mtnboydl

Are any of you guys doing your own oil changes? I think an oil extractor works for the 4.2 and the 3.0, but wasn't sure about the 4.0

mtnboydl

Sent you a PM if you get a moment to respond

MP4.2+6.0

Filter is all the way underneath on a 4.0T. Belly pan has to come off for that, regardless of preferences for suck vs. drain.

mtnboydl

Oh man that's a bummer. I guess I could just invest in some ramps!

Return For Deposit

On my wife's S5, I do the oil every 5k and the filter every 10k which works out to be about once a year. I suck the oil out the top on the 5k changes and get underneath for the 10k oil and filter (even though the oil filter is topside)

I think doing topside changes exclusively misses an opportunity to inspect things underneath and spot small issues before they come big ones.

For example, the Sports Diff on our 2011 S5 was leaking fluid at a very slow rate. By getting underneath I was able to get it spotted early and, as a huge bonus, get it spotted in time for the factory warranty to cover the repairs! (by about 30 days).

mtnboydl

I'm going to continue my search...I appreciate everyone chiming in! I don't think that any one engine will be a deal breaker after listening to everyone's opinions.

SloopJohnB@mac.com

They work pretty good, you can change the oil filter if you have to get under the car every other oil change if you change oil every 5-8K and use synthetic.

I'm lazy and use the sucker on an E46 M3 with annual oil changes and top-access oil filter cartridge.

MP4.2+6.0

+1. exactly why getting underneath can be a little more hassle ("pay me now"-but find issue early) or, just plain pay later for maybe more $$, bigger problem and no warranty. VCDS and getting under it from time to time are the two best diagnostics I use to minimize longer run bigger hassles, maximize warranty and avoid breakdowns.

mtnboydl

Do you guys use jack stands under the ramps as backup?

MP4.2+6.0

No. First ramps for 8-10 years were one piece of heavy duty pressed steel. Clunky, hard to store. Next were some two piece ones for 15-20 yrs. that were a lot more compact but eventually cracked at an important brace seam. Junked immediately. Current are the Race Ramps--heavy foam and so way more manageable, two piece, very gradual slope good for low vehicles and those needing a chin reduction for approach angle like most Audi's. A lot more concerned about hydraulic jacks where I always use jack stands and consciously keep out for easy access to promote use; just had one of the Made in China type shiny blue aluminum ones fail at key seal.