What Kind of Oil a 2018 Audi A7 Takes

The 2018 Audi A7 typically requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (for gasoline) or VW 504 00 (for some long-life/Euro specs), in the 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity range depending on engine and climate; owners should confirm the exact spec in the owner’s manual or on the oil-filler cap.

Understanding the 2018 Audi A7 Engine Oil Requirements

The 2018 Audi A7 was sold primarily with turbocharged gasoline (TFSI) and, in some markets, diesel (TDI) engines. These high-performance, forced-induction engines place significant demands on engine oil, making the correct oil specification critical for durability, fuel economy, and warranty protection. While viscosity (like 5W-40) is important, Audi and Volkswagen place even more emphasis on meeting their proprietary VW oil standards.

Official Oil Specifications for the 2018 Audi A7

The core requirement for a 2018 Audi A7 is that the oil meets the relevant VW/Audi specification. These specs control detergents, volatility, high-temperature stability, and compatibility with emission-control systems like particulate filters and catalytic converters.

For Most U.S. Gasoline (TFSI) Models

In the U.S., the 2018 Audi A7 commonly came with a 3.0L supercharged V6 TFSI gasoline engine. This engine is designed to run on high-quality, full-synthetic oil that meets a specific VW standard.

Here are the typical specifications recommended for U.S.-market gasoline 2018 A7 models:

• Oil type: Full-synthetic engine oil
• Primary spec: VW 502 00 (widely used across Audi gasoline engines)
• Viscosity: Commonly 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and brand, as long as VW 502 00 is met
• Alternative Euro long-life spec (where applicable): VW 504 00, if specifically allowed in your manual
• Typical capacity: Around 6.6–7.0 quarts (approximately 6.2–6.6 liters) with filter, depending on engine variant

Together, these requirements ensure the oil can handle the A7’s high operating temperatures, protect against deposits in turbo/supercharger systems, and maintain performance between oil changes.

For Diesel (TDI) Models in Other Markets

In Europe and some other regions, the 2018 Audi A7 was available with TDI diesel engines and often equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs), which require low-ash oils.

Typical diesel-related specifications include:

• Oil type: Full-synthetic low-SAPS (low ash) oil, designed for modern diesels with DPFs
• Key specs: VW 504 00 / 507 00 (often combined as one product label)
• Viscosity: Frequently 5W-30 for many European climates, subject to local recommendations
• DPF compatibility: Critical to avoid premature clogging and emission-system damage

Adhering to these diesel-specific specs is essential for protecting the DPF and keeping emissions systems functioning properly over the long term.

Recommended Viscosity Grades

Viscosity describes how thick the oil is at cold start (“W” rating) and at operating temperature. Audi licenses multiple viscosity grades as long as the oil meets the required VW spec.

Common Viscosity Choices for the 2018 A7

Drivers can choose from several viscosity grades depending on climate and driving style, but all oils must meet the VW specification first.

• 5W-40: A popular choice for many gasoline A7 engines, offering strong protection at high temperatures and suitable for a broad range of climates.
• 5W-30: Often recommended for fuel efficiency and widely used in both TFSI and TDI engines, especially where VW 504 00/507 00 is specified.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30 (in some climates/markets): Sometimes allowed in very cold environments for improved cold starts, provided they still meet VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00.

Ultimately, if you must choose between viscosity and spec, choose the oil that meets the correct VW spec first—within that group, match viscosity to your climate and driving conditions.

Examples of Suitable Oils

Many major oil brands produce products specifically labeled with VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 approvals. The branding may differ regionally, so always check the label for the VW spec itself, not just “for European cars.”

Well-Known Oils That Commonly Meet Audi/VW Specs

The following are examples of product lines that often carry the necessary VW approvals for a 2018 Audi A7; product availability and formulations can change, so verification on the label or manufacturer website is essential.

