What Kind of Oil an Audi A4 2.0 T Takes

An Audi A4 2.0 T (2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TSI) generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW approvals—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00—at the appropriate viscosity such as 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40 depending on model year, engine code, and climate. The safest way to choose is to match both the viscosity and the VW/Audi approval listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil-filler cap sticker.

Why the Exact Oil Specification Matters for an Audi A4 2.0 T

The Audi A4 2.0 T engine is a turbocharged, high‑compression unit that operates under substantial thermal and mechanical stress. Using the correct oil is crucial not only for basic lubrication but also for turbo longevity, fuel economy, emissions control, and avoidance of sludge or premature engine wear. Audi and its parent company Volkswagen define strict standards—known as VW oil approvals—that any oil must meet before it can be considered suitable.

The Most Important Requirement: VW/Audi Oil Approvals

Before looking at viscosity (0W‑20, 5W‑30, etc.), the first checkpoint is whether the oil carries the right VW approval number. These standards ensure the oil can handle the demands of Audi engines, including long-drain intervals and turbocharger temperatures.

The following list outlines the most common VW/Audi oil approvals relevant to petrol-powered Audi A4 2.0 T engines from roughly the mid‑2000s onward.

• VW 502 00: Traditional high‑performance gasoline engine spec for many Audi/VW turbo engines; common for older and mid‑generation A4 2.0 T (especially pre‑2017 in many markets).
• VW 504 00: Newer “LongLife” low‑ash oil spec mainly in Europe and some other regions; paired with flexible, extended oil‑change intervals and modern emissions requirements.
• VW 508 00: Very recent low‑viscosity oils (typically 0W‑20) for newer TFSI engines to boost efficiency and meet the latest emissions/fuel‑economy targets.
• VW 500 00 / 501 01 / 502 00 (older manuals): On older platforms, you may see combinations; today, 502 00 is still widely supplied and backward compatible with many earlier petrol specs.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00: Primarily for diesel engines (especially 507 00), generally not applicable to a gasoline 2.0 T A4 unless specifically stated in your manual.

Overall, any oil you choose must explicitly state on the label that it meets the VW 502 00, 504 00, or 508 00 specification required for your exact Audi A4 2.0 T model year and engine version; this approval is more important than the brand name itself.

Typical Viscosity Grades by Generation

Once VW approval is confirmed, viscosity choice depends on model year, engine generation, and climate. Audi has shifted toward thinner oils in recent generations for efficiency, though some markets still allow or recommend slightly thicker options, especially in hotter climates.

B6/B7 Audi A4 2.0 T (Approx. 2005–2008, Early 2.0 TFSI)

For older 2.0 TFSI engines (often engine codes like BPG, BWT, BGB), the standard was robust, fully synthetic oil suited to turbocharged engines.

The following list shows common viscosity recommendations for early A4 2.0 T models, assuming petrol engines and typical climates.

• 5W‑40, VW 502 00: Very common recommendation in North America and many other regions; offers strong protection in hotter conditions while still flowing well cold.
• 5W‑30, VW 502 00: Also frequently allowed, especially in moderate climates; slightly better fuel economy, with adequate protection if VW‑approved.
• 0W‑40, VW 502 00: Sometimes listed as an option, particularly in cold climates, to improve cold‑start lubrication.

In practice, a fully synthetic 5W‑40 meeting VW 502 00 remains a very common and safe choice for these earlier 2.0 TFSI engines, particularly where ambient temperatures can be high or driving is spirited.

B8 Audi A4 2.0 T (Approx. 2009–2016)

The B8/B8.5 generation refined the 2.0 TFSI with updated internals and emissions systems. Audi continued to rely heavily on VW 502 00 and, in some markets, VW 504 00 for LongLife service intervals.

The following list gives typical viscosity guidance for this generation, though exact recommendations may depend on market and engine code.

• 5W‑40, VW 502 00: Still a very common factory‑service and dealer fill, especially in hotter climates and in North America.
• 5W‑30, VW 502 00 or 504 00: Frequently recommended where extended drain intervals (LongLife) are implemented or where fuel economy targets are tighter.
• 0W‑30, VW 504 00: In some European manuals, 0W‑30/5W‑30 LongLife oils with VW 504 00 are specified for flexible service intervals.

For a B8 A4 2.0 T outside of very new low‑viscosity regimes, a high‑quality 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 that clearly lists VW 502 00 or 504 00 is typically the correct choice, adjusted to climate and driving style.

B9 Audi A4 2.0 T (Approx. 2017–Present, 2.0 TFSI / 2.0 TFSI Mild‑Hybrid)

The B9 platform brought another efficiency step, and more recent models increasingly use very low‑viscosity oil to squeeze out fuel‑economy gains and meet stricter emissions rules.

The following list summarizes the trend for B9 2.0 T engines, though exact years and markets can differ.

• Earlier B9 (around 2017–2019): Often specified for 5W‑30, VW 504 00, especially in Europe, and 5W‑30 or 0W‑30, VW 502 00/504 00 in other regions.
• Later B9 / facelift (around 2019–2024): Increasingly specify 0W‑20, VW 508 00 as the primary or sole recommendation for the 2.0 TFSI, including mild‑hybrid variants.
• Market nuances: Some countries still allow 5W‑30 504 00 oils as an alternative under “severe use” or special conditions; others are strict about 0W‑20 508 00 only.

