What Kind of Oil a 2015 Audi A8 Takes

A 2015 Audi A8 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (for most gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for many diesel and some long-life service engines), typically in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity depending on engine variant and climate. The exact oil type depends on whether the car has a gasoline or diesel engine and on its specific engine code, so owners should confirm via the owner’s manual, service sticker, or VIN-based lookup.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for a 2015 Audi A8

The 2015 Audi A8 is a high-end luxury sedan with sophisticated, tight-tolerance engines designed around specific oil performance standards. Using the correct oil is crucial for engine longevity, fuel efficiency, turbocharger health (where applicable), and maintaining factory warranty or extended warranty coverage. Audi’s official oil specifications are more important than the brand, and they determine which oils can properly protect the engine under the car’s service intervals.

Key Oil Specifications for the 2015 Audi A8

Audi and Volkswagen do not just specify viscosity (like 5W-40); they also require oils that meet particular VW/Audi standards. These standards ensure the oil’s detergency, resistance to breakdown, compatibility with emissions systems, and performance in extended service intervals.

• VW 502 00 – Common for many gasoline engines in the 2015 A8 (e.g., some 3.0 TFSI and 4.0 TFSI configurations) when not on long flexible intervals.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – Low-ash, long-life oils often used on newer or diesel engines and for extended service intervals; frequently specified for EU-market diesels and some long-interval gasoline engines.
• ACEA and API ratings – Often listed on bottles (such as ACEA C3), but for an Audi A8, the VW spec printed on the label is the primary requirement.

Together, these specifications ensure that the oil works with the A8’s advanced emissions hardware, turbocharging systems, and extended drain intervals, rather than just meeting generic industry standards.

Typical Oil Types by Engine Variant

The 2015 Audi A8 was sold with multiple engine options around the world (gasoline and diesel, naturally aspirated and turbocharged). While exact requirements can vary by market and engine code, common patterns apply across the lineup.

Gasoline Engines (TFSI and Similar)

Most gasoline 2015 A8 engines, such as the 3.0 TFSI V6 and 4.0 TFSI V8, are designed for high-performance fully synthetic oils that can tolerate heat, turbocharger demands, and long service intervals.

• Specification: Commonly VW 502 00 (North America and many global markets); some markets may specify VW 504 00 for flexible long-life intervals.
• Viscosity: Factory recommendations often center around 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and local Audi guidance.
• Type: Full synthetic only; semi-synthetic or conventional oils are not appropriate.
• Examples of compatible oils (if labeled with the correct VW spec): Castrol Edge 5W-40, Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (meets 502 00 in many regions), Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 (for 504/507), or other VW 502 00 / 504 00-approved products.

For gasoline A8 models, as long as the oil bottle explicitly lists the required VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 specification and the viscosity is within Audi’s recommended range, the brand is largely a matter of preference.

Diesel Engines (TDI and Similar)

Diesel versions of the 2015 A8, more common in Europe and some other markets, typically use low-ash oils to protect diesel particulate filters (DPF) and advanced emissions systems.

• Specification: Typically VW 507 00, sometimes in combination with VW 504 00 on the bottle.
• Viscosity: Often 5W-30, though some regions may allow 5W-40 that still meets VW 507 00.
• Type: Low-SAPS (low ash) full synthetic oil designed for DPF-equipped diesels.
• Examples of compatible oils (if labeled VW 507 00): Castrol Edge Professional LongLife III 5W-30, Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30, or any other oil explicitly approved to VW 507 00.

Using a proper VW 507 00 oil is essential in diesel A8 models, as incorrect oils can damage the DPF, trigger warning lights, and lead to expensive emissions-system repairs.

How to Confirm the Exact Oil Specification for Your Car

Because engine codes, markets, and service interval strategies vary, the most precise way to determine the correct oil for a specific 2015 Audi A8 is to cross-check multiple sources that are specific to your vehicle.

• Owner’s manual: The “Engine Oil” section lists the official VW specifications and often gives acceptable viscosities for different temperature ranges.
• Service booklet or oil-change sticker: Previous services at Audi dealers may show which spec was used (e.g., 502 00 or 504/507).
• VIN-based lookup: Audi dealers and some online parts catalogs can use the car’s VIN to identify the engine code and its exact oil requirements.
• Under-hood labels: Some markets have an under-hood or engine-bay sticker specifying the required VW oil spec and viscosity.
• Local Audi dealer or trusted specialist: They can verify the correct spec for your engine and climate, especially if you’re unsure whether the car is on fixed or flexible intervals.

By verifying through these channels, owners can avoid guesswork and be sure they are buying oil that precisely matches Audi’s design and service assumptions for that specific A8.

Recommended Viscosity Grades and Climate Considerations

While the VW specification is the non-negotiable requirement, viscosity selection can be tuned to climate, within Audi’s approved range.

