Tanner Sousa

Haven’t looked at the manual or parts catalog myself yet but all of those part numbers look to be without all wheel drive. Also if you look in the manual it should say that the subframe will need to be removed to remove the pan. When we were at automatic transmission class (again Audi of America factory training) we determined that the subframe would need to come out making the filter service out of the realm of realistic. Also about filter to pan integration I’m 99 percent sure we say the filter housing in the mounted side of the mech unit but again I’d have to look up the self study program or manual to be positive.

securityguy

Sounds like Myth Busters debunked dbias on this thread!

CFM567

Tanner, you are full of bad news! I looked at the full procedure, and removal of the subframe crossbrace is required. Removal is fairly extensive and requires special tools to hold the steering in place.

I only have access to limited OEM parts suppliers found online, but that part number shows fitment on AWD models as well, per their web sites. Regardless, if so much work is involved, it seems the filter will not be changed by dealers with a transmission fluid change unless you are willing to pay outrageous fees . Looking at Audi Care documentation, it clearly states the ATF FLUID change is included, but it doesn't mention anything about the filter.

So, thinking about the future of my A4, is just a fluid change good enough?

CFM

mplsbrian

Sitting in here with popcorn reminiscing on all the hate people gave the B9 S4 at launch when it was learned they dropped the DSG for a traditional ZF auto.
I, for one, welcome our new lower cost of ownership transmission overlords.

CFM567

I'm not familiar with the Audi ZF application, nor do I have any Audi documentation on it, but I had one on a RAM 1500. Excellent transmission, but the filter was integrated into the pan as well. If the Audi is the same, you are not exempt from the situation...

CFM

CFM567

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...e_9-7-2017.pdf

The 2017 maintenance schedule calls for a filter change. The 2018 maintenance schedule was updated to show just a transmission fluid change for the A4 every 40,000 miles.

Crisis averted!!!!

CFM

mplsbrian

Feel free to correct me if I seem to have glossed over something, but the MY2018 Maintenance Schedule does not indicate a transmission service of any kind (beyond "road test" and "check for leaks") for the S4.

CFM567

You are absolutely correct. ZF claims their transmission fluid is a lifetime fill. There are many articles and forums claiming otherwise and recommend a more realistic change interval though. By the book, you are in great shape!

CFM

Bestcar17

Kind of confused, this Scheduled said filter change for MY18 on page 3

https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...ges_022317.pdf
https://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/...ges_022317.pdf

Arcoril

You're right, and it's totally ambiguous. They only mention the A4 ultra:

Perform first at 40,000 miles and thereafter every 40,000 miles.

• DSG/S tronic: Change ATF oil and replace transmission filter element
• DSG/S tronic: Change ATF oil (A3 e-tron, A4 ultra, A5, A5 Sportback, A6 front wheel drive, Q5, RS 3, TT RS only)

However, since the A5 and A5 Sportback have the exact same engine and transmission as the non-ultra A4 I think this is just an oversight.