What Kind of Oil an Audi A5 Takes

An Audi A5 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approvals—most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 for modern gasoline and diesel engines—typically in viscosity grades like 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-40, depending on model year, engine type, and climate. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or the label under the hood for the exact specification and viscosity for your specific A5.

Why Oil Type Matters for the Audi A5

The Audi A5, whether equipped with a 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, or a TDI diesel engine, is engineered with tight tolerances and advanced systems such as turbocharging and variable valve timing. These engines depend on high-quality, properly specified oil for lubrication, cooling, and protection under high thermal and mechanical loads. Using the wrong oil can affect performance, fuel economy, emissions system longevity, and even warranty coverage.

The Core Specification: VW/Audi Oil Approvals

More important than the brand name printed on the bottle is whether the oil meets Audi’s official VW Group specifications. Modern Audi A5 models are designed around these factory approvals, which define standards for viscosity stability, detergency, wear protection, and compatibility with emissions systems like gasoline particulate filters (GPF) and diesel particulate filters (DPF).

Most Common Specifications for Recent Audi A5 Models

The following list outlines the main VW oil specifications you’ll encounter for an Audi A5 and what types of engines or model years they typically apply to.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – The most common spec for modern Audi gasoline and diesel engines in Europe and many other markets; low-ash (low-SAPS) oil compatible with particulate filters.
• VW 502 00 – Older-spec high-performance gasoline engines (often paired with 505 00 for diesels) on earlier A5 models, especially in North America.
• VW 505 00 – Older diesel spec, mainly for pre-DPF engines or early DPF systems, used more on earlier A5 TDI models.
• VW 511 00 – Newer-generation spec appearing on some latest VAG engines (though 504 00 / 507 00 remains dominant for A5 so far).
• ACEA C3 / C5 – European standards often listed alongside VW specs; C3 is common for 504 00/507 00 oils, indicating low-SAPS and DPF/GPF compatibility.

Taken together, these specifications ensure that the oil can handle turbocharger temperatures, extended drain intervals, and protect emissions hardware, which is critical to the Audi A5’s long-term reliability.

Typical Viscosity Grades for the Audi A5

Viscosity describes how thick or thin oil is at cold start and at operating temperature. Audi calibrates oil recommendations based on engine design and emissions requirements, but also allows some flexibility for different climates.

Common Viscosity Grades by Generation

The following list summarizes the viscosity grades typically associated with different Audi A5 generations and engines. Exact requirements can vary by engine code and market, so this serves as a guide rather than a substitute for checking your manual.

• First Generation (B8, ~2008–2016):
  

  • Gasoline (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 3.0 TFSI): typically 5W-40 or 5W-30 meeting VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where specified).
  • Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI): commonly 5W-30 meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 or 5W-40 with VW 505 01 on some earlier TDIs.

• Second Generation (B9, ~2017–2023):
  

  • Gasoline (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI / S5 variants): usually 0W-30 or 5W-30 meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00; some markets allow 0W-20 in later model years.
  • Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI): predominantly 5W-30 or 0W-30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00 for DPF-equipped engines.

• Latest Models / Facelifts (~2021 onward):
  

  • Increasing use of 0W-20 for efficiency and emissions, but only when explicitly specified by Audi for your engine code and typically requiring a newer VW spec.

While 5W-30 and 0W-30 are the most broadly used for newer A5 models, not all engines support 0W-20, so owners should never switch to a thinner oil grade without cross-checking Audi’s official recommendations.

Gasoline vs. Diesel: Key Differences in Oil Needs

Though Audi aims to simplify its lineup by using multi-approval oils, gasoline (TFSI) and diesel (TDI) variants of the A5 have slightly different priorities, especially concerning particulate filters and fuel dilution risk.

Gasoline (TFSI) Audi A5 Engines

Turbocharged gasoline engines in the A5 are sensitive to deposit formation and high-temperature breakdown. The following list highlights what matters most for TFSI engines.

• High-temperature stability: Turbochargers generate extreme heat, so oil must resist coking and breakdown.
• Detergent and dispersant additives: Help keep direct injection systems cleaner, mitigating carbon buildup on valves (though fuel system design is the primary factor).
• Low-SAPS where applicable: For engines with gasoline particulate filters (GPF), typically served by VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oils.
• Correct viscosity: 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year and climate; more recent engines often favor 0W-30 for fuel economy.

Choosing an approved, fully synthetic oil with the right viscosity helps maintain turbo efficiency, fuel economy, and engine longevity in TFSI-equipped A5 models.

Diesel (TDI) Audi A5 Engines

Modern TDI engines rely heavily on particulate filters and precise injection systems. Their oil requirements emphasize emissions durability and soot management, as summarized below.

• Low-ash, low-SAPS formulation: Crucial for DPF longevity; this is a key reason VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils are mandated for many TDIs.
• Soot handling and shear stability: The oil must keep soot in suspension without thickening excessively over long intervals.
• Compatibility with long-life service intervals: Many A5 TDIs are set up for extended drain intervals under flexible service regimes, which demands robust additive packages.
• Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 0W-30: Balancing cold-start performance with high-load protection in motorway driving common to diesel use.

Proper low-SAPS synthetic oil is non-negotiable for diesel A5 owners, as the wrong oil can dramatically shorten DPF life and increase maintenance costs.

Popular Oil Brands That Meet Audi A5 Requirements

Numerous major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic products that carry the necessary VW approvals. While Audi’s own branded oil is often recommended by dealers, equivalent oils are widely available.

