What Brand of Oil Does Audi Recommend?

Audi does not officially endorse a single commercial “brand” of oil worldwide; instead, it recommends engine oils that meet specific Audi/VW approval standards (such as VW 504 00, 507 00, 508 00, 509 00). In many markets, these oils are commonly supplied and co-branded with Castrol or other major manufacturers and are often labeled “VW/Audi approved” on the container.

How Audi Defines the “Right” Oil

Rather than naming one universal brand, Audi defines the correct oil by technical approval codes. These approvals ensure that the oil’s viscosity, additive package and performance characteristics meet the exact needs of Audi engines, including their turbocharged, direct-injection and hybrid powertrains. Drivers can then choose a brand whose products are certified to meet those codes.

Why There Is No Single Global Brand

Audi operates in many countries, each with its own lubricant suppliers, regulations and market dynamics. For that reason, Audi provides engineering specifications and approval standards, and then multiple oil companies formulate and submit products that meet those standards. This approach gives Audi consistency in engine protection while allowing flexibility in sourcing.

The Key Audi/VW Oil Specifications

The most important factor in selecting oil for an Audi is matching the specification code printed in your owner’s manual, service book or on the oil filler cap. These codes start with “VW” and are followed by a number, such as VW 504 00 or VW 508 00.

The list below outlines the main VW/Audi oil approvals currently relevant for passenger cars, especially in Europe and North America.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Longlife, low-SAPS (low-ash) synthetic oil typically in viscosity grades such as 5W-30. Used widely in many modern petrol and diesel Audi engines, including those with diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer-generation “ultra low viscosity” oils, often 0W-20, for improved fuel economy and used in the latest Audi engines designed for these specifications.
• VW 502 00: High-performance petrol engine oil for many older or non–Longlife Audi engines (often 5W-40 or 0W-40 fully synthetic).
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Diesel oil standards, mainly for older TDI engines (including some with pump‑duse/PD injectors) where Longlife service is not required.
• VW 511 00 (emerging spec): A newer approval level oriented toward high-efficiency, low-viscosity oils for specific engines (availability and applicability still expanding by model and market).

These approval numbers function as Audi’s “language” for oil, and any bottle you choose should match the exact code specified for your particular engine to avoid warranty problems and ensure proper protection.

Commonly Recommended Brands and Partnerships

While Audi focuses on specifications, not brands, several oil manufacturers build products specifically to meet those VW approvals. Many Audi dealers partner with a preferred brand, which can vary by region.

Castrol and Audi’s Long-Standing Association

In Europe and some other markets, Audi dealerships have historically used Castrol as their primary service-fill oil partner. Service counters often stock oils labeled “Castrol EDGE Professional” or “Castrol EDGE with Fluid TITANIUM Technology” carrying VW 504 00/507 00 or VW 508 00/509 00 approvals.

The following points summarize this relationship and how it appears to customers.

• Dealer-branded bottles: Many Audi dealers sell Castrol oil that may have Audi branding or be clearly labeled as “recommended by Audi” due to longstanding technical cooperation agreements.
• Correct approvals on label: These Castrol products prominently display VW approval codes (e.g., “Approved VW 504 00/507 00”), aligning with factory requirements.
• Consistency across service network: Using a single partner like Castrol within a region helps ensure consistent oil quality across franchised Audi workshops.
• Not exclusive to Castrol: Despite this close relationship, Audi does not forbid the use of other brands, as long as they carry the proper VW approvals.

For many owners, the oil poured at the dealership will be a Castrol product or another region-specific partner oil that meets the correct VW specification, but they remain free to choose alternatives outside the dealer network.

Other Major Brands That Meet Audi/VW Specs

Several global oil brands manufacture products formally approved to VW/Audi standards, providing alternatives for independent workshops and DIY owners.

The list below highlights some of the major brands and typical product lines that commonly carry VW approvals (availability and formulations can vary by country).

