What Kind of Oil a 2014 Audi S4 Takes

The 2014 Audi S4 requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00, most commonly in 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity; capacity is roughly 6.8–7.0 quarts (about 6.4–6.6 liters) with filter, depending on the specific engine and production run. This oil spec is critical for protecting the supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 and maintaining warranty and long-term reliability, so owners should always confirm the exact spec and viscosity in the owner’s manual or under-hood label.

The Basics: Official Oil Specification for the 2014 Audi S4

The 2014 Audi S4 is equipped with a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (3.0 TFSI), an engine that runs hot, makes substantial power, and depends heavily on precise lubrication. Audi aligns this engine with VW’s long-standing 502 00 oil standard, which governs performance, detergency, and resistance to high-temperature breakdown. Using oil that meets this spec is more important than the brand printed on the bottle.

Required Oil Specification

For North American and European 2014 Audi S4 models, the essential requirement is that the oil meets a specific Volkswagen Group standard. This standard ensures the oil can withstand high thermal loads, protect against sludge, and maintain its properties over extended drain intervals.

Below is a breakdown of the key technical requirement for the 2014 S4’s oil.

• VW 502 00 approval: Mandatory for gasoline engines like the 3.0 TFSI in the 2014 S4; this is the primary spec to look for on the oil label.
• Full-synthetic formulation: Audi specifies synthetic oil for performance, temperature stability, and cleanliness.
• API/ACEA equivalents: Many VW 502 00 oils also carry API SN/SN Plus or later, and ACEA A3/B4 ratings; these are helpful confirmations but do not replace the need for VW 502 00.
• High-temp protection: Oils under this spec must resist coking and shearing at the high temperatures found in a supercharged engine.

Together, these requirements ensure the oil can support the S4’s power output, maintain turbo/supercharger and valvetrain cleanliness, and protect the engine over typical Audi service intervals.

Recommended Viscosity Grades

While the VW 502 00 specification is non-negotiable, Audi allows some flexibility in viscosity based on climate. The owner’s manual for most 2014 S4 models lists several acceptable grades, with 5W-40 and 5W-30 as the typical go-to options.

Main Viscosity Choices

Different viscosity grades help the oil flow at cold start while maintaining thickness at operating temperature. For the 2014 Audi S4, the recommended choices are oriented around moderate-to-high performance driving in varied climates.

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00 approved): Often considered the “default” choice for many 3.0 TFSI S4s, providing robust high-temperature film strength and protection for spirited driving.
• 5W-30 (VW 502 00 approved): Acceptable and often listed in the manual; can be advantageous in colder climates or for drivers prioritizing fuel economy while staying within spec.
• 0W-40 (VW 502 00 approved): Sometimes allowed and used in colder regions for improved cold-start flow, still offering strong hot-weather protection when 502 00 certified.
• 10W-40 (VW 502 00 approved, where permitted): Less common but occasionally referenced for very warm climates; still must carry the VW 502 00 approval.

In practice, most S4 owners and many Audi dealers in North America use a 5W-40 full-synthetic oil with VW 502 00 approval as the everyday standard, providing a strong balance of cold-start performance and high-temperature protection.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Knowing what oil to use is only part of the equation; how much to pour in and how often to change it are just as important for maintaining a healthy engine. Audi’s official intervals are relatively long, but many enthusiasts adjust these intervals for added protection, given the performance nature of the S4.

How Much Oil the 2014 Audi S4 Takes

The 3.0 TFSI engine in the 2014 S4 has a relatively large sump, which helps with cooling and ensures adequate lubrication under high load. However, small variances can exist based on model year updates and production specifics, so final level should always be checked on the dipstick or MMI display.

• Approximate capacity with filter: About 6.8–7.0 quarts (roughly 6.4–6.6 liters) of oil.
• Refill procedure: Typically, pour in slightly less than the full capacity, run the engine briefly, then top off to the correct level.
• Verification: Use the dipstick (if equipped) or the MMI oil level display on newer-style configurations; never rely solely on the initial fill estimate.
• Filter changes: Always replace the oil filter at every oil change, using an OEM or OEM-equivalent filter designed for the 3.0 TFSI.

