How Much Oil a 2009 Audi A4 2.0 Takes

A 2009 Audi A4 with the 2.0-liter TFSI engine typically takes about 4.6 liters (4.9 US quarts) of engine oil with a filter change. This figure applies to the common 2.0T petrol engine used in North American and many European-market A4s, though owners should always confirm against their specific engine code and owner’s manual.

Understanding the 2009 Audi A4 2.0 Engine

The 2009 Audi A4 2.0 is usually equipped with the 2.0-liter turbocharged TFSI inline-four, part of the EA888 engine family in most markets. Knowing the exact oil capacity is important for correct servicing, ensuring proper lubrication, turbocharger longevity, and preventing issues linked to overfilling or underfilling the crankcase.

Key Oil Capacity Figure

For the widely used 2.0 TFSI engine (such as the CAEB/EA888 Gen 2 found in many 2009 A4 models), the manufacturer-specified capacity is approximately:

The following list details the typical oil capacity figures associated with this engine and minor variations.

• With filter change: ~4.6 liters (about 4.9 US quarts)
• Without filter change: ~4.3–4.4 liters (about 4.5–4.6 US quarts)
• Safe fill practice: Add ~4.3 liters, then top up gradually while checking the dipstick or electronic indicator

These numbers represent standard service-fill quantities; starting slightly low and topping off based on the level reading is the safest way to hit the correct mark for your specific car.

Why the Exact Amount Can Vary

While 4.6 liters (4.9 quarts) is the broadly accepted figure, a few factors can cause small differences in the final amount of oil your engine actually holds after a change. These variations do not usually exceed a few hundred milliliters, but they are worth understanding for accurate maintenance.

Engine Code and Market Differences

The 2009 model year was a period where Audi used closely related 2.0 TFSI engines across different regions, sometimes with slightly different internals or ancillary components. Most 2009 A4 2.0T cars in North America use the EA888-based 2.0 TFSI (e.g., engine code CAEB), while some early B8 A4s or specific markets might have different 2.0T variants.

The following list highlights factors tied to engine variation that may influence capacity within a narrow range.

• Engine code: CAEB and other EA888 variants generally share the ~4.6 L spec, but minor internal design differences can shift actual fill slightly.
• Market-specific equipment: Different oil coolers or emission-control hardware can marginally affect how much oil remains in the system.
• Residual oil: How thoroughly old oil is drained (for example, whether the engine was fully warmed up) impacts how much new oil fits.

Together, these factors explain why two seemingly identical 2009 A4s may differ by a small amount in the oil needed to reach the full mark, even though the official capacity remains the same.

Filter Change vs. No Filter Change

Changing the oil filter alters the total volume of oil required. The filter itself holds a modest amount of oil, but it is enough to matter when you are aiming for precision.

The following list outlines the main differences caused by including an oil filter change during service.

• With filter change: More oil is needed because the new filter starts empty and must be filled as the engine runs and builds pressure.
• Without filter change: The old filter remains partially filled with oil, reducing the amount of new oil needed to reach the same level.
• Practical effect: Expect roughly 0.2–0.3 liters (0.2–0.3 quarts) difference between a service with and without a filter replacement.

This distinction explains why most official capacity figures are quoted “with filter,” reflecting normal service procedure recommended by Audi.

Correct Oil Specification for the 2009 Audi A4 2.0

Knowing how much oil to add is only half of proper maintenance; the grade and certification of the oil matter just as much. The 2.0 TFSI engine is particular about oil quality due to its turbocharger, direct injection, and known sensitivity to sludge and deposits if neglected.

Recommended Oil Type and Standard

Audi specifies oils that meet its own VW/Audi standards rather than only generic API or ACEA categories. For a 2009 Audi A4 2.0T, the typical requirement in most markets is an oil that meets the VW 502 00 (and later equivalent) specification.

The list below outlines the most important oil-spec details for this engine.

• Viscosity: Commonly 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and regional guidance, with 5W-40 often favored for protection under higher loads and temperatures.
• VW spec: Look for VW 502 00 approval (or newer compliant standards as listed in the owner’s manual).
• Fully synthetic: Fully synthetic oil is strongly recommended to cope with turbocharger heat and reduce deposit formation.
• Brand examples: Major brands (e.g., Castrol, Mobil, Liqui Moly, Shell) sell oils explicitly labeled as VW 502 00–approved.

Sticking to the correct specification helps minimize wear, reduce oil consumption problems, and maintain turbocharger reliability over the long term.

How to Refill the Engine Oil Safely

Even with the correct capacity figure, the best practice is to refill gradually rather than pouring in the full amount at once. This minimizes the risk of overfilling, which can cause foaming, increased crankcase pressure, and potential seal or catalytic converter issues.

Step-by-Step Filling Strategy

Approaching the refill methodically allows you to account for small variations between individual engines and how well the old oil drained out.

The following list describes a cautious procedure for refilling the oil in a 2009 Audi A4 2.0T.

1. Warm and drain: Warm the engine briefly, then shut it off and drain the oil completely, including removing the drain plug and letting it drip until nearly stopped.
2. Replace filter: Install the new oil filter and new drain plug washer (if applicable), then reinstall and torque the drain plug to spec.
3. Initial fill: Pour in about 4.3 liters (roughly 4.5 quarts) of new oil.
4. Run and settle: Start the engine, let it idle for 30–60 seconds, then switch it off and wait several minutes to allow the oil level to stabilize.
5. Check level: Use the dipstick or the electronic oil-level display (if fitted) to check the current level.
6. Top up carefully: Add oil in small increments of 100–200 ml, rechecking the level until it sits near the upper mark but not above it.

Following this approach typically results in a final total close to the stated 4.6-liter capacity, without risking an overfill that might need to be drained back out.

How to Confirm the Exact Capacity for Your Car

While the 4.6-liter figure is a widely accepted reference for the 2009 A4 2.0T, the most authoritative information remains the documentation for your individual vehicle and, when available, professional data sources.

Sources to Check for Verification

Owners who want absolute confirmation can cross-check multiple trusted sources to ensure they are working with the correct capacity for their particular A4.

The list below highlights the most reliable ways to verify oil capacity for your specific car.

• Owner’s manual: The factory manual usually lists oil quantity “with filter change” and specifies the correct oil standard.
• Service manual or dealer data: Official Audi service information or dealer databases can provide capacity data based on VIN and engine code.
• Under-hood labels: Some vehicles carry an engine-oil spec sticker in the engine bay, though these often show type rather than capacity.
• Professional parts catalogs: Reputable online parts databases and workshop software (used by garages) frequently list the exact oil capacity by model and engine code.

By comparing these sources, owners can confidently confirm that the ~4.6-liter figure applies correctly to their exact configuration.

Summary

A 2009 Audi A4 equipped with the 2.0-liter TFSI engine generally requires about 4.6 liters (4.9 US quarts) of fully synthetic engine oil when the filter is replaced. Minor variations can occur due to engine code differences, residual old oil, and market-specific configurations, so the safest approach is to start slightly under that figure, then top up while monitoring the dipstick or electronic level indicator. Using VW 502 00–approved synthetic oil in the appropriate viscosity and following careful filling procedures helps protect the turbocharged engine and ensures reliable long-term operation.