A4 oil change...

Nope. Have the right size socket for the drain plug (I have a dedicated socket for this, and I can't recall the size - 18mm seems to spring to mind) a filter wrench that fits your filter, and the proper filter type. Don't get some cheapo dept. store filter, but go to audiparts.com and get Mahle or Mann filters, and the proper size for your car. Taking off the undercar tray is a pain, but a simple task. I re-use the copper washer on the drain plug, but some folks replace it every time. I figure if it leaks, I'll replace it. It hasn't yet, so I won't. :)

Making sure you have good oil, the right filter, and the proper tools make it a one-beer [1] DIY job.

HTH,

E.P.

[1] The length of time it takes to leisurely drink one beer. Also, the amount of ethanol needed to calm the stress of a DIY project.

I changed the oil on my new 2004 A4 at 5k, prior to the recommended dealer interval of 10K. I'd warn you that the oil filter may be affixed too tightly by the factory so have an appropriate oil filter removal tool handy. Also, I got a bath of oil when I unscrewed the filter. Be prepared with rags/some method of containing the spill.

The first filter change I did on my 2000 1.8T was very difficult. I suspect they have a trained gorilla with a mis-adjusted torque wrench at the Audi dealership bolting these things on. I had to distort the hell out of the filter before it would break loose.

After that, I have been screwing them hand tight and, surprise, they don't leak. Also, when you change them again, they come off without too much effort.

On my 1.8T I detach the coolant reservoir, disconnect the level sensor plug and move that item out of the way. This makes for easy access to the filter.

Ken

Ken, removing the coolant reservoir is great advice. That's what I do. One additional thing to do is use a few of those plastic grocery bags and pull them up around the oil filter. When removing the filter, any oil spillage will be caught in the bags. Saves a big mess.

One other thing that I'm about to try is an oil vacuum. A friend has one for his bmw. He never touches the drain plug. The vacuum goes into the dipstick tube and you vacuum the oil out. No mess at all. He's even checked it once to see that there was no noticeable oil left in the pan. He opened the drain plug, and no noticeable oil came out. I think that's how the dealers are doing it now.