changing A3 spark plugs

[one lady owner]

Long time reader, first time post.

My question is: I have been trying to service my A3 1.6 petrol 2003 model. I have found everything fairly straight forward apart from how do you change the spark plugs? Once I have removed the plastic cover from the engine I can see the spark plugs. I could change the end ones with little difficulty, but how do I change the middle two? No-one I ask seems to know and with no Haynes Manual available for this model I'm a bit stuck. Do you have to strip the engine down? Or is there a simpler way?

Help appreciated.

:)

[Boardboy]

I've not changed them on my 1.8, but the manual says for a 1.6 engine:
Carefully lever off the caps with a screwdriver, then unscrew the nuts & remove the engine top cover. Similarly remove the second engine cover where fitted. On engine code AVU it will be necessary to remove the lower section of the variable inlet manifold. The fuel rail can remain in postion, but the manifold must be withdrawn from the cylinder head.
I hope this helps.

Regards Boardboy

[one lady owner]

I've not changed them on my 1.8, but the manual says for a 1.6 engine:
Carefully lever off the caps with a screwdriver, then unscrew the nuts & remove the engine top cover. Similarly remove the second engine cover where fitted. On engine code AVU it will be necessary to remove the lower section of the variable inlet manifold. The fuel rail can remain in postion, but the manifold must be withdrawn from the cylinder head.
I hope this helps.

Regards Boardboy

Cheers, I'll have a look. I assume the engine didn't change that much when the new model came out?

[Raspeir]

I'm not sure if mine is the same, however in order to get to the plugs on mine (1.6 2001) you need to remove the inlet manifold in order to get to them..

[one lady owner]

I'm not sure if mine is the same, however in order to get to the plugs on mine (1.6 2001) you need to remove the inlet manifold in order to get to them..

Sounds the same. Are there any O rings or seals on the manifolds? Seems a bit ridiculous to design an engine in this manner. I have spoken to a local AUDI dealership and they admit that they also hate replacing spark plugs. I'm more annoyed that I cant do it, as I like to serice my own cars.