2015–2020
Audi A3
2.0L TFSI I4 (EA888 Gen 3) EA888 Gen 3 (CNTC/CYFB-family) Sedan/Cabriolet (8V)
Grown-up hot hatch DNA — feed the DSG every 40k and it behaves.
Engine Oil
Viscosity‼
✓ verified
5W-30/0W-40 with VW 502 00 approval also OK. Late 40 TFSI B-cycle cars: 0W-20 VW 508 00 — check the filler cap
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB); Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Capacity (with filter)
5.5 L✓ verified
MY2015 CNTC per OEM doc; MY2018 chart lists 5.7 L (6.0 qt) — verify year and fill by dipstick/level check
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB); Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Oil filter
✓ verified
EA888 Gen 3 cartridge
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB); Blauparts
Drain plug
✓ verified
Torque being confirmed
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB)
Drain plug torque‼
— in verification queue
Being confirmed
Fluids
Coolant‼
✓ verified
Pink — dilute with distilled water; G12evo compatible. Never mix with green IAT coolant
src: Audi A3-2015 fluid chart (TSB); Blauparts coolant guide
Brake fluid‼
✓ verified
PN B 000 750; change every 2 years
src: Audi A3-2015 fluid chart (TSB); Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Transmission‼
✓ verified
Change 5.2 L (5.4 qt) + filter every 40k mi (2015–18). 2019–20 cars: 7-spd DQ381. quattro Haldex clutch: G 060 175 A2 every 3 yr
src: Audi A3-2015 fluid chart (TSB); Audi 2018 maintenance schedule; IE/GMP DQ381 fitment
Filters & Ignition
Air filter
✓ verified
Replace every 60k mi
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB); Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Cabin filter
✓ verified
Replace every 20k mi / 2 yr
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB)
Spark plugs
◐ pending
06K905601K/L supersessions — verify by VIN. Replace 40k mi / 6 yr
src: Progressive Parts; Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Electrical
Battery
✓ verified
Match OEM spec; newer cars may need battery adaptation — being confirmed
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB)
Key fob battery
— in verification queue
Being confirmed
Wheels & Wipers
Wheel bolt torque‼
120 Nm✓ verified
Audi passenger-car standard; re-torque after ~50 km
src: Bentley manual (via AudiWorld/Audizine)
Tire pressure
— in verification queue
Varies by tire size — use the driver's door-jamb placard
Wipers
✓ verified
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB)
Service
Oil change interval
✓ verified
src: Audi 2018 maintenance schedule
Fuel
◐ pending
87 AKI minimum with reduced performance
src: Audi owner's manual guidance (aggregated)
Service reminder reset
✓ verified
src: Audi 2015 A3/S3 Executive Service (TSB)
🔧 Mechanic's Notes
- Same EA888 Gen 3 water pump/thermostat story as the B9: the plastic module weeps coolant long before it fails big. Coolant level dropping over weeks = get it looked at (VAG Manchester, Alex's Autohaus).
- Gearbox changed under the same body: 2015–18 = 6-speed DQ250 (fluid + filter every 40k), 2019–20 = 7-speed DQ381. Different fluid capacities and parts — confirm the box code before service.
- quattro cars have a Haldex clutch that wants fresh fluid every 3 years per Audi's own schedule — the forgotten service that kills rear-drive engagement.
- Carbon buildup and PCV faults are the usual Gen 3 background noise; a rough cold idle at 80k+ is more likely valves than coils.
Field patterns from a working mechanic — diagnose your own car before buying parts.
Open Recalls
Checking NHTSA…
Other A3 generations
Sources shown per value. Specs can vary by build date, market and trim — for anything critical (torque, fluids), confirm against YOUR owner's manual or door sticker before wrenching. Spotted an error? — corrections jump the queue.