What Is the Oil Filter Number for an Audi A3?

The oil filter number for an Audi A3 is not universal: it depends on model year, engine type (petrol vs. diesel), displacement, and sometimes region. Common genuine Audi/VW filter numbers include 06L 115 562, 06L 115 562 B, 06L 115 403 Q, 06L 115 466 (for many 1.8 TFSI / 2.0 TFSI EA888 engines), and 03C 115 561 H (for some 1.4 TFSI / earlier small petrol engines), but you must confirm against your VIN or engine code to be sure.

Why There Is No Single “Audi A3 Oil Filter Number”

The Audi A3 has been produced across several generations with a wide range of engines. Each engine family has different requirements for oil pressure, filtration capacity and housing design. As a result, there is no one-size-fits-all oil filter number. Instead, each engine variant corresponds to one or more specific OEM (original equipment manufacturer) part numbers, and many compatible aftermarket equivalents.

Key Factors That Determine the Correct Oil Filter

Before identifying an exact part number, it’s important to understand which factors control oil filter compatibility on the Audi A3 lineup.

Generation and Model Year

The A3 has gone through several generations, each introducing new engine families and updated components:

The following list outlines the main Audi A3 generations and their typical production years to show how filter requirements can differ over time.

• 8L (first generation): approx. 1996–2003 in most markets
• 8P (second generation): approx. 2003–2012
• 8V (third generation): approx. 2012–2020 (incl. sedan and Sportback)
• 8Y (fourth generation): from around 2020 onward (largely petrol, mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options in many markets)

Because engine technology, emissions systems and packaging changed across these generations, the oil filter design and part numbers also evolved, which is why generation and year must be checked first.

Engine Type and Displacement

Each engine variant—petrol or diesel, turbocharged or naturally aspirated—uses distinct lubrication system hardware. In the A3 range, common engine families include the EA888 TFSI petrols and various TDI diesels, each with different filter specifications.

Region and Market Differences

Engines offered in Europe, North America, and other regions may share names but differ in details, including emissions hardware and sometimes filter housings. This can slightly alter part-number compatibility, especially between early and late production years of the same generation.

Common Genuine Oil Filter Numbers for Popular Audi A3 Engines

The following sections provide a reference overview of widely used genuine Audi/VW oil filter part numbers for common A3 engines. These are typical examples, not exhaustive lists, and minor supersessions or sub-variants (e.g., suffix letters) may exist.

Petrol TFSI Engines (1.4 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI – EA888 family)

For many third-generation (8V) and newer A3 models with 1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI EA888 Gen 3 engines, as well as some later 1.4/1.5 TFSI engines, the oil filter is usually a spin-on canister type with specific VW Group part numbers.

The list below highlights some of the most commonly encountered genuine oil filter part numbers for TFSI-powered Audi A3 models and their typical usage.

• 06L 115 562 – widely used on many EA888 Gen 3 petrol engines, including:
  

  • 2.0 TFSI (A3 8V, S3 8V, some 8Y variants)
  • 1.8 TFSI in various 8V models

• 06L 115 562 B – a common supersession/update of 06L 115 562 for the same or closely related engines.
• 06L 115 403 Q – cartridge-style filter element used in certain EA888 engines with a separate plastic or alloy filter housing.
• 06L 115 466 – genuine spin-on oil filter used on some late EA888 variants and higher-output petrol engines.
• 03C 115 561 H – found on earlier/smaller petrol engines such as some 1.2 and 1.4 TFSI units (especially late 8P and early 8V models, depending on engine code).

These part numbers are frequently seen across Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT models sharing the same EA888 engines, but correct selection still depends on the exact engine code and build year of the vehicle.

Diesel TDI Engines (1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI)

Diesel A3 models use different filters from petrol versions. Many employ a drop-in cartridge element inside a fixed housing, particularly from the 8P generation onwards.

The next list summarizes typical genuine oil filter part numbers often associated with common TDI engines found in the Audi A3 range.

• 03L 115 562 – widely used on various 2.0 TDI engines, including many A3 8P and early 8V models.
• 03N 115 562 – used on some later-generation TDI engines with revised emissions and lubrication systems.
• 04L 115 466 – a common filter in newer 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI engines (especially Euro 6 units in the 8V and 8Y), often as a cartridge-style element.
• 045 115 466 – seen on earlier PD (Pumpe-Düse) diesel engines in first- and second-generation A3 models, depending on the exact engine type and year.

Because diesel engine variants have gone through several design changes, including the transition from unit-injector to common-rail systems, verifying by engine code (e.g., CBEA, CFFB, CRMB) is essential to match the correct filter.

Older First- and Second-Generation A3 (8L, Early 8P)

Early A3 models with naturally aspirated petrol, early turbo petrols and older TDI engines used a mix of spin-on filters and cartridge types. Many of these share common VW-Audi filter families that may also be seen on period Golf and Passat models.

The following list highlights some representative genuine oil filter part numbers that commonly appear on older Audi A3 petrol and diesel engines.

• 06A 115 561 B – typical spin-on filter on various older 1.6/1.8 petrol engines.
• 06A 115 561 F – related variant/supersession also seen on small-capacity petrol engines.
• 074 115 562 – used on certain early diesel engines (and shared with other VW models).
• 06D 115 562 – associated with some early FSI/TFSI petrol engines transitioning to newer designs.

