Audi Recommended Engine Oil: What Drivers Need to Know

Audi does not recommend one single brand of engine oil; instead, it specifies oils that meet particular Audi/VW approval standards such as VW 504 00/507 00, VW 508 00/509 00, or other VW 5xx.xx specifications depending on engine type, model year, and region. In practice, this means using high‑quality, fully synthetic oil—often in viscosities like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40—that explicitly states the correct VW approval on the label.

How Audi Defines “Recommended” Oil

When Audi talks about recommended oil, it is referring to oil that has been tested and officially approved to meet Volkswagen Group (VW) standards, not just generic “synthetic” oil. These approvals cover wear protection, sludge control, fuel economy, and compatibility with modern emissions and turbocharging systems.

The Role of VW Oil Specifications

Instead of a single universal oil, Audi relies on VW specification numbers printed on the oil container. These codes indicate that the product has passed VW’s testing and is safe for a given engine type and service interval.

The following list outlines the most common VW oil specifications that apply to modern Audi vehicles and what they generally mean.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Long‑life, low‑SAPs (low ash) oil for many modern gasoline and diesel engines with particulate filters; typically 5W‑30.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer ultra‑low‑viscosity oils (often 0W‑20) used in the latest high‑efficiency Audi engines, designed to improve fuel economy while protecting against wear.
• VW 502 00: High‑performance gasoline engine oil spec commonly used in many older or performance‑oriented Audi engines; often 0W‑40 or 5W‑40.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel engine specifications, including those for certain diesel engines with unit injectors.
• VW 511 00: A newer spec appearing on some European-market oils, focused on modern low‑emission requirements; not yet as widely used globally as 504/507 or 508/509.

Together, these specifications form the backbone of Audi’s oil recommendations, ensuring that the right fluid is used for the right engine and emissions system.

Typical Oil Types for Current Audi Models

While the exact requirement depends on model, year, and engine code, patterns have emerged in Audi’s recent line‑up. Most models today run on fully synthetic, low‑ash oils designed for long service intervals and compatibility with turbochargers and after‑treatment devices.

Common Viscosities and Approvals

Viscosity (e.g., 0W‑20, 5W‑30) describes how thick the oil is at cold start and at operating temperature. Audi chooses viscosities that balance cold‑weather starting, engine protection, and fuel efficiency.

The following list summarizes the most common pairings of viscosity and VW specification seen in late‑model Audi vehicles worldwide.

• 0W‑20 (VW 508 00 / 509 00): Increasingly standard on new Audi gasoline and some mild‑hybrid engines, especially in North America and Europe, for maximum fuel economy and CO₂ reduction.
• 5W‑30 (VW 504 00 / 507 00): Widely used across many Audi gasoline and diesel engines from roughly the mid‑2000s to late‑2010s and still common in current diesels with particulate filters.
• 0W‑30 (VW 504 00 / 507 00 or region‑specific specs): Used in some European-market models where manufacturers prioritize efficiency and cold‑weather operation.
• 5W‑40 (VW 502 00 / 505 00): Typically seen in older performance engines, some S and RS models from previous generations, and in markets with hotter climates where a slightly thicker oil is preferred.

Matching both the viscosity and the VW approval number to your owner’s manual—or to the label under the hood—remains the most reliable way to choose the correct Audi engine oil.

Factory-Fill vs. Aftermarket Oils

Audi’s factory‑fill oil is typically a high‑quality synthetic supplied by major oil companies under private labeling, but the company does not insist owners buy that exact brand after delivery. Instead, any oil that clearly states the correct VW approval is acceptable.

Brand Examples That Commonly Meet Audi Specs

Several global oil brands produce products that meet VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 approvals. The important factor is the approval number, not the logo on the bottle.

The following list provides examples of well‑known brands that offer oils meeting Audi/VW requirements (availability varies by country and model year; always verify the exact spec on the label).

• Castrol: LongLife or Edge lines with VW 504 00/507 00 (often 5W‑30) and newer 0W‑20 products with VW 508 00/509 00 approvals.
• Mobil: Mobil 1 ESP and related variants carrying VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 approvals, depending on formulation.
• Shell: Shell Helix Ultra and Shell Helix Professional products tailored for VW group vehicles that list VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00.
• Liqui Moly: Special Tec and Top Tec lines marketed specifically for European cars, including VW 504 00/507 00 and some 508 00/509 00 offerings.
• TotalEnergies / ELF: Quartz series oils that carry official VW 504 00/507 00 approvals, widely used in Europe.

Because formulas and approvals change over time, drivers should double‑check the current label and not assume an older bottle still matches the latest Audi recommendation.

How to Find the Exact Oil for Your Audi

The definitive answer for your specific Audi is always in the owner’s manual, the maintenance booklet, or the official service information for your VIN. Those sources detail the exact VW specification and often one or more acceptable viscosities.

Key Places to Check

Finding the right oil involves cross‑checking several official resources and vehicle labels rather than relying solely on generic “Audi‑approved” claims.

The following list outlines where owners can reliably confirm the recommended engine oil for their exact vehicle.

1. Owner’s manual: Lists primary and alternative VW specifications and viscosities appropriate for your engine and climate.
2. Oil filler cap and under‑hood labels: Some models display the required spec (e.g., “Use only VW 504 00/507 00”) near the engine bay.
3. Dealer or official Audi service center: Can look up oil requirements based on VIN, model year, and engine code, including any technical updates.
4. Online parts catalogs and official service portals: Many Audi and VW sites allow VIN entry to return the correct oil specification and part numbers.
5. Reputable oil manufacturer websites: Most major brands host “oil selector” tools that match products to your Audi once you enter year, model, and engine; use these only if they explicitly list the correct VW approval.

