DIY Audi R8 Oil Change: Using the Right Oil Filter Socket

Changing the engine oil in your Audi R8 is a crucial maintenance task, vital for preserving its high-performance engine. While Audi suggests oil changes every 10,000 miles, or 5,000 miles for the initial change, many enthusiasts, especially those who track their cars, prefer more frequent intervals. Changing your oil around every 5,000 miles can contribute to engine longevity, especially in demanding driving conditions. However, unlike standard vehicles, the Audi R8, with its dry sump engine, presents a more complex oil change procedure. It involves multiple drain plugs and requires accessing components under the car, making it significantly more challenging than a typical oil change. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, highlighting the essential tools, including the correct Audi Oil Filter Socket, to help you successfully complete this DIY task.

Essential Parts for Your Audi R8 Oil Change

Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary parts for your Audi R8 oil change:

1. Oil Filter Element: Use the genuine Audi part, 079-198-405-B. This ensures compatibility and optimal filtration for your engine.
2. Engine Oil: You’ll need 10 liters (approximately 10.6 quarts) of engine oil that meets VW 502 specification. Audi provides a comprehensive list of approved oils, ensuring your choice meets the stringent requirements of your R8 engine. Many readily available oils, including Mobil 1, meet this spec, even if it’s not explicitly stated on the bottle. Refer to Audi’s official list for verification.

Tools Required for Audi R8 Oil Change, Including the Audi Oil Filter Socket

Having the right tools is paramount for a smooth and successful Audi R8 oil change. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. 32mm Socket (Audi Oil Filter Socket): This is your audi oil filter socket, essential for removing the oil filter housing cap. Ensure it’s a 32mm socket for a proper fit.
2. T-30 Torx Tool: Used to remove the screws securing the under-car plastic noise and aerodynamic covers, providing access to the drain plugs.
3. 8mm Triple Square Drive Tool (XZN8M): Necessary for removing three oil pan drain plugs. While a standard 8mm tool might work for two plugs, accessing the third often requires a specialized, compact tool.
4. Audi/VW Special Tool T40159 (8mm Triple Square – Short Profile): Crucial for accessing the third, hard-to-reach oil pan drain plug. Its shorter profile allows access in the limited space. This tool is often bundled in comprehensive Audi/VW tool sets.
5. 12mm Triple Square Drive Tool (XZN12M): Used for the oil reservoir drain plug. Alternatively, an 18mm socket can be used, but the 12mm triple square offers better clearance around the hydraulic clutch line.
6. Torque Wrench (Small): Important for accurately tightening drain plugs and the oil filter housing to the specified torque, preventing leaks and damage.
7. Ramps, Lift, or Jack Stands: To safely elevate the car and access the underside. Ramps are convenient for many DIYers, while a lift provides optimal access. Jack stands offer a secure alternative if ramps or a lift are unavailable.
8. Large Oil Drain Pan: Essential to collect the drained oil from multiple locations. Ensure it has sufficient capacity to handle the R8’s dry sump system volume.
9. Oil-Proof Gloves and Paper Towels: Protect your hands and manage spills. Oil changes can get messy, so having these on hand is crucial.

Step-by-Step: Changing the Oil Filter

Replacing the oil filter is the initial step and relatively straightforward:

1. Access the Filter Housing: Open the engine cover and remove the center trim piece marked “V8 FSI” by lifting it upwards. This reveals the oil filter housing.
2. Remove the Filter Cap: Using your 32mm audi oil filter socket and an extension, carefully unscrew and remove the oil filter housing cap.

Alt Text: Removing the oil filter cap of an Audi R8 using a 32mm audi oil filter socket.

