How Much Oil a 2013 Audi A8 4.0 T Takes

The 2013 Audi A8 with the 4.0T (twin‑turbo V8) engine typically takes about 8.5 liters (approximately 9.0 US quarts) of engine oil with a filter change, using VW‑approved synthetic oil. This capacity can vary slightly depending on production variant and residual oil left in the system, so always confirm with the owner’s manual or a dealer.

Understanding the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T Oil Capacity

The 2013 Audi A8 4.0T—sold in many markets as the A8 4.0T or A8L 4.0T—uses Audi’s 4.0‑liter twin‑turbocharged V8 (engine code variants such as CGWB / CTFA in North America). This high‑output, forced‑induction engine requires a relatively large oil capacity for proper cooling, lubrication, and long‑term durability, especially under higher performance use.

Official Capacity: How Much Oil Is Required?

From Audi service documentation and dealer data for the 4.0T V8 used in the 2013 A8, the typical refill quantity with filter replacement is about 8.5 liters, which rounds to roughly 9.0 US quarts. That figure is for a standard oil and filter change, not for a completely dry system rebuild.

Typical Oil Capacity Figures

The following list outlines the commonly referenced oil capacity values for the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T V8 and how they are usually interpreted by technicians and owners.

• Approx. 8.5 liters (about 9.0 US quarts) with oil filter change – the most frequently cited service fill volume.
• Slight variations can occur depending on:
  

  • How long the old oil is allowed to drain.
  • Whether the engine is warm before draining.
  • Vehicle position (perfectly level vs. on a slight incline or lift).

• Do not rely on an exact “to the milliliter” figure; Audi’s own guidance is to fill slightly under the spec and then check the level via MMI or dipstick (if equipped).

These capacity numbers should be used as a practical guide: you start with most of the specified amount, then fine‑tune based on the actual level reading rather than blindly pouring the full nominal capacity.

The Correct Oil Specification for the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T

Capacity is only part of the story; using the correct oil specification is just as important for engine protection and warranty compliance. The 4.0T V8 demands high‑quality synthetic oil that meets Volkswagen Group’s specific standards.

Required Oil Standards

The following list summarizes the key oil specifications and properties recommended for the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T.

• VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 approval – oils must meet one of these Audi/VW specifications (504 00 is a more modern long‑life spec; 502 00 remains widely used in North America).
• Viscosity – typically:
  

  • SAE 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 in many markets.
  • In some regions, Audi may list 5W‑30 meeting VW 504 00/507 00 for extended drain intervals.

• Fully synthetic formulation – conventional oil is not acceptable for this engine.
• Reputable brands – e.g., Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, or OEM‑branded oil, as long as the VW spec is explicitly printed on the label.

Matching these specifications ensures that the oil can handle the thermal load, turbocharger demands, and extended change intervals Audi calibrates for this engine.

How to Fill the Correct Amount Safely

While the nominal capacity is about 8.5 liters, best practice is to approach that figure gradually and verify the level rather than pouring in the full amount at once. Overfilling can cause foaming, increased crankcase pressure, and potential seal or catalyst issues.

Step‑By‑Step Filling Approach

The following steps outline a cautious way to refill oil in a 2013 Audi A8 4.0T to get close to the correct level without overfilling.

1. Drain the old oil completely:
   

   • Warm the engine briefly so the oil flows more easily.
   • Raise and level the car safely, then remove the drain plug and allow several minutes for full drainage.

2. Replace the oil filter:
   

   • Install a new, correct‑spec oil filter cartridge and new O‑rings as required.
   • Torque the filter housing to the manufacturer’s spec.

3. Add an initial fill of about 8.0 liters (around 8.5 quarts):
   

   • Pour in slightly less than the full 8.5‑liter figure to avoid overshooting.

4. Start the engine and let it idle:
   

   • Run for 30–60 seconds to circulate oil and fill the filter housing.
   • Shut down the engine and wait a few minutes for oil to settle.

5. Check the oil level:
   

   • Use the MMI electronic oil level display or the physical dipstick (if your vehicle has one).
   • Assess whether the level is in the safe operating range, ideally near the upper mark but not above it.

6. Top up carefully:
   

   • Add oil in small increments (100–200 ml at a time) until the level reaches the recommended range.

By working up to the final level instead of assuming a fixed volume, you significantly reduce the risk of overfilling and ensure the 4.0T engine operates within its designed oil range.

