A8 D3 3.0TDi Oil filter confusion ...

[JulianHicks]

Guys; further to my previous queries about oil changes on the A8 3.0 TDI engine, I now find that there are two different oil filters for this engine based on Chassis number.

I've looked in both the Mahle and Mann filter catalogues and they both have the somewhat strange [to me at least] chassis identifier for 3.0 TDI A8 filters as:

Type 1 : to 4E_8_11500
Type 2 : 4E_8_11500 onwards

This seems strange as 1) I thought the chassis numbers were constantly incremented year by year [that is; don't start at 00001 each model year] and 2) since my chassis is 4E_5_11492, I can't believe they took three years to build another 8 A8s

The filters look and apparently have the same dimensions so I can't see how one would identify type 1 from type 2.

Has anyone with a 3.0TDI resolved this apparent issue please?

Thanks - Julian

[47p2]

Easier just buying an original Audi filter from TPS or Audi, cost last September was £5.52 plus VAT

[JulianHicks]

Easier just buying an original Audi filter from TPS or Audi, cost last September was £5.52 plus VAT

Thanks for your input and scan. This has indirectly led me to finding out that there ARE two different oil filters for this engine, with two Audi part numbers : 057 115 561 L/M.

Looking at online 'unofficial' VAG parts catalogues, I now find this change was introduced in MY 2008 [which would explain the original chassis numbers I quoted as the 'turnover point'- 4E_8_011500]. But I'm not sure how 2008 build cars would have chassis numbers only 8 greater than my November 2004 car.

However, it's confirmed that the '057 115 561 L' part is the right one for my car. Will be intersting to see if I can get Audi or VW to match that price quoted.

Thanks - Julian

[Johnmed]

I noticed there were two filters available. Very odd. I still haven't needed to buy one, but will probably go to Audi for one, just to be sure.

[47p2]

My filter was from local TPS

[JulianHicks]

In the end, I decided to get the Mahle filter - an OX196/1D - shipped to me [from Opie] as the Audi Dealer is 15 miles away. As it turned out, on replacing it yesterday, the fitted one was a Mahle too!

Originally Posted by Johnmed

I noticed there were two filters available. Very odd. I still haven't needed to buy one, but will probably go to Audi for one, just to be sure.

So 'Johnmed', just out of interest, how does your 2008 A8 chassis number differ from the supposed 'swapover point' for the filters at chassis 11500?

Julian

[Johnmed]

Hi Julian, my VIN ends in 003044.

Don't know if that helps?

All the best. John.

[JulianHicks]

Originally Posted by Johnmed

Hi Julian, my VIN ends in 003044.

Don't know if that helps?

All the best. John.

Yes; helps a lot!!

I've subsequently discovered that my assumption was wrong; chassis numbers don't increase year by year. They apparently reset at the start of each model year.

So your 2008 TDI chassis number implies the type 1 Filter - either the Mahle OX196/1D or the Audi 057 115 561 L.

Julian

[Johnmed]

Originally Posted by JulianHicks

Yes; helps a lot!!

I've subsequently discovered that my assumption was wrong; chassis numbers don't increase year by year. They apparently reset at the start of each model year.

So your 2008 TDI chassis number implies the type 1 Filter - either the Mahle OX196/1D or the Audi 057 115 561 L.

Julian

Glad that helped. Do we know what the differences between the two are? So when I order a Mann filter from ECP or wherever I know which one to order?

[JulianHicks]

Originally Posted by Johnmed

Glad that helped. Do we know what the differences between the two are? So when I order a Mann filter from ECP or wherever I know which one to order?

It's not clear from any source what the difference in the filters is. All three manufacturers quote the same chassis serial for the changeover point - 2008:11501

The Mann filter codes are HU831x / HU8001x, by the way.

Julian