Where Is the Oil Filter on an Audi?

The oil filter on most modern Audi models is typically located either on the front or side of the engine block (often in a black plastic or metal housing on top or near the front), or underneath the engine near the oil pan, depending on engine type and model year. To find it safely and accurately, you need to identify your specific model and engine code, then look for a cartridge-style housing on top/side of the engine or a canister-style filter accessible from below.

Why the Location of the Oil Filter Varies on Audi Vehicles

Audi uses a wide range of engines across its lineup—small turbocharged four-cylinders, V6 and V8 engines, and performance variants. Because of packaging constraints, emissions equipment, and design updates over the years, the exact oil filter position is not identical across all models. Nonetheless, there are consistent patterns that help owners and technicians locate the filter quickly.

General Oil Filter Locations by Audi Engine Layout

Across the Audi range, oil filters follow a few common placement patterns depending on whether the engine is mounted longitudinally (front-to-back, typical on A4 and up with Quattro) or transversely (side-to-side, common on smaller models and front-wheel-drive versions). Understanding your engine orientation goes a long way toward knowing where to look.

Typical Locations on Longitudinal Engines (A4, A5, A6, A7, Q5 and Similar)

On Audi models with front-to-back (longitudinal) engines, common in vehicles with Quattro and larger chassis, the oil filter is usually placed for easier service either on top of the engine or toward the front, accessible from above or below the vehicle.

• 2.0 TFSI / TSI longitudinal (e.g., A4, A5, Q5, many 2009–present models): Often uses a cartridge-style filter located in a black plastic housing on the side or front of the engine block, typically accessible from the top with the engine cover removed.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged and later turbocharged variants): Commonly features a cartridge oil filter in a plastic housing located near the front/top of the engine, slightly offset to one side. It’s usually reachable once the plastic engine cover is pulled off.
• Older 1.8T and 2.0T (early 2000s A4, A6): Frequently use a spin-on (canister) filter mounted low on the engine block at the front or side, usually reached from underneath after removing the lower engine splash shield.
• V8 engines (S4, S5, A6, A8, older S and RS models): The filter is often located centrally or to one side on the lower part of the engine, requiring under-car access; in many cases, it’s near the front subframe or oil pan area.

These patterns mean that on most longitudinal Audi engines from the A4 size upward, you’ll either look for a plastic cartridge housing on top/side of the engine or a metal canister-type filter accessible from underneath.

Typical Locations on Transverse Engines (A3, TT, Q3, Some Front-Drive Models)

On smaller Audis and front-wheel-drive variants using sideways (transverse) mounted engines, the oil filter tends to be more compactly packaged, usually toward the front of the engine bay or low on the side of the block.

• 1.8 TFSI / 2.0 TFSI transverse (A3, TT, Q3, some A4 FWD): Often uses a cartridge filter in a plastic housing located on the front or lower front of the engine, sometimes just behind the radiator. It is usually accessed from underneath after removing the undertray, though some models allow partial access from above.
• 1.4 TFSI / smaller turbo engines (certain A1, A3, Q2 markets): Frequently mount the filter low on the engine, near the oil pan. It may be a spin-on filter or a small cartridge housing, accessible from underneath.
• Older transverse 1.8T (early TT, early A3): Typically have a spin-on filter on the back or side of the engine block, best reached from below or from the wheel well area.

In practice, transverse Audi engines put the oil filter close to the front or lower side of the engine, usually requiring you to raise the car or use a ramp for safe access.

Common Audi Models and Where to Look

While exact positions differ slightly by engine code and year, drivers can use general reference points on popular models to narrow down the search for the oil filter.

Audi A3 (Including S3 and RS3)

The Audi A3 family relies heavily on transverse four-cylinder engines, with performance variants such as the S3 and RS3 using higher-output versions. These engines share broadly similar layouts with variations in filter access due to turbo plumbing and performance packaging.

