How Many Quarts of Oil Does an Audi S5 Take?
An Audi S5 typically takes about 7 to 7.5 quarts of engine oil (around 6.5 to 7.1 liters), depending on the model year and engine variant, but owners should always confirm the exact capacity in the specific vehicle’s owner’s manual or via Audi’s official documentation.
Contents
Why the Exact Oil Capacity Depends on Your S5
The Audi S5 has been produced with different engines and designs over several generations, and each configuration has its own specified oil capacity. While most modern S5 models fall in the 7–7.5 quart range, factors such as engine type (V6 TFSI vs. earlier V8), oil cooler design, and production year can shift the exact volume needed for a proper oil change.
Oil Capacities by Generation and Engine
Understanding which generation and engine you have is the first step to identifying the correct oil capacity for your Audi S5. Below is a breakdown of the main S5 generations sold in North America and Europe and their typical approximate oil capacities for a standard oil and filter change.
B8 / B8.5 Audi S5 (2008–2016)
The B8 and facelifted B8.5 generations feature two very different engines over their production run: an early 4.2‑liter V8 and a later 3.0‑liter supercharged V6. Each has distinct oil requirements and capacities.
The following list details typical oil capacities for common B8/B8.5 S5 engines so owners can compare their vehicle’s specs.
- 2008–2012 S5 Coupe 4.2 FSI V8 (European & early North American models):
Approx. 8.5–9.0 quarts (about 8.0–8.5 liters) of oil with filter. - 2010–2016 S5 Coupe/Cabriolet 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged):
Approx. 7.0–7.5 quarts (about 6.5–7.1 liters) of oil with filter.
These figures illustrate that earlier V8 models use noticeably more oil than the later supercharged V6, making it especially important for owners of older S5s to verify which engine they have before starting an oil change.
B9 / B9.5 Audi S5 (2018–present in most markets)
The B9 generation brought a shift to a 3.0‑liter turbocharged V6 (EA839 family), which is now the standard engine layout for modern S5 models. Capacity numbers are more uniform, but regional differences and specific tech updates can lead to small variations.
The list below outlines typical oil capacities for current and recent S5 models equipped with the 3.0 TFSI turbo V6.
- 2018–2020 Audi S5 (B9) 3.0 TFSI V6 turbo:
Approx. 7.0–7.2 quarts (about 6.6–6.8 liters) of oil with filter. - 2021–present Audi S5 (B9.5 facelift) 3.0 TFSI V6 turbo:
Typically still around 7.0–7.2 quarts (about 6.6–6.8 liters) of oil with filter, depending on market and exact spec.
These capacities make clear that modern S5 turbo V6 engines sit comfortably in the 7‑quart range, which aligns with what most dealers and independent Audi specialists use when performing a standard oil service.
How to Confirm the Oil Capacity for Your Specific Car
While the general capacities above are accurate for most Audi S5 configurations, Audi’s official service information remains the authoritative source. Differences in production date, regional spec, or software/service updates can all influence the recommended fill quantity.
The following steps outline reliable ways to verify the exact oil capacity for your individual S5.
- Check the owner’s manual:
Look under the “Engine oil” or “Capacities” section for your model year and engine code; this usually lists approximate fill amounts with and without filter changes. - Use Audi’s digital resources:
Many regions offer online or app-based manuals and technical data via Audi’s official website, where you can search by VIN. - Call a dealer or trusted Audi specialist:
Provide your VIN; service advisors can pull the exact engine variant and corresponding oil capacity from Audi’s service database. - Use a cautious fill-and-check approach:
Add slightly less than the listed capacity (for example, 6.5 quarts), run the engine briefly, let it sit, then top off in small increments while checking the dipstick or electronic oil level display.
By following these steps, owners can avoid both underfilling and overfilling, ensuring the engine operates with the correct amount of lubricant rather than relying solely on generic estimates.
Oil Type and Specification for the Audi S5
Capacity is only part of the equation: using the correct oil specification is critical for engine longevity, turbocharger health, and emissions-system reliability in the S5’s high-performance engines.
