out I should probbaly change the copper washer on the drain plug. All set there.

Now the big question -- which oil filter to use? I generally like to use OEM filters, I have found no matter which car manufacturer they tend to be very consistent and work well overall. I have pretty much settled on Mann or Audi as the manufacturer I would like to try, I believe Mann is the maker of Audi filters (I haven't checked, maybe the Audi dealers sell Mann filters?). The A4 2.8 OEM Mann filter is a W93021 while the NEW OEM Mann filter LARGE for the A4 1.8 is a W94025 -- which I understand came about due to oiling issues in the 4 cylinder. The filters appear to have the same specs and basically be exactly the same except for the length. Obviously the bigger filter has a larger capacity. SO, can I and should I use the larger 1.8 filter on my 2.8 engine? Or, should I just forget it and use the original listed filter?

Adam

 

Truthfully i dont think it matters if you use the oem filter or not. Personally when i did my oil change a few weeks ago i went to pepboys and just looked in their oil cross reference book. I found the high performance filter for my 1.8t and went with that. I think that their going to charge you an arm and a leg for the filter and your getting nothing special. But if your set on using the oem filter or the larger 1.8 filter i would call the dealership and ask. I wouldnt go by just taking a look at the specs. Also i think i heard from someone that mobil 1 was starting to blend now. They downgraded from a grade 4 to a grade 3 oil. Thats just hearsay though, i dont know for sure.

 

Thanks for the reply.

Since you bring up price, I have been checking around and one of the places I like to use for parts is www.rockauto.com -- they usually have great prices. The larger Mann 1.8 filter is $6.16, while the smaller 2.8 filter is $10.68. Potential cost savings if I can use the larger 1.8 filter. I do still have to pay shipping, but I can save by picking up multiples at the same time. So yes, they would be expensive compared to "normal" filters, but not horrendous when compared to a Mobil-1 or K&N filter or similar.

The question for me still remains -- can I and should I use the larger 1.8 filter on my 2.8 engine? Or, should I just forget it and use the original listed filter?

Adam

 

Well i just looked on that site you posted. It definately does say two different filters. But when you look at the vehicles it fits it says it will indeed fit your vehicle. It says both filters will fit. It doesnt do a great job of listing the vehicles it would fit though. It doesnt give listings for engine type. Im assuming from what i saw on that site that it would fit. Thats just an assumption though.

 

if you dont know what kind of oil the previous owner of your car ran then I would not run synthetic. If an older car like that has been run with normal motor oil its whole like and you switch to synthetic seals will start leaking. I would use a syntheitc blend or regular motor oil. Pretty much any oil filter is ok to use on your car. For a few extra bucks though, go ahead and get a Mann.

 

i had a 2.8 for about 8 months before i got my 1.8t and im 90% sure they use different sized filters and it wont fit.

at my local auto parts stores mobil 1 filters are all around 10 bucks, just go with one of those.

 

I checked out the Mobil-1 website and they indicate the same filter for both the 1.8 and the 2.8 -- the M1-301. That further leads me to believe that I can use any 1.8 filter on my 2.8, but I'd like some additional confirmation before I put all my trust in that website. Anyone?

Adam

 

You may want to call the stealership and ask about using the 1.8 filter on the 2.8.

But...I used to drive an A6 2.8 and I used the standard filter and non-synthetic oil. Unless you have performance upgrades, I would stick with the basic filter/oil recommended by Audi. The larger filter for the 1.8t is designed specifically for that engine and I doubt you are going to gain anything by "upgrading".

 

well i can tell you that the M1-301 filter does fit a 1.8 because thats the filter i use. its been a few years since i got rid of the 2.8 so i really cant tell you for sure, if the site says it then just go for it. i know i didnt use the 301 on my V6, but that doesnt mean it wouldnt fit. whats the worst that could happen? you have to return the filter or your out $10. thats not too bad.

 

Just wanted to update this thread -- I used the W940/25 filter for the 1.8T on my 2.8 and it works great. It's a snug fit but it does have room and of course it goes right on and works perfect because the threads, gasket size, etc. are all the same. I don't see any reason for anyone not to use it, even if you don't care about anything else, it's cheaper!

Adam