• A3 1.4 / 1.5 / 1.8 / 2.0 TFSI (approx. 2008–present): The oil filter is generally located at the front of the engine block, low down. Expect either:
  

  • A black plastic cartridge housing facing downward, accessible from underneath after removing the plastic splash shield.
  • On some variants, a forward-facing filter just behind the radiator or near the front subframe.

• S3 (2.0 TFSI): Similar basic location as the regular 2.0 TFSI, but sometimes slightly harder to reach due to additional cooling hardware and tighter packaging.
• RS3 (2.5 TFSI five-cylinder): The oil filter is typically on the side or front of the engine block, often a cartridge-type housing. Most technicians access it from beneath after removing the undertray.

Owners of the A3 range should plan for under-car access, as the majority of these engine variants position the oil filter low and forward on the block.

Audi A4 and A5 (Including S4 and S5)

The A4 and A5 line is a cornerstone of Audi’s range; it has used several engine generations, mostly longitudinal, leading to more standardized filter access from the top or front of the engine.

• B8 and B9 A4/A5 2.0 TFSI (approx. 2009–present): Commonly use a cartridge-style oil filter in a black plastic housing on the side or front of the engine, accessible from above. Removing the plastic engine cover usually reveals the filter cap near the front upper part of the engine.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (S4, S5, some A6/A7): The oil filter is a cartridge in a plastic housing located near the top-front of the engine, somewhat centrally placed. It is typically visible once the engine cover is removed and can be unscrewed with the correct filter cap socket.
• Older B6/B7 1.8T and 2.0T: A spin-on oil filter is generally found at the front lower area of the engine, best accessed from underneath after removing the lower splash shield.
• Older V8 S4/S5 (4.2L, for example): The filter is often placed low on the engine, toward the front or side, requiring under-car access and sometimes working around the subframe or steering components.

For many owners of post-2009 A4 and A5 models, the oil filter is relatively easy to spot on top or at the front of the engine, reducing the need to work under the vehicle for filter removal.

Audi A6, A7, and A8 (Including S and Some RS Variants)

Larger executive models like the A6, A7, and A8 share engine families with mid-size models but often include higher-output variants and more complex cooling and emissions systems, affecting how you access the oil filter.

• 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged, common on A6/A7 around 2010s): The oil filter is typically near the front or slightly off-center on top of the engine, beneath the plastic engine cover. It is a cartridge unit in a plastic housing with a large screw-on cap.
• 3.0 TDI and other diesel engines (where applicable): Many use a top-mounted cartridge filter housing, often near the front or side of the V. Access is usually from above, but some diesel configurations require reaching down more deeply into the bay.
• V8 petrol (A8, S6, S7, some S8): Depending on generation, the filter is often mounted low on the engine, requiring access from underneath with the undertray removed. It could be near the front center or offset to one side along the oil pan.
• Previous-generation A8 models with longitudinal V6 and V8 engines: Commonly place the filter on the lower side or front of the engine block. You will generally need to lift the vehicle and work from below.

On the A6/A7/A8 family, most gasoline V6 engines feature a top-mounted cartridge housing, while larger V8 units often require under-car access to a lower-mounted filter.

Audi Q Series SUVs (Q2, Q3, Q5, Q7, Q8 and S/RS Derivatives)

Audi SUVs share many engines with their sedan and hatchback cousins, but their raised ride height sometimes makes under-engine access easier even when the filter itself is located in a similar place.

• Q3 (transverse 1.4/1.5/2.0 TFSI, some diesels): Filters are similar in placement to A3 engines—front/lower front of the engine, mostly accessible from underneath behind the undertray.
• Q5 (longitudinal 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, some diesels): Follows A4/A5-style layouts. Many 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI Q5s feature a top-mounted cartridge housing near the front or side of the engine, visible with the engine cover removed.
• Q7 and Q8 (V6 and V8 petrol/diesel): Oil filters can be top-mounted (cartridge) on V6 engines or lower-mounted on larger V8s. Accessing them may require removing covers and undertrays due to additional drivetrain and cooling components.
• S and RS SUVs (SQ5, RS Q3, RS Q8, etc.): Use performance versions of the same engines. The filter location is broadly the same as the base engines but may be harder to reach because of turbo piping, larger intercoolers, or extra bracing.

