Just bought a 97 A4 TQM and I'm about to do my 1st oil change. When I first brought it home me and my step-dad looked over it and checked all the fluids etc. The oil was about a quart low so he added some standard 10W-40. I've since realized how bad of an idea that was so I want to do an oil change asap before anything gets messed up. I went down to autozone and picked up 5 quarts of 0W-30 Castrol Syntec and the Mobil-1 filter that they recommended (which actually was cheaper as a combo then just the oil itself) but after reading other threads I'm having 2nd thoughts about the Mobil-1 filter. They had bosch premium filters but the one the book said was for use in a 97 1.8 a4 was way smaller than the Mobil-1 filter and the Mann filter that's on there now so I'm having 2nd thoughts that it will be the right one. So here's my dilemma, do I go ahead w/ the oil change tonight and use the Mobil-1 filter for the sake of getting some fresh oil and a clean filter in there or should I wait 2 more days (I'm working doubles Mon & Tue) till I can get over to the Audi dealership to buy a Mann filter? I've only put about 200 miles on it since adding the standard oil but will probably put another 30 over the next two days. Any advice on this would be much appreciated. Also, am I correct that the oil drain plug is located on the side of the pan up front next to where the metal line from the turbo connects to it? My haynes manual shows an illustration that looks completely different from my a4 on the underside. Any advice on this would be much appreciated. Sucks I gotta start off my 1st post here w/ such a newbie problem. >_<

 

Do you have the AEB motor....if not, which one? That will help people help you. As for your filter, you should fine with the Mobil 1 filter. It doesn't hurt anything because it is bigger. Also, you should be using synthetic oil. Mobil 1 has a "European Formula" 0w40 or if you can find Castrol Syntec 5w40, that would be best. I have a hard time finding the 5w40 though.

 

He said he is using 0w30 that will be fine. The filter will also be fine. Also yes the drain plug is by the turbo feed line (or drain w/e it is). Do your oil change then do them every 5 months 5000 miles from now on. May be a good idea to do a sludge treatment at some point just as a safety precaution.

 

sorry. yes, it is AEB

 

The A4 holds far less oil than the transverse cars. You need to run the bigger filter to hold more oil. The oil you are running should be fine, but a 40 would be better. And its the drain line, the feed is under the intake manifold

 

Thanks guys. Probably gonna go ahead and get a couple Mann filters for the future. I like how the endcap has that notch in it. No filter wrench necessary if you just turn a wrench sideways and slide it in there. Note to any other 1st timers that come across this in a search. Get your oil pan ready because the oil starts pouring out LONG before you get close to getting the filter off. Don't take an oil bath like I did. And wear some safety glasses/goggles too anytime you're working under the car. I discovered I had a small coolant leak about 1/2 a second before it dripped into my eye. Couldn't have placed it better w/ a visine bottle. While it doesn't burn quite as much as expected it's still not much fun rinsing off your eyeball...

 

yea that mobil 1 filter will be fine...
and you can also use a ford 302 motor filter....
i use the NAPA GOLD 302 filter and gets the job done...and its alot cheaper than a dealership filter...

+1 on that autozone deal.....haha jus throwing that out there...
saves you like 10 to 15 bucks depending on the oil

 

lmao isn't that always how it works!? "Oh hey that looks like a--" *DRIP* Same thing happened to me when i discovered that my flex pipes were starting to go, i laid down under the car and started wiggling stuff and all the crap starting falling onto my face. Not smart!

 

My biggest pet peeve is crap falling in my eye...