• Mobil 1: Lines such as Mobil 1 ESP Formula and Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or 0W-30 often have VW 504 00/507 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly: German-made oils like “Top Tec 4200,” “Top Tec 6200” and “Special Tec” variants are explicitly formulated for VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 standards.
• Shell Helix / Pennzoil (North America): Certain Shell Helix Ultra and Pennzoil Platinum Euro formulas are approved for VW 502 00/505 00 or 504 00/507 00.
• Motul: Motul Specific and Motul 8100 lines include VW-approved oils for both Longlife and fixed-interval services.
• Valvoline, TotalEnergies, Fuchs and others: Each offers at least one VW-approved product for modern Audi engines, typically clearly labeled on the front or back of the bottle.

This broad ecosystem means Audi owners can select from multiple reputable manufacturers, as long as they verify that the oil is officially approved to the exact VW specification required by their engine.

How to Find the Right Oil for Your Specific Audi

Because Audi’s engine families differ significantly—petrol vs. diesel, turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated, mild-hybrid vs. plug-in hybrid—owners should check their model-specific documentation rather than rely on general advice.

Checking Your Owner’s Manual and Vehicle Documents

The most authoritative guidance is always in the owner’s literature supplied with the vehicle. This is where Audi lists both the required specification and acceptable viscosity ranges for your climate and usage pattern.

The following steps describe how to confirm the correct oil for your exact model:

1. Locate the oil specification section: Open your owner’s manual and find the “Engine oil” or “Capacities and specifications” chapter.
2. Identify the VW approval code: Look for text like “Use only engine oil conforming to VW 504 00/507 00” or a similar approval number.
3. Note the viscosity grade: Audi will usually list recommended viscosity grades (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) appropriate for your climate and engine.
4. Confirm emission system compatibility: If your Audi has a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or gasoline particulate filter (GPF), ensure the oil is low-SAPS and explicitly approved for such systems (504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00, for example).
5. Match the bottle to the spec: At purchase, check the back label of the oil container for “VW 504 00/507 00 approved” or the exact code your manual specifies—“meets or exceeds” alone is not the same as official approval.

Following this process ensures that whatever brand you select has been technically validated for your engine’s design, emission systems and service interval strategy.

Fixed vs. Longlife (Flexible) Service Intervals

Audi uses two broad service philosophies: fixed intervals (time/kilometer-based) and variable or “Longlife” intervals controlled by onboard sensors and algorithms. Longlife engines generally require more advanced, officially approved Longlife oils.

The key distinctions are outlined below.

• Fixed interval service: Typically every 10,000–15,000 km (or once a year, depending on region). Often uses VW 502 00 (petrol) or 505 00/505 01 (diesel), though some newer engines still use 504 00/507 00 even on fixed schedules.
• Longlife/flexible service: Intervals can extend to around 30,000 km or two years in markets where Longlife is enabled, requiring high-performance oils such as VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00.
• System configuration by market: Some countries disable Longlife due to fuel quality or climate considerations, meaning all cars operate on fixed schedules despite using Longlife-capable oils.

Choosing an oil that matches the service system configured for your vehicle is essential; using a non-Longlife oil in a Longlife program can accelerate engine wear, while using Longlife oil in a fixed-interval setup is safe but may be economically unnecessary.

Regional Nuances and Warranty Considerations

While the VW approval codes are global, local law and dealer policy shape how strictly they are enforced and what brands are recommended in each market.

North America: API, ILSAC and VW Approvals

In the United States and Canada, oil labels also emphasize API (American Petroleum Institute) and ILSAC standards (such as API SP, ILSAC GF‑6). Audi still prioritizes VW approvals but acknowledges regional norms.

The following points summarize what North American Audi owners should watch for.