In the Q range, filter location mirrors the sedan/hatchback equivalents, but the extra ground clearance and different underbody shields may slightly change the best access path.

How to Identify the Oil Filter When Looking at the Engine

Once the engine orientation and model family are known, visually confirming the oil filter requires looking for specific design cues in the engine bay or under the car. Recognizing these cues helps distinguish the oil filter from other black caps and housings.

Cartridge-Style Oil Filter Housings (Most Modern Audis)

Many recent Audi engines use a replaceable paper cartridge inside a plastic or metal housing. This design is more environmentally friendly and provides clearer visual indicators on the housing itself.

• Appearance: Usually a round, black plastic cap (often hexagonal or fluted on top for a socket) mounted vertically or at a slight angle. It may be embossed with torque specs and sometimes an oil can symbol.
• Location cues: Often on the top front, top side, or middle of the engine, near the front-facing part of the engine bay. Removing the large plastic decorative engine cover often reveals it more clearly.
• Connection to engine block: The housing screws into a metal base integrated into the engine, with oil passages feeding it; you may see oil cooler connections or hoses nearby.
• Service indication: Some housings have drain or pressure relief ports that mechanic use during oil changes.

When you find a circular plastic cap with tool flats near the top of a modern Audi engine, it is very likely the oil filter housing rather than a coolant reservoir or other component.

Spin-On (Canister) Oil Filters (Common on Older and Some Smaller Engines)

Some Audis still use the older style spin-on filters, particularly on earlier generations and certain small engines. These are metal cans that screw directly onto a threaded fitting on the engine.

• Appearance: Cylindrical metal can, usually white, black, or dark blue, roughly the size of a beverage can. It may have brand markings and part numbers printed on it.
• Location cues: Typically located lower on the engine block—front, side, or rear—where there is enough room for removal with a filter wrench. Many are mounted vertically or at an angle.
• Access considerations: Often only reachable from underneath (especially on longitudinal engines in A4 and larger models) after removing the plastic undertray/engine cover.
• Surroundings: You may see it near the oil pan, close to the crank pulley area, or partially tucked behind subframes and suspension components.

If you see a metal cylindrical canister directly attached to the engine, with no separate cap or housing, it is almost certainly the oil filter on that particular Audi engine.

Practical Steps to Locate the Oil Filter on Your Specific Audi

Given the variety of Audi engines, the most reliable way to pinpoint the exact oil filter location combines knowing your car’s details with a step-by-step inspection plan. This approach prevents confusion and minimizes time spent searching under plastic covers.

1. Gather Your Vehicle Information

Before searching physically for the filter, it helps to know exactly which powertrain you have. This allows you to reference diagrams or guides specific to your engine rather than guessing based on visuals alone.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look under the maintenance or specifications section for engine type and, sometimes, a small diagram indicating the oil filter’s approximate location.
2. Find the engine code: On many Audis, this can be found on a sticker in the spare wheel well, on the timing cover, or via dealership/OBD scan tools. Codes like “EA888 2.0 TFSI” or “CDNC” correspond to well-documented layouts.
3. Note the model year and trim: A 2012 A4 2.0 TFSI may not share the same filter placement as a 2018 A4 2.0 TFSI, even though the engine name is similar.
4. Confirm fuel type (petrol vs diesel): Diesel engines often have different filter housing placement and additional hardware that may obscure direct access.

With your model, year, engine code, and fuel type identified, you can consult diagrams or guides that show precisely where your Audi’s oil filter sits.

