What Kind of Oil an Audi S4 3.0 Supercharged Takes

An Audi S4 with the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (B8/B8.5 generation, roughly 2010–2016) requires high-quality, full-synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00, typically in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity depending on climate and regional guidance. In practice, most owners and many independent shops favor a VW 502 00-approved 5W-40 full synthetic for robust protection of this performance engine.

Understanding the Audi S4 3.0 Supercharged Engine

The 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 in the B8/B8.5 Audi S4 is a high-output, direct-injection engine that runs hot, revs quickly, and is often driven aggressively, which places heavy demands on engine oil. Choosing an oil that meets Audi’s strict specifications is essential to maintain performance, reduce engine wear, and avoid deposit buildup on internal components.

Engine and Model Years Covered

The guidance in this article applies primarily to the B8 and B8.5 Audi S4 models sold in North America and Europe, equipped with the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 (engine codes such as CAKA, CGWC, CREC in some markets). These cars were produced roughly between 2010 and 2016. Although later S4s switched to a turbocharged V6, the oil requirements discussed here are specific to the older supercharged design.

The Official Oil Specification for the Audi S4 3.0 Supercharged

Audi does not select oil brands; instead, the company defines technical standards that oils must meet. For the 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6, the core requirement is that the oil meets the VW 502 00 specification, which is Audi/Volkswagen’s high-performance gasoline engine standard.

Required Specification: VW 502 00

The single most important requirement is that the oil carries VW 502 00 approval on the label. This ensures the oil has passed manufacturer testing for thermal stability, detergent and dispersant performance, sludge control, and protection under high-load conditions common in performance engines.

The following list highlights the key characteristics of VW 502 00-approved oils and why they matter for the Audi S4’s 3.0 TFSI engine.

• High-temperature stability: Designed to resist breakdown under sustained high-load and high-temperature operation.
• Detergent and dispersant additives: Keep internal engine components cleaner, important for direct-injection engines that are prone to deposits.
• Wear protection: Formulated to protect camshafts, timing chains, supercharger drive components, and other high-stress parts.
• Oxidation resistance: Slows oil degradation over typical change intervals, maintaining viscosity and protective ability.
• Compatibility with fuel quality variations: Account for different fuel formulations and operating conditions in global markets.

Together, these characteristics mean a VW 502 00-approved oil offers the blend of cleanliness, stability, and wear protection that the supercharged 3.0 TFSI requires, especially when driven spiritedly.

Recommended Oil Viscosity: 5W-40 vs. 5W-30

While VW 502 00 is the must-have specification, viscosity – how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures – also matters. Audi’s owner manuals for the B8/B8.5 S4 typically list 5W-40 and sometimes 5W-30 as acceptable choices that meet VW 502 00, with selection depending on climate.

Commonly Used Viscosities

The major viscosity options that meet Audi’s requirements each have benefits. It is important to understand when each might be preferred for your specific driving conditions and climate.

• 5W-40 (most common choice): Offers strong film strength and high-temperature protection, favored by many enthusiasts and independent shops for spirited or track-adjacent driving.
• 5W-30 (VW 502 00-approved only): Acceptable when clearly marked VW 502 00 on the bottle; can slightly improve fuel economy and cold-flow while still protecting adequately in moderate climates.
• 0W-40 (VW 502 00-approved variants): Sometimes used in very cold climates for better cold starts while still maintaining high-temperature viscosity; must still list VW 502 00 on the label.

For most drivers in typical climates, a high-quality 5W-40 full synthetic with VW 502 00 approval is a conservative, engine-protective choice that balances cold-start performance with robust high-temperature protection.

Full-Synthetic Oil Only

The 3.0 TFSI’s operating conditions and long-drain service intervals call for full-synthetic oil. Conventional or semi-synthetic oils are not appropriate for this engine if you want to adhere to Audi’s standards and protect the supercharger-equipped V6 over the long term.