• VW spec first: Choose oil that explicitly lists the relevant VW approval (e.g., “VW 502 00,” or “VW 504 00/507 00”), not just “suitable for European cars.”
• Dealer recommendations: Many North American Audi dealers commonly use branded “European formula” oils from Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil or others with the correct VW approval.
• Warranty protection: To avoid disputes, keep receipts showing both the specification and brand used, plus the mileage/date of each change.
• High-performance S and RS models: These may specify higher-performance or specific viscosity oils; always consult the model-specific manual.

By aligning with VW-approved oils that also meet or exceed API/ILSAC standards, North American owners can satisfy both Audi’s technical needs and regional warranty expectations.

Europe and Other Regions

In Europe, the Middle East and many Asian markets, VW approvals are often front and center on the bottle, reflecting the strong presence of the Volkswagen Group and a greater focus on European OEM standards.

The list below captures key regional tendencies.

• Labeling: Oils prominently list ACEA classifications (e.g., ACEA C3) alongside VW approvals, which are widely recognized by workshops.
• Dealer fill: Audi dealers are more likely to use Castrol or a regional partner, often labeled with “Longlife” and VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 approvals.
• Fuel quality and climate: In some regions with harsh climates or variable fuel quality, dealers may favor fixed service intervals despite Longlife-capable oils.
• Independent workshops: Many independent garages stock VW-approved oils from local or European brands such as Liqui Moly, Fuchs, TotalEnergies or Motul.

Owners outside North America often find it easier to source clearly marked VW-approved oils, but verifying the exact approval number remains essential regardless of region or brand.

Practical Advice for Audi Owners

Ultimately, Audi’s own guidance can be summarized as: use oil that meets the official VW approval for your engine, and change it at the intervals and conditions prescribed in your service schedule.

What to Do When Selecting Oil

When you are standing in front of the oil shelf at a retailer or ordering online, a few practical habits can help ensure the correct choice for your Audi.

The steps below outline a simple decision checklist.

1. Check your owner’s manual first: Write down the VW approval code(s) and viscosity range required for your engine.
2. Examine the back of the bottle: Look specifically for “Approved VW 504 00/507 00” (or whatever your code is). Avoid vague phrases like “recommended for” without official approval.
3. Stay with fully synthetic oils: Most modern Audi engines require fully synthetic oil; do not substitute with semi-synthetic or mineral oils.
4. Consider your climate and driving style: Colder climates may benefit from lower “W” grades (e.g., 0W-20, 0W-30); frequent short trips or track use may justify more frequent changes.
5. Keep records: Save receipts and note mileage and date of each oil change, particularly if you service the car yourself.

By following these steps, you can choose any reputable brand—Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly or others—confident that it will protect your engine and comply with Audi’s requirements.

Summary

Audi does not mandate a single global oil brand; instead, it requires engine oils that carry specific VW/Audi approval codes, such as VW 504 00/507 00 or VW 508 00/509 00. In many dealerships, especially in Europe, that oil is often supplied by Castrol, reflecting a long-standing partnership, but owners are free to use any brand—Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, Motul, Valvoline and others—provided the oil is fully synthetic and officially approved to the exact VW specification listed in the owner’s manual. Matching that specification, viscosity and service interval strategy is what Audi truly recommends, and it is the decisive factor in protecting the engine and preserving warranty coverage.

Who makes genuine Audi oil?

Volkswagen/Audi selects Castrol
Volkswagen/Audi have selected Castrol®, a global leader in lubricants, and part of the bp group, as the engine oil distributor for Volkswagen/Audi Genuine Oil to authorized VW and Audi dealers across the US and Canada.

Is Liqui Moly the best oil for Audi?

Mobil 1 0W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: This oil offers excellent all-around protection and meets the stringent requirements set by Audi. Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 Engine Oil: Renowned for its high lubrication reliability and long service life, this oil is a great choice for Audi engines.

Do Audis need special oil?

Both Audi and Volkswagen require full synthetic oil for all models. Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil is engineered to: Withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, flow more efficiently in cold weather, resist oxidation, and provide better lubrication and protection for longer intervals.

Is Mobil 1 ok for Audi?

Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Audi
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.