How Many Quarts of Oil Does a 2018 Audi S5 Need?

A typical 2018 Audi S5 with the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (EA839) engine takes about 7.6 quarts (roughly 7.2 liters) of oil with a filter change, but owners should always confirm using the exact engine code and owner’s manual before servicing.

Understanding the 2018 Audi S5’s Oil Capacity

The 2018 Audi S5 is powered in most markets by a 3.0-liter TFSI V6, and its relatively large oil capacity is designed to support high-performance driving and long drain intervals. While the general figure is about 7.6 quarts, small variations can exist depending on production details and regional specifications, making official documentation your final reference.

Engine and Oil Specifications

To understand why the oil capacity is what it is, it helps to look at the engine design, factory recommendations, and the type of oil required. These factors together determine how much oil you actually put in during a change.

Engine Type and Typical Oil Capacity

The 2018 Audi S5 uses the 3.0L turbocharged V6 (engine family commonly referenced as EA839 in North America and Europe). This modern, direct-injection engine has an oil system designed for both performance and efficiency, which naturally demands a relatively high oil capacity for temperature control and lubrication stability under load.

Below are the commonly cited capacity numbers for this engine when performing an oil and filter change.

• Approximate oil capacity with filter change: 7.2 liters (about 7.6 US quarts)
• Dry fill (factory/engine rebuild scenario): usually slightly higher than service fill
• Minor variation possible depending on:
  

  • Exact engine code and regional spec
  • How long the oil is allowed to drain
  • Oil cooler and filter housing design tolerances

These figures are consistent with Audi’s high-output V6 architectures, but because oil quantities can shift marginally by market and software calibration, confirming with the owner’s manual or dealer remains important.

Recommended Oil Type and Standards

Getting the quantity right is only part of the equation; the 2018 S5 is sensitive to oil quality and specification, especially as engines age and if driven hard.

The following list outlines the key oil requirements Audi specifies for this model year and engine.

• Viscosity: Commonly 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40 depending on climate and regional guidance
• Audi/VW specification:
  

  • VW 502 00 is the widely accepted spec for this engine in North America and many other markets
  • Some long-life service regimes outside North America may reference VW 504 00 (low-SAPS, extended drain) – follow your local Audi guidance

• Oil type: Full synthetic only
• Quality brands: Major synthetics (e.g., Castrol Edge, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul) that explicitly list VW 502 00 or the required VW spec on the label

Using oil that meets or exceeds the Audi/VW specification is critical for maintaining warranty compliance (where applicable), turbocharger health, and timing component longevity.

How to Safely Fill the Correct Amount

Even when you know the target capacity, you should not simply pour in 7.6 quarts and walk away. Variability in drainage, old oil residue, and vehicle inclination means the final level should always be checked and adjusted.

Step-by-Step Approach to Filling

The process for getting the right amount of oil in a 2018 Audi S5 is best treated as “fill most, then verify,” rather than aiming for an exact number all at once.

The steps below outline a cautious and accurate approach.

1. Warm the engine fully, then shut it off and allow a few minutes for oil to drain to the pan.
2. Drain the old oil completely, removing the drain plug and oil filter and allowing sufficient time for all residual oil to escape.
3. Install a new, correct-spec oil filter and a new drain plug washer (or plug, if required).
4. Add about 6.5–7.0 quarts of fresh oil initially, not the full 7.6 quarts.
5. Start the engine, let it run briefly (30–60 seconds), then shut it off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
6. Check the oil level via the MMI/electronic dipstick system or physical dipstick, depending on equipment.
7. Top up in small increments (about 0.2–0.3 quarts at a time) until the level is near but not above the “max” mark.

This method respects the nominal capacity but allows for real-world differences, ensuring you do not overfill—a scenario that can cause foaming, crankcase pressure issues, and catalytic converter contamination.

Electronic vs. Physical Oil Level Checks

Many 2018 Audi models rely heavily on electronic sensors displayed through the infotainment screen, while some markets and trims may retain a physical dipstick. Whichever system your S5 has, the goal is the same: verify the level after the car has been on level ground and the oil has had time to drain back to the sump.

The following points summarize best practices for checking the level accurately.

• Park on level ground and wait a few minutes after shutting off the engine.
• Use the MMI oil-level display if a physical dipstick is not present, following on-screen prompts.
• If you have a dipstick:
  

  • Wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then withdraw to read
  • Keep the final level between the “min” and “max,” aiming slightly below “max” for safety

• Re-check the level after a short drive, as oil may further distribute through galleries and the filter.

These checks ensure the theoretical capacity translates into a correct, real-world fill level that protects the engine without excess.

Why Capacity Matters for the 2018 Audi S5

The S5’s oil capacity is not arbitrary; it’s part of a broader engineering strategy to manage heat, friction, and contaminants in a high-specific-output turbocharged engine. Running with too little or too much oil can have consequences that become more serious over time.

