Audi A5 2.0 TDI 2012 Onwards VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat 1.6TDi and 2.0TDi Oil Cooler Take-Off Plate FMOC2

Here are the benefits and risks / things to watch out for (“prevention”) when installing an oil cooler take-off plate (like Forge’s FMOC2) on a VAG 1.6 TDI / 2.0 TDI engine (e.g. your Audi A5 2.0 TDI 2012+). 

🔧 What Is the Oil Cooler Take-Off Plate & How It Works

• The take-off plate (e.g. Forge FMOC2) replaces the stock VAG “oil‑to‑water cooler block” that sits on the front of the engine.  
• It provides two M22 ports (take-offs) for fitting external oil cooler lines (AN‑6 to AN‑10) so you can mount a separate, high-capacity oil cooler.  
• This means oil is routed out of the engine, cooled externally, then returned — reducing oil temperature under heavy load.  

✅ Key Benefits

1. Better Oil Temperature Control
   
• With an external cooler, you can maintain more stable oil temperatures. According to Forge, without it, oil temps “can rocket … over 120°C (250°F),” which is dangerously high and can cause oil breakdown.  
• Stabilising oil temperature helps improve engine reliability, especially under heavy load (e.g. towing, performance tuning, or spirited driving).  
2. Improves Engine Longevity / Performance
   
• By avoiding oil overheating, you reduce thermal stress on the oil and engine internals. This is especially useful if you’ve tuned your TDI or push the engine hard.  
• More consistent oil temperature can help preserve oil viscosity, which means better lubrication and protection during high-stress operation.
3. Flexibility / Aftermarket Compatibility
   
• The two M22 ports give you options to use different sizes of lines (AN‑6 to AN‑10), so you can tailor the oil-cooling setup depending on your external cooler capacity.  
• This setup is more modular than the OEM cooler block, giving more room for custom / performance cooling systems

⚠️ Risks / What to Watch Out For (Prevention)

• Installation Quality Matters: Poor installation (incorrect adaptors, wrong hose size, loose fittings) can lead to oil leaks or even cooler failure.
• Compatibility Check: Make sure the plate matches your engine block and OEM part number. Forge’s plate replaces VAG OEM 03L 117 021 C.  
• Coolant Circulation: Although the plate allows coolant to flow, you have to make sure the coolant system is still set up properly. If not done right, you might upset your engine’s cooling balance.  
• Oil Cooler Sizing: Using too small or inefficient external coolers may not provide the benefit you expect; too large or poor airflow could also lead to cooling issues.
• Maintenance: The external cooler, hoses, and fittings will need periodic checks. An overlooked external cooler or corroded AN lines could lead to failure later.
• Cost / Complexity: More parts + labor = more cost. Also, this setup is more complex than the stock system.

💡 Recommendation (for Your 2012 A5 2.0 TDI)

• If you drive aggressively, tow, or tune your engine: this take-off plate + a decent external oil cooler is highly recommended — helps protect the engine under stress.
• If you’re mostly doing normal driving: benefit may be smaller, but still useful for long-term reliability, especially if conditions are hot or you’re pushing the car.
• Use a qualified mechanic who understands VAG TDI engines and AN-line setups to install it properly.
• Pair the plate with a good quality external oil cooler and use the right size hoses / fittings to maximise the benefit.

**This plate replaces the VAG OEM Part No. 03L 117 021 C. It fits ALL of the 2.0TDi and 1.6 TDi engines in the vehicles listed below.

VW: 2010-on Amarok, 2012-on Beetle, 2010-on Caddy, 2012-on CC, 2012-on Crafter, 2011-2016 Eos, 2012-on Golf Cabriolet, 2009-on Golf, 2009-2014 Golf Plus, 2011-on Jetta, 2011-on Passat, 2010-on Polo, 2009-on Scirocco, 2008-on Tiguan, 2011-on Touran, and 2010-on Transporter

Audi: 2011-on A1, 2009-2013 A3, 2008-on A4, 2012-on A5, 2011-on A6, 2012-on Q3, 2009-on Q5, and 2011-on TT

Skoda: 2011-on Fabia, 2009-on Octavia, 2012-on Rapid, 2011-on Roomster, 2008-on Superb, and 2010-on Yeti

Seat: 2011-on Alhambra, 2007-on Altea, 2009-on Exeo, 2009-on Ibiza, 2011-on Leon, and 2013-on Tolde

Audi A5 2.0 TDI 2012 Onwards VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat 1.6TDi and 2.0TDi Oil Cooler Take-Off Plate FMOC2