What Kind of Oil Does a 2015 Audi A3 Take?

A 2015 Audi A3 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (or in some diesel cases VW 504 00/507 00) specifications, most commonly SAE 5W‑40 or 5W‑30, depending on the specific engine. Below is a detailed breakdown of the correct oil types, why they matter, and how owners can choose the right product.

Official Oil Specifications for the 2015 Audi A3

The core requirement for the 2015 Audi A3 is that the engine oil must meet specific Volkswagen Group (VW/Audi) standards. These standards ensure compatibility with the engine’s design, turbocharging, emissions systems, and service intervals.

Main VW/Audi Oil Specs

The following list outlines the key VW specifications most relevant to a 2015 Audi A3, and what they’re generally used for.

• VW 502 00: The most common spec for gasoline (petrol) engines in North America; suitable for normal and spirited driving, typically used with fixed (non–long-life) service intervals.
• VW 504 00: Advanced spec for some newer gasoline engines, often paired with extended/long-life service intervals in certain markets (more common in Europe).
• VW 505 00 / 507 00: Primarily used for diesel engines, especially those with diesel particulate filters (DPF). VW 507 00 is a low-ash “long-life” spec designed to protect emissions components.

Understanding these specification codes is more important than just looking at the viscosity label because the spec confirms that the oil meets Audi’s tests for wear protection, deposits, and compatibility with turbochargers and emissions systems.

Recommended Oil for Common 2015 Audi A3 Engines

The correct viscosity and specification for a 2015 Audi A3 can vary by engine. Owners should confirm the engine code or at least which fuel type and powertrain they have before choosing oil.

Gasoline (Petrol) Engines

Most 2015 Audi A3 gasoline models in the U.S. and Canada are equipped with a 1.8 TFSI or 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. These engines are particular about both spec and viscosity.

Below are typical guidelines for gasoline-engined 2015 A3 models:

• Specification: VW 502 00 (minimum). Some European-market cars may be filled with VW 504 00, but VW 502 00 remains widely accepted and commonly specified in North America.
• Viscosity (most common): SAE 5W‑40 fully synthetic.
• Alternative viscosity: SAE 5W‑30 fully synthetic that explicitly states VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval on the bottle.
• Climate considerations: 5W‑40 is often favored in warmer or mixed climates; 5W‑30 may be acceptable in cooler climates if it meets the same VW specification.

In practice, many Audi dealers and independent specialists in North America routinely use a VW 502 00–approved 5W‑40 synthetic for the 1.8T and 2.0T A3 engines, balancing protection at high temperatures with good cold-start performance.

Diesel Engines (TDI)

In some markets, the 2015 Audi A3 is available with TDI diesel engines. These engines use low-ash oils to protect the diesel particulate filter and other emissions equipment.

The typical requirements for 2015 A3 TDI engines are as follows:

• Specification: VW 507 00 (often combined label 504 00/507 00 on European oils).
• Viscosity: Usually SAE 5W‑30 fully synthetic that clearly states VW 507 00 approval.
• DPF compatibility: VW 507 00 oils are low-SAPS (low ash), which is essential to prevent clogging the diesel particulate filter over time.

For diesel A3 models, using a non-507 00 oil can shorten the life of the DPF and adversely affect emissions performance, so matching this spec is critical.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A3

Because trims and engines vary by market and production run, the most reliable information is always vehicle-specific. Owners should not rely solely on general guidelines, especially if the car has a less common engine variant.

Check the Owner’s Manual and Labels

Audi provides several sources of official guidance inside the vehicle and its documentation.

• Owner’s manual: Includes a section titled “Engine oil” or similar, listing approved VW specifications and viscosity ranges for your engine and climate.
• Oil-filler cap: Some 2015 A3 models have the required VW spec (such as “VW 502 00”) printed or molded near the oil cap.
• Service booklet/maintenance schedule: Often clarifies whether the car is on a fixed or flexible/long-life service interval, which can influence the recommended spec (e.g., 502 00 vs 504/507 in some markets).

Verifying against the official Audi information ensures that the oil you choose truly matches the engine design and local service recommendations, avoiding guesswork.

Use the VIN or Engine Code When in Doubt

If the vehicle history or documentation is unclear, or if you suspect an engine swap or non-standard configuration, more precise identification helps.