• 5W-40: Common for gasoline engines in mixed or warmer climates; offers a slightly thicker film at operating temperature, often preferred for spirited driving or hot ambient conditions.
• 5W-30: Widely used in both gasoline and diesel engines with VW 504 00 / 507 00; favored for fuel economy and many long-life service programs.
• 0W-30 or 0W-40: Sometimes listed as alternatives for very cold climates, improving cold-start lubrication while still meeting the VW spec.
• Prohibited grades: Heavier oils like 10W-40 or 20W-50 are typically not recommended for modern A8 engines and rarely meet the required VW specs.

Choosing a viscosity within Audi’s approved range and matched to local temperatures helps ensure quick lubrication at startup and stable protection at highway and high-load conditions.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Strategy

The 2015 Audi A8 may be set up for either fixed (time/mileage-based) or variable (flexible, “LongLife”) service intervals, depending on the region and configuration. Oil spec and interval strategy go hand-in-hand.

• Fixed intervals: Often around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, using VW 502 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) oils.
• Flexible/LongLife intervals: Can extend up to roughly 18,000–20,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years in some markets, generally requiring VW 504 00 / 507 00 “LongLife” oils.
• Severe use: Frequent short trips, heavy city traffic, extreme temperatures, or towing can justify shorter intervals even if the car is on a flexible program.
• Top-ups between services: Use only oil that matches the exact VW spec already in the engine; mixing incompatible oils reduces the advantages of the specified product.

Matching the oil specification to the service strategy ensures the oil maintains its protective properties throughout the intended interval and prevents sludge, varnish, and premature wear.

Popular Brands and How to Read the Label

Multiple major oil brands produce formulations that meet Audi/VW specifications; the important step for owners is learning how to identify compliant products on the label.

• Look for the VW spec printed explicitly: The label should say “VW 502 00”, “VW 504 00”, “VW 507 00”, or the relevant combination. If it only lists generic API or ACEA ratings, it is not sufficient.
• Check viscosity: Confirm that the oil’s viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 5W-30) falls within the range Audi lists in your manual for your climate.
• Confirm “Full Synthetic” or equivalent: Ensure it is a fully synthetic formulation, sometimes marketed as “100% synthetic” or “synthetic technology” depending on region.
• Brands often used in Audi service networks: Castrol, Mobil 1, Shell, Liqui Moly, and others all offer VW-approved products; brand choice is secondary to meeting the correct spec.

By consistently checking for the correct VW code and viscosity on every purchase, A8 owners can safely choose from multiple brands without compromising engine protection.

Summary

A 2015 Audi A8 requires full synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW’s official specifications, primarily VW 502 00 for most gasoline engines and VW 507 00 (often with 504 00) for many diesel and long-life service engines, usually in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity depending on engine and climate. The precise requirement can vary by engine code and market, so owners should confirm via the owner’s manual, VIN-based lookup, or an Audi dealer. As long as the oil bottle explicitly lists the correct VW spec and an Audi-approved viscosity grade, the brand is largely a matter of preference, and using the right oil is essential to preserving the performance, reliability, and emissions systems of the 2015 A8.

What oil does a 2015 Audi A8 take?

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

Can I use 5W-30 in my Audi?

The recommended oil type is 5w-40 synthetic. While 5w-30 can work in a pinch, it’s best to use 5w-40 if you have it available. Yes, using Mobile One is perfectly acceptable.

How much oil does a 2015 Audi A8 4.0 T take?

9.2 quarts (with filter).

What kind of oil does an Audi A8 take?

The correct Audi A8 oil type depends on the specific model year and engine, but it is typically a full synthetic oil with a viscosity grade like 5W-30, 5W-40, or 0W-20, which must meet the relevant VW oil quality standard (e.g., VW 502.00, VW 507.00). Always check your owner’s manual for the precise recommendation for your vehicle. 
Common oil types by model year

• For many gasoline models (e.g., 2017 3.0L V6): Full synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 that meets the VW 502.00 specification is recommended. 
• For many TDI diesel models (e.g., 2014 TDI): Full synthetic 5W-30 is required to meet the VW 507.00 specification. 
• For newer gasoline models (e.g., 2021 3.0L V6): Full synthetic 0W-20 is often the recommended viscosity grade. 

Key considerations

• Always check your owner’s manual: The exact oil type and viscosity are crucial for proper engine performance and longevity, so always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the specific requirements of your model and engine.
• Use full synthetic: Audi recommends full synthetic oil for its advanced protection and performance.
• Ensure it meets the VW standard: Look for an oil that explicitly meets the correct Volkswagen oil quality standard (e.g., VW 502.00, VW 507.00) to ensure compatibility and avoid warranty issues.
• Don’t forget the oil filter: Always replace the oil filter when you change the oil to prevent contamination.