Where to Find the Oil Filter on an Audi Q5

The oil filter on most Audi Q5 models is located on the front side of the engine, typically mounted low and accessible from underneath the vehicle, with its exact position depending on the engine type and model year. In practical terms, you will generally find it either as a cartridge-style filter housed in a black plastic cap on the engine block, or as a spin‑on canister mounted near the bottom of the engine, often behind a plastic undertray.

Why the Oil Filter Location Matters

The Audi Q5 uses several different engines across its model years—petrol, diesel, and hybrid variants—so the precise location and design of the oil filter varies. Knowing where it is and how to access it is crucial if you plan to perform your own oil changes or simply want to understand what your mechanic is doing underneath the car.

Oil Filter Locations by Engine Type and Model Year

Different Q5 generations and engines place the oil filter in slightly different spots, although most follow similar patterns: front or lower front of the engine, accessible from below after removing covers.

First Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2009–2017)

On first‑generation Q5s, the filter is almost always on the front of the engine, but the exact position depends on the engine code.

2.0 TFSI (Four‑Cylinder Turbo Petrol)

On the popular 2.0 TFSI engines of this era, the oil filter is typically a cartridge housed in a black plastic cap at the front of the engine block.

This list outlines typical locations and access points for the 2.0 TFSI oil filter in a first‑generation Audi Q5.

• Mounted at the front/upper front of the engine, facing forward.
• Cartridge‑style filter under a black plastic screw‑on cap (often hex-shaped top for a socket).
• Usually accessible from above: open the hood, look down the front of the engine, slightly toward the passenger side (left/right depends on market).
• Sometimes easier to reach from below after removing the front lower engine cover/undertray.

These details mean that on a 2.0 TFSI Q5, you will generally identify the oil filter by locating the large plastic cap at the front of the engine rather than looking for a metal spin‑on canister.

3.0 TFSI V6 Petrol (Supercharged)

The V6 petrol in higher‑performance Q5 models places the oil filter differently due to the engine’s layout.

This list highlights the usual placement and appearance of the oil filter on 3.0 TFSI V6 engines.

• Cartridge‑style filter in a plastic or metal housing on the front of the engine.
• Often positioned slightly offset to one side (commonly passenger side in left‑hand‑drive markets).
• Typically accessed from above by removing the engine cover and reaching down to the housing.
• In some configurations, better access is achieved from underneath once the undertray is off.

For the 3.0 TFSI V6, identifying the housing at the front of the engine after removing the decorative engine cover is usually the key to locating the filter.

2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI Diesel Engines

Diesel Q5s also use cartridge filters, but the mounting angle and access points can differ.

The following points summarize where diesel‑engine Q5 oil filters are typically situated.

• Cartridge‑style filter in a housing mounted toward the front or side front of the engine.
• On many 2.0 TDI units, the filter is near the top/front of the engine, accessible from above.
• On some 3.0 TDI V6 engines, the filter sits lower and may be easier to reach from underneath.
• You will generally see a large round cap (often black) with a hex fitting for a socket.

In practice, diesel filters are still on or near the engine front, but you may need to approach from above or below depending on engine displacement and ancillary components.

Second Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2018–Present)

The redesigned Q5 (B9 platform) continues to use cartridge‑style filters mounted on the engine block, but packaging around emissions and cooling systems can change the access route.

2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen3 and Later)

The modern 2.0‑liter petrol engines in newer Q5s keep the filter near the front of the engine but often make underbody access more important.

This list explains how and where the oil filter is typically accessed on newer 2.0 TFSI Q5 models.

• Cartridge filter under a plastic cap, usually facing downward or slightly angled.
• Located near the lower front section of the engine block.
• Most accessible from underneath after removing the plastic engine undertray/splash shield.
• From above, you might only see the top of the housing; full access often requires lifting the vehicle.

For owners of newer 2.0 TFSI Q5s, this means the oil filter is still at the front of the engine but is functionally an “under‑car” job because of the downward orientation and shielding.

3.0 TFSI / SQ5 and Mild‑Hybrid Variants

Higher‑output and mild‑hybrid powertrains continue to mount the filter on the engine block, again using cartridge filters.

The following points describe typical oil filter access on newer V6 and mild‑hybrid Q5 and SQ5 models.