Why Full Synthetic Is Necessary

The demands of a modern, performance-oriented direct-injection engine make full synthetic non-negotiable. The properties of synthetic oils are tuned specifically for the high-heat, high-shear environment under the Audi S4’s hood.

• Better high-temperature resistance: Synthetic base oils are more resistant to thermal breakdown and coking on hot surfaces.
• Improved low-temperature flow: Quicker oil circulation on cold starts, which reduces wear on startup.
• Enhanced deposit control: Synthetic formulations typically carry advanced detergent packages to minimize sludge and varnish.
• Stronger film strength: Maintains a protective oil film under high load and high RPM conditions.
• Longer service life: Designed to maintain performance over extended intervals, though actual change intervals should still be conservative on older engines.

In the context of the Audi S4’s supercharged engine, full-synthetic oil is not a luxury but a fundamental requirement for reliability and sustained performance.

Example Brands and Product Lines

Many major oil manufacturers produce full-synthetic oils that meet VW 502 00. Audi dealerships may use factory-branded oil, but owners can safely choose any reputable brand as long as the VW 502 00 approval is clearly listed on the container.

Common VW 502 00-Approved Oils Used in Audi S4s

Below is a non-exhaustive list of popular full-synthetic oils that commonly carry VW 502 00 approval and are frequently used by Audi S4 owners and independent European-specialist shops. Always confirm the 502 00 spec on the specific bottle you purchase, as formulations and approvals can change.

• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (European Car Formula / ESP variants with 502 00): Widely available and often used in European performance cars.
• Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (or 0W-40) with VW 502 00 approval: Frequently used at VAG dealerships and independent Audi/VW shops.
• Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40: A popular German-brand oil among Audi enthusiasts, usually 502 00-approved.
• Motul 8100 X-cess or X-clean 5W-40 (502 00-approved versions): Favored by performance-focused owners and tuners.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 (VW 502 00-approved): Designed specifically for European-spec vehicles and available in many North American retailers.

Although the brand can be a matter of preference, tuning recommendations, or local availability, the critical factor is the VW 502 00 approval and correct viscosity for your climate and driving style.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Knowing the required oil specification is only part of maintaining the Audi S4’s engine. Owners should also be aware of approximate oil capacity and realistic change intervals, which may differ from the theoretical maximum intervals quoted by manufacturers.

How Much Oil and How Often to Change It

The following points summarize what S4 owners typically need to know for routine service. Exact numbers can vary slightly by model year and regional specification, so the owner’s manual or a reputable service database should always be consulted for precise data.

• Approximate oil capacity: Around 6.7–7.0 liters (roughly 7.1–7.4 US quarts), including filter, depending on model year and specific engine code.
• Factory service interval: Audi often specifies extended intervals (up to ~10,000 miles or 15,000 km), especially under flexible “long-life” service regimes.
• Enthusiast/independent shop recommendation: Many experts recommend more conservative intervals, around 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), particularly on older or tuned vehicles.
• Severe use adjustment: Frequent short trips, track time, or high-heat driving justify shorter intervals at the low end of the 5,000–7,500 mile range.
• Filter replacement: Always replace the oil filter with each oil change, using an OEM or high-quality equivalent filter.

Observing conservative oil change intervals with an appropriate VW 502 00 full synthetic helps reduce the risk of sludge, timing-chain wear, and other issues in the high-strung 3.0 TFSI powerplant.

Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Oil

Because bottles and formulations change over time, it pays to verify the key details every time you purchase oil. A quick inspection can ensure the product truly meets Audi’s needs, rather than relying on generic “European formula” marketing claims.

How to Verify an Oil Is Suitable for Your S4

Before pouring oil into your Audi S4’s engine, take a moment to confirm specs on the packaging. The steps below help reduce mistakes and avoid products that only “claim to meet requirements” without official approvals.

