Anyone using oversized oil filters on VAG 1.8T engines?

[Quattro Pete]

The OEM Mann/Mahle filter on most 1.8T engines is 06A-115-561-B. There is an oversized version, however - 068-115-561-B. I've been told by a guy that works at the dealer that it roughly doubles the size of the filter element and of course increases overall oil capacity. This bigger filter is standard on the newer ('04) A4s.

Now, this increased oil capacity is why I would consider using it because the current oil capacity is only 3.7 qt for this engine in my A4.

However, I'm thinking more oil also means it will take longer to warm up, and as it is the oil in my car seems to be taking forever to warm up. After a 25 minute, 12-mile commute to work, the oil only gets up to about 180F, and that's during a warm summer day.

Hence, I'm not sure if I should even bother. What do you guys think?

FYI, I'm using Castrol SLX 0w-30 with 5K mile OCIs.

FYI2, I know tyrolkid did an oversized oil filter comparo on vwvortex and examined the 068 115 561E filter. I'm not sure how it is different from the 068 115 561B. But regardless, the main question is, should I bother with a larger filter in this case? I've never had any issues with overheating - even if I drive really hard (the car is chipped), I can't get the oil temp past 200-210F.

Thanks!

 

[427Z06]

My vote is for the increased filter area of the oversized filter. I wouldn't worry about any oil overcooling issue.

As a side note, more and more, the Detroit dominant auto culture is into minimizing cost and have things last only to the end of the warranty period.

Raise you hand if you know what PTO is.

 

[JettaRed]

I think that it has been generally accepted that OEM filters are as good as any other for your engine. If there is a recommended part change, the manufacturer usually makes it through its dealer channel. The risk you take in substituting parts, such as an oil filter, is voiding your warranty.

What if the oil pump on the new A4s is a greater capacity pump and NEEDS the larger capacity filter? (I'm saying, "what if".) You may affect the oil flow at start-up in your engine by using a greater capacity filter than what it was designed for, causing possible engine failure (though I don't know how).

My point is that us "arm chair" engineers don't always have all the facts and know what we're doing. Out-thinking the real engineers can be disasterous.

 

[Gerret]

I find it hard to believe that your oil-temperature gauge is accurate in displaying 180F for a turbocharged engine. I drive a 1.8T and it takes about 60-120 seconds for the water temp to reach 190F from a cold start. I know that oil temps are usually about 30F higher than the water temps in NA applications and probably significantly higher in turbocharged applications.

As far as the oil filter goes, I don't think that you will experience any problems with a larger filter. Do keep in mind that the 1.8T has an oil pressure bypass built into the engine and there is not one (or it is inactivated) in the filter.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

---

Originally posted by JettaRed:
Out-thinking the real engineers can be disasterous.

---

Very True.

quote:

---

Originally posted by JettaRed:
My point is that us "arm chair" engineers don't always have all the facts and know what we're doing.

---

I am an engineer and work in the automotive industry. I check my facts carefully before proceeding with anything "out-of-spec". If you think engineers have the final say in every decision made by a large manufacturer, you're living in Lala Land.

Think, Pinto, Space Shuttle, DC10, etc, etc, etc.

 

[unDummy]

Out think the real engineers, or the accountants?

Tired of OEM BS. Recommendations are just that, RECOMMENDATIONS. Upgrades or downgrades are YOUR choice.

Also, get a 2nd opinion on the oil temp.
Or, is it just really cold outside?

 

[Quattro Pete]

As far as the oil temp, it stays about the same, winter or summer.

While I was at the dealer once, I complained about those temp, but they said it's "within spec". They also verified the accuracy of the oil temp gauge with an infrared remote thermometer (not sure how these things work), by checking the engine block temps, and they were pretty close to what my gauge was showing.

I've always felt that my temps were too low. Most of the 1.8T owners I know report oil temps in the 200-225F range during normal operation. But what can I do about that?