Examples of Compatible Oils (When Properly Specified)

The following list provides illustrative examples of oil lines that commonly offer VW 504 00 / 507 00 or related approvals. Always verify the exact spec and viscosity on the product label.

• Castrol EDGE / EDGE Professional – Variants such as 5W-30 LL that list VW 504 00 / 507 00 on the label, frequently used by Audi dealers.
• Mobil 1 ESP – ESP 5W-30 or 0W-30 formulations that state VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, designed for emissions system compatibility.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional – Certain 5W-30 or 0W-30 products carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals in Europe and other regions.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec – Top Tec 4200 (often 5W-30) is a common choice in Europe with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval.
• Valvoline, Motul, and others – Offer VW-approved formulations; model names change by market, so checking the approval list is critical.

These brands can match or exceed the performance of dealer-branded oil as long as they explicitly carry the correct VW/Audi approval and viscosity matching your A5’s requirements.

How to Check the Correct Oil for Your Specific Audi A5

Because the Audi A5 spans multiple generations, engine types, and markets, the safest way to identify the correct oil is to rely on the car’s official documentation and labels, not general assumptions.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following list outlines a simple process to confirm you’re buying the correct oil for your Audi A5.

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look for the section labeled “Engine oil” or “Specifications” for the required VW standard (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00) and viscosity.
2. Check under-hood labels: Some A5 models have a sticker near the radiator support or oil filler cap noting the required spec.
3. Use an official VIN-based lookup: Many Audi dealer portals and reputable parts suppliers use your VIN to specify the correct oil standard and quantity.
4. Verify the approval on the bottle: Ensure the exact VW number (e.g., “VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved”) is printed on the back label—not just “recommended for.”
5. Ask the dealer or a VAG specialist: Especially if you’re running a performance-tuned engine, driving in extreme climates, or have uncertain service history.

Following these steps eliminates guesswork and ensures your chosen oil matches Audi’s engineering requirements for your exact A5 variant.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Considerations

Choosing the correct oil goes hand-in-hand with following appropriate change intervals. Audi has used both fixed and flexible service regimes for the A5, depending on market and owner preference.

Typical Service Patterns for the Audi A5

The list below summarizes common oil change interval guidance seen across Audi A5 model years, though local recommendations and driving conditions can modify these intervals.

• Fixed interval service: Often every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first; some markets specify 8,000–10,000 miles.
• Flexible / LongLife service: Up to ~18,000–20,000 miles (30,000–32,000 km) or 2 years, but only when using LongLife-approved oil (typically VW 504 00 / 507 00) and under favorable driving conditions.
• Severe use adjustment: Frequent short trips, heavy traffic, extreme temperatures, or spirited driving justify shorter intervals than the maximum allowed.
• Tuned or high-mileage engines: Many independent specialists recommend more conservative change intervals—around 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).

Keeping intervals realistic for your driving style and environment is just as important as choosing the correct specification; it reduces the risk of sludge, varnish, and premature component wear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Despite clear manufacturer guidance, certain pitfalls recur among Audi A5 owners performing their own maintenance or using non-specialist service shops.

Frequent Oil-Related Errors

The following list outlines mistakes that can compromise engine health or emissions hardware in an Audi A5.

• Ignoring VW approval numbers: Using “generic synthetic 5W-30” that lacks VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 approval, even if the viscosity appears correct.
• Value-brand oil with inadequate standards: Cheaper oils may not maintain viscosity or additive performance over long intervals.
• Using high-ash oil in DPF/GPF-equipped cars: Shortens particulate filter life and can cause warning lights and costly repairs.
• Overfilling or underfilling: Both wrong levels and wrong spec are harmful; electronic dipsticks on some A5 models make accurate checking essential.
• Mixing incompatible oils: Topping up with any random oil can dilute the properties of the original fill; use the same or fully compatible spec.

Avoiding these errors helps protect both the mechanical engine components and the complex emissions systems that define modern Audi A5 powertrains.

Summary

An Audi A5 typically requires fully synthetic oil that meets specific VW Group approvals, with VW 504 00 / 507 00 being the most common standard for modern gasoline and diesel engines, usually in viscosities like 0W-30 or 5W-30 and, for some newer engines, 0W-20. Earlier models may specify VW 502 00 / 505 00 or 505 01, often paired with 5W-40 or 5W-30 oils. Because details vary by model year, engine code, and region, the definitive answer for any particular A5 lies in the owner’s manual, under-hood labels, or a VIN-based lookup—backed up by checking the exact VW approval printed on the oil container. Using the correct, approved oil at sensible intervals is central to preserving the performance, efficiency, and durability of Audi’s A5 lineup.

What kind of oil does a 2010 Audi A5 take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-40.

What kind of oil does a 2011 Audi A5 take?

AUDI A5 2011-2018 3.0 TDi DIESEL ENGINES. 7 X Litres FULLY-SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL 5W30 VL (VAG SPEC).

What oil does an Audi A5 2014 take?

5W-40, 5W-30, 0W-40, 0W-30 (All TEMPS) – If synthetic oil that meets the applicable Audi, Volkswagen oil quality standard with the recommended viscosity grade is not available in your area, be sure to use a viscosity grade suitable for the climate, season, and operating conditions that exist where the vehicle is used.

Can I put 5W-30 in my Audi A5?

A5 2.0 TFSI engines may experience higher oil consumption and occasional oil leaks around seals. The Audi A5 2.0 TFSI requires synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting VW 502 00/505 00 standards.