Oil Change Question

[sundowner]

Just had my dealer perform the first service on my 2012 V10 Spyder. They changed the oil and filter but only refilled with 7.2 quarts of oil. I know this because I supplied a case of 12 quarts of Amsoil for this service and there were approximately 4.8 quarts of oil remaining in the case when I picked her up and the dipstick reads full. My manual states that it holds 8.8 quarts with the filter. I assume that some oil always remains in the engine. Can anyone shed some light on whether 7.2 quarts with filter change is within the normal range? Leaving 1.6 quarts of the old oil in the engine seems high to me? Thanks.

[sundowner]

As a follow-up. I just spoke to my dealer's Service Director who explained to me that this is quite normal for the V10. After bringing the oil up to temp they remove the 5 plugs and drain the oil from the bottom. The oil that remains (approx 1.5 quarts) is primarily in the two oil coolers and the oil lines that can not be drained, and whatever is left in the engine itself.

Sounds logical. Can anyone confirm this to be the case? Thanks.

[jeffgrice]

As a follow-up. I just spoke to my dealer's Service Director who explained to me that this is quite normal for the V10. After bringing the oil up to temp they remove the 5 plugs and drain the oil from the bottom. The oil that remains (approx 1.5 quarts) is primarily in the two oil coolers and the oil lines that can not be drained, and whatever is left in the engine itself.

Sounds logical. Can anyone confirm this to be the case? Thanks.

Having cars with oil coolers, yes there will be some. On R8s can the car be tilted to facilitate a better drain of the lines? I did this in one of my cars and got well over a quart out. Jeff

[CALBenzo]

I've only change my oil once (since I have Audi Care), but that sounds about right. However, as I recall, one of the 5 drain plugs is for the oil cooler.

As for tilting the car, the oil cooler is located in the mouth of the blade on the driver side (as I recall again), just forward of the bulk of the engine. Hence, while this technique might work, it might not be practical for most to lift the front higher than the rear since you have to lift the rear in order to change the oil.

[sundowner]

However, as I recall, one of the 5 drain plugs is for the oil cooler.

That's probably the case. The SD was just trying to explain why approx 1.5 quarts could not be drained.

I also have Audi Care but choose, as a matter of personal preference, to supply my dealer with Amsoil European Car Formula 5W40. Our local Audi Area Rep has approved its use in my R8 and my dealer's Shop Foreman swears by it. If I had not supplied my own oil, I would never have known how much oil could not be drained.