What Oil Filter Does the Audi A4 Use?

The Audi A4 uses different oil filters depending on its engine type, model year, and market, but most modern Audi A4 models with 2.0 TFSI engines commonly use filters equivalent to Audi/VW part numbers such as 06L 115 562 (cartridge type) or, on some older models, 06D 115 562. However, owners should always confirm the exact filter via their VIN, owner’s manual, or an OEM parts catalog, because there is no single universal oil filter that fits all Audi A4 vehicles.

Why There Is No Single Oil Filter for Every Audi A4

The question “What oil filter does the Audi A4 use?” sounds simple, but the answer changes with engine generation, fuel type, and model year. Audi has sold the A4 since the mid-1990s with multiple petrol and diesel engines, several redesigns (B5 through B10), and frequent mid-cycle updates. Each of these variations can require a different OEM oil filter part, and the aftermarket equivalents also change accordingly.

Key Factors That Determine the Correct Oil Filter

Choosing the correct oil filter for an Audi A4 depends on a few core variables. Understanding these helps avoid incorrect fitment and potential engine damage.

• Model year and generation (e.g., B7, B8, B9, B10)
• Engine code (e.g., CAEB, CPMB, EA888 Gen 2/3 variants)
• Fuel type (petrol vs. diesel)
• Filter design (spin-on vs. cartridge insert)
• Market/region (North America, Europe, etc.) which may have different engine lineups

By focusing on these factors—especially engine code and model year—owners and technicians can narrow down the exact OEM part number and choose a compatible OEM or high-quality aftermarket filter.

Common Oil Filters by Audi A4 Generation

The Audi A4 has evolved across several generations, each associated with a relatively standard set of engines and corresponding filter types. The following breakdown highlights widely used filters and their typical applications; it does not replace a VIN-based check but offers a practical reference.

Audi A4 B7 (Approx. 2005–2008)

The B7 generation, sold in the mid-2000s, used older 1.8T, 2.0T FSI, 3.2 V6 petrol engines and a range of TDI diesels. Many of these engines still relied on spin-on style filters, particularly in petrol variants.

• Petrol 2.0T FSI / 1.8T (many markets): often used spin-on filters under VW/Audi part families such as 06A 115 561 B or superseding numbers (varies by engine code and market).
• 3.2 V6 petrol: typically used a cartridge-type filter with a different housing; part numbers vary by engine code (e.g., BKH, BPG) and are best confirmed by VIN.
• TDI engines (1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI): usually used cartridge inserts under numbers like 03G 115 562 or related supersessions, differing between pump‑duse (PD) and common-rail variants.

Owners of B7 cars should not assume compatibility with later A4 filters; the move from older spin-on formats to more standardized cartridge filters came progressively, and small differences in thread, height, or gasket design matter.

Audi A4 B8 (Approx. 2008–2016)

The B8 generation marked a broader shift to the EA888 2.0 TFSI engines and widespread use of cartridge-style filters. These engines and their filters are a frequent point of confusion because part numbers evolved over time.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol (EA888 Gen 2, common in North America & Europe):
  

  • Common OEM filter: 06D 115 562 or superseded variants.
  • Filter type: cartridge insert housed in a plastic or aluminum filter housing on top or side of the engine.
  • Typical high-quality equivalents:
    

    • MANN-FILTER: HU 719/7 X
    • Mahle: often OX 388D or similar (varies by exact engine code)
    • Bosch: equivalent to 06D 115 562 per catalog cross-reference.

• 3.2 FSI petrol V6:
  

  • Uses a different cartridge filter; common OEM numbers include 06E 115 562 and supersessions.
  • Aftermarket equivalents exist from MANN, Mahle, Bosch and must be matched by engine code.

• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI diesels (Europe and other markets):
  

  • Typically use cartridge filters like 03L 115 562 (for 2.0 TDI) and 057 115 561 or related for 3.0 TDI.
  • Diesel filters are not interchangeable with petrol filters, even if they look similar.