Because the capacity is near 7 quarts, purchasing two standard 5-quart containers or one 5-quart plus one 1-quart bottle usually covers the job with some left over for top-offs.

Service Interval Recommendations

Audi’s published service schedule for the 2014 S4 allows for extended oil change intervals under normal driving conditions, especially when using the correct VW 502 00 synthetic oil. However, driving style and environment can justify more conservative intervals.

The following list outlines general interval guidance used by owners, shops, and Audi documentation.

• Factory interval (typical): About every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or once a year, whichever comes first.
• Enthusiast/“severe use” interval: Many S4 owners change oil every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), especially if the car is driven aggressively or sees frequent short trips.
• Track or high-stress use: Shorter intervals (3,000–5,000 miles) are common for cars used on track days or in sustained high-load conditions.
• Monitoring usage: Watching oil color and level, along with any consumption, can help decide if earlier changes are prudent.

While Audi’s official 10,000-mile interval is technically supported by VW 502 00 oils, many specialists and enthusiasts adopt shorter intervals as inexpensive insurance on an expensive performance engine.

Approved Brands and Common Choices

Numerous major oil manufacturers produce VW 502 00-approved full-synthetic oils in the recommended viscosities. For the 2014 Audi S4, the best oil is less about the logo and more about the certification and regular changes, though some brands are particularly popular in the Audi/VW community.

Popular Oil Options Meeting VW 502 00

Below are examples of commonly used oils that typically meet the VW 502 00 specification and come in suitable viscosities for the 2014 S4. Owners should always confirm the VW 502 00 approval on the specific product label or datasheet, as formulas can change.

• Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (European Formula): Frequently used by Audi dealers; commonly labeled as meeting VW 502 00 and tailored for high-performance European gasoline engines.
• Mobil 1 0W-40 “FS European Car Formula”: Widely available, with VW 502 00 approval; favored for good cold-start performance and strong high-temp stability.
• Liqui Moly Synthoil or Top Tec series (5W-40/5W-30): German-made oils popular among Audi enthusiasts, often specifically marketed for VW/Audi applications with 502 00 approval.
• Motul 8100 X-cess or X-max (5W-40, depending on region): Performance-focused oils that typically carry VW 502 00 approval and are widely used in tuned or hard-driven S4s.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40: Euro-focused synthetics with VW 502 00 approval, offering strong detergent properties and resistance to deposits.

Specific availability varies by market, but these examples represent the kind of full-synthetic, VW 502 00-approved oils most owners rely on; the key is checking that the exact bottle you buy lists “VW 502 00” among its approvals.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced DIYers can make simple errors that compromise engine protection. With the 2014 Audi S4, those mistakes often involve ignoring VW specifications, overfilling, or extending intervals too far under harsh conditions.

Typical Pitfalls When Choosing and Changing Oil

The following points highlight missteps that can be costly over time, especially on a performance-oriented engine like the S4’s 3.0 TFSI.

• Using non-502 00 oil: Even high-quality synthetic oil is not suitable if it lacks VW 502 00 approval; this can contribute to sludge, premature wear, and potential warranty issues.
• Relying only on viscosity: Choosing a 5W-40 or 5W-30 oil based on viscosity alone, without confirming 502 00, fails to meet Audi’s true requirements.
• Overfilling the crankcase: Adding too much oil can cause foaming, increased crankcase pressure, and potential seal issues; always verify level after filling.
• Extending intervals under harsh use: Sticking to a 10,000-mile interval despite frequent short trips, heavy traffic, or track use can accelerate oil breakdown and deposit formation.
• Neglecting the filter: Reusing an old filter or using a low-quality replacement undermines the benefits of good oil; the filter is integral to the lubrication system.

Avoiding these mistakes is often as simple as reading the owner’s manual, checking the back of the oil bottle for VW 502 00, and erring on the side of slightly shorter change intervals for hard-driven cars.

Why VW 502 00 Matters for the 3.0 TFSI

Behind the cryptic-sounding “VW 502 00” label lies a set of demanding tests and performance criteria. For the 2014 S4’s supercharged engine, these standards are more than bureaucratic formality—they address real stresses the engine experiences daily.