Risks of Underfilling or Overfilling

Maintaining the correct oil quantity protects critical components like the turbocharger, timing chains, and valvetrain. Both underfilling and overfilling can accelerate wear or cause outright damage.

The impacts can be summarized as follows.

• Underfilling (too little oil):
  

  • Reduced lubrication under high load or high RPM
  • Higher oil temperatures and potential oxidation
  • Increased wear on bearings, turbocharger, and timing chains
  • Potential for oil starvation in aggressive cornering or hard braking

• Overfilling (too much oil):
  

  • Oil foaming from crankshaft contact, reducing effective lubrication
  • Increased crankcase pressure and possible seal/gasket stress
  • Greater risk of oil entering the intake or exhaust path (catalyst and O2 sensor contamination)
  • Possible check engine lights tied to crankcase ventilation and emissions systems

Keeping the S5’s oil level within the recommended range—guided by the approximate 7.6-quart capacity but verified by measurement—is a key part of long-term reliability.

Service Intervals and Practical Advice

Beyond the raw capacity figure, how and when you change the oil on a 2018 S5 affects engine health, resale value, and driving enjoyment. While Audi provides official intervals, many owners adapt them to their driving style and conditions.

Recommended Change Intervals

Official service schedules often lean toward longer intervals, but high-performance turbocharged engines benefit from more conservative maintenance, especially once out of warranty.

The main considerations for interval planning are outlined below.

• Factory guidance (varies by market):
  

  • Typically around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months under normal conditions
  • Flexible/long-life servicing may be used in some regions, guided by service indicators

• Enthusiast/precautionary approach:
  

  • Often 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), particularly for:
    

    • Frequent short trips
    • Hot climates
    • Hard or spirited driving

  • Use of high-quality synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or the specified standard

• Monitoring:
  

  • Watch for increased consumption as the engine ages
  • Top up as necessary, never waiting for a warning light if possible

Following a thoughtful interval strategy based on your usage pattern protects the investment in a complex and capable driveline like the S5’s.

Summary

For a 2018 Audi S5 equipped with the standard 3.0L turbocharged V6, you should plan on about 7.6 US quarts (around 7.2 liters) of full-synthetic oil when performing an oil and filter change. The oil must meet the appropriate Audi/VW specifications—commonly VW 502 00—and should be filled in stages, with the final level confirmed via the MMI system or dipstick rather than relying on a fixed volume alone. While factory change intervals can extend to around 10,000 miles in many regions, many owners opt for shorter intervals to better protect this high-performance engine. Always confirm exact capacities and specifications in the owner’s manual or with an Audi dealer for your specific vehicle and market.

How much oil does a Audi S5 V8 take?

The oil capacity for an Audi S5 with a 4.2L V8 engine is approximately 9.3 quarts (8.8 liters) with a filter change. It is important to use an oil that meets the specific Audi/VW oil quality standards and to add oil gradually, checking the level through the instrument cluster until it reaches the desired level after refilling.
 

• Engine oil capacity: 9.3 quarts (8.8 liters) 
• What to do:
  • Use an oil that meets Audi/VW quality standards. 
  • Add the oil gradually, checking the level via the instrument cluster after each addition to avoid overfilling. 
  • Check the level when the engine is warm, as the reading can be more accurate then. 

How many quarts of oil does a 6.2 L engine take?

A 6.2L engine typically takes 8 quarts of oil, although some Ford models require 7 quarts and the exact amount can vary by vehicle. It is best to confirm the specific capacity and oil viscosity needed for your vehicle’s year, make, and model in the owner’s manual or on the oil fill cap. 

• For most GM 6.2L engines (like in Chevrolet Silverado/Tahoe): Use 8 quarts of oil. 
• For Ford 6.2L engines (like in a Ford F-250): The capacity is often 7 quarts. 
• Always check: The definitive source is your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the oil fill cap, as capacity can vary between models and even years. 

What kind of oil does a 2018 Audi S5 3.0 T take?

Audi S5 Oil Change Kit – 2018-23 – 3.0T – 0W20 Fully Synthetic Ravenol.

How much oil does a 2018 Audi S5 take?

The 2018 Audi S5 requires 7.7 quarts (approximately 7.37.37.3 liters) of oil with a filter change. It is essential to use a full synthetic oil that meets the Audi/Volkswagen 508 00 quality specification and has a 0W-20 viscosity for all temperatures. 
Oil specifications

• Capacity: 7.7 quarts (with filter)
• Viscosity: 0W-20 (all temps)
• Specification: Audi/Volkswagen 508 00
• Type: Full synthetic 

Important notes

• Always check the oil level in the instrument cluster after refilling to ensure it is between the correct marks.
• If you can’t find an oil that meets the Audi/VW specification, use a suitable viscosity for your climate, but ensure it still meets the quality standards if possible.
• It is recommended to replace the oil drain plug seal with each oil change.