• Mobil 1 ESP or ESP X2 lines (some variants meet VW 504 00/507 00, often 0W-30 or 5W-30)
• Castrol EDGE or EDGE Professional (European formula oils that list VW 502 00 or VW 504 00/507 00)
• Liqui Moly Top Tec series (e.g., Top Tec 4200 for 504 00/507 00; others for 502 00)
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro formulations (clearly marked with VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00)
• TotalEnergies Quartz and Motul specific “VW/Audi” or “504 00/507 00” labeled oils

Because naming can vary, your best safeguard is checking for “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” or “VW 507 00” in the approvals section on the bottle, not just claims like “meets requirements of…” without official approval.

How to Confirm the Exact Oil for Your Specific A7

Even within the same model year, regional specs, engine codes, and local climate recommendations can shift the precise oil requirement. The safest move is to cross-check several authoritative sources before purchasing oil.

Steps Owners Should Take

To be certain you’re using the exact oil your 2018 Audi A7 requires, follow a few verification steps.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “engine oil” section; it will list VW specs (e.g., 502 00, 504 00/507 00) and sometimes acceptable viscosity ranges.
2. Look at the oil-filler cap or engine-bay labels: Some A7 models include the VW spec (like “VW 502 00”) printed near the filler cap.
3. Verify by VIN with a dealer: Call or visit an Audi dealer and ask them to confirm the correct oil spec using your Vehicle Identification Number.
4. Consult the digital service schedule: If your car has Audi’s digital service history or MMI reminder system, a dealer can see what’s been used historically.
5. Check climate-specific notes: In very hot or very cold regions, the manual may recommend certain viscosities (e.g., 0W-30 in cold climates, 5W-40 in hotter ones).

These steps minimize the risk of using an oil that might technically work but fails to meet Audi’s official standards, which can affect both performance and potential warranty coverage.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Choosing the right oil is only part of the equation—changing it at the correct intervals and under the right conditions also matters for engine health.

Service Intervals and Usage Patterns

Oil change intervals can vary by region and driving style. In many markets, Audi specifies flexible or fixed intervals tied to both time and mileage.

• Typical interval: About 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months for many U.S. models, whichever comes first, under normal service.
• Severe service: More frequent changes may be smart if you do many short trips, extended idling, heavy stop‑and‑go, or drive in very hot or very cold climates.
• Dashboard reminders: The A7’s service indicator in the instrument cluster or MMI will usually notify you when an oil change is due.
• Filter changes: Always replace the oil filter at each oil change, using a quality filter that meets OEM specs.

Following or slightly improving upon these intervals with correct-spec oil and filters is generally sufficient to protect the 2018 A7’s engine over the long term.

Bottom Line

For a 2018 Audi A7, the correct oil is a full-synthetic product that explicitly meets the relevant VW specifications—most commonly VW 502 00 for gasoline engines, and VW 504 00/507 00 for many diesel or long-life service setups—usually in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 grade. The precise recommendation can vary by engine and market, so confirming via the owner’s manual, oil cap, or Audi dealer (using your VIN) is essential.

Summary

The 2018 Audi A7 is engineered to run on high-quality, full-synthetic oil that satisfies strict VW/Audi standards. Most U.S. gasoline models use oil that meets VW 502 00, commonly in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity, while many diesel or European variants may require VW 504 00/507 00, often in 5W-30. Owners should always verify the exact VW spec in the manual or via a dealer, then choose a name-brand synthetic oil that clearly lists that approval on the bottle, and follow Audi’s recommended service intervals for optimal engine protection.

Which engine oil does Audi recommend?

The Correct Oil for your Audi
Audi continuously work along-side Castrol to engineer engine oil to maximize performance and reduce fuel consumption and so recommend using Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 engine oil for your Audi car.

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 2018 Audi A7 take?

2016-2018: The recommended oil types for Audi A7s from 2016 to 2018 are 0W-30 and, occasionally, 5W-40, which are adaptable to colder climates.

What type of oil does a 2018 Audi take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-40.