The list below summarizes common oil specs and viscosity grades associated with modern Audi S5 models, giving owners a clear reference when purchasing oil for maintenance.
- VW/Audi oil specification:
Most modern S5 engines (both 3.0 TFSI supercharged and turbocharged) call for oil meeting VW 502 00 or newer, and in some regions VW 504 00, depending on fuel quality and service interval strategy. - Viscosity grades:
Typically SAE 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 full synthetic for many markets; some manuals also approve 5W‑30 meeting the correct VW spec. - Fully synthetic requirement:
A full‑synthetic oil that explicitly lists the required VW spec on the label is strongly recommended, especially for performance use or extended service intervals. - Brand examples:
Audi-branded oil, Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, and others produce oils meeting the relevant VW/Audi approvals.
These guidelines highlight that matching the VW approval on the bottle matters more than the brand name alone, ensuring that the oil’s additive package and performance meet Audi’s engineering requirements.
Why Getting the Oil Amount Right Matters
Filling your Audi S5 with the correct quantity of the right oil is not just a formality; it directly affects engine durability, efficiency, and performance. Both underfilling and overfilling can introduce avoidable mechanical risks.
The following list explains what can happen if oil levels are significantly off the recommended mark and why careful measurement is essential.
- Underfilling the engine:
Too little oil can starve critical components like camshafts, bearings, and turbochargers, increasing wear, raising oil temperatures, and potentially leading to engine damage under hard driving. - Overfilling the engine:
Excess oil can be whipped into foam by the crankshaft, reducing effective lubrication and potentially stressing seals. In turbocharged engines, overfill can increase the chance of oil getting into the intake or exhaust side. - Impact on emissions devices:
Incorrect oil level or wrong oil spec can negatively affect catalytic converters and gasoline particulate filters by increasing oil consumption or contamination. - Monitoring through sensors:
Newer S5 models often use electronic oil level sensors visible via the MMI; ignoring low or high level warnings can allow small issues to snowball into expensive repairs.
These risks make it clear that taking the time to confirm and measure the proper oil quantity is a minor investment compared with the cost of repairs to a high-performance Audi powertrain.
Practical Guidance for DIY Oil Changes on an S5
Enthusiasts who maintain their own S5 often want a practical fill target to work with, while still staying within factory guidelines. A careful, step-by-step approach helps avoid mistakes, especially around the 7–7.5 quart range.
The following list outlines a conservative procedure that DIY owners can use when performing an oil change on most V6-powered S5 models.
- Confirm engine and capacity:
Identify whether you have the 3.0 TFSI supercharged (B8/B8.5) or 3.0 TFSI turbo (B9/B9.5), then check manual or official data for approximate capacity. - Drain completely and change filter:
Warm the engine, remove the drain plug, let oil fully drain, and replace the filter and its O-rings per Audi procedure. - Add slightly under full capacity:
For many V6 S5s, start with around 6.5 quarts, which is just under typical capacity. - Run and re-check:
Start the engine for a minute or two, shut it off, let it sit, then check the dipstick or electronic level reading. - Top off gradually:
Add oil in small increments (for example, 0.2–0.3 quarts) until the level reaches the upper part of the acceptable range, without going above the max mark.
Following this approach keeps the final fill precise and minimizes the likelihood of needing to remove excess oil because of an overfill.
Summary
Most modern Audi S5 models with the 3.0‑liter V6 engine require roughly 7 to 7.5 quarts of oil for a standard oil and filter change, while earlier 4.2‑liter V8 versions can consume closer to 8.5 to 9 quarts. The exact number depends on the model year, engine variant, and regional specification, so the definitive reference is always the owner’s manual or Audi’s official service data for your VIN. Using the correct VW‑approved full‑synthetic oil and carefully filling to the proper level helps protect the S5’s high-performance engine, safeguard its turbocharging system, and maintain reliability over the long term.
