What Engine Oil Is Best for an Audi S5?

The best engine oil for an Audi S5 is a fully synthetic oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 for some newer models), typically in viscosity grades 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year, engine code, and climate. Owners should prioritize oils that explicitly carry the VW approval printed on the label rather than only “meets or exceeds” statements, and follow the viscosity Audi specifies in the owner’s manual for their exact S5 model.

Understanding the Audi S5 and Its Engine Generations

The Audi S5 has gone through several generations and engine changes since its debut in 2007, and the correct oil spec depends heavily on which version you own. While the broad rule is to use VW-approved fully synthetic oil, details such as viscosity and specific approvals have evolved as engines and emissions systems changed.

Key Audi S5 Generations and Engines

The engine type in your S5 influences oil needs because of differences in turbocharging, supercharging, internal clearances, and emissions hardware.

• 2008–2013 (B8) Coupe – 4.2 FSI V8 (naturally aspirated): Higher displacement, high-revving V8 that typically uses 5W-40 or 5W-30 oils with VW 502 00 approval.
• 2010–2016 (B8/B8.5) – 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6: Forced-induction gasoline V6, sensitive to oil quality for supercharger and timing components; generally runs VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 oils in 5W-30 or 0W-30, depending on market and service regime.
• 2017–present (B9/B9.5) – 3.0 TFSI Turbocharged V6 (EA839): Modern turbo V6 with stricter emissions and tighter tolerances; typically specified for VW 504 00 / 507 00 low-ash long-life oils, usually 0W-30 or 5W-30.
• Diesel S5 variants (mainly Europe – 3.0 TDI V6): Require low-SAPS (low ash) oils with approvals like VW 507 00 designed for diesel particulate filters (DPF).

Identifying your exact model year, engine (V8, 3.0 TFSI, or 3.0 TDI), and region is essential because Audi calibrates each engine family around specific oil behavior, especially for modern turbocharged and emissions-equipped powertrains.

Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications to Look For

Audi does not choose oil brands; it mandates specifications, and those specs are printed on the bottle. Matching these specifications is more important than choosing a particular label or marketing term.

Core VW/Audi Gasoline Oil Specs for the S5

The following specifications are most relevant for gasoline-powered Audi S5 models and are what you should look for on the back of the oil container.

• VW 502 00: The most common approval for high-performance gasoline engines in many B8 S5s. Suitable for fixed (short) and many flexible service intervals in older models. Often paired with 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosities.
• VW 504 00: A more modern long-life spec for gasoline engines, low-SAPS (low ash), often recommended for newer S5 models, especially in Europe. Typically found in 0W-30 or 5W-30 fully synthetic oils.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 (for diesels): While not for gasoline S5s, these are crucial if you have a diesel S5 (mainly in Europe). VW 507 00 is a common long-life low-ash diesel spec.

When choosing oil, always verify that the bottle states “VW 502 00” or “VW 504 00” (or “VW 507 00” for diesel) as an official approval, not just “recommended for” or “meets requirements,” since true approvals indicate the oil has passed VW’s testing regime.

Recommended Viscosity Grades by Model and Climate

While the VW approval is non-negotiable, viscosity (for example 0W-30 vs. 5W-40) can vary by engine generation and typical operating temperatures. Audi’s manual for your VIN is the ultimate authority.

Common Viscosity Recommendations

The following viscosity grades are typically suitable for many S5 models when they match the correct VW specification, but you should confirm them against your owner’s manual or dealer documentation.

• 0W-30: Common in newer B9 S5 models with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals, especially in colder climates where cold-start performance is important.
• 5W-30: A widely used middle ground for many S5 engines, including some B8 and B9 cars, when paired with VW 502 00 or 504 00. Good balance of cold-start flow and high-temperature protection.
• 5W-40: Often recommended or accepted for earlier V8 and some supercharged 3.0 TFSI S5s, especially in warmer climates or for harder driving, as it offers slightly thicker protection at high temp.

These viscosities are broad guidelines; for example, a 2010 S5 3.0 TFSI in a hot region might lean toward a VW 502 00 5W-40 oil, while a 2022 S5 in a colder market might run a VW 504 00 0W-30 oil. Your climate and usage pattern can justify choosing one valid viscosity over another within Audi’s approved range.

Brand Examples That Meet Audi S5 Requirements

Many major oil brands produce products that meet VW’s S5-compatible specs. Instead of focusing on brand loyalty, ensure the oil you buy carries the exact VW approval you need for your engine and service schedule.

Commonly Available Approved Oils

The following examples are widely available options that typically carry the required VW approvals for many S5 models; always double-check the specific product label and data sheet, as formulations change and approvals can differ by region.

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional: Variants like “0W-30 LL,” “5W-30 LL,” or “5W-40” often have VW 502 00 / 504 00 approvals and are frequently recommended by Audi dealers in various markets.
• Mobil 1: Products such as “Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30” or “ESP 5W-30” commonly carry VW 504 00 / 507 00; “Mobil 1 FS 0W-40” or “5W-40” may have VW 502 00 approval in some regions.
• Liqui Moly: Lines like “Top Tec 4200,” “Top Tec 4100,” or “Leichtlauf High Tech” often include VW 502 00 or 504 00 approvals and are popular among European-car specialists.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro: Often carry VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 approvals in Euro-focused formulations, marketed as “Euro L,” “AV-L,” or similar names in North America.
• OEM-labeled oil (Audi/VW Genuine Oil): Sold at dealerships; rebranded from major manufacturers but guaranteed to meet factory specs for your VIN and region.

Choosing from these or similarly approved products lets you focus on price, availability, and service history while maintaining compliance with Audi’s engineering requirements for your S5.

Oil Change Intervals and Driving Style

The type of oil you use and how hard you drive your S5 influence how often you should change the oil. While Audi offers long-life intervals, many enthusiasts and independent mechanics prefer more conservative schedules for performance models.

Service Intervals in Practice

Different S5 owners may follow different oil-change strategies, all of which should still respect the use of approved oil.

• Factory “long-life” intervals: In many regions, Audi allows up to ~15,000 km or ~10,000 miles, or up to 1 year, using VW 504 00 / 507 00 long-life oils, particularly on newer B9 models.
• Enthusiast/shorter intervals: Many owners of B8/B9 S5s, especially those who drive hard or tune their cars, change oil every 5,000–8,000 km (3,000–5,000 miles) for additional peace of mind.
• Severe use conditions: Frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, high-speed driving, or track days justify shorter intervals even with the best oil, as oil degrades faster under these conditions.

Regardless of the schedule you choose, sticking to approved, high-quality synthetic oil and regularly verifying oil level and condition will have a bigger impact on engine longevity than stretching intervals to the theoretical maximum.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific S5

The most reliable way to pick the right oil is to combine official documentation for your car with the approval markings on the oil container. This avoids mistakes that can come from generic advice or parts-store guesses.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

To ensure you are using the correct oil, it helps to follow a simple verification process instead of relying on memory or assumptions about your S5’s engine.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” section where Audi lists the required VW specification (e.g., VW 502 00, VW 504 00) and recommended viscosity grades.
2. Identify your exact model and engine code: The build sticker, service records, or a dealer can confirm whether you have the 4.2 V8, 3.0 TFSI supercharged, 3.0 TFSI turbo, or a 3.0 TDI diesel.
3. Consider your climate and driving style: In colder climates, a 0W-30 or 5W-30 VW-approved oil may be better; in very hot or aggressive driving conditions, a VW 502 00 5W-40 may be preferable if Audi allows it for your engine.
4. Read the oil label carefully: Ensure it explicitly states “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” or “VW 507 00” as required; do not rely solely on generic “for European cars” marketing language.
5. Ask a dealer or specialist when in doubt: Providing your VIN to an Audi dealer or trusted specialist shop will get you the exact spec and viscosity Audi recommends for your S5 and region.

Following these steps turns oil selection from a guess into a documented decision aligned with Audi’s own recommendations and your specific car’s needs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a high-quality synthetic oil is important, but even premium oils can be unsuitable if they don’t match Audi’s requirements. Some frequent errors can compromise engine longevity or warranty coverage.

Typical Pitfalls in Choosing Oil for an S5

Awareness of common missteps helps you avoid costly or subtle damage to your engine and emissions components.

• Using non-approved “generic synthetic” oil: Even reputable full synthetics may lack VW 502/504 approvals; prolonged use can risk varnish, deposits, or timing-chain issues.
• Ignoring low-ash requirements on newer engines: For B9 gasoline and diesel S5s with particulate filters, oils without VW 504 00 / 507 00 can clog emissions systems faster.
• Choosing viscosity based on hearsay only: Jumping to a much thicker or thinner viscosity than Audi recommends, without considering climate or engine design, can affect wear, consumption, and cold start protection.
• Extending service intervals too far: Even the best oil degrades; going far beyond Audi’s maximum intervals, especially with tuned or hard-driven cars, increases risk of sludge and component wear.
• Mixing incompatible oils frequently: Topping up repeatedly with different, non-approved oils may dilute additive packages and alter the intended performance profile of the oil in your engine.

By steering clear of these mistakes and sticking to documented specs and sensible maintenance intervals, you protect both performance and long-term reliability of your S5’s engine and emissions hardware.

Summary

For an Audi S5, the right engine oil is a fully synthetic product that carries the official VW/Audi approval specified in your owner’s manual—most commonly VW 502 00 for earlier models (often in 5W-30 or 5W-40) and VW 504 00 / 507 00 for many newer B9 gasoline and diesel variants (often in 0W-30 or 5W-30). Major brands such as Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, and OEM-labeled Audi/VW oils all offer suitable options, provided the correct approval appears on the label. Matching the VW spec and an Audi-approved viscosity to your specific model year, engine type, and climate, then changing it at sensible intervals, is the best way to ensure your S5’s engine remains strong, clean, and reliable over the long term.

Can I put 5W-30 in my Audi A5?

A5 2.0 TFSI engines may experience higher oil consumption and occasional oil leaks around seals. The Audi A5 2.0 TFSI requires synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting VW 502 00/505 00 standards.

What kind of oil does an Audi S5 take?

Castrol – EDGE 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quarts (Part No. 1598B1)

What is Audi recommended engine oil?

Audi engines require full-synthetic oil, with common types being 5W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-40, though the specific type depends on the model and climate. The correct oil must meet specific Audi/VW specifications, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or LL-01, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification recommended for your vehicle. 
Common Audi oil types

• 5W-30: A common choice that balances fuel efficiency and wear protection, suitable for many engines in moderate climates.
• 0W-40: Excellent for cold climates because it provides better cold-start protection.
• 5W-40: Often recommended for higher-performance models and turbocharged engines, as it offers good protection in warmer climates. 

Why full-synthetic oil is crucial

• Audi engines are designed for the superior performance of synthetic oil. 
• Conventional oil can break down too quickly, leading to poor lubrication, sludge buildup, and potential damage to the engine and turbocharger. 

How to find the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as it lists the exact viscosity and specification required for your engine. 
• Look for Audi/VW specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi or Volkswagen approval number, such as VW 502 00, VW 505.00, or LL-04. 
• Consider your climate: Choose a viscosity grade that is appropriate for your local temperature conditions. 

What kind of oil does a 2018 Audi S5 3.0 T take?

Audi S5 Oil Change Kit – 2018-23 – 3.0T – 0W20 Fully Synthetic Ravenol.