The 981 oil change is a beginner-friendly job. The engine takes about 7.5 L of Porsche A40-approved oil (factory fill 0W-40) with a new filter element. Always confirm specs against your owner's manual.
What you need
- ~8 L of A40-approved oil (e.g. Mobil 1 0W-40)
- Oil filter element kit (includes the cap O-ring)
- New aluminium drain-plug crush ring
- T50 Torx for the drain plug, the correct oil-filter cap socket, a torque wrench
- ~10 L drain pan, jack and stands or ramps
Procedure
1. Warm the engine briefly so the oil flows, then shut off. Raise and secure the rear of the car safely.
2. Remove the rear underbody panel to access the drain plug and filter.
3. Position the pan and remove the T50 drain plug. Let it drain fully.
4. Remove the oil filter cap, swap in the new element, fit the new cap O-ring lightly oiled.
5. Refit the filter cap to 25 Nm and the drain plug — with a new crush ring — to 50 Nm.
6. Refit the underbody panel, lower the car, and add oil. Start at ~7 L, then top up to the correct level using the electronic gauge or dipstick. Do not overfill.
7. Run the engine, check for leaks, recheck the level, and reset the maintenance reminder.
Notes
- Factory interval is 1 year / 10,000 mi; many owners do 5,000–7,500 mi.
- Dispose of used oil and the filter responsibly at a recycling center.
Torque values are from owner-DIY references; verify against the workshop manual.
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