For any late‑model B9 Audi A4 2.0 T, checking the exact model year, engine code (e.g., EA888 Gen3/Gen3B), and the owner’s manual is essential; many now require 0W‑20 with VW 508 00 approval, and using thicker oil may affect warranty compliance or efficiency goals.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific Car

Because Audi’s recommendations vary by year, market, and engine revision, owners should confirm the exact specification rather than relying on a generic rule of thumb.

The following list describes reliable ways to verify the oil spec and viscosity for your particular Audi A4 2.0 T.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Go to the “Engine oil” or “Fluids” section; Audi usually lists both the VW approval (e.g., 502 00, 504 00, 508 00) and permissible viscosity ranges.
2. Look under the hood: Many A4 models have a label on or near the oil filler cap or the radiator support spelling out the recommended VW spec (e.g., “Use VW 504 00/507 00 oil only”).
3. Use Audi’s VIN-based service tools: Dealers and some online parts catalogs can decode your VIN to pull up the exact engine code and associated oil standard.
4. Consult dealership or reputable independent specialist: A brand‑specialist workshop will know which oil Audi currently recommends for your particular engine and region.
5. Match the label on the oil container: Once you know the required spec, only buy oils whose labels explicitly state “Approvals: VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 508 00,” not just “suitable for” or “meets requirements of” without official approval.

By cross‑checking these sources, you ensure that the oil you use is fully compatible with Audi’s latest guidance for your exact A4 2.0 T configuration, minimizing risk and maximizing engine life.

Climate, Driving Style, and Oil Change Intervals

Within Audi’s approved viscosity options, climate and driving conditions can influence the optimal choice and service interval.

The following list outlines how operating conditions may affect your oil decision—always staying within the viscosities and VW specifications Audi allows for your engine.

• Cold climates: Lower “W” viscosity oils (0W‑20, 0W‑30, 0W‑40) improve cold‑start flow and can reduce wear in freezing conditions.
• Hot climates / spirited driving: Slightly higher hot‑viscosity oils (e.g., 5W‑40 vs 5W‑30) may offer a stronger film at high temperature and under sustained boost, provided they have the correct VW approval.
• Short trips and city driving: Frequent cold starts and stop‑and‑go traffic are hard on oil; even with LongLife intervals allowed, many specialists recommend more frequent changes (e.g., 8,000–10,000 km or 5,000–6,000 miles).
• High‑mileage engines: Older engines may benefit from slightly thicker oil (within Audi‑approved ranges) to maintain oil pressure and reduce consumption, again ensuring VW 502 00/504 00 as required.
• Oil change intervals: Audi often advertises up to 15,000 miles / 24,000 km or 2 years with LongLife specs, but many independent experts advocate 10,000 km / 6,000–7,500 miles (or annually) for turbocharged engines, especially where fuel or climate is less than ideal.

Considering these factors while staying within Audi’s official viscosity and specification framework helps tailor your oil choice and service schedule to real‑world use, enhancing reliability and longevity.

Recommended Oil Types and Brands (Examples)

While brand is less important than meeting the correct VW approval, some fully synthetic oils are widely used and recognized as suitable options when they match your car’s specified standard.

The following list gives examples of commonly used oils that often carry the required VW approvals, illustrating the type of product you should look for on the shelf.

• 5W‑40, VW 502 00 examples:
  

  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100 5W‑40 (check label for 502 00 approval)
  • Mobil 1 FS 5W‑40 (some variants carry VW 502 00)
  • Castrol EDGE 5W‑40 A3/B4 (often VW 502 00 approved)

• 5W‑30, VW 504 00 examples:
  

  • Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W‑30
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W‑30
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30 (specific VW‑approved variants)

• 0W‑20, VW 508 00 examples:
  

  • Castrol EDGE Professional LL IV FE 0W‑20
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W‑20 / AV 0W‑20 (VW 508 00/509 00 versions)
  • Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W‑20 (VW 508 00/509 00 variants)

These examples illustrate the sort of fully synthetic, VW‑approved oils that are commonly used in Audi A4 2.0 T engines; always double‑check the approval code on the exact bottle you buy, as formulations and certifications can change.

Key Takeaways for Different Owners

The precise answer to “What oil does an Audi A4 2.0 T take?” depends mainly on the car’s age, engine variant, and region, but some general patterns apply across the lineup.

The following list summarizes typical guidance for different broad categories of Audi A4 2.0 T owners; this is indicative only and must always be confirmed against the manual.

• Older A4 2.0 T (mid‑2000s to early 2010s): Usually a fully synthetic 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 oil with VW 502 00 approval.
• Mid‑generation A4 2.0 T (roughly 2013–2018): Often 5W‑30 with VW 504 00 (or 502 00 in some markets); some allow 0W‑30 as an alternative.
• Newer A4 2.0 T (late B9, approx. 2019–present): Frequently require 0W‑20, VW 508 00, especially for mild‑hybrid and latest‑generation TFSI engines.

These patterns provide a quick orientation, but they must always be verified against your specific car’s documentation to ensure compatibility and warranty compliance.

Summary

An Audi A4 2.0 T requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW/Audi approval specified for its particular model year and engine—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 for earlier and mid‑generation cars, and VW 508 00 (0W‑20) for many newer B9 models. Typical viscosities range from 5W‑40 and 5W‑30 in older and mid‑generation engines to 0W‑30 or 0W‑20 in the latest designs. The critical rule is to choose an oil whose label explicitly lists the VW approval mandated in your owner’s manual or on the under‑hood label, then select the appropriate viscosity for your climate and driving conditions.