OIL CHANGE.... Has anyone done it themselves!!

[Simonet]

OK, am I being paranoid!!! I've just read the maintenance stuff that TT kindly put on for us, but there's all sorts of little nifty tools required to empty the oil from the filter housing...

Surely you can do this job from home with minimul fuss!

Anyone got any tips! I've got 5 litres of Longlife III 504 oil and a new filter to fit because the dealer thrashed my car   

[Ady-GTi]

I didn't do it myself but had my friend do it who's a mechanic. I would say it's do-able at home although my friend took off the front plastic sumpguard in order to get to the oil filter housing which would be a bit of a hastle at home.

Apart from that it was no different to any other car AFIAK, I didn't watch him 100% of the time but it only took him 10-15 minutes at a guess. It did take nearly the whole 5 litres though which I was surprised at.

[Teutonic_Tamer]

It is quite easy, as long as you have the appropriate standard mechanics tools.

The specific VAG tool for the oil filter is merely an adaptor with a flexible hose, which pre-drains the oil filter housing, to prevent spillage.  As long as you have a decent set of ramps (jack and axle stands are fiddly, due to the lack of central front trolley jack point), Torx bit set, 19mm socket for the sump plug, and 36mm socket for the oil filter housing - then it is no more difficult than any other motor.

The undertray is a piece of pi$$, and a monkey could remove it (ahh, that is why there are copious quantities of bananas at my local stealers!  ).  8 Torx (T30, I think, but could be wrong!) screws, ease a couple of tabs at the leading edge, and slide it rearwards.

Just make sure the oil is hot before you drain it, and leave the sump plug and filter housing off for 30 minutes to drain fully.

The published figure is 4.6 litres, but be careful not to overfill.

HTH

[Simonet]

Cheers TT.

Do you think I should change it yet?? The car is on almost 7k but I'm thinking of getting the dealer to give it it's first service at 10K when it's around 10 months old and get the book stamped. I will therefore have this oil for top up!

Or should I change it now, and then get it changed and stamped at 12 months and about 12K on the clock??

Also if I do change the oil, is it true you have to replace the sump plug, is can it be re-used?

Thanks again

[Brads MK2 GTI]

I've just got to laugh again at you Mk5 noobs, too much money, no sense or ability. Seriously, has anyone changed the oil themselves?? You must be having a laugh! Do you book it in at the dealer to fill up the washer fluid as well guys? Oh dear.....



Admin edit: this post has won the coveted 'Most Ignorant 2007 Award' - toph.

[speedynz]

^^^^^WHOA THERE BRAD^^^^^

No need my man, no need.

[Konmk5]

Hey Pal, I'm a newbie from Ireland, Oil change is pieco pisso, basic tool required, but u know how to do it now..... but next time u do an oil change try using "Castrol Edge 0W40" its a little bit thicker than the nancy recomended 5w35 but ur bug will luv u for it........ INSTANT DIFFERENCE!!!! Take her slow in the mornins till she warms up and try not to boost her till she's warm but once your there she'l take way more abuse when ur drivin hard. Throw in just under 5L and keep the rest for top-ups.

[Simonet]

I'll refrain from calling you a..... actually no, you are a complete d1ck for even posting that response!

I've always serviced my cars and other family cars, however not one where when you read some bumf on here where it says you have to use a special tools to drain the oil from the filter unit.

As you will see from the lack of response, not many people have changed the oil, this is a NEW car, not a Mk2 golf.

[speedynz]

Hey Pal, I'm a newbie from Ireland, Oil change is pieco pisso, basic tool required, but u know how to do it now..... but next time u do an oil change try using "Castrol Edge 0W40" its a little bit thicker than the nancy recomended 5w35 but ur bug will luv u for it........ INSTANT DIFFERENCE!!!! Take her slow in the mornins till she warms up and try not to boost her till she's warm but once your there she'l take way more abuse when ur drivin hard. Throw in just under 5L and keep the rest for top-ups.

"Nancy recommended 5W 30"

"She'll take way more abuse"

"Instant difference"

What do you mean Kon??

[PaulGTI]

Its fine changing oil yourself in an older car but when it comes to a new car like the Mk5 I think its better leaving any work to the dealers (and I hate saying that about the stealers) but it keeps everything right!!

Some may not agree but thats my thought on the topic!