• Check the back label for VW 502 00: Do not assume an oil is approved because it says “European” or “for German cars”; look specifically for “VW 502 00.”
• Confirm viscosity (e.g., 5W-40): Match the viscosity range recommended in your owner’s manual for your climate.
• Verify full-synthetic labeling: Ensure the oil is explicitly described as “full synthetic” or an equivalent term per regional regulations.
• Cross-check with manufacturer websites: Most oil brands publish current approval lists; consult these if the bottle’s small print is unclear.
• Beware of older stock: Avoid containers with very old manufacturing dates, as specifications and approvals may have changed since.

Adopting this verification routine helps ensure your Audi S4’s 3.0 TFSI supercharged engine consistently receives oil that aligns with Audi’s engineering requirements and current approvals.

Summary

An Audi S4 equipped with the 3.0-liter supercharged TFSI V6 requires a high-quality, full-synthetic engine oil that carries official VW 502 00 approval, with 5W-40 being the most commonly recommended viscosity and 5W-30 or 0W-40 acceptable in some climates when they meet the same spec. Brand is less important than meeting VW 502 00 and selecting a viscosity supported by the owner’s manual for your conditions. Using a reputable full-synthetic oil, replacing the filter at each change, and following a conservative 5,000–7,500 mile (8,000–12,000 km) service interval will help preserve performance and longevity in this highly stressed, supercharged V6.

What kind of oil does an Audi 3.0 take?

Audi A6 Quattro Premium Sedan 3.0L V6 Engine Oil – Castrol Edge Euro Car A3/B4 – 5W-40 Synthetic (5 Quart)

What oil should I put in my Audi S4?

The Audi S4 oil type varies by model year, with common recommendations including 5W-40 for many models from 2000-2016 and 0W-20 or 0W-30 for newer models (2018+). It is crucial to use a full synthetic oil that meets the specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standard for your S4, such as VW 502 00 for many earlier models and VW 508 00 for some newer ones. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct viscosity and oil specification for your specific year. 
Common oil types by model year

• 2000-2016 models (including 2.7T and 3.0T Supercharged):
  • Viscosity: 5W-40 is a common and recommended viscosity. Some models may also be compatible with 5W-30. 
  • Specification: Look for an oil that meets the VW 502 00 quality standard. 
• 2018-2024 models:
  • Viscosity: 0W-20 is often recommended. Some owner’s manuals might specify 0W-30 for certain model years. 
  • Specification: Newer models may require a different specification, such as VW 508 00. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner’s manual: The most accurate information will be in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which specifies the correct oil viscosity and quality standard for your particular S4. 
• Use full synthetic oil: High-performance Audi engines require full synthetic oil to ensure proper lubrication and protection. 
• Meet the oil quality standard: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi/Volkswagen specification (like VW 502 00 or VW 508 00). Using the wrong oil can lead to engine damage. 

How much oil does a S4 3.0 T take?

7.7 quarts
2010-2012 Audi S4 3.0L 24V Supercharged oil fill capacity is 6.6 quarts or 6.2 liters. 2013-2016 Audi S4 3.0L 24V Supercharged oil fill capacity is 7.2 quarts or 6.8 liters. 2018-2024 Audi S4 3.0L 24V Turbocharged oil fill capacity is 7.7 quarts or 7.25 liters.

What oil is recommended for 3.0 ecodiesel?

The recommended oil for a 3.0L EcoDiesel engine is 5W-40 full synthetic meeting the Chrysler MS-12991 standard, especially for 2020 and newer models. Older models (2014-2019) may have initially recommended 5W-30, but an upgrade to 5W-40 is now suggested due to bearing issues in those model years. Examples of compatible oils include Mopar 5W-40 or Penzoil Platinum Euro. 
For 2020 and newer models

• Type: 5W-40 full synthetic
• Standard: Chrysler MS-12991
• Examples: Mopar 5W-40, Penzoil Platinum Euro 

For 2014-2019 models

• Initial recommendation: 5W-30 synthetic 
• Current recommendation: 5W-40 full synthetic 
• Reason for change: A service bulletin upgraded the recommendation to 5W-40 to address bearing failures experienced in 2016 models. 
• Examples of compatible oils: Shell Rotella T6 5W-40 or Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40.