Overfilling Oil: Audi & VW System Problems?

Hello, I had my A3 TDI inspected at VW today. When I pulled out the dipstick, I was shocked to see that the oil level was completely maxed out; I estimate there's at least 1-1.5 liters too much oil in the engine.
A similar thing recently happened to a colleague at a different workshop with his Golf IV.

It could look like a system failure: the LLM degrades over time, the catalytic converter fails, and the LLK (likely referring to a coolant heat exchanger) gets contaminated. This is good business for the workshops. The whole thing only costs them an extra liter of oil per service.

Has this happened to anyone else?

Hello, I had my A3 TDI at the VW dealership for an inspection today. When I pulled out the dipstick, I was shocked – the oil was filled to the absolute maximum, I estimate at least 1-1.5 liters too much.
A similar thing recently happened to a colleague at a different workshop with his Golf IV.

It could look like a system where the LLM (Large Language Model) degrades over time, the catalytic converter fails, and the LLK (likely referring to a coolant system component) becomes contaminated. This is good business for workshops. The whole thing only costs them an extra liter of oil per service.

Who else has this happened to?
You're right, that's a really stupid problem. I had the same thing with my Golf IV TDI!
Is there nothing we can do about these things?
Although the oil change interval is only every 30,000 km, I think that's too long, so I'm going to do it myself following the instructions.
Let's see where the oil level is!
because my workshop assured me that only the amount of oil specified in the workshop manual was filled.

Hi bubi.

'In my Golf 4 with 90 horsepower, which was due for an inspection, there was also too much oil in it, just a little bit above the mark... well, maybe it's still within the tolerance range.'

Yes, the same thing happened to me. There was about 1.5 liters too much oil in my Golf 3 TDI AFN!
I immediately went back to the workshop and caused a scene with the customer service department. They said it was within the tolerance range specified by the manufacturer. I told them I wouldn't leave until they provided me with that information in writing, and because they couldn't do that, they ended up draining some oil for me.
I've also heard from other VW drivers that they've experienced the same issue. For me, it's clear that I'll be standing by during every service, and if something isn't right, I'll be furious!
We should actually write a joint letter and send it to either Salzburg or Wolfsburg!

Actually, we should write a joint letter and send it to either Salzburg or Wolfsburg![/quote]



Okay, let's go! I'm in!
No, unlike what was described above, other parts are not likely to break down, especially considering the cost of approximately 20 euros per liter (for 30,000 km intervals).
It's already a nuisance to have 1.5 liters of extra fluid, which either needs to be drained or simply pushed somewhere.

I'm going to my workshop now to ask if they can provide me with something in writing.

Hello.
It happens to me regularly, too.
Whether it was at a VW workshop or, as recently, at ATU.
Upon my pointing this out, the response was: 'It always puts in so much oil.'
that the oil level is at or below the maximum line.
I've already siphoned out 1 liter of gasoline from the gas station twice.

Of course, I can also imagine that an incorrect filling...
is pre-programmed.
Because:
The oil is drained, either warm or at a lower temperature.
There's no more waiting for the last drop.
Then, we add the amount of oil specified in the instructions, and we already have an excess (of old oil).

I don't actually think that's intentional.
But rather, it's a lack of time due to the oil not being completely drained.

Best, Alex.

Hello,

Filling the engine oil in my A3 AHF is a test of patience.
If you add oil, wait 20 seconds, and then check the oil level with the dipstick, you can be sure that 10 minutes later, the oil level will be 3mm higher.
Therefore, after an oil change, I always fill it up to just slightly above the middle mark on the dipstick. After the next drive and a check the following morning, it's usually at the maximum mark.
But, putting 1.5 liters of extra oil in is only possible with the intention of selling as much oil as possible, regardless of the consequences.

Best regards, Rainer.

I would definitely complain to the workshop. After all, it's part of an oil change to properly adjust the oil level afterward. Furthermore, the owner's manual also states that the oil level should never be filled above the 'Max' mark.

Let them complain and vent!

The LMM will appreciate it, and not just the engine (due to higher oil pressure).

'Unfortunately, there's a real issue with this system. The fill amounts never quite work out perfectly. This is because some oil always gets trapped in the pressure lines leading to the loader. Consequently, you sometimes have to add less oil than specified. You don't just add the specified amount all at once; you have to add it slowly, bit by bit. Even then, it can still happen! It takes a while for the oil to settle and accumulate enough to be measured on the dipstick.'

