What Is the Oil Filter Part Number for a 2012 Audi A4?

The most commonly specified genuine Audi/VW oil filter for a 2012 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (the typical U.S. model) is part number 06L 115 562 (often written as 06L115562), but the exact part can vary by engine code and market, so owners should confirm via VIN with a dealer or trusted parts catalog before purchase.

Why the “Right” Oil Filter Part Number Matters

The question about the correct oil filter part number for a 2012 Audi A4 goes beyond simple trivia. An incorrect filter can lead to poor oil flow, leaks, or in worst cases, engine damage. Audi used several engines and configurations in the 2012 model year globally, which means the correct part number is tied closely to the specific engine code and region. For most drivers of a 2012 Audi A4 with the widely sold 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, however, a small group of official and equivalent part numbers covers the recommended oil filters.

Main OEM Oil Filter Part Numbers for a 2012 Audi A4

For the 2012 Audi A4, several OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part numbers and their direct replacements are commonly listed in dealer and aftermarket catalogs. The following list outlines the key Audi/VW genuine part numbers and well-known cross-references that are frequently used for the 2.0 TFSI engine, while noting that the exact match can depend on engine code and production date.

• Audi/VW genuine filter (common for 2.0 TFSI): 06L 115 562
• Earlier/alternative VAG number sometimes cataloged: 06D 115 562 (superseded in many systems by 06L 115 562)
• Mahle / Knecht equivalent: OC 593/4 (or updated supersession depending on catalog)
• MANN-FILTER equivalent often used on 2.0 TFSI: HU 719/7 x (check catalog against engine code)
• Bosch equivalent (varies by region): Example 0 451 103 xxx series, specified by engine/VIN in catalog
• Fram / other aftermarket brands: Part numbers differ by brand and region, and should always be selected via vehicle lookup and engine code

These part numbers cover the most frequent scenarios for a 2012 A4 with the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Because Audi and its suppliers occasionally supersede numbers and update designs, many catalogs will automatically show the latest valid replacement when the original code is entered.

Engine Variants and Why Part Numbers Differ

Not every 2012 Audi A4 carries the same engine, and this is the main reason that a single universal oil filter part number cannot be guaranteed. The model year includes several engines—especially when you factor in North American versus European and other international markets—and each engine can have distinct oil system requirements and corresponding filters.

Common 2012 Audi A4 Engines

To understand why the correct oil filter can differ, it helps to look briefly at the main engine families installed in the 2012 A4. Though the 2.0 TFSI is the most visible engine in North America, diesel and other petrol variants were also widely sold in Europe and elsewhere, each linked to its own filter references.

• 2.0 TFSI (EA888 series, petrol): The most common engine in the 2012 A4 sedan and Avant in the U.S. and Canada. This engine is typically associated with the 06L 115 562 filter or its earlier counterpart 06D 115 562.
• 3.2 FSI V6 (where available in earlier B8 years, limited in some 2012 markets): Uses a different spin-on or cartridge-type filter; owners must consult the VIN-specific parts database.
• 2.0 TDI (diesel, mainly Europe and select markets): Diesel engines have their own filter specifications and usually use filter elements from a different VAG number family.
• Other market-specific engines (including flex-fuel or alternative calibrations): Often share core hardware with the main petrol or diesel units but may list alternative filter numbers depending on supplier and regional approvals.

These engine variations mean that while 06L 115 562 is a strong candidate for the 2.0 TFSI in many markets, it is not automatically correct for every 2012 A4. This is why parts professionals generally insist on verifying the engine code or full VIN before confirming an exact match.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil Filter for Your Specific Car

Because supersessions and regional variations are common in the Audi/VW parts ecosystem, verifying the oil filter part number for a specific 2012 A4 is best done using vehicle-identifying information. Several simple steps can greatly reduce the risk of ordering or installing the wrong component.