2. Inspect from Above the Engine Bay

Many modern Audi oil filter housings are visible or nearly visible from above, especially on V6 gasoline engines and newer 2.0 TFSI engines. This top-side check is quicker and safer than immediately climbing under the car.

1. Remove the plastic engine cover: Gently pull up at the corners; most covers are held by rubber grommets. Set it aside carefully.
2. Look for the cartridge housing: Scan for a round black cap with edges or flats for a socket, usually near the front or one side of the engine.
3. Check around the oil filler cap: Some engines place the filter housing close to where you pour oil; look to either side or just forward of the filler opening.
4. Distinguish from other caps: Do not confuse the oil filter housing with coolant or brake fluid reservoirs—these are typically translucent plastic and often labeled clearly.

If you find the characteristic round plastic cap near the top of the engine, you’ve located the oil filter housing and can plan your oil change without having to lift the vehicle just to identify it.

3. Inspect from Under the Vehicle

If you cannot find a top-mounted housing, the filter may be installed low on the engine and accessible only from below. In that case, safely raising the car or using a lift becomes essential.

1. Safely raise and secure the vehicle: Use a proper jack and jack stands or a professional lift. Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
2. Remove the lower engine cover/undertray: Most Audis have a plastic shield held by Torx screws or clips. Removing this exposes the oil pan and lower engine area.
3. Locate the oil pan and drain plug: Once you see the oil pan (usually aluminum or steel) and its drain bolt, scan nearby for a spin-on filter or a downward-facing cartridge housing.
4. Check around the front subframe and accessory drive area: On many longitudinal engines, the filter is positioned near the crank pulley, power steering area, or just behind the front crossmember.

Identifying the filter from below typically reveals a metal canister (spin-on) or a compact plastic housing close to the oil pan or front of the engine block.

Important Safety and Service Considerations

Knowing where the oil filter is located is only part of the story; working around the engine safely and preventing damage to the housing, seals, and surrounding components are equally important. This is particularly true with plastic filter housings, which can crack if overtightened or handled improperly.

Tools and Precautions

Because Audi engines often use proprietary or metric-specific fasteners and housings, proper tools and preparation are crucial for a safe and clean oil service.

• Use a correct filter wrench or cap socket: Cartridge housings typically require a specific size socket (often 32 mm or similar). Using the wrong tool can round the cap and complicate removal.
• Observe torque specifications: Over-tightening the plastic housing can crack it; under-tightening can cause leaks. The correct torque is usually printed on the cap or in the manual.
• Allow the engine to cool: Working around a hot engine risks burns and can make the housing harder to remove safely.
• Have absorbent materials ready: Even a careful filter removal can spill oil; rags and a suitable drain pan help keep the area clean.
• Replace O-rings and seals: Most cartridge filters include a new O-ring for the housing cap; always replace it and lightly oil the new ring before installation.

Following these precautions ensures that once you’ve located the filter, you can service it without causing leaks, damage, or safety hazards.

Why Accurate Identification Matters

Misidentifying the oil filter or its housing can lead to serious engine problems, especially if other components are mistaken for the filter assembly or if the filter is left unchanged during an oil change. Modern Audi engines run tight tolerances and depend heavily on clean, correctly filtered oil.

Potential Problems if the Filter Is Mishandled

Because the oil filter is integral to engine lubrication, location knowledge must be matched by correct handling to avoid contamination or mechanical issues.

• Oil leaks: Incorrectly reinstalled housings or damaged O-rings can cause leaks, leading to low oil levels and possible engine damage.
• Bypass of filtration: If an incorrect filter is installed or seated improperly, unfiltered oil may circulate, accelerating engine wear.
• Cracked plastic housings: Over-torquing the cap on cartridge systems can crack the housing, sometimes not obvious until a leak develops under pressure.
• Wrong component serviced: In very rare cases, inexperienced DIYers have mistaken other caps or housings for the oil filter, leading to improper disassembly and potential component failure.

Understanding not just where the oil filter is but also how it integrates with the engine’s oil system helps avert these kinds of costly errors.

