What Engine Oil Do I Need for an Audi A4?

Most modern Audi A4 models require fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW approvals—typically VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 505 01, 507 00 for many diesels—usually in viscosities like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 depending on model year, engine code and climate. To be certain, you must match both the correct viscosity and the exact VW/Audi oil specification listed in your owner’s manual or on the service data sticker.

Why Engine Oil Choice Matters for an Audi A4

The Audi A4 relies on tightly engineered turbocharged engines that run hot, at high pressures, and with long oil‑change intervals. The wrong oil can lead to sludge, premature turbo wear, timing chain tensioner problems, and voided warranty or goodwill repairs. Using oil with the correct Volkswagen Group (VW) approval is more important than the brand name on the bottle.

The Key: VW/Audi Oil Specifications

Audi doesn’t just specify viscosity; it mandates oils that meet internal VW standards, tested for performance in its own engines. These approvals are printed on the back of quality oils and must match what your A4 requires.

Main VW Specifications for Audi A4 Gasoline Engines

The following list outlines the most common VW oil approvals for Audi A4 gasoline engines and when they are typically used.

• VW 502 00 – High-quality synthetic oil for many older and some newer gasoline engines, usually with fixed (shorter) service intervals. Often in 0W‑40, 5W‑40 or 5W‑30.
• VW 504 00 – Long-life, low‑ash oil for modern gasoline engines with extended service intervals and emissions systems protection, often 0W‑30 or 5W‑30.
• VW 508 00 – Latest ultra-low-viscosity spec (typically 0W‑20) for new‑generation Audi/VW gasoline engines designed for maximum fuel economy and low CO₂.

Matching the VW spec is non‑negotiable; if a product’s label does not explicitly say “VW 502 00” or similar, it is not considered approved regardless of marketing language like “suitable for.”

Main VW Specifications for Audi A4 Diesel Engines

Diesel A4 models, particularly in Europe and some other markets, rely on distinct VW specifications to protect high‑pressure fuel systems and diesel particulate filters (DPF).

• VW 505 01 – Older spec for unit‑injector (PD) diesels; usually 5W‑40 fully synthetic.
• VW 507 00 – Modern low‑SAPS (low‑ash) oil for common‑rail diesels with DPFs, designed for extended drain intervals; common viscosities include 5W‑30 and 0W‑30.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00 “combo” oils – Products approved for both modern gasoline and diesel engines, often used across mixed fleets.

Diesel engines with DPFs are particularly sensitive; using non‑low‑SAPS oil can permanently damage the filter and raise operating costs through forced regenerations or early DPF replacement.

Typical Oil Types by Audi A4 Generation

Because the A4 has been produced for decades with many engines, the oil needs vary by generation and market. The following overview covers the main tendencies for recent models; always verify with your specific VIN, engine code, and local documentation.

B6/B7 (Approx. 2001–2008)

These generations include a mix of naturally aspirated and early turbocharged gasoline engines, plus PD and early common‑rail diesels.

• Gasoline (1.8T, 2.0, 3.0, 3.2, etc.): Most commonly require VW 502 00 in 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 synthetic. In cold climates, 0W‑40 is often preferred for improved cold starts.
• Diesel (1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI PD): Often require VW 505 01 (especially PD engines) with 5W‑40. Some later engines with DPF may require VW 507 00 5W‑30.
• Service intervals: Many markets used fixed intervals (~10,000–15,000 km / 1 year); long‑life intervals demanded VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils where offered.

On older A4s, sticking with a quality 5W‑40 that meets the exact VW spec is often better than chasing ultra‑thin modern oils that the engine was never designed to use.

B8 (Approx. 2008–2016)

The B8 generation introduced more efficient TFSI engines and more widespread DPFs in diesels, tightening oil requirements.

• Gasoline (1.8 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 3.0 TFSI): Commonly require VW 502 00 or VW 504 00. Viscosities are often 5W‑30, 5W‑40, or 0W‑30 depending on climate and service regime.
• Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI): Frequently require VW 507 00 low‑SAPS 5W‑30 for DPF protection and long service intervals.
• LongLife service: Cars set to variable/long‑life intervals must use VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oils.

Because many B8 TFSI engines are known for timing chain and carbon issues, staying on top of high‑quality oil and more frequent changes than the maximum interval is often recommended by independent Audi specialists.