Using these sources together minimizes the risk of choosing an oil that might be the right viscosity but lacks the necessary approval for your engine’s hardware and service interval.

Why Audi’s Oil Recommendations Matter

Modern Audi engines use turbocharging, direct injection, variable valve timing, and complex emissions systems. The wrong oil can accelerate wear, clog particulate filters, or cause timing and deposit problems long before the engine’s expected life span.

Consequences of Ignoring the Specification

While some drivers are tempted to use any synthetic oil of the “right weight,” Audi’s engineering assumes use of specific additive packages and low‑ash formulations baked into VW‑approved oils.

The following list describes typical risks when drivers consistently use oil that does not meet Audi’s official VW specifications.

• Increased engine wear: Additive packages in non‑approved oil may not protect turbochargers, camshafts, and timing components under Audi‑designed load and temperature conditions.
• Sludge and deposits: Inadequate detergents and heat stability can cause varnish, deposits on piston rings, and stuck oil control rings, raising oil consumption.
• Damage to particulate filters and catalytic converters: Oils without low‑SAPs properties can release more ash and phosphorus, shortening the life of emission‑control devices.
• Warranty complications: During the warranty period, use of non‑approved oil can complicate or void coverage if the oil is judged to have contributed to engine or emissions failures.
• Shortened service intervals: Oils lacking long‑life approvals typically cannot safely stay in service for the extended intervals Audi programs into its maintenance schedules.

These potential issues explain why Audi emphasizes compliant VW approvals and not just generic claims of being suitable “for European vehicles.”

Evolution of Audi Oil Specs in Recent Years

Audi’s oil recommendations have evolved as emissions rules have tightened and fuel‑efficiency mandates have increased worldwide. This evolution has shifted many models from higher‑viscosity oils toward ultra‑low‑viscosity 0W‑20 formulas, alongside increasingly stringent low‑ash requirements.

From VW 502/505 to 504/507 and 508/509

Early 2000s Audis often used VW 502 00 (gasoline) and 505 00/505 01 (diesel). With the arrival of diesel particulate filters and extended service intervals, VW 504 00/507 00 became the dominant spec. Since around the late 2010s, VW 508 00/509 00 oils—mainly 0W‑20—have been phased in for many newest‑generation engines.

The following list highlights the general timeline of these changes, recognizing that exact adoption dates vary by region and model.

1. Pre‑mid‑2000s: Widespread use of VW 502 00 (gasoline) and 505 00/505 01 (diesel), with shorter service intervals.
2. Mid‑2000s to late‑2010s: Transition to VW 504 00/507 00 long‑life oils, especially in Europe, with longer change intervals and strict low‑ash requirements.
3. Late‑2010s onward: Gradual adoption of VW 508 00/509 00 0W‑20 oils for new high‑efficiency engines, particularly mild hybrids and models tuned for lower CO₂ emissions.

For owners of older cars, this means that legacy specs like VW 502 00 or 505 01 are still valid but sometimes supplemented by newer oils backward‑compatible according to Audi’s official guidance.

Practical Guidance for Audi Owners Today

For anyone servicing an Audi in 2025, the core rule is to match the VW spec printed in the owner’s documentation and use a fully synthetic oil that explicitly carries that approval. Climate, driving style, and vehicle age then fine‑tune the choice among approved viscosities.

Step-by-Step Decision Process

Making the right choice can be boiled down to a simple checklist that balances official requirements with real‑world conditions.

The following list outlines a practical step‑by‑step approach an Audi owner can take when selecting engine oil.

1. Identify your engine spec: Note model year, engine size, and, if possible, the engine code from documents or under‑hood labels.
2. Consult official documentation: Read the owner’s manual or dealer information for the exact VW oil approval required (e.g., VW 504 00/507 00 or VW 508 00/509 00).
3. Choose viscosity within the approved range: Select a viscosity (0W‑20, 5W‑30, etc.) listed as acceptable for your climate and spec.
4. Verify the VW approval on the bottle: Check that the oil explicitly states the required VW specification in the approvals section, not just “meets requirements of.”
5. Align with your service interval: If your car uses Audi’s flexible long‑life intervals, ensure the oil is approved for long‑life use (e.g., VW 504 00/507 00, 508 00/509 00).
6. Record what you used: Keep receipts and product details in case of future warranty or diagnostic questions.

Following this process helps ensure the engine receives the protection Audi designed for it, while preserving warranty coverage and long‑term reliability.

Summary

Audi’s recommended engine oil is defined not by brand but by Volkswagen Group approval codes tailored to each engine. For most modern models, that means fully synthetic, low‑ash oils meeting VW 504 00/507 00 (commonly 5W‑30) or the newer VW 508 00/509 00 (often 0W‑20). Older engines may call for VW 502 00 or 505‑series oils. The safest approach is always to consult the owner’s manual or dealer information, then select a fully synthetic oil that clearly lists the correct VW specification on its label. This adherence to Audi’s official guidelines protects engine components, supports emissions systems, and maintains both performance and warranty coverage.

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.

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.

What brand of engine oil does Audi recommend?

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.

What kind of oil does my Audi need?

It is, Castrol Edge (formerly Syntec) 5w40.