how do you reset the service engine light on a b6? i just got the oil changed, and it still shows SERVICE when i start the car.

put synthetic in, how often are chages required?

 

How often depends on the exact oil used. I'd say 7500km for regular synthetics, 15000km for VW503.01 certified.

You hold the button with the wrench down while turning the key to the on position, and then hit the 0 button to reset before turning the key back to off.

 

15,000 km, really? Even for the fancy 503.01 stuff that's dragging it out an awful lot given the sludging issues the 1.8T engine. Synthetic does not guarantee no sludge - it'll coke eventually just like dyno oil, just not as quick.

The dealer interval is more like 10,000 km which I think is that long to keep the perceived service costs down. I do mine every 5 - 7,000 km. The extra $500 over the lifetime of the car (assuming DIY and shopping around for deals on oil) seems well worth it.

 

I've got a 3.0, so 15000km isn't a problem at all. That said, people on AW has run 10k mi OCI using 503.01 oil on the 1.8T, though I probably would do 7500km changes on 503.01 oil if I had that engine. The interval is 10k mi, or 15,000km at the dealer, at least for '02 cars.

You're very correct that synthetic doesn't prevent sludge, but a good additive package does help remove sludge buildup, which is why 503.01 oil is rated for long OCI.

 

Just because the oil may last up to 15,000km, doesn't mean the filter was meant for that duration.