i4 DIY Oil Change

docron · 2025-09-21T20:33:03-0500

Ok, so there is no consolidated step by step DIY for the i4 so I did one this weekend. So I thought I would do a DIY guide. It's not hard or technical but maybe this will empower the owner on the fence.

1. Obtain replacement filter, crush washer and filter O-ring. I got mine from my local Parts Manager for as a kit for $104.27 (#8896381034). The crush washer was separate at $4.17 (#8896272188).

2. Obtain 7 qts of oil. My local dealer does all the exotics so Parts Manager said this oil was what they used for their oil changes. 7 bottles was $91.

3. Remove oil cap in engine bay and insert a funnel. The i4 does not have a dipstick so you will have to use the onboard screen widget to assess oil levels.

4. Remove rear diffuser and rear underbody tray.

5. Locate oil drain plug. Be super careful as it is a T40 Torx bit but you have to seat bit in drain plug as far as it can go and go slow! Drain plug seems to be slightly larger than T40 as it wiggles if not completely seated and will slip with torque.

6. Let oil drain. Replace (or reuse) crush washer on drain plug.

7. Reinstall oil drain plug. Torque to 40nM or 32 ft-lbs.

docron · 2025-09-21T20:45:13-0500

8. Locate oil filter. Socket is 1- 1/16". Unscrew filter and let drain, less messy when removing filter assembly. You can see where oil is draining in bottom right of picture for reference.

9. Remove oil filter assembly. Replace oil filter and O-ring. Lube O-ring with some old oil on your finger. Reinstall oil filter assembly.

There is no torque spec in the manual for the oil filter assembly but screw in until fully seated.

10. Pour in 6.5 bottles of oil. Start car and let run for a few minutes. Go to dash menu widget for tire pressures and scroll right to the oil level indicator.

11. Add more oil if indicated.

12. Check underneath for oil leaks on drain plug and oil filter assembly. Turn off car.

13. Reinstall rear underbody tray and rear diffuser.

Hope this helps!