B9 (Approx. 2016–Present)

The current B9/B9.5 A4 generation uses highly optimized turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, with stricter emissions and efficiency demands.

• Gasoline (1.4 TFSI, 2.0 TFSI, mild‑hybrids): Many require VW 504 00 or the newer VW 508 00 (0W‑20), depending on engine code and market. 0W‑20 is increasingly common for factory fill.
• Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI, mild‑hybrids): Commonly specified with VW 507 00 low‑SAPS, often in 0W‑30 or 5W‑30.
• Start‑stop and GPF/DPF systems: Require low‑ash, fuel‑efficient oils that protect catalytic converters, gasoline particulate filters (GPF), and DPFs.

For newer B9 models, using the precise VW 508 00 / 509 00 or 504 00 / 507 00 oil grade is crucial; substituting older 502 00 oils may no longer be permitted and can conflict with warranty or recommended fuel‑efficiency standards.

How to Find the Exact Oil for Your Specific Audi A4

Because trim, engine code, and regional differences can change the requirement, there are a few reliable ways to determine exactly which oil your A4 needs.

1. Consult Your Owner’s Manual and Service Booklet

The most authoritative reference for your particular car is the printed/manual documentation supplied by Audi.

• Look in the “Capacities and Specifications” or “Engine Oil” section of the manual.
• Identify the VW approval code required (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, 508 00).
• Note any mention of LongLife service versus fixed interval service, as these can change the required spec.
• Check recommended viscosity grades by climate (e.g., 0W‑30 for cold climates, 5W‑30/5W‑40 for temperate regions).

Once you know the official VW specification from your manual, choosing a compatible oil becomes straightforward: select any major brand that explicitly lists that approval on the label.

2. Check the Sticker or Label in the Car

Many Audi models include physical labels that remind owners of oil requirements and service regimes.

• Inspect the oil filler cap; some caps or nearby stickers mention the spec (e.g., “Use VW 504 00/507 00 approved oil”).
• Look for a service sticker in the engine bay or driver’s door frame that may indicate the type of service regime (LongLife vs. fixed).
• Review the service booklet or invoices for previously used oil types and approvals.

These visual references are especially useful if you lack the original manual, but you should still confirm through official Audi documentation or dealer databases when possible.

3. Use Official Audi/VW Databases or Dealer Advice

When in doubt, cross‑checking with Audi or approved databases ensures you match oil to the precise engine code and model year.

• Call or visit an Audi dealer with your VIN and ask for the recommended oil spec.
• Use reputable online parts catalogs that allow VIN or registration look‑up and show only VW‑approved oils.
• Consult Audi technical bulletins or service campaigns (often through dealers) that may have updated oil guidance for certain engines.

Licensed dealer systems are particularly valuable for edge cases—mid‑year updates, special‑edition engines, or cars that have been updated under recall or service campaigns.

Choosing Viscosity: 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, 5W‑40

Viscosity describes how thick the oil is at cold and operating temperatures. Audi typically approves a range of viscosities for a given spec, and your choice may be influenced by climate, age, and driving style—provided you do not violate the VW approval requirement.

Common Viscosities for Audi A4

The following list summarizes the most frequently used viscosity grades on the A4 and where they are usually applied.

• 0W‑20: Primarily for the newest engines with VW 508 00 approvals, maximizing fuel economy; common in B9‑era gasoline A4s.
• 0W‑30: Often used with VW 504 00 / 507 00 in colder climates, providing excellent cold‑start protection.
• 5W‑30: Widely used in modern A4 gasoline and diesel engines with VW 504 00 / 507 00; a common “all‑rounder” choice.
• 5W‑40: Common in older A4 engines requiring VW 502 00 or 505 01; favored where slightly thicker hot‑viscosity is desired.

Within the viscosities allowed by Audi for your spec, choosing slightly thicker or thinner oil can be tailored to usage (for example, heavier 5W‑40 for a high‑mileage B6 1.8T in a hot climate), but only if it still carries the correct VW approval.

Brand Names vs. Approvals: What Really Matters

Many well‑known brands—Castrol, Mobil 1, Shell, Liqui Moly, Motul, TotalEnergies, Valvoline and others—produce oils that meet Audi/VW approvals. The critical factor is that the approval is listed explicitly.

How to Read the Label Correctly

To avoid confusion caused by vague marketing terms, it’s essential to focus on the official approval line on the back label.