In any case, definitely file a complaint!

I've always been satisfied with the service at the workshop. However, during my last oil change, I didn't have the oil filter replaced (for some reason).
And the next day, I drained about 0.4 liters of oil, and it was still at the maximum level.
Those lazy mechanics definitely didn't drain the oil filter.

At least the LMM is still working. I once had it replaced at a gas station, and then I had 1.5 liters too much inside, and the LMM was broken (the gas station paid for it anyway , but it was still a hassle).
Best regards,

It's your own fault if you had too much oil, Ernst. Which workshop would actually take a filter out to 'empty' it? They just put a new one in, and that's it. You really shouldn't try to save those few euros!

'Even the Skoda group is complaining repeatedly about excessive oil consumption.'

Okay, something different: I've been working on cars for over 10 years, and I've always filled the oil to the amount specified in the owner's manual.

Here's how the oil change is done: Unscrew the drain plug and let the oil drain out. Unscrew the oil filter – I wish the designer a thousand hells. When it's only dripping, screw the plug back in and install a new filter. Clean up. (I wish the designer bombs and grenades). Then, fill in the amount specified in the manual. Check the oil level with the dipstick. Let the engine run for a short time and check for leaks on the oil filter. Turn off the engine and, before closing the hood (which usually takes a few more minutes), check the oil level again. The level should NEVER, EVER, EVER exceed the 'max' mark, regardless of whether it's a VW, Opel, DC, Ford, Volvo, Saab, or anything else.

It is absolutely impossible that there is too much oil in the engine after an oil change. THAT CANNOT BE!!!

Then the workshop either cut corners or acted deliberately.

Anyone who simply fills quantities somewhere without even checking if it's correct is acting negligently or intentionally.
First of all, if he does check it and allows an uncorrected deviation to remain, that's a problem. Even a trained mechanic can't excuse themselves by claiming ignorance!
period. end. done!

'And after the third engine with excessive oil, I, as a mechanic, would start wondering what went wrong with the filling quantity specification, and I would at least correct it within my area of responsibility, and possibly report it to the manufacturer.'

And folks, not even 1.5 liters of oil can go unnoticed in the oil circulation system!
and if it does... see above... checking is necessary... then next time I'll simply fill in a liter less than what's stated in the instructions, and if needed, I'll top it up again during the final check...

And the fact that this keeps happening repeatedly in workshops makes me think. No one is completely oblivious; after five complaints, someone should definitely understand the issue.

CU Gremlin.

1.5 liters are not hidden within the system.

'But I experienced the same thing. The engine was completely empty, down to the last drop (and it was already warm), the oil filter was new, I added the specified amount, and yet there was still 0.3-0.5 liters too much. It didn't matter if I did it myself or if it was the workshop. Only one VW workshop managed to get it right; they even charged less for the oil than the amount specified by VW (was it 4.5 liters?). The invoice then showed 4.2 liters or something like that...'

Based on my experience... and the amounts can definitely be misleading. However, 1.5L is completely wrong... The car was probably parked on a slope when the level was checked... This has happened to me before at a VW workshop. They were almost offended when I said, 'Please put the car on a level surface, then you'll see that there's too much in it.' But I was right .

'With both of my TDI cars, the owner's manual stated that 4.5 liters of oil were needed after an oil change with a filter. However, the maximum level was always reached with only 4.1 liters. 4.5 liters would have clearly been too much. I don't know how VW drains the oil. It's possible they are using a suction method. But even then, they would eventually need to check the level if they are adding too much.'

It's supposed to be drained (at least according to the regulations), and I've seen it being drained, and yet there's still a difference.

Hi!
Last November, I bought my Passat (AFN) from a Nissan dealer. The oil level was 1.5cm above the maximum mark. I immediately changed it, and after about 5,000 km, the oil level hasn't changed, so there's no oil dilution. I have no idea how long the previous owner drove it like that. In any case, it's sloppy: VAG fills too much oil, and (in my case, the Nissan dealer) no one checks it afterwards.

Here's the translation:

'Another technical question: Why does the lambda sensor fail when the oil level is too high?'