I asked a couple of forums ago what people are paying for oil filters because I thought the $17 that the dealer charges was a little steep. Someone said he got his at Walmart for $3.99. I looked this weekend and they only have a filter for the 1.8T. Same with Pep Boys.<p>Also, does anyone happen to know the diameter of the drain plug (what size washer I need)?<p>Thanks,<br>Kyle<br>'97 2.8

I picked up one at a Car Quest auto store this weekend for $3.00 for the 2.8Q

I would talk to Mark Burns at Clair Parts Express to be sure.<p>Steve S.<br>97 2.8QM

A word of caution if you're still in warrantee (sp?). An aftermarket filter could be cause for the dealer disallowing a lubrication related claim. <br>I had the opportunity to tour an oil filter factory a few years back. They had a display of cutaways from various manufacturers and price levels. From what I saw, the cheaper filters contained lots less filter media and could not possibly function as efficiently as the quality ones. If it were my car, I would pay the extra and get the Audi filter. <br>Just my .02 cents.

I purchased "Champ" oil filters from Clair Parts for my '97 1.8T. BAZ @ Clair told me that Champ is one of the manufacturers of the OEM oil filter. Clair was selling the OEM Audi filter for $8.01 each while the Champ filter was $5.27. Note: these prices are from 10/97...so they are probably a bit higher today.<p>Andy Hedin<br>'97 A4 1.8Tqms, Wett 1.0 Bar, ABT Filter, Euro Headlights...

Read about oil filters at this web site, then decide which filter you want to use.<p>HTH<br>Bert<ul><li><a href="http://members.xoom.com/minimopar/oilfilterstudy.html">Oil filter Study</a></li></ul>

For a while, only Purolator had them as aftermarket. Not sure who all carries them now.

Not only is there less paper to filter junk out, but it lets more crud through as well. Buy the OEM ones for 2 reasons...the paper is better and up to factory standards. Mahle makes a good filter and is the same as the VW/Audi one without the logo. They also have anti-drain back valves in them. When the engine is shut off, it keeps more oil in the engine so at startup, you already have more oil in the engine thus prolonging engine life. Fram filters are fine for oh...garden tractors, lawnmowers, etc. I would never use them on any car I cared about though. Same goes for the rest of the filters any autopart store sells. Buy the OEM ones that have the anti-drain back valve. You can get them for about $8 for other sources than the dealer. Try Clair or Carlsen Audi as well.<br>