Because the B8 platform introduced a range of new engines and emissions variants, the safest practice is to cross-check the filter part number via the vehicle’s VIN, despite these widely used references.

Audi A4 B9 (Approx. 2016–2023)

The B9 A4, based on the MLB Evo platform, continued with evolved EA888 petrol engines and newer TDI units. The overall trend remained toward cartridge filters with more standardized part families but updated numbers and internals.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol (EA888 Gen 3/3B):
  

  • One of the most common OEM filters: 06L 115 562 (and revision letters, such as 06L 115 562 B/C/D depending on supersession).
  • Filter design: cartridge insert located in a plastic housing at the top/front of the engine.
  • Common aftermarket equivalents:
    

    • MANN-FILTER: HU 6002 z (often cataloged for 06L 115 562 applications).
    • Mahle, Bosch, and others provide catalog-matched inserts under their own part numbers.

• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI diesel engines:
  

  • Use different cartridge filters, frequently from the 04L and 04E families (e.g., 04L 115 466 for many 2.0 TDIs).
  • These filters differ in internal construction and sealing arrangement from petrol units.

• S4 and higher‑performance variants:
  

  • 3.0 TFSI V6 engines use their own dedicated filter designs and part numbers, such as 06M 115 562 or similar, which must be checked for each engine code.

In the B9 era, the part number 06L 115 562 became particularly common for mainstream 2.0 TFSI A4 models, but diesel and performance variants still require specific filters unique to their engines.

Audi A4 B10 (Latest Generation, Approx. 2024–)

Audi has started rolling out the latest A4 generation (often still referred to as B9.5/B10 depending on source), featuring updated mild-hybrid petrol and diesel engines in many markets. Exact filter part usage is stabilizing, but early data and parts catalogs indicate continued reliance on the 06L and 04L families, with some new revisions.

• Latest 2.0 TFSI mild-hybrid petrol units:
  

  • Frequently still reference 06L 115 562 or a revised variant as the OEM filter.
  • Aftermarket filters are updated to match these supersessions; MANN and Mahle typically update their cross-references rapidly.

• Updated TDI engines:
  

  • Continue to use diesel‑specific cartridge filters, often from evolving 04L/05L families.
  • Exact part numbers are engine‑code‑specific and increasingly tied to emissions package and regional regulations.

Because this latest generation is still developing, the most reliable way to identify the correct oil filter is via an Audi dealer or OEM catalog using the vehicle’s VIN, rather than relying on legacy patterns alone.

How to Identify the Correct Oil Filter for Your Specific A4

Given the number of variations, owners should use a simple, structured approach instead of guessing or relying solely on a generic parts listing.

1. Check the owner’s manual and service booklet: Some manuals list either the OEM filter number or at least clarify whether it is a cartridge or spin‑on design.
2. Use the VIN in an official Audi or Volkswagen Group parts database: Dealers and many online OEM parts catalogs allow you to enter the VIN and return the exact part number for your engine and production date.
3. Look up the engine code: The engine code (e.g., CAEB, CNCD, DETA) can be found on the vehicle data sticker or in service records; once known, you can search for the oil filter specified for that engine code.
4. Consult reputable aftermarket catalogs: Brands like MANN-FILTER, Mahle, and Bosch maintain up-to-date online catalogs that match their filters to specific A4 models and engines.
5. Visually confirm during service: When replacing the filter, compare the old filter with the new one for dimensions, sealing surfaces, and O‑ring locations before installation.

By combining documentation, VIN-based lookup, and visual confirmation, you can avoid mismatches, ensure proper lubrication, and maintain warranty and reliability standards.

OEM vs. Aftermarket: What Should Audi A4 Owners Choose?

Once the correct specification is known, owners often must decide between genuine Audi/VW filters and high-quality aftermarket options. The differences are subtler than many assume, particularly when dealing with reputable manufacturers.