Factors That Can Slightly Change the Effective Capacity

Although the quoted capacity is a reliable baseline, real‑world oil volume can differ slightly from car to car and service to service for several reasons. These small differences rarely matter if you verify the level afterward—but they explain why some technicians will say “about 9 quarts” rather than an exact number.

What Can Influence the Actual Amount You Need?

The following points summarize the common reasons the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T might take a bit more or less than the nominal 8.5 liters during an oil change.

• Residual oil left in the system – small amounts can remain in oil passages, the turbocharger feed/return lines, and cooler circuits.
• Drain procedure – shorter drain times or a cold engine typically mean more old oil stays in the engine.
• Vehicle orientation – if the car is slightly nose‑up or nose‑down, more or less oil may drain from the sump.
• Production tolerances – minor variations in oil pan casting and internal components can result in small capacity differences.
• Filter design – using an OEM vs. an aftermarket filter with a slightly different internal volume may marginally affect how much oil is needed to reach the same level.

These variables typically change the real‑world amount by only a few hundred milliliters, reinforcing why topping off to the indicated level is more important than hitting one fixed volume figure.

Checking Oil Level in the 2013 Audi A8 4.0T

Depending on market and configuration, the 2013 A8 4.0T may use an electronic oil level display in the MMI system and, in some versions, also include a traditional dipstick. Knowing how to read these correctly is crucial after an oil change or top‑up.

Using the MMI Display and/or Dipstick

The following steps outline best practices for checking the oil level once you believe you are near the correct capacity.

1. Park on a level surface:
   

   • Accurate oil readings require the car to be flat, not on a slope.

2. Warm the engine to operating temperature:
   

   • Drive briefly, then let the car sit for several minutes so oil returns to the sump.

3. Access the oil level reading:
   

   • In the MMI, navigate to the “Car” or “Service & Check” menu and select “Oil level” (exact naming may vary by software version).
   • If fitted with a dipstick, remove, wipe, reinsert fully, then remove again to read the level.

4. Confirm the level is within the safe range:
   

   • The ideal reading is near the full mark but never above the maximum.

5. Adjust if necessary:
   

   • If low, top up in small amounts and recheck; if overfilled, drain off a small quantity and repeat the measurement.

Following these steps ensures that the indicated oil level accurately reflects the engine’s real condition, allowing the 4.0T to operate within Audi’s designed specifications.

Service Interval and Why Oil Volume Matters

The 4.0T engine in the 2013 A8 is known for strong performance, but like many modern turbocharged V8s, it is sensitive to oil quality and level. The relatively large oil capacity is designed to cope with thermal stress and potentially extended service intervals under certain conditions.

Oil Change Intervals and Protection

The points below outline how service intervals and oil volume interact to protect the 4.0T engine.

• Typical service interval:
  

  • In many regions, Audi specifies roughly 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, when using approved long‑life oil.
  • Enthusiasts often shorten this to 5,000–7,500 miles for added protection, especially in hot climates or heavy city driving.

• Why capacity matters:
  

  • A larger oil volume dilutes combustion byproducts and helps maintain viscosity over time.
  • It improves cooling around critical components like turbochargers and piston crowns.

• Risks of running low on oil:
  

  • Reduced lubrication under high load or boost.
  • Higher oil temperatures and accelerated degradation.
  • In extreme cases, bearing damage or turbocharger failure.

Maintaining the correct oil level within this relatively large capacity is therefore a key part of preserving the long‑term reliability and performance of the 2013 A8 4.0T’s engine.

Summary

The 2013 Audi A8 4.0T’s twin‑turbo V8 requires about 8.5 liters (around 9.0 US quarts) of fully synthetic engine oil with a filter change, using an oil that meets VW 502 00 or 504 00 specifications. In practice, you should pour in slightly less than the nominal capacity, start the engine, let the oil circulate, and then adjust the level using the MMI display or dipstick until it sits safely near the maximum mark. Small variations in actual fill volume are normal and depend on how thoroughly the engine is drained and the vehicle’s specific configuration. Keeping the oil at the correct level with the proper spec oil is essential to protecting the 4.0T’s performance and longevity.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Audi A8 take?

Mobil 1 FS Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.

What kind of oil does a 2014 Audi A8 4.0 T take?

Motor Oil Change Kit – Compatible with 2013-17 Audi A8 – 4.0T – 5w40.

How much oil does a 2013 Audi a8l 4.0 T take?

Engine Oil
Capacity: 8.8 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.

How many quarts of oil does an Audi A8 take?

Capacity: 8.1 quarts (with filter).