What Engine Oil Does Audi Recommend?

Audi generally recommends fully synthetic engine oils that meet specific VW/Audi standards, such as VW 504 00 / 507 00 for most modern petrol and diesel engines, typically in viscosities like 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30. The precise oil depends on model, engine code, market, and service regime, so Audi instructs owners to follow the oil specification in the owner’s manual or on the oil-cap/engine-bay label, and to use oils carrying the relevant VW approval rather than relying only on viscosity.

How Audi Specifies Engine Oil

Audi does not recommend oil solely by brand name and viscosity grade (such as “5W-30”) but by internal specifications developed by the Volkswagen Group. These specifications—identified by codes like VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00—define performance, wear protection, and compatibility with emissions systems. The brand can vary, but the oil must comply with the required VW standard for that specific engine.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The following list outlines the main VW oil standards commonly used in Audi vehicles and the type of engines or service regimes they target.

• VW 504 00: Long-life, low-ash synthetic oil for modern petrol engines, compatible with extended service intervals in many markets. Often used with 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.
• VW 507 00: Long-life, low-ash synthetic oil for modern diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF), also suitable for extended service intervals. Typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
• VW 508 00: Newer low-viscosity synthetic oil for specific latest-generation petrol engines, often 0W-20, to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.
• VW 509 00: Partner specification to 508 00, for some of the latest diesel engines that are designed for very low-viscosity 0W-20 oil.
• VW 502 00: High-performance synthetic or semi-synthetic oil for many older or high-output petrol engines without long-life intervals (fixed interval services, typically 10,000–15,000 km or 1 year, depending on market).
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel specifications, including for some pump–duse (unit injector) engines; generally used in earlier-generation Audi diesels no longer in production.

Together, these standards allow Audi to match oil performance to engine design and service strategy, ensuring adequate protection while meeting emissions and efficiency targets.

Recommended Oils for Modern Audi Models

Most current Audi models sold in Europe and many other regions are designed around low-ash, fully synthetic oils that support long service intervals and protect modern emissions-control systems. However, specifics vary by engine and year.

Typical Specifications by Engine Type

The following list summarizes the most common pairings between engine types and Audi/VW oil specs, recognizing that regional variations and particular engines may differ.

• Recent petrol engines (TFSI, mild-hybrid, many plug-in hybrids): Commonly VW 504 00 (often 0W-30 or 5W-30) or, in the latest downsized engines, VW 508 00 (0W-20).
• Recent diesel engines (TDI) with DPF: Commonly VW 507 00 (usually 5W-30 or 0W-30), and in some of the newest engines, VW 509 00 (0W-20).
• High-performance RS petrol engines (e.g., RS 3, RS 6, RS Q8): Typically VW 504 00 or VW 502 00, depending on model year and region, often in 5W-30 or 5W-40—owner’s manual is crucial here.
• Older naturally aspirated petrol engines (pre–mid-2000s, some early FSI): Often VW 502 00 approved oils, usually 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic, with fixed service intervals.
• Older diesel engines without DPF or early DPF systems: VW 505 00, 505 01, or 507 00, depending on model year and DPF fitment.

Because Audi continuously updates engine hardware and emissions controls, the most accurate reference is always the latest version of the owner’s manual or a dealer’s technical system for the specific VIN.

Viscosity Grades: 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and Beyond

Beyond the VW standard, oils must have the correct viscosity for climate and engine design. Audi has increasingly moved toward lower-viscosity oils to reduce internal friction and improve efficiency.

Common Audi Viscosities and Their Use

The list below explains the main viscosity grades you will see recommended for modern Audi vehicles and when they are typically used.

• 0W-20: Used primarily with VW 508 00 / 509 00 in the latest-generation engines. Offers excellent cold-start performance and low friction for fuel economy, but only suitable where explicitly approved by Audi.
• 0W-30: Often paired with VW 504 00 / 507 00 in colder climates. Good cold-weather performance with long-life capabilities.
• 5W-30: Still the most common overall recommendation for many modern Audi petrol and diesel engines under VW 504 00 / 507 00, balancing cold-start performance and high-temperature protection.
• 5W-40: Sometimes recommended or allowed as an alternative for certain high-performance or older engines approved under VW 502 00, particularly in hotter climates or when engines have higher mileage.
• 10W-40 or higher: Rarely recommended for modern Audi engines and typically only for older vehicles without long-life service regimes and without sensitive emissions equipment.

While viscosity is important, Audi stresses that the oil must first meet the correct VW specification; only then should the owner fine-tune viscosity for climate within the approved range.

Genuine Audi Oil vs. Aftermarket Brands

Audi markets its own “Genuine” branded oils, but it does not require owners to use that brand specifically—only that the oil meets or exceeds the required VW standard.

Using Non-Audi-Branded Oils

Many major oil companies produce products carrying explicit VW approvals. The following examples illustrate the types of oils often used in Audi vehicles, though availability varies by region and product lines change frequently.

• Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Total, Liqui Moly, Motul, Pennzoil, Valvoline: These and other major brands offer fully synthetic oils labeled with “VW 504 00/507 00,” “VW 508 00/509 00,” or “VW 502 00,” etc., and often appear on Audi dealer shelves as partner products.
• Label wording: Look for back-label text such as “Meets or exceeds VW 504 00/507 00” or “Approved by Volkswagen according to VW 508 00”; genuine approvals usually list the specific spec number clearly.
• API/ACEA ratings: While API (e.g., SP, SN) and ACEA (e.g., C3, C5) classifications provide additional performance context, Audi prioritizes the explicit VW approval.
• Warranty considerations: In most regions, using any oil that meets the correct VW spec and is changed according to Audi’s schedule maintains warranty coverage; using out-of-spec oil may risk denial of engine-related claims.

For owners, this means they can choose from multiple reputable brands as long as the product carries the precise VW specification required for their car and engine.

Long-Life vs. Fixed Service Intervals

A key reason Audi specifies different oils is the distinction between variable (long-life) and fixed service intervals. Some markets and models run flexible oil-change intervals based on driving conditions, while others use a fixed mileage/time schedule.

How Service Regime Affects Oil Choice

The following list outlines the main differences between these service strategies and how they relate to oil recommendations.

• Long-life (flexible) intervals: Typically up to about 30,000 km or 2 years (varies by market and driving style). Require long-life, low-ash oils such as VW 504 00 (petrol) and 507 00 (diesel). The onboard computer monitors driving conditions and determines the next service date.
• Fixed intervals: Typically around 10,000–15,000 km or 1 year. May allow or require slightly different oils—e.g., VW 502 00 for some petrol engines—since the oil is changed more frequently and may not need the same long-life characteristics.
• Market variations: In North America, Audi often uses a more standardized fixed interval and may specify oils by a combination of VW approvals and SAE viscosity, coordinated with local fuel and emissions requirements.
• Driving profile impact: Frequent short trips, cold starts, towing, or performance driving can shorten effective oil life even with long-life oil, making more frequent changes prudent.

Understanding whether a particular Audi is configured for long-life or fixed servicing is essential, as the wrong oil can either shorten engine life or prevent the service system from functioning as intended.

How to Find the Correct Oil for a Specific Audi

Because engines, software, and regional regulations vary, there is no single “one-size-fits-all” oil for every Audi. Instead, owners are expected to check documentation tied to their vehicle’s VIN and engine code.

Practical Steps for Owners

The steps below outline how an Audi owner can accurately identify the recommended oil for their individual vehicle.

• Check the owner’s manual: The lubrication section will list the required VW specification (e.g., 504 00/507 00) and acceptable viscosities for different climates.
• Inspect the engine-bay sticker or oil cap: Many modern Audis have a label near the filler cap specifying something like “Use only VW 504 00/507 00” or “Use only VW 508 00 0W-20.”
• Use Audi’s official service information: Dealers and authorized repairers can query the central system by VIN to confirm the latest official recommendation and any technical bulletins that may have updated the spec.
• Consult reputable online catalogs: Major oil manufacturers offer “oil finder” tools where you enter your model, year, and engine to see matching products with correct VW approval numbers.
• Consider climate and usage: Within the approved spec, choose a viscosity mapped to your climate (e.g., 0W-30 for very cold conditions) and consider more frequent changes for severe use.

Following these steps helps ensure the oil not only fits Audi’s engineering requirements but also aligns with the vehicle’s age, mileage, and the owner’s driving conditions.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Oil?

Using an oil that does not meet Audi’s specified VW standard can have long-term consequences, some of which may not become apparent until significant wear or component failure has occurred.

Risks of Non-Approved or Incorrect Oil

The points below summarize the main risks associated with using oil that lacks the proper VW approval or significantly deviates from the recommended viscosity.

• Accelerated engine wear: Inadequate film strength, poor high-temperature stability, or suboptimal detergent packages can lead to increased wear on bearings, camshafts, and turbochargers.
• Sludge and deposits: Oils not formulated for long-life intervals or direct-injection engines may form sludge or carbon deposits, affecting timing-chain operation, variable valve timing, and oil passages.
• DPF and catalytic converter damage: Oils with inappropriate ash, sulfur, or phosphorus content can poison emissions systems, leading to clogged DPFs or degraded catalytic converters.
• Poor cold starts and fuel economy: Incorrect viscosity may hinder oil flow during cold starts or increase drag at operating temperature, raising fuel consumption.
• Potential warranty issues: If an engine failure investigation shows out-of-spec oil was used, Audi may decline warranty coverage for related repairs.

These risks underline why Audi emphasizes compliance with its specific oil approvals rather than generic claims of “synthetic” or “high performance” on oil packaging.

Summary

Audi recommends fully synthetic engine oils that comply with its in-house VW standards—most notably VW 504 00 and 507 00 for many modern petrol and diesel engines, and newer 508 00 / 509 00 for certain 0W-20 applications. While viscosities like 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 are common, the decisive factor is that the oil explicitly meets the required VW specification for the specific model, engine, and service regime. Owners should verify this in the owner’s manual, on the engine-bay label, or via an Audi dealer, and may choose among multiple reputable oil brands as long as the correct VW approval is listed. Using the proper oil protects performance, emissions systems, and long-term engine durability, and helps preserve warranty coverage.

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.