What Kind of Oil an Audi A4 2009 Takes

An Audi A4 2009 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where specified) and is typically 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on engine variant, climate, and regional availability. Owners should always confirm the exact required oil specification in the owner’s manual or through an Audi dealer using the vehicle’s VIN.

The Basics: Oil Specification for a 2009 Audi A4

The 2009 Audi A4 spans several engines (mostly 2.0 TFSI and some 3.2 FSI V6 in many markets), and while viscosity can vary slightly, the critical factor is that the oil meets Volkswagen Group’s approved standards. For most gasoline (petrol) engines of that year, the key spec is VW 502 00; for some long-life service schedules or diesel variants, VW 504 00 or 507 00 may apply.

Core Oil Requirements

Audi, like other VW Group brands, specifies oil first by performance standard and only second by viscosity. That means the letters and numbers such as “VW 502 00” on the bottle are more important than just “5W-40.” The wrong specification can lead to increased wear, carbon buildup, or warranty issues, particularly on turbocharged engines like the 2.0 TFSI.

The following list highlights the most common oil requirements for a 2009 Audi A4 in many markets, especially North America and Europe.

• Gasoline engines (e.g., 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI): Oil must meet VW 502 00. Many owners and dealers use 5W-40 or 5W-30 fully synthetic that carries this approval.
• Diesel engines (e.g., 2.0 TDI, in markets where sold): Usually require oil meeting VW 507 00 (low-SAPS, DPF-friendly) and often in 5W-30 viscosity, but always confirm with the manual for your exact engine code.
• Long-life / variable service interval systems (Europe): Some A4s set up for extended service intervals may be specified for VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) oils, usually 5W-30 fully synthetic.
• Cold climates: 0W-30 or 0W-40 that still meets the relevant VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 standards may be recommended to improve cold-start performance.
• Hot climates or spirited driving: 5W-40 fully synthetic with VW 502 00 approval is commonly preferred, as it offers robust high-temperature protection.

These guidelines cover the most typical scenarios for a 2009 Audi A4, but exact requirements depend on engine code, market, and service schedule; the owner’s manual or dealer database is the final authority.

Understanding the VW Oil Specifications

VW Group uses its own oil standards to ensure durability of engines, especially turbocharged and direct-injection units that place greater stress on lubricants. For a 2009 Audi A4, three specifications are particularly relevant: VW 502 00, VW 504 00, and VW 507 00.

VW 502 00: The Common Gasoline Standard

VW 502 00 is the most widely specified standard for gasoline engines in older Audis, including many 2009 A4 models sold in North America and Europe. It is designed for high-performance engines and is compatible with fixed (non-long-life) service intervals.

The following list breaks down what VW 502 00 typically means for Audi A4 owners.

• High-temperature stability: Oil must resist breakdown under turbo heat and extended highway driving.
• Detergency and cleanliness: Enhanced additives help reduce deposits, an important factor in 2.0 TFSI engines prone to carbon buildup.
• Compatibility with fixed intervals: Optimized for standard oil changes (often ~10,000 miles / 15,000 km or annually, depending on region and maintenance schedule).
• Widely available: Many mainstream brands offer 5W-40 or 5W-30 oils carrying VW 502 00 approval.
• Backward compatibility: Often approved for older VW/Audi gasoline engines, simplifying mixed-garage maintenance.

Together, these characteristics make VW 502 00 a safe default for many 2009 Audi A4 gas engines, provided the correct viscosity and fully synthetic formulation are used.

VW 504 00 and 507 00: Long-Life and Diesel Standards

Some 2009 A4s, particularly in Europe, were configured for “LongLife” service intervals and/or equipped with diesel particulate filters. In those situations, VW 504 00 (for gasoline) and VW 507 00 (for diesel) become relevant.

The next list outlines the key aspects of VW 504 00 and 507 00 oils as they relate to a 2009 Audi A4.

• Extended drain capability: These oils are formulated to last longer under controlled conditions, enabling longer service intervals where permitted by the vehicle’s configuration.
• Low-SAPS technology (especially 507 00): Reduced sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur content helps protect diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and some catalytic converters.
• Typical viscosity: Commonly 5W-30 fully synthetic, balancing fuel economy and protection.
• Cross-compatibility: In many cases, VW 504 00/507 00 oils can be used in place of VW 502 00 for gasoline engines, but always check the owner’s manual to avoid conflicts with regional recommendations.
• Stricter additive control: Designed for modern emissions systems, which can be sensitive to older, higher-ash lubricants.

Using VW 504 00 or 507 00 oil in an Audi A4 2009 is correct only if the car was specified for it; in many markets, VW 502 00 remains the recommended choice for gasoline engines with fixed intervals.

Choosing the Right Viscosity: 5W-40 vs 5W-30 and Others

While the VW standard is non-negotiable, Audi allows some flexibility in viscosity based on climate and usage. For a 2009 A4, 5W-40 and 5W-30 are the most common grades, though 0W-30 or 0W-40 may appear in very cold environments.

