Keeping your Audi A4 B8 properly serviced is important, but many of you tell us how difficult it can be to find reliable information about what needs replacing and when, particularly here in Bulgaria. That's why I've put together this straightforward Audi A4 B8 3.0 TDI service schedule to help you understand exactly what maintenance your A4 needs.
The information below applies to the following models:
- Audi A4 B8, 2007–2015
Which engine oil should I use in my Audi A4?
Most Audi models, including this one, use 5W-30 engine oil. What's more important, however, is the oil specification and the additives it contains. VW has its own formulation containing a silicone-based additive, exclusive to the manufacturer's genuine oil. This additive helps remove soot and deposits from the sump, unlike conventional oils, which allow these contaminants to build up on the engine's internal surfaces. Over time, that can become an expensive problem for you as the owner. Of course, you can choose an alternative oil if you prefer, provided you understand the risks. It must meet the VW 507.00 specification. Just as importantly, remember that for cars driven in Bulgaria, the engine oil and oil filter must be changed every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of which oil you choose. If you're wondering which genuine oil I'm referring to, you'll find it at the link below.
https://dasautoservice.com/shop/product/%d0%be%d1%80%d0%b8%d0%b3%d0%b8%d0%bd%d0%b0%d0%bb%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%bc%d0%be%d1%82%d0%be%d1%80%d0%bd%d0%be-%d0%bc%d0%b0%d1%81%d0%bb%d0%be-longlife-iii-5w30-audi-1l/
Which filters should I use?
If you've decided to use genuine engine oil, I'd recommend using genuine filters as well.
On the other hand, if you've chosen an aftermarket oil and believe aftermarket alternatives are perfectly adequate for your car, I don't see much point in insisting on genuine filters.
If your car has the 7-speed S-tronic gearbox
This gearbox uses two different oils: one in the front clutch section and another in the rear mechanical section. Both need changing every 60,000 km when genuine service parts and fluids are used, or every 20,000 km when aftermarket alternatives are used.
If your car has a manual gearbox
You'll often hear people claim that the oil in a manual gearbox never needs changing. But as you already know, there's no such thing as oil that lasts forever. We'd both have to be dreamers to believe that theory, wouldn't we? The Germans, who take a rather more realistic view of these things, specify a replacement interval of 120,000 km.
If your car has quattro four-wheel drive
If the car has drive to the rear wheels, this means it is equipped with either a conventional differential (Torsen type) or a sport differential, which uses 2 oils (differential oil and clutch oil). Both oils are changed at the same time as the gearbox oil. If the car has a conventional differential, its oil is also changed at the same time as the gearbox oil.
Drive belts and water pump
Both the fuel pump drive belt and the auxiliary drive belt (also known as the accessory belt) must be replaced every 180,000 km or 5 years, whichever comes first, when genuine parts are used. The water pump and alternator overrunning pulley (Freilauf), where fitted, are also replaced as part of the belt service. Warranty: 2 years
On facelift models, only the auxiliary belt drive requires servicing, as the fuel pump was moved to the timing chain drive on the newer engine design.
If you decide to use aftermarket alternatives, the replacement interval varies according to their quality, ranging from 20,000–50,000 km or 2–3 years, whichever comes first. Warranty: Not specified (at the workshop's discretion)
Genuine parts do cost around 20% more, but what you're really paying for is peace of mind.
Timing belts and timing chains
One of the biggest problems with both generations of these engines is the timing chains. Contrary to what many owners expect, timing chains are service items that eventually need replacing. One of the first signs of timing chain wear is a rattling noise lasting around 1–3 seconds when you start the engine in the morning.
Brake fluid
The manufacturer specifies that the brake fluid must be changed every 2 years, regardless of the car's mileage.
Glow plugs
The glow plugs should be checked before every winter. If even one is found to be faulty, all six should be replaced. Even if no faults are detected, they must still be replaced every 60,000 km because of the risk of a heating element breaking off and entering the cylinder.
Crankcase ventilation filter
Modern engines have what's known as a crankcase ventilation filter. It has two functions. The first is to capture oil vapour produced during normal engine operation. The second is to help evaporate condensation that forms while the engine is running. Unfortunately, very few workshops in Bulgaria seem to realise that this filter needs replacing, or even that it's a service item in the first place. But yes! It is a filter, and it needs changing every 80,000 km. What happens if you don't replace it? The answer is simple: oil starts accumulating in the intake system and eventually reaches the cylinders, where it's burnt. As the driver, you notice the engine is using oil, complain to your workshop, and suddenly you're hearing all the usual diagnoses: turbocharger, valve stem seals and so on. The truth is that this is simply a service item that needs replacing at the correct interval to prevent problems. On first-generation engines, it's located in the centre of the engine. On second-generation engines (the facelift models), it's integrated into the valve covers. Replacing it also requires removing the injectors, which means their O-rings and seals must be replaced as well. There's nothing particularly complicated about it. You just need to know it has to be done and actually do it.
Air conditioning system servicing
The air conditioning system should be serviced before the start of every summer cooling season. This helps extend the life of its components and keeps the entire system running efficiently. Many owners mistakenly believe that all they need to do each summer is top up the refrigerant. That's completely the wrong approach. You can find more information about air conditioning servicing here:
https://dasautoservice.com/clima/
Tyre puncture repair kit
Some Audi models come with a spare wheel, while others don't. Instead, they're equipped with an emergency tyre puncture repair kit. These kits have an expiry date, so you should check yours every year to make sure it's still usable. If it's expired, replace it. You don't want to discover it no longer works when you're stranded somewhere and need it most.
Workshop inspection every 6 months
We encourage our customers to have their cars inspected every 6 months. I'd recommend making this a regular habit for you and your car, whichever workshop you use. That way, if something is starting to go wrong, you can catch it while it's still a minor issue and get it sorted in good time, rather than letting problems build up until they all come to light at once and put a serious strain on your budget.