• VIN lookup: Dealers and some reputable online parts catalogs can use your Vehicle Identification Number to identify the exact engine and its oil requirements.
• Engine code: Printed on a label in the engine bay or the service book; once known, you can cross-reference it with Audi technical data to confirm specs.
• Dealer or specialist confirmation: Audi dealers or independent VAG (VW/Audi Group) specialists can quickly confirm the correct oil spec and viscosity based on your VIN.

Using the VIN or engine code removes ambiguity, especially important if the car was imported from another region where specifications or recommended oils differ.

Popular Brands and Product Examples

Many major oil manufacturers produce formulations that meet VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00 requirements. The choice of brand is usually less important than meeting the correct VW specification and viscosity.

Common VW 502 00 Oils (Gasoline Engines)

The following examples are widely used for gasoline 2015 A3 engines in North America and Europe; always double-check labels, as formulations can change.

• Mobil 1 FS 0W‑40 (often carries VW 502 00/505 00 approval)
• Castrol EDGE 5W‑40 (VW 502 00/505 00 approved variants)
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Leichtlauf series 5W‑40 with VW 502 00 approval
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 with VW 502 00 approval

These products are just examples; the key is the VW 502 00 approval on the container, which confirms suitability for most 1.8T and 2.0T gasoline A3 engines.

Common VW 507 00 Oils (Diesel Engines)

For 2015 A3 TDI models, ensure that the bottle shows VW 507 00 or a combined 504 00/507 00 label.

• Castrol EDGE 5W‑30 LL (commonly labeled VW 504 00/507 00)
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00)
• Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00 on many markets)
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00)

Since 507 00 is a very specific low-ash standard, sticking to reputable, clearly labeled products is crucial for long-term DPF health and warranty compliance.

Service Intervals and Practical Tips

The oil type goes hand-in-hand with how often it’s changed. Correct oil plus timely service is essential for the turbocharged engines in the 2015 A3.

Typical Change Intervals

Service intervals vary by region and whether the vehicle follows a fixed or flexible (long-life) schedule.

• Fixed interval (common in North America): Around every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using a VW 502 00 oil.
• Flexible/long-life (common in some European markets): Up to approximately 18,000–19,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, typically with VW 504 00/507 00 oils and active service interval monitoring.
• Severe use (short trips, heavy traffic, extreme temps): Many specialists recommend shortening intervals (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles or 8,000–12,000 km) regardless of what the system allows.

Even though Audi may permit long intervals under ideal conditions, more frequent changes with the correct oil can help mitigate carbon buildup, turbo wear, and sludge issues in real-world usage.

Other Practical Considerations

Beyond just picking the right oil, a few habits help keep a 2015 A3’s engine healthy.

• Use a quality filter: Pair the correct oil with an OEM or high-quality filter designed for Audi/VW engines.
• Check level regularly: Turbo engines can consume some oil; monitor the dipstick and top up with the same spec/viscosity when needed.
• Avoid mixing incompatible oils: If topping up, use oil meeting the same VW spec; occasional small mixing is generally safe but not ideal.
• Warm-up and cool-down: Avoid heavy throttle when the engine is cold, and after long or hard drives, a brief light-load period helps the turbo and oil system stabilize.

These practices, combined with adhering to the correct VW oil specification, significantly improve the longevity and reliability of the A3’s engine and turbocharger system.

Summary

A 2015 Audi A3 typically requires fully synthetic oil that meets Audi/VW’s official specifications, most often VW 502 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for diesel engines), with viscosities like 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 depending on engine and market. The exact requirement is listed in the owner’s manual and sometimes on the oil cap. Matching the VW spec is more important than brand, and using the correct oil—changed at sensible intervals—helps protect the turbocharged engine, emissions systems, and overall reliability of the vehicle.

What oil is good for Audi A3?

It’s usually recommended for most A3 cars to use 5W-30 oil, but this may change depending on your exact model and how old it is.

How much is an oil change for a 2015 Audi A3?

The average cost for an Audi A3 Oil Change is between $180 and $217. Labor costs are estimated between $62 and $91 while parts are priced between $118 and $126.

Can Audi use 5W30 oil?

For most A4 engines, SAE 5W-40 grade motor oils are suitable, offering excellent protection in various temperatures. If this isn’t available, SAE 5W-30 or another motor oil with an alternative viscosity can be used as long as it adheres to Audi’s oil-quality standards.

What kind of oil does a 2015 Audi use?

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