I am still completely amazed at the things dealerships tell you....
 

I called my dealer to confirm the change in oil filter starting with the 2004.5 MY and he says to me "Yup, I have a bulletin right here that the 2004.5 has a larger oil filter" So I tell him that i'd like to get it for my 2003 and he says "No way. Not a good idea at all. It takes the liability completely out of our hands. If you have an engine failure, there's no way we'd be able to cover it"

Number 1, if I have an engine failure than they won't be covering it regardless because I have the MTM Stage 3.

Number 2, his statment makes absolutely no sense. The reason Audi instituted the larger filter was to increase oil capacity thereby reducing oil temps and increasing oil lubrication.

So I say to the parts manager, "Ahh, why is it ok to run this filter on the 04.5, but not on my 03 car if it is the same engine? And do you happen to know why they decided to run a larger oil filter?"

He gets all mad and says, "Look all I have here is a bulletin that says it's for the 2004.5, so if you want to go messing with it, i'll sell you the larger filter all day long. And no I don't know why in the world they use a larger oil filter now. AoA doesnt tell us anything."

Idiots! That is all. Cheers! Mike
Pic stolen from AggregatVier...
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/20982/a4ofsside.jpg">

Do they have the larger filter for the 3.0's as well?

Don't think so. No need on the 3.0.

Ok, thanks!

Question...
 

It looks larger in diameter. Do the threads match up?

That's what I was wondering.

Yup, everything matches up just fine. It's the same engine AMB.

Hmm...something puzzles me....m...
 

Being in automotive, end of life and service requirements are a big deal: 10 years after last date of production, etc. So, when we have the opportunity to specify a newer component that is backward compatible with a previous part, as long as it is technically feasible, reliable, etc., we usually issue a service part number/bulletin saying so. I'm kind of surprised that Audi has not done so in this case, which leads me to wonder if there is a piece to this puzzle that we don't know about yet that explains why the new filter is not specified in the TSB for previous model years.

It would help if we could talk to someone on the inside that may shed some light on this. Maybe Jow at VW Vortex has some contacts? :-)

its on all 04's, cause i have it too

Why would you expect the parts guy to know he's not a tech? Plus, he's covering a$$ for liability.