Technical Demands of the S4’s Engine

The 3.0 TFSI V6 in the 2014 S4 combines direct injection with forced induction, creating conditions that demand stable, detergent-rich, shear-resistant oil. Understanding these demands helps explain why Audi insists on 502 00-approved products.

The following points outline what the oil must withstand inside this engine.

• High operating temperatures: The supercharger and compact engine bay raise under-hood and oil temperatures, requiring oil that resists oxidation and coking.
• Direct injection and potential deposits: DI engines are prone to valve and combustion chamber deposits; high-detergent, 502 00 oils help keep internals cleaner.
• Shear stability under load: Hard acceleration and high RPMs can shear weaker oils, thinning them out; 502 00 oils are tested for resistance to such breakdown.
• Extended drain intervals: Because Audi allows relatively long service intervals, the oil must maintain protective properties over many miles and heat cycles.
• Compatibility with emissions systems: 502 00 oils are formulated to work with modern catalytic converters and emissions equipment without causing premature fouling.

In effect, the VW 502 00 standard is tuned for engines like the S4’s 3.0 TFSI, where sustained performance and long-term reliability both depend on the oil’s ability to keep up with demanding conditions.

Summary

The 2014 Audi S4’s 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 is designed to run on full-synthetic engine oil that carries Volkswagen Group’s VW 502 00 approval, most commonly in 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity. The engine holds roughly 6.8–7.0 quarts (about 6.4–6.6 liters) with a filter change. Owners should prioritize the VW 502 00 specification above all, then choose a suitable viscosity for their climate, verify capacity by checking the dipstick or MMI display, and consider more frequent changes—around 5,000–7,500 miles—if the car is driven hard or in demanding conditions. Using the correct oil, in the right amount and at sensible intervals, is one of the most effective ways to preserve performance and longevity in a 2014 Audi S4.

What oil does the Audi S4 use?

Castrol – EDGE Euro 5W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 1 Quart (Part No. 152C7E)

What kind of oil does a Audi S4 3.0 supercharged take?

For a supercharged 3.0L Audi S4, the correct oil type depends on the model year. Newer models (2018+) typically require 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting the VW 508 00 specification. Older models (2010-2016) use 5W-40 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Always confirm the exact requirement with your vehicle’s owner’s manual or a trusted source. 
Oil type by model year

• 2018+ models:
  • Viscosity: 0W-20 
  • Specification: VW 508 00 
• 2010-2016 models:
  • Viscosity: 5W-40 is a common recommendation, but 5W-30 or 0W-40 may also be acceptable depending on climate. 
  • Specification: VW 502 00 

Important considerations

• Full synthetic: Always use a full synthetic oil to meet the engine’s requirements for longevity and performance. 
• Check the manual: The most accurate information for your specific vehicle will be in the owner’s manual. 
• Audi/VW specification: Using an oil that meets the required Audi/Volkswagen (VW) specification is critical, as it ensures the oil has the correct additive package and performance characteristics. 
• Supercharger oil: The engine oil is different from the specific oil needed for the supercharger itself, which is a separate and less frequent maintenance item. 

Can I use 5W-30 in my Audi?

Yes, many Audis can use 5W-30 oil, especially if it meets the VW/Audi oil quality standards specified for your engine, which you can find in your owner’s manual. While 5W-30 is often the recommended viscosity for moderate climates, other viscosities like 0W-40 or 5W-40 may be recommended for certain conditions or high-performance models. 
When 5W-30 is a good choice 

• Moderate climates: 5W-30 is a common recommendation that provides a good balance of fuel efficiency and engine protection in moderate temperatures. 
• Specific models: It is often specified for a wide range of Audi models, including some A3, A4, and A7 models. 
• Meets specifications: As long as the oil is a full synthetic and meets the specific VW/Audi oil quality specification (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 504 00), it can be used. 

When to consider other options

• Cold weather: For better cold-start protection, 0W-30 or 0W-40 may be a better choice, especially in colder climates. 
• Warm or high-performance engines: 5W-40 may be recommended for high-performance engines or to provide extra protection in hotter climates. 
• Vehicle-specific needs: Always check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information for your specific model year and engine, as recommendations can vary. 

What oil does a 2014 Audi S4 take?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.