How Viscosity Affects Your Engine

Viscosity refers to the oil’s thickness at cold and operating temperatures. Turbocharged engines like the 2.0 TFSI rely heavily on proper lubrication, especially at startup and under high-load driving.

The following list compares key viscosity options for a 2009 Audi A4.

• 5W-40 fully synthetic: Often recommended in warmer or mixed climates; offers slightly thicker film at high temperature, which many enthusiasts prefer for turbo engines.
• 5W-30 fully synthetic: Common factory-fill and dealer choice, especially for VW 504 00/507 00 oils; can improve fuel economy marginally while still providing adequate protection when approved by Audi.
• 0W-30 or 0W-40: Favored in very cold climates for faster cold-start lubrication; must still carry the appropriate VW approval to be acceptable.
• 10W-40 or non-approved grades: Generally not recommended unless explicitly listed in the manual; lack of VW approval can risk engine wear or warranty coverage.
• Mixing viscosities: Topping up with a similar grade is sometimes unavoidable, but routine mixing or using non-approved oil is discouraged.

Ultimately, the right viscosity is the one specified in the owner’s manual for your climate and engine, as long as it also carries the correct VW approval number.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2009 A4

Because the 2009 Audi A4 was sold in multiple configurations across different regions, the most accurate answer comes from your car’s exact documentation and identity. Minor variations, especially between gasoline and diesel engines or North American and European markets, can change the recommended oil specification.

Steps to Verify the Right Oil

Drivers can minimize guesswork and risk by following a few straightforward checks before buying oil or booking a service appointment.

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look under the “Engine Oil” section; Audi typically lists the exact VW specification and one or more approved viscosity ranges.
2. Check the service booklet or under-hood stickers: Some cars carry an oil spec reminder in the maintenance book or on a label in the engine bay.
3. Use your VIN with an Audi dealer: Provide the Vehicle Identification Number so the parts department can retrieve the factory-specified oil standard for your precise engine code.
4. Look for approvals on the oil container: The label should explicitly say “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” or “VW 507 00” (as applicable). “Suitable for” or “meets the requirements of” without official approval is less reliable.
5. Record what is used: Keep receipts and note the spec and viscosity for each oil change to track consistency and support any future warranty or diagnostic work.

Following these steps ensures that the oil in your 2009 Audi A4 genuinely matches Audi’s engineering requirements instead of relying on generic or approximate recommendations.

Recommended Practice for Oil Changes on a 2009 Audi A4

Even with the correct oil, longevity and reliability depend on consistent service intervals and proper maintenance habits. Turbocharged and direct-injection engines, in particular, benefit from regular oil changes under real-world conditions that may be harsher than lab-defined “normal use.”

Intervals, Brands, and Practical Tips

While specific intervals vary by market and whether your car is on a fixed or variable service plan, many independent Audi specialists advise more conservative schedules than the maximums sometimes advertised.

The following list outlines practical oil-change guidance for a typical 2009 Audi A4 owner.

• Change interval: Many mechanics recommend changing VW 502 00 oil every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) or once a year, even if the official interval is longer, especially for turbo engines.
• Use quality filters: Pair approved oil with an OEM or high-quality equivalent oil filter to maintain correct flow and filtration.
• Monitor oil level: Check the dipstick regularly, as some 2.0 TFSI engines are known to consume oil between services.
• Warm-up and cool-down habits: Gentle driving for the first few minutes and avoiding immediate shutdown after hard driving help protect turbo components and oil life.
• Avoid cheap, non-approved oils: Saving a little money on oil at the expense of VW approval can result in costly repairs down the line.

Adhering to these practices, along with using the correct VW-approved fully synthetic oil, significantly improves the long-term reliability of a 2009 Audi A4.

Summary

A 2009 Audi A4 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW Group standards—most commonly VW 502 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for many diesel engines, with VW 504 00/507 00 used on some long-life service setups. Viscosity is usually 5W-40 or 5W-30, adjusted for climate and engine variant, but the VW approval printed on the oil bottle is the decisive factor. Because exact requirements depend on engine type, region, and service configuration, owners should verify the specification in the owner’s manual or with an Audi dealer using the vehicle’s VIN before purchasing oil or scheduling a service.

Which oil does the Audi A4 take?

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Audi A4
Audi recommends using synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Here are a few top choices: Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Known for its exceptional strength under high pressure, this oil provides superior protection and performance for your Audi A4.

Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?

StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.

What kind of oil does my 2009 Audi A4 take?

Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.

How much oil does a 2009 Audi A4 2.0 take?

The oil capacity for a 2009 Audi A4 2.0T is approximately 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) with a filter change. It is important to check the dipstick after refilling to ensure the correct level, as some sources suggest slightly different capacities depending on the specific engine and whether a filter change is included. 

• Oil Capacity: About 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) when changing the filter.
• After Refill: Always check the oil level with the dipstick after filling to make sure it is correct.
• Viscosity: Use a 5W-40, 5W-30, 0W-40, or 0W-30 synthetic oil that meets the applicable Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standard.