• Cartridge‑style filter in a housing on the front or front‑side of the V6 engine.
• Often requires removing the plastic undertray and sometimes loosening additional shields.
• Access from below is usually preferred because of tight clearances above.
• The housing cap remains identifiable by its round shape and hex or fluted top.

On these more complex drivetrains, the filter is still not hidden deep inside the engine; rather, it is partially obscured by protective panels that must be removed to gain access.

How to Identify the Oil Filter When You’re Under the Car

Even if you know it is “at the front of the engine,” it helps to recognize the filter visually so you do not confuse it with other components like the oil pan drain plug or coolant fittings.

Cartridge-Style Filter Housings

Most modern Audi Q5 models use a cartridge inside a reusable housing.

This list details the tell‑tale signs that a component is the oil filter housing on an Audi Q5.

• Round or slightly oval housing with a screw‑on cap (plastic or metal).
• Cap often has a large hex head (commonly 32 mm or similar) or fluted sides for a special socket.
• Located on the engine block, not on hoses or the radiator.
• May have part numbers or oil‑related symbols stamped or molded into the cap.

Recognizing this housing helps you distinguish the oil filter from other round components such as power steering or coolant reservoirs, which are mounted elsewhere.

Spin-On Metal Canister (Less Common on Q5)

Some markets or early configurations may use a conventional spin‑on metal filter, though the Q5 family is largely cartridge‑based.

This list outlines characteristics of a spin‑on oil filter if your particular Q5 is equipped with one.

• Cylindrical metal canister, usually black, blue, or white.
• Threads directly onto a filter boss on the engine block.
• Typically mounted low on the front or side of the engine.
• Removed by turning counterclockwise with an oil filter wrench or by hand.

If your Q5 has this style, it will still be positioned on or near the lower front of the engine, but you won’t see a removable cap—just the metal canister itself.

Typical Steps to Access the Oil Filter on an Audi Q5

While procedures differ slightly by engine, the access pattern is broadly similar: secure the vehicle, remove the undertray if needed, then locate the filter at the front of the engine.

The following list describes the general sequence for reaching the oil filter on most Audi Q5 models.

• Park on level ground, engage the parking brake, and allow the engine to cool.
• Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it securely on jack stands, if required.
• Remove the front plastic undertray or splash shield using the appropriate fasteners (Torx or similar).
• Look toward the front of the engine: identify the round filter housing or spin‑on canister.
• Position an oil drain pan beneath the filter; removing it will release some residual oil.
• Use the correct socket or wrench to undo the housing cap or spin‑on filter.

These steps do not replace a full workshop procedure, but they illustrate why the filter is generally considered a front‑engine, under‑car access component on the Q5.

Model-Specific Verification and Safety

Because Audi frequently updates engines, even within a single model year, it is wise to confirm the exact filter location and part number for your specific Q5.

This list summarizes how to double‑check you are working with the correct component and information.

• Consult the owner’s manual: many editions show a diagram of the engine bay and filter location.
• Use the VIN at an Audi dealer or on a reputable parts site to confirm the correct filter type and position.
• Search using your engine code (e.g., CAEB, CNCD, DLZA) along with “oil filter location.”
• If in doubt, have a professional perform the service, especially while the vehicle is under warranty.

Verifying details by VIN or engine code ensures that small changes in design—common in Audi’s lineup—do not lead to mistakes during maintenance.

Summary

On all generations of the Audi Q5, the oil filter is mounted directly on the engine block, almost always at the front or lower front of the engine and typically accessed from underneath after removing the plastic undertray. Most Q5s use a cartridge‑type filter in a black plastic or metal housing with a screw‑on cap; some variants may use spin‑on canisters, but the location remains similar. Because engine layouts and emissions equipment differ by year and engine type, owners should confirm the exact position and filter design using the owner’s manual, VIN‑specific parts information, or professional guidance before attempting an oil change.

Where is the oil in the Audi Q5?

Up needs to come off the car using 12 T25 torque screws you’ll see here’s one’s 2 3 4 5 6 just go around the perimeter of this cover. And that will remove all those screws.

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

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 is the most common problem of the Audi Q5?

Audi Q5 Common Issues

1. Airbag Issues.
2. Excessive Oil Consumption.
3. Leaking Sunroof.
4. Timing Chain Tensioner Failure.
5. Electrical Problems.
6. Infotainment System Glitches.
7. Transmission Issues.
8. Start-Stop System Defects.