• Look under sections titled “Approvals” or “Meets/Approved by”.
• Confirm it literally states “VW 502 00”, “VW 504 00/507 00”, or “VW 508 00/509 00”, etc.
• Be cautious of phrases like “recommended for use in” or “suitable for VW 502 00” without listing the spec under official approvals.
• Prefer products where VW approval numbers appear alongside other OEM approvals (e.g., MB 229.51, BMW LL‑04) as formal certifications.

If the label is ambiguous, checking the manufacturer’s technical data sheet (TDS) online can confirm whether the oil has been officially tested and certified to the correct VW standard.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Advice

The right oil is only part of the equation; how often you change it can make a major difference to engine longevity, especially on turbocharged A4s.

Recommended Practices

The following points summarize sensible oil‑change strategies for an Audi A4, beyond strict adherence to the service display.

• Do not exceed Audi’s maximum interval, especially on long‑life regimes (often up to 30,000 km / 2 years in some markets).
• Consider shorter intervals (e.g., 10,000–15,000 km or annually) for city driving, frequent short journeys, or older turbocharged engines.
• For high‑mileage A4s, closer intervals can help reduce sludge, varnish, and timing chain wear.
• Always replace the oil filter with a quality unit (OE or reputable brand) at each oil change.
• Monitor oil consumption; many TFSI engines can consume oil, and running low can cause serious damage despite using the correct spec.

Balancing manufacturer guidance with real‑world usage often means erring on the side of slightly more frequent changes, particularly for owners planning to keep their A4 long term.

Quick Reference: What You Likely Need

While exact requirements depend on your specific car, the patterns below offer a rough guide you can use before confirming with your VIN or manual.

Typical Matches by Era (Indicative Only)

This list provides general pairings between common A4 model eras and the oil specs they most often require, which you should verify for your own vehicle.

• Older A4 (B6/B7 gasoline): VW 502 00, commonly 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 full synthetic.
• Older A4 diesels with PD engines: VW 505 01, usually 5W‑40.
• B8 gasoline (TFSI): VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, often 5W‑30 / 5W‑40 / 0W‑30.
• B8 diesels with DPF: VW 507 00, typically 5W‑30.
• Modern B9 gasoline: VW 504 00 or VW 508 00 (most newer engines on 0W‑20).
• Modern B9 diesels: VW 507 00, typically 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 low‑SAPS.

Use these groupings as a starting point only; always cross‑check against your engine code, market specification, and Audi documentation to avoid incorrect assumptions.

Summary

An Audi A4 needs fully synthetic engine oil that carries the exact VW/Audi approval specified for its engine—such as VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, or 508 00—in an appropriate viscosity like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40. The specific combination depends on your model year, engine type, and service regime. To choose correctly, identify the VW code in your owner’s manual or via an Audi dealer using your VIN, then buy a reputable brand that explicitly lists that approval on its label. Sticking to the correct spec and sensible change intervals will protect your A4’s turbo, emissions systems, and long‑term reliability.

What oil does a 2018 Audi A4 use?

Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.

What does Audi recommend for oil?

Oil Viscosity Recommendations
SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines.

What is the best synthetic oil for Audi A4?

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Audi A4
Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Known for its exceptional strength under high pressure, this oil provides superior protection and performance for your Audi A4.

What kind of oil does an Audi A4 take?

The Audi A4 requires full synthetic oil that meets a specific Audi oil specification, such as VW 502 00 or VW 504 00/508 00, and the viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 5W-30, or 0W-20) depends on the engine and model year. Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the exact specifications and recommended oil type for your specific A4. 
Key recommendations

• Full synthetic is required: Audi generally recommends full synthetic oil for optimal performance and longevity. 
• Check the owner’s manual: The most critical step is to check your owner’s manual for the exact oil specifications and viscosity grade for your engine. This will vary by model year and engine type. 
• Verify the Audi oil specification: Look for the oil to meet a specific standard from Audi, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or VW 508 00. 
• Common viscosity grades:
  • 5W-40: A very common recommendation for many older A4 engines. 
  • 5W-30: Another common viscosity that may be suitable for some models. 
  • 0W-20: Often required for newer models, particularly those with a 2.0L engine. 
• Examples of suitable oils:
  • Castrol EDGE 0W-40 
  • Mobil 1 0W-40 Full Synthetic 
  • Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 
  • Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic