What Kind of Oil a 2009 Audi A4 Takes

A 2009 Audi A4 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 for some markets/intervals), most commonly 5W‑40 or 5W‑30, with the exact grade depending on engine type, climate, and driving conditions. The safest rule is to use synthetic oil carrying the correct VW/Audi approval printed on the bottle, not just the viscosity.

Understanding the 2009 Audi A4 and Its Engines

The 2009 Audi A4 (B8 generation) was sold with several engine options worldwide, and the required oil specification is tied more to Audi/VW standards than to a specific brand. Audi’s factory guidance emphasizes using oils that meet its internal approvals (such as VW 502 00 or VW 504 00), which are designed to protect high‑output turbocharged engines, manage sludge, and support longer service intervals.

Main Engine Types in the 2009 A4

Before identifying the exact oil, it helps to know which engine is under the hood of a particular 2009 A4, because some guidance can vary slightly by market and engine code.

• 2.0 TFSI (turbocharged gasoline, common in North America and Europe)
• 3.2 FSI V6 (naturally aspirated gasoline, available in select markets)
• 2.0 TDI and other diesel variants (primarily European and some other non‑U.S. markets)

Regardless of the specific engine type, Audi’s official stance is that choosing oil by VW/Audi approval is more important than choosing by brand alone, with viscosity adapted for climate and use.

Core Oil Specification: VW 502 00 and VW 504 00

For a 2009 Audi A4 on fixed or long‑life service, the most critical requirement is that the oil meets the manufacturer’s approval. This internal standard is stricter than generic “meets or exceeds” claims and is tested for compatibility with Audi engines and emission systems.

VW 502 00: The Most Common Requirement

Most 2009 Audi A4 gasoline models, including the 2.0 TFSI, are specified for oils that meet VW 502 00 (for standard/fixed service intervals) in markets like North America.

Oils that typically carry the VW 502 00 approval include:

• Fully synthetic 5W‑40 European‑formula oils from major brands (e.g., Mobil 1, Castrol, Liqui Moly, Shell, etc.)
• Fully synthetic 5W‑30 “European car formula” oils specifically labeled as VW 502 00 approved
• Specialized “VW/Audi” branded oils sold by dealerships

Using an oil that clearly states VW 502 00 on the back label is the primary requirement for gasoline engines on standard service intervals; viscosity is chosen within the acceptable range based on climate.

VW 504 00 and Long-Life Service

In Europe and some other markets where variable or long‑life service intervals are used, Audi often specifies oils that meet VW 504 00 (for gasoline) and VW 507 00 (for diesel). These oils are low‑ash, fully synthetic formulations designed to protect engines and emission components over extended mileage.

Typical VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils include:

• Premium 5W‑30 fully synthetic oils designed for VW/Audi LongLife service
• Dealership “LongLife III” or similarly named OEM oils
• Aftermarket European‑spec oils explicitly listing VW 504 00 / 507 00 on the label

If the car’s maintenance schedule is based on long‑life intervals, VW 504 00 (and 507 00 for diesels) is usually the top recommendation, with those oils backward‑compatible with many VW 502 00 applications.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for a 2009 Audi A4

Audi allows a range of viscosities, but 5W‑40 and 5W‑30 full synthetics are by far the most common for a 2009 A4. The right choice can depend on your climate and driving style, within the boundaries of the approved specifications.

Typical Viscosity Choices

Several viscosity grades are acceptable when they carry the correct VW approval, but some are more commonly recommended in practice.

• 5W‑40 (VW 502 00) – Widely recommended for 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI in many regions; offers strong protection at higher temperatures and under spirited driving.
• 5W‑30 (VW 502 00 or VW 504 00) – Often used where fuel economy and long‑life intervals are prioritized; typical for VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oils.
• 0W‑40 or 0W‑30 (VW 502 00 or VW 504 00) – Sometimes recommended for very cold climates to improve cold‑start lubrication, as long as the oil carries the correct VW approval.

Within these ranges, oil choice is less about brand and more about the combination of proper VW approval and a viscosity suited to local temperatures and driving conditions.

Gasoline vs. Diesel: Key Differences

While the question usually refers to gasoline 2.0 TFSI models, some 2009 A4s use diesel engines, which have slightly different oil requirements managed by VW’s diesel‑focused standards.

Gasoline Engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI)

Gasoline engines in the 2009 A4 have demanding thermal and cleanliness needs, especially the turbocharged 2.0 TFSI prone to carbon buildup and potential sludge if low‑quality oil is used.

The typical guidance for these gasoline engines can be summarized as:

• Use fully synthetic oil, not conventional or semi‑synthetic.
• Ensure VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 is clearly printed on the bottle.
• Choose 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 in most climates, adjusting slightly for extreme hot or cold environments.

By focusing on synthetic oil with the correct VW approval and sensible viscosity, most common engine issues related to lubrication can be minimized.

Diesel Engines (e.g., 2.0 TDI)

Diesel variants of the 2009 A4, common in Europe, often require VW 507 00 oil, which is a low‑SAPS, fully synthetic formulation intended to protect diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and support long‑life intervals.

Key diesel oil points include:

• VW 507 00 approval is typically mandatory for DPF‑equipped diesel engines.
• Most VW 507 00 oils are 5W‑30 fully synthetic “LongLife” style products.
• Mixing non‑507 00 oils in a diesel engine with a DPF can shorten the life of emissions components.

For any diesel 2009 A4, checking the owner’s manual or service sticker for VW 507 00 is crucial, because using the wrong oil can directly affect emission‑system durability.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific Car

The 2009 A4 has regional variations in both engines and recommended service intervals. To avoid guesswork, owners should confirm specs from a few key sources directly tied to their vehicle.

Practical Steps to Verify Oil Requirements

There are several reliable ways to double‑check the oil specification for an individual car, beyond general guidelines.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” or “Lubricants and fluids” section, where Audi lists approved VW standards (e.g., 502 00, 504 00, 507 00) and viscosity ranges.
2. Read the service sticker or booklet: Many cars have a service label (e.g., in the engine bay, door jamb, or service record) indicating whether it’s on fixed or long‑life intervals and what spec oil was used.
3. Use the VIN with an Audi dealer: A dealership can pull the exact engine code and regional recommendation using the vehicle identification number.
4. Check the oil bottle label carefully: Ensure it explicitly lists VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00, not just generic “suitable for VW/Audi” language.
5. Consult reputable independent specialists: Independent Audi/VW garages often have up‑to‑date oil charts and can confirm specs for your exact engine and country.

By combining the manual, service history, and label checks, owners can confidently select an oil that matches both Audi’s specifications and the car’s maintenance regime.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Using the wrong oil in a 2009 Audi A4 can lead to increased wear, sludge buildup, turbocharger issues, or emission system problems. Several recurring errors are seen in real‑world servicing.

Frequent Oil-Related Pitfalls

Some missteps are especially common when owners or nonspecialist shops choose oil based mainly on viscosity or brand marketing.

• Choosing oil by viscosity only: Picking “any 5W‑30 synthetic” without checking for VW 502 00/504 00/507 00 approval can result in using oil not formulated for Audi’s requirements.
• Using conventional or cheap semi‑synthetic oil: Turbocharged engines and extended drain intervals demand full synthetics; lower‑grade oils can sludge faster.
• Ignoring long‑life vs. fixed interval differences: Using non‑LongLife oil in a car set to long‑life service can overstress the oil if intervals are not shortened.
• Mixing incompatible diesel oils: In TDI models with DPFs, using non‑507 00 oil may damage emission systems over time.
• Overextending change intervals: Even with correct spec oil, very short‑trip or harsh driving conditions may warrant more frequent changes than the maximum interval.

Avoiding these mistakes primarily means respecting Audi’s approval codes and adjusting service practices to how and where the car is actually driven.

Summary

For a 2009 Audi A4, the essential requirement is fully synthetic engine oil that carries the correct VW/Audi approval—typically VW 502 00 for most gasoline engines on fixed intervals, or VW 504 00/507 00 for long‑life and many European applications. In practice, that usually means a 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 European‑formula synthetic explicitly labeled with the appropriate VW standard. Diesel engines, especially those with DPFs, generally require VW 507 00 oils. Owners should confirm specifics via the owner’s manual, service records, or VIN‑based dealership lookup, and should avoid selecting oil solely by viscosity or brand marketing.

Is 5w30 oil ok for Audi A4?

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Audi A4
Audi recommends using synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Here are a few top choices: 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.

Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?

StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.

Does Audi require full synthetic 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 engine oil do I need for an Audi A4?

The correct Audi A4 oil type depends on the engine and model year, but it is typically a full synthetic oil with an Audi/VW specification like VW 502.00 or VW 504.00. For many turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is suitable, and you should always check your owner’s manual for the specific requirements, as these can vary by year and engine.
 
Common Audi A4 oil types by engine and year

• Older 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (e.g., 2017 and earlier): Often require a full synthetic oil that meets the VW 502.00 specification, with SAE 5W-40 being a common viscosity. 
• Later 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (e.g., 2019 and later): May use a different specification like VW 504.00, often with a SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40 viscosity. 
• 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (some models): Some models, like certain years of the engine code CYMC, may require a VW 504.00 / VW 507.00 specification. 
• 3.2L V6 engines: Typically require oil that meets the VW 502.00 specification. 
• Modern 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines: Newer models might have an even different specification, such as VW 508.00 for the DBPA, DPAA, and DMSA engine codes. 

Key takeaways

• Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information on your specific A4 model, as requirements can change between years and engine types. 
• Look for the specific Audi/VW oil quality standard, such as VW 502.00, VW 504.00, or VW 507.00, in addition to the viscosity rating (e.g., 5W-40). 
• Full synthetic oil is generally recommended for optimal performance and longevity.