Ganny

Recently did the 15k oil change DIY using the extraction method. The first oil change was performed (presumably) at the dealer at 5K. The oil I extracted was completely black (not brown). For those that have performed 15k oil changes on Q5s, is black oil at 15k normal? I'm a little suspicious that the oil was not changed at 15k because (a) the oil filter was so tight it took a breaker bar to remove it, and (b) the oil was black (not brown as I would have expected). Thanks!

Parsec

If the dealer did change the oil at 5k, it could indicate problems w/the engine itself if the oil turns black relatively quick. Did you save the black oil? You can have it tested here:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

If you are DIY I would suggest doing another change at 20k and have it tested again at Blackstone.

uberwgn

Ganny, the oil goes dark on these (gasoline) direct injection engine very early.

acadianbob

Yes, it should be black. That means "stuff" is being held in suspension and the oil is doing its job.

spijun

After a 2.500-3.000km oil in TFSI engine becomes black, it is normal for Audi engines

AudiQ5sleeper

its normal for all cars if you driven 15k on a single oil change. at 5k engine oil will be black.

rdA4WtQ5

Every turbo car we have had turns the oil black just about instantly after you start it. And that's with 100% synthetic oil as well.

tenspeed

Ganny

Thanks for feedback - its sounds like its normal to go black before 10,000 miles.

Ganny

Just out of curiosity, why does this happen to turbo cars quicker than non-turbo cars?