1. Check your owner’s manual and service booklet: Many manuals list the type of filter (spin-on vs. cartridge) and sometimes the official part number or at least the specification standard.
2. Use your VIN in an official parts catalog: Audi dealers and authorized parts counters can enter your Vehicle Identification Number and pull up the exact factory part number for your engine, production date, and market.
3. Look up the engine code: Codes such as CAEB, CDNC, or other EA888 designations help zero in on the correct filter; these codes can often be found on a sticker in the trunk, service booklet, or via diagnostic scan tools.
4. Use reputable online parts catalogs: Sites that let you search by VIN or detailed model/engine data can cross-reference Audi/VW numbers to Mahle, MANN, Bosch, and other brands accurately.
5. Physically compare the existing filter: Confirm thread size, gasket diameter, and overall dimensions against the replacement filter and packaging before installation.

By using VIN-based verification and cross-referencing, owners and technicians can avoid compatibility issues and ensure that the oil filter meets the correct specifications for flow, pressure, and filtration.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What Owners Should Know

Once the correct part number family is known, drivers face a choice between genuine Audi/VW filters and aftermarket equivalents. Both can perform effectively if they meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications, but there are differences in branding, cost, and sometimes construction.

• Genuine Audi/VW (e.g., 06L 115 562): Supplied under the automaker’s label, often manufactured by firms such as MANN, Mahle, or others, and guaranteed to meet factory standards. Typically more expensive but removes guesswork.
• OEM-supplier brands (MANN, Mahle, Bosch): Frequently produce the same or very similar filters sold in OEM boxes, with robust filtering media, anti-drainback valves where applicable, and correct pressure relief settings.
• Budget aftermarket options: Lower cost but variable quality. Some meet specifications; others may cut corners on filter media density, sealing quality, or bypass valve calibration, which can compromise long-term engine health.
• Warranty and service history considerations: For vehicles under warranty or certified pre-owned schemes, sticking with genuine or high-grade OEM-supplier filters is often recommended to avoid disputes.

For a 2012 Audi A4—many of which are now well out of factory warranty—using a high-quality OEM-supplier filter that correctly cross-references to 06L 115 562 (or the proper engine-specific number) typically offers a solid balance of protection and cost.

Maintenance Intervals and Practical Advice

Identifying the correct filter is only part of responsible maintenance. Adhering to proper oil and filter change intervals is critical to preserving the health of the 2.0 TFSI and other engines used in the 2012 A4, particularly given well-documented concerns about sludge, timing chain tensioners, and oil consumption in some EA888 variants.

• Interval recommendations: Many 2012 A4s were originally set for long-life intervals (up to ~10,000 miles / 15,000 km), but numerous independent specialists advocate shorter intervals—often 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km)—especially on older or higher-mileage engines.
• Oil specification: Use oils that meet the VW 502 00 specification (or 504 00/507 00 where explicitly allowed), in the viscosity grade recommended in your manual and suitable for your climate.
• Filter replacement at every oil change: Regardless of interval, changing the filter along with the oil ensures that trapped contaminants do not recirculate through the engine.
• Inspect for leaks after installation: Always verify that the old gasket or O-ring has been removed, and check for drips once the engine has run and oil pressure has built.

Keeping to these maintenance practices, using the correct filter and oil specification, can significantly extend engine life and reduce the risk of costly repairs on a 2012 Audi A4.

Summary

For many 2012 Audi A4 models equipped with the 2.0 TFSI engine, the commonly specified genuine oil filter is Audi/VW part number 06L 115 562, with earlier references such as 06D 115 562 and well-known equivalents from MANN, Mahle, and Bosch appearing in parts catalogs. However, Audi used multiple engines across different markets in the 2012 model year, so relying solely on model and year is not sufficient. The safest approach is to confirm the part number using the vehicle’s VIN or engine code through an official Audi parts system or a reputable catalog, then choose a high-quality OEM or OEM-equivalent filter and pair it with oil that meets the correct VW specification and an appropriate change interval. This combination ensures that the 2012 A4’s engine receives the protection it was designed for, reducing wear, preventing sludge, and supporting long-term reliability.