Summary

On an Audi, the oil filter is generally located either in a cartridge-style housing on the top or front/side of the engine, or as a spin-on canister mounted low on the engine and accessible from underneath. Longitudinal engines in models like the A4, A5, A6, and Q5 frequently use top-mounted cartridge housings, while many transverse engines in A3, TT, and some Q models position the filter low and forward, requiring under-car access. Larger V8 engines and certain older models commonly use spin-on filters mounted near the oil pan and subframe.

The exact position depends on model, year, engine code, and fuel type, so the most reliable method is to combine your vehicle’s details with a visual inspection from above (after removing the engine cover) and, if necessary, from below (after safely lifting the vehicle and removing the undertray). Correct identification, proper tools, and adherence to torque and safety guidelines ensure that once you’ve found the oil filter on your Audi, you can service it properly and maintain engine health over the long term.

Where is the oil filter on an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 oil filter is located on top of the engine, underneath the decorative engine cover. You will need to remove the engine cover first to access the oil filter housing, which typically requires a 32mm socket for removal. 
Step-by-step guide

1. Locate the engine cover: Open the hood and find the large plastic engine cover on top of the engine. 
2. Remove the engine cover: Gently pull up on each of the corners to release the cover from its grommets. Set it aside in a safe place. 
3. Find the oil filter housing: The oil filter housing is a black canister located just behind the oil fill cap. 
4. Loosen the housing: Use a 32mm socket to loosen the oil filter housing cap. As you loosen it, a valve should open to allow the oil inside to drain into the crankcase below. 
5. Remove the housing and filter: Once the oil has drained, carefully remove the housing and the old filter. The old filter will pull directly off the housing cap. 

This video shows how to remove the engine cover and locate the oil filter housing: 59sAlton CrawfYouTube · Feb 25, 2019

Where is the oil filter on a 2008 Audi A4?

The 2008 Audi A4 oil filter is located on the driver’s side of the engine, on top of the subframe near the engine mount, according to this YouTube video. You will need to remove a filter housing with a cap to access the filter cartridge, and a 36mm socket is typically required to remove it, notes this YouTube video.
 
This video shows the location of the oil filter and the steps to access it: 49sBlaupartsYouTube · Feb 4, 2016

• Location: On the driver’s side of the engine, above the subframe and near the engine mount. 
• Access: The filter is inside a housing with a screw-on cap. You may need to disconnect a motor mount sensor plug to get enough clearance. 
• Tool: A 36mm socket is typically needed to remove the filter housing cap, though a 32mm socket may be used for other models, say these YouTube videos and this YouTube video. 

Where is the engine oil filter located?

The engine oil filter is typically located near the oil pan underneath the engine, but can also be found in different spots depending on the vehicle’s make and model. In some cars, especially those with a cartridge-style filter, the filter might be accessible from the top under the hood near the engine, so it’s best to check your owner’s manual for the exact location.
 
This video shows the general location of the oil filter and the tools needed to change it: 1mPurolator FiltersYouTube · Aug 18, 2016

• Common location: Look underneath the engine, near the oil pan (the large tank attached to the underside of the engine). You may need to remove an engine cover or plastic under tray to access it. 
• Alternative location: Check under the hood near the front of the engine. This is common for cartridge-style filters, which are housed in a plastic or metal cap. 
• Vehicle-specific variation: The exact location varies by car, so it is highly recommended to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for precise instructions. 

This video demonstrates how to find the oil filter in a specific vehicle model, a Ford Explorer: 1mFriendly MechanicYouTube · Oct 30, 2023

Can you change Audi oil yourself?

Save money and do your own oil change in about an hour. An Audi S3 8v or Golf R MK7 Oil Change is super easy to do yourself. All you really need is a new filter with o ring, about 6L of your favourite synthetic oil and a new sump plug. The Eddy’s Garage is just a home garage maintaining and modifying our cars and some.