How Much Oil a 2.0 Audi A5 Takes: Capacity, Specs, and Practical Advice

A 2.0-liter Audi A5 typically takes about 4.6–5.2 liters (4.9–5.5 US quarts) of engine oil, depending on the exact model year, engine code, and whether you are changing the oil filter. This article explains the typical oil capacities for different 2.0 TFSI/TDI Audi A5 engines, how to verify the correct amount for your specific car, and what type of oil you should use.

Why Oil Capacity Varies on the 2.0 Audi A5

While “2.0 Audi A5” sounds specific, it actually covers a range of engines and generations. Across model years and markets, Audi has sold 2.0-liter gasoline (TFSI) and diesel (TDI) versions of the A5 with slightly different sumps, filters, and emissions hardware. This results in small but important differences in the amount of oil each engine needs.

Key Factors That Affect Oil Capacity

The following points explain the main reasons you may see different oil figures quoted for what appears to be the same engine size.

• Engine generation: First-generation (B8/B8.5, roughly 2007–2016) and second-generation (B9, 2017–present) 2.0 engines use similar but not identical oil capacities.
• Fuel type: 2.0 TFSI (gasoline) and 2.0 TDI (diesel) engines in the A5 have different internals and sumps, which can slightly alter capacity.
• Oil filter change: Capacity figures are higher when the oil filter is replaced, because the new filter housing must be filled with fresh oil.
• Market and emission standards: Engines tuned for U.S., European, or other markets may use different ancillaries and sometimes slightly different capacities.

Understanding these factors explains why one manual may state 4.6 liters while another, for a similar engine, lists just over 5 liters; both can be correct within their specific context.

Typical Oil Capacities for 2.0 Audi A5 Engines

Below is a breakdown of typical oil capacities for commonly encountered 2.0-liter Audi A5 models. Figures are approximate but align with official workshop data and owner manuals. Always confirm against your own documentation for precision.

First-Generation Audi A5 (B8/B8.5, ~2007–2016)

First-generation A5 models with 2.0-liter engines are among the most common on the used market. Their oil capacity is widely documented and consistent across many engine codes.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol (gasoline), most engine codes (e.g., CAEB, CDNB, CPMA):

  • With oil filter change: typically about 4.6–4.8 liters (≈4.9–5.1 US quarts)

  • Without filter change: slightly less, often around 4.3–4.4 liters

• 2.0 TDI diesel (where fitted in A5 markets):

  • With oil filter change: often around 4.3–4.7 liters (≈4.5–5.0 US quarts)

  • Without filter change: typically 0.2–0.3 liters less

• Convertible (Cabriolet) variants:

  • Usually share the same engine oil capacity as the Coupé and Sportback with the same engine code.

For most B8/B8.5 2.0 TFSI owners, planning for just under 5 liters of oil with a filter change is accurate, with final level adjusted via the dipstick or electronic gauge.

Second-Generation Audi A5 (B9, 2017–Present)

The second-generation A5, built on the MLB Evo platform, introduced updated 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI engines with slightly revised lubrication systems and stricter emissions standards.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol (e.g., EA888 Gen 3 engines common in 2017+ A5):

  • With oil filter change: typically around 4.8–5.2 liters (≈5.1–5.5 US quarts)

  • Without filter change: again, roughly 0.2–0.3 liters less

• 2.0 TDI diesel (select markets):

  • With oil filter change: commonly in the 4.5–5.0 liter range

  • Without filter change: slightly less, as with the TFSI.

• Mild-hybrid or special variants:

  • Where mild-hybrid 2.0 TFSI/TDI versions exist, oil capacity is typically very similar, but always check official data by VIN.

With the B9, many owners report filling around 5 liters, then topping up gradually until the dipstick or MMI display indicates the correct level, rather than aiming for an exact number from the outset.

How to Find the Exact Oil Capacity for Your 2.0 Audi A5

Because Audi’s 2.0 engines span multiple generations and configurations, the most reliable figure is always the one tied precisely to your car’s VIN and engine code. The following methods help you confirm that number.

1. Owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists engine oil capacity, often broken down by engine code and whether the filter is changed.
2. Service or workshop manual: Dealership or official service documents provide exact capacities down to tenths of a liter.
3. VIN lookup at a dealership: An Audi dealer can pull your exact engine code and oil specification from the factory database using your VIN.
4. Label under the hood or in the service booklet: In some markets, service booklets or bonnet stickers reference oil spec and, occasionally, capacity.
5. Reputable online databases: Professional workshop databases (e.g., manufacturer-based systems used by independent garages) can be cross-checked, but they should not replace the manual or VIN-specific data.

By combining your VIN or engine code with these reference sources, you avoid relying on generic estimates and ensure you use the exact capacity Audi intended for your car.

Recommended Oil Type and Specifications

Getting the capacity right is only part of the job; using the correct oil specification is equally crucial. Audi defines its own oil standards under the VW/Audi (VW) prefix, which align with extended service intervals and modern emissions controls.

Common Audi/VW Oil Specs for the 2.0 A5

The list below outlines the most frequently specified oil standards for 2.0-liter A5 engines, depending on market and service regime.

• VW 502 00 / 505 00: Common for many 2.0 TFSI engines with fixed (non–LongLife) service intervals.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Low-ash, long-life oils often required for newer TFSI and TDI engines with particulate filters and extended intervals.
• Viscosity grades: Usually 5W-30 or 5W-40, though some newer engines in certain climates may specify 0W-30 or 0W-40 in line with fuel economy and cold-start performance requirements.
• Fully synthetic only: Audi generally requires fully synthetic oils that meet the above VW standards, not just “synthetic blend” oils.

Matching the VW spec listed in your owner’s manual (or on the oil filler cap label) matters more than brand; any major oil brand that clearly meets the specified standard is acceptable.

Practical Tips When Changing Oil on a 2.0 Audi A5

Even when you know the target capacity, the best practice is to approach the fill process carefully. Overfilling can be as harmful as running too low, especially on turbocharged engines.

Step-by-Step Filling Strategy

The following general approach helps you safely reach the correct oil level, regardless of the exact quoted capacity.

1. Drain thoroughly: Warm the engine briefly so the oil flows better, then drain until the flow reduces to a slow drip.
2. Replace the filter: Always install a new, correct-spec oil filter and ensure the old O-ring comes off with the old filter.
3. Add most, but not all, of the capacity: If your manual states 4.8 liters, start by adding around 4.3–4.5 liters.
4. Check the level: Start the engine, let it idle for 30–60 seconds to fill the filter, then shut it off and wait a few minutes. Check the dipstick (or electronic gauge).
5. Top up gradually: Add oil in small increments (100–200 ml at a time), rechecking until the level is at or just below the “max” mark.

This method ensures that any slight variation in how much oil remains trapped inside the engine after draining will not lead to an overfill, while still bringing you to a safe and optimal level.

What Happens If You Overfill or Underfill?

Because turbocharged 2.0-liter engines work hard and run hot, maintaining the correct oil level is critical to long-term reliability and performance.

Risks of Incorrect Oil Levels

The following points summarize the main risks of running your 2.0 Audi A5 with too much or too little engine oil.

• Overfilling: Can cause the crankshaft to whip the oil into foam, reducing lubrication, increasing crankcase pressure, and potentially damaging seals or the catalytic converter due to oil burning.
• Underfilling: Leads to inadequate lubrication, higher oil temperatures, accelerated wear of bearings and turbocharger components, and—in severe cases—engine seizure.
• Slight deviations: Being a few millimeters below max on the dipstick is acceptable; being near or below the minimum line, or noticeably above the maximum, is not.

Regular level checks—especially on older or high-mileage 2.0 TFSI/TDI engines that may consume some oil between services—are a straightforward way to avoid expensive damage.

Summary

A 2.0-liter Audi A5 generally takes around 4.6–5.2 liters (4.9–5.5 US quarts) of engine oil with a filter change, with precise capacity varying by model year, engine code, and whether it is a TFSI (petrol) or TDI (diesel) unit. First-generation (B8/B8.5) 2.0 TFSI engines typically use just under 5 liters, while many second-generation (B9) engines hover around the 5-liter mark. The safest approach is to consult your specific owner’s or service manual, confirm the VW oil spec required (such as 502 00 or 504 00/507 00), start by filling slightly under the published capacity, and then top up gradually to the correct level as indicated on the dipstick or electronic gauge.