3. Replace the Filter Element: As you remove the filter housing, it will automatically drain. Have paper towels ready to catch any drips. Pull out the old filter element from the cap.
4. Replace O-Rings: Remove the old, large O-ring (number 2 in the image) from the cap and replace it with a new one.
5. Clean and Lubricate: Clean the sealing surfaces of both the cap and the filter housing, ensuring no debris falls into the housing. Lubricate the new O-ring with fresh engine oil.
6. Install New Filter: Insert the new filter element into the housing (not the cap first!), rotating it until the bottom outlet and O-ring (number 4 in the image) engage with the corresponding hole in the housing. Press it firmly into place.
7. Reinstall the Cap: Screw the filter cap back on using your audi oil filter socket until it is firmly seated. Do not overtighten.

Alt Text: New and old oil filter elements side-by-side for an Audi R8 oil change, highlighting replacement.

Step-by-Step: Draining and Replacing the Engine Oil

This is the more involved part of the Audi R8 oil change due to the dry sump system:

1. Warm Up the Engine: Start the engine and let it run until it reaches operating temperature. Warm oil drains more effectively.
2. Elevate the Vehicle: Safely lift the car using ramps, a lift, or jack stands. Ensure the car is as level as possible.
3. Remove Underbody Panels: Use the T-30 Torx tool to remove the two air scoops and the rear noise cover. While the service manual suggests removing the front noise cover entirely, loosening the five closest screws and pulling down the edge is usually sufficient for access. Note the positions of different screws as you remove them for correct reinstallation. Also, remember the air scoops are different and must be reinstalled in their original locations.

Alt Text: Underbody panels of an Audi R8 removed to access oil drain plugs for an oil change procedure.

4. Remove Oil Fill Cap: Open the oil fill cap under the engine cover to allow for proper ventilation and drainage.
5. Drain Engine Oil (Oil Pan Plugs): Locate the three drain plugs on the oil pan, indicated by arrows.

Alt Text: Arrows pointing to the three oil drain plugs on the Audi R8 oil pan, ready for draining.

6. Remove Drain Plugs: Using the 8mm triple square drive tool, remove two of the drain plugs. Position your drain pan to collect the oil.

7. Address the Third Drain Plug: The third drain plug, located near the frame, is often difficult to access with a standard socket-type 8mm triple square tool. This is where the special Audi/VW tool T40159 becomes essential. Use this short-profile 8mm triple square tool to remove the third plug.

8. Drain Oil Reservoir: Locate the oil reservoir tank, an aluminum tank situated between the transmission and the left rear wheel, above the starter motor.

Alt Text: Oil reservoir tank location in an Audi R8, showing the drain plug for oil change.

9. Remove Reservoir Drain Plug: Using the 12mm triple square drive tool (or an 18mm socket), remove the drain plug from the oil reservoir. Be prepared for a significant amount of oil to gush out quickly – have a large, empty drain pan ready.
10. Clean Up: Once drained, clean any spilled oil from the clutch line, starter motor ground wire, and the bottom of the oil pan using a cleaner spray.
11. Reinstall Drain Plugs: Replace all drain plugs with new copper washers (if necessary) and tighten them to the specified torque: 20Nm (14 ft-lbs) for the oil pan plugs and 22Nm (15 ft-lbs) for the oil reservoir plug. Do not overtighten.
12. Reinstall Underbody Panels: Reinstall the underbody covers and air scoops, ensuring all screws are correctly placed.

Refilling and Final Checks

1. Refill with New Oil: Pour 10 liters (10.6 quarts) of your chosen VW 502 spec oil into the oil fill location under the oil cap.
2. Start and Warm Engine: Start the car and let it run until the oil temperature gauge reaches its normal operating position.
3. Check Oil Level: Turn off the engine and wait for two minutes. Then, check the oil level using the dipstick located near the oil cap. The level should be within the “do not add” range. Add more oil if needed to reach the correct level. Ensure the car is level when checking.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed an oil change on your Audi R8, utilizing the correct tools, including the essential audi oil filter socket. This DIY maintenance task, while more involved than standard oil changes, is achievable with careful attention to detail and the right equipment, ensuring your Audi R8 continues to perform at its best.