• Genuine Audi/VW filters:
  

  • Carry an Audi or VW logo and official part number (e.g., 06L 115 562).
  • Usually produced by major OEM suppliers such as MANN, Mahle, or Bosch, then branded and boxed by Audi.
  • Offer guaranteed compatibility and are safest for vehicles under factory warranty.

• Reputable aftermarket filters (MANN, Mahle, Bosch, etc.):
  

  • Often identical or nearly identical in design to OEM-supplied units.
  • Match OEM filtration performance and pressure specs when properly cataloged.
  • Typically less expensive, especially when purchased as part of a DIY service kit.

• Low-quality or unbranded filters:
  

  • May not meet Audi’s filtration, flow, or bypass-pressure requirements.
  • Risk premature clogging, poor sealing, or even internal collapse.
  • Can jeopardize engine health and, in some regions, affect warranty claims.

For most Audi A4 owners, genuine OEM filters or those from top-tier aftermarket brands provide the best balance of performance, reliability, and cost, whereas generic or unknown filters are a false economy.

Practical Examples by Popular Engine Type

To make the landscape clearer, it helps to see a few typical combinations of common engines and their frequently specified filters, as found in current catalogs and dealer data. These examples are illustrative and should still be verified for your exact car.

• 2013 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (B8, EA888 Gen 2, common in North America):
  

  • Typical OEM filter: 06D 115 562.
  • MANN equivalent: HU 719/7 X.
  • Filter type: cartridge insert in top-mounted housing.

• 2019 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI (B9, EA888 Gen 3):
  

  • Typical OEM filter: 06L 115 562 (revision may vary).
  • MANN equivalent: commonly HU 6002 z per catalog.
  • Filter type: cartridge insert; access from engine bay.

• 2017 Audi A4 2.0 TDI (B9, EU market):
  

  • Common OEM filter: 04L 115 466 or a close variant.
  • Diesel‑specific construction to handle soot and different oil chemistry.

These examples highlight that while certain part families recur frequently (such as 06D 115 562 and 06L 115 562 for petrol models), diesel applications and less common engine options can diverge significantly.

Why Getting the Oil Filter Right Matters

Beyond simple compatibility, using the proper oil filter in an Audi A4 is a matter of engine longevity and operating safety. Modern turbocharged engines run tight tolerances, high oil pressures, and extended service intervals; the filter has to keep pace.

• Filtration efficiency: Correct filters meet Audi’s micron rating and multi‑pass efficiency standards, capturing fine contaminants without over‑restricting flow.
• Bypass valve calibration: OEM-spec filters use bypass valves tuned to the oil system’s design, preventing oil starvation during cold starts or heavy load.
• Seal integrity: Correct O‑rings and gasket dimensions ensure leak‑free operation and avoid sudden loss of oil pressure.
• Compatibility with long-life oils: For flexible service intervals, filters must maintain performance over potentially 10,000–18,000 km (or equivalent miles) in some regions, depending on the service regime.

Using an incorrect or low-grade filter can lead to inadequate filtration, leaks, or pressure problems that, over time, may cause turbocharger wear, timing chain tensioner issues, or other expensive failures.

Summary

The Audi A4 does not rely on a single universal oil filter; the correct choice depends on the car’s model year, engine code, fuel type, and region. For many modern petrol A4s, especially B8 and B9 models with 2.0 TFSI engines, the oil filter is a cartridge insert equivalent to OEM part numbers such as 06D 115 562 (earlier EA888 Gen 2) or 06L 115 562 (EA888 Gen 3 and newer), with well-known aftermarket equivalents from brands like MANN, Mahle, and Bosch. Diesel versions and V6 or performance variants use distinct filters under different part families.

To identify the right filter for any specific Audi A4, owners should consult the owner’s manual, use VIN-based parts lookup tools, verify engine codes, and cross‑check with reputable OEM or aftermarket catalogs. Matching the correct oil filter and using quality components is essential to protect the engine, sustain performance, and maintain reliability over the life of the vehicle.