With vehicles of this age, part supersessions and aftermarket cross-references are common, so cross-checking with a parts catalog based on VIN is particularly important.

How to Find the Exact Oil Filter Number for Your Audi A3

Because of the complexity and variety of engines, relying on generic recommendations or “one part for all A3” can lead to fitment issues or, in the worst case, improper oil filtration. There are reliable methods to identify the correct filter.

Use the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

The most accurate way to determine the correct OEM part number is to look up the vehicle using its full VIN in an official Audi parts catalog or a trusted online database.

This list explains the typical steps a driver or technician can take to confirm the correct oil filter using the VIN.

1. Locate the VIN – visible at the base of the windshield, in the driver’s door jamb, and on registration documents.
2. Access an Audi or VW Group parts system – via an authorized dealer, independent specialist, or reputable online catalog that supports VIN lookups.
3. Navigate to “Engine” → “Lubrication” or similar – then locate the oil filter section.
4. Read the current part number and any noted supersessions – such as 06L 115 562 superseded by 06L 115 562 B.
5. Use that OEM number to select either genuine parts or exact aftermarket equivalents.

Following these steps ensures you obtain the exact filter your engine was designed to use, including any mid-production changes Audi may have implemented.

Check the Engine Code

If you don’t have immediate access to a VIN-based catalog, the engine code (often three or four letters, such as CZEA, CNTC, CUNA, CFFB, or DFGA) can also be used in many parts databases to narrow down compatible oil filters.

Consult Reliable Aftermarket Cross-Reference Tools

Well-known filter manufacturers (MANN, Mahle, Bosch, Hengst, etc.) publish detailed application guides. These tools let you search by make, model, year, and engine to find their own filter part numbers, which cross-reference back to the original Audi/VW number. This is especially helpful if you prefer a particular aftermarket brand.

Why the Correct Oil Filter Matters

Using the right oil filter is more than a fitment issue; it directly affects engine protection and longevity.

The following points describe the main reasons why matching the recommended oil filter specification is critical for an Audi A3 engine.

• Filtration efficiency: Correct filters are designed to trap particles to a specific micron rating aligned with Audi’s engine tolerance requirements.
• Proper oil flow and pressure: The internal design (media density, bypass valve opening pressure, anti-drainback valve) is tuned so the engine gets sufficient oil flow under all conditions.
• Mechanical compatibility: Thread size, sealing surface, and cartridge dimensions must match exactly to avoid leaks or improper sealing.
• Warranty and maintenance record: Using recommended parts (or approved equivalents) helps maintain proper service history, which can be relevant for warranty or resale value.

Ignoring these factors and selecting a “near fit” can lead to reduced engine protection, noise on cold starts, or in severe cases, oil starvation and internal damage.

Practical Example Scenarios

To illustrate how different A3 models end up with different oil filter numbers, consider these simplified examples (actual part numbers should always be confirmed by VIN):

This list shows sample configurations of Audi A3 models and the types of oil filter numbers they commonly use, to demonstrate the variation across engines.

• 2017 Audi A3 2.0 TFSI (8V, EA888 Gen 3, European market): Often uses a spin-on filter with a number such as 06L 115 562 B or related supersession.
• 2015 Audi A3 1.6 TDI (8V): Typically uses a cartridge filter element like 04L 115 466, installed in a permanent housing.
• 2011 Audi A3 2.0 TDI (8P, common-rail): Commonly matched to 03L 115 562, depending on engine code.
• 2002 Audi A3 1.8 petrol (8L): May use a spin-on filter such as 06A 115 561 B or an updated supersession.

These examples underline why simply asking for “the” A3 oil filter is insufficient without additional details such as year and engine specification.

Summary

The Audi A3 does not have a single universal oil filter number. Instead, filter choice depends on model year, generation, engine type, displacement, and sometimes region. Common genuine Audi/VW oil filter numbers seen on A3 models include 06L 115 562 / 06L 115 562 B / 06L 115 403 Q / 06L 115 466 for many modern TFSI petrol engines, 03C 115 561 H for some smaller petrol units, and diesel-focused filters such as 03L 115 562, 03N 115 562, 04L 115 466, and older types like 045 115 466 or 06A 115 561 B. To identify the precise filter for your Audi A3, the safest method is to look it up via the VIN or engine code in an official Audi parts catalog or a reputable aftermarket database, then select either a genuine part or a properly cross-referenced equivalent.

What is the part number for the oil filter on a 2017 Audi A3?

Shop 2017 Audi A3 Engine Oil Filter. Audi; Volkswagen. Engine / transaxle. engine parts – OEM Audi Part # 06J115403Q (06J-115-403-Q, 06J115403C, 06J115403J, 06J115403M)

What are the numbers on an oil filter?

What is meant by these numbers?” This system of rating a filter describes its capture efficiency at three specific points in microns. It actually has many advantages over the more common Beta rating methods used today.

Where is the oil filter on an Audi?

Got our oil filter. Socket. All right a little bit of old. Oil on the gasket. And spin her on. And much like the drain plug you don’t want to overtighten.

What type of oil does an Audi A3 take?

SAE 5W-30
Viscosity determines how the oil flows at different temperatures. Audi A3 engines typically require: SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines. SAE 5W-40: Provides additional protection in warmer climates or for turbocharged engines.