What Kind of Oil Does an Audi A8 Use?

An Audi A8 typically uses fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW approvals—most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 508 00 / 509 00—usually in 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosity, depending on model year and engine. The exact oil specification is defined in the owner’s manual and on the under‑hood label, and using an oil without the correct VW approval can affect engine longevity and warranty coverage.

Understanding Audi’s Oil Specifications

The Audi A8 is a flagship luxury sedan with advanced engines that require strictly defined oil standards. Rather than just choosing any “synthetic 5W-30,” owners must use oil that carries a specific VW/Audi approval code printed on the bottle. These standards govern performance under high temperature, extended drain intervals, fuel economy, emissions system protection, and resistance to sludge.

Key VW/Audi Oil Standards for the A8

The following specifications are the most common approvals you’ll see for recent Audi A8 models, and each is printed as “VW 50x.xx” or similar on the oil container label.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Long-life, low-ash (low SAPS) synthetic oil used in many modern Audi gasoline and diesel engines in Europe and North America. Commonly in 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer ultra–low-viscosity standard (often 0W-20) designed for the latest generation Audi engines for improved fuel economy and emission control.
• VW 502 00: Older high-performance gasoline engine spec, often in 5W-30 or 5W-40, still relevant for some previous-generation A8 models and markets.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel specifications; still seen on some legacy vehicles, but most newer A8 diesels use 507 00 in markets where they are sold.

Each of these specifications is more important than the brand name or even the basic viscosity grade, because they guarantee that the oil has passed tests set by Audi/VW for that engine family and its service intervals.

Typical Oil Types by Generation and Engine

The Audi A8 has gone through several generations—each with different engines and, in some cases, different oil requirements. While exact details may vary by market and engine code, these are the prevailing patterns for A8 models sold in Europe and North America.

D5 (Current Generation, ~2018–Present)

Current-generation A8 models (often designated D5 or 4N) use advanced turbocharged gasoline engines—such as the 3.0 TFSI V6 and 4.0 TFSI V8—plus mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.

For many of these engines, Audi specifies:

• Oil standard: VW 508 00 (gasoline) / 509 00 (some markets, particularly Europe); in some configurations VW 504 00 / 507 00 remains acceptable.
• Typical viscosity: 0W-20 for engines requiring VW 508 00 / 509 00; 0W-30 or 5W-30 for engines using VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Type: Fully synthetic, long-life oil designed for extended service intervals and high fuel efficiency.

On many late-model A8s, 0W-20 VW 508 00 oil is now standard, and using thicker, non-approved oils can interfere with emissions systems and negate fuel economy gains.

D4 (2010–2017) and Late D3 Models

The previous-generation A8 (D4) and late-production D3 models introduced widespread use of long-life low-ash oils to protect catalytic converters and particulate filters.

For most D4 A8 gasoline and diesel engines, Audi typically specifies:

• Oil standard: VW 504 00 (gasoline) / 507 00 (diesel), often combined on the bottle as “504 00/507 00.”
• Typical viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-30, depending on climate and market.
• Engines covered: 3.0 TFSI, 4.0 TFSI, some V8 diesels (where sold), and select hybrid configurations, with local variations.

This generation is where it becomes especially critical not to use older VW 502 00 / 505 00 style oils if Audi specifies 504 00 / 507 00, as the low-ash formulations are part of protecting the emission systems.

Older Generations (D2 and Early D3)

Older A8 models—especially those from the late 1990s and early 2000s, with naturally aspirated V6 and V8 engines or early TDI diesels—often used earlier VW approvals.

Common requirements include:

• Oil standard: VW 502 00 for many gasoline engines; VW 505 00 or 505 01 for early diesels.
• Typical viscosity: 5W-40 or 5W-30 fully synthetic, with some climates allowing 0W-40.
• Considerations: These engines are less demanding about ultra-low-viscosity oils but still benefit from high-quality synthetics, particularly in high-mileage vehicles.

With these older A8s, it is still best practice to match the exact spec listed in the owner’s manual, even if the car is out of warranty, as the clearances and design assumed a particular oil behavior.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Specific A8

Because engine codes, market variations, and software updates can change oil recommendations over time, owners should verify the exact required specification rather than guessing based on model year alone.

Where to Find the Official Specification

You can reliably determine the correct oil using several official sources that tie directly to your vehicle’s VIN and engine code.

• Owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists approved oil specifications (e.g., “Only use oils meeting VW 508 00”). Some manuals allow multiple options depending on service interval (“flexible” vs “fixed”).
• Sticker/label under the hood or on the oil cap: Many A8s have a printed note such as “Use only VW 504 00 / 507 00” or “Use only VW 508 00.”
• Audi dealer or official service portal: Providing your VIN to a dealership or using Audi’s online service documentation (where available) will confirm the latest approved oil spec.
• Digital service records: On recent A8s with connected services, the maintenance section in the infotainment or app may reference service standards that correspond to the oil spec.

Treat these sources as definitive; if an oil’s label does not explicitly say it meets the listed VW standard, assume it is not approved—even if the viscosity appears similar.

Viscosity Grades: 0W-20 vs 5W-30 and Others

Audi’s oil specifications and viscosity recommendations are tied closely to engine design, emissions targets, and climate. Viscosity numbers (such as 0W-20 or 5W-30) indicate how easily oil flows when cold (“0W” or “5W”) and when hot (“20” or “30”).

Common Viscosity Grades in the Audi A8

Recent A8 models are optimized for lower-viscosity oils that reduce internal drag and improve fuel economy, while older models were typically matched to slightly thicker grades.

• 0W-20: Standard for many newest-generation A8 engines with VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval. Prioritizes fuel efficiency and fast cold starts while meeting strict durability tests.
• 0W-30 / 5W-30: Widely used for A8 engines under VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals. Balances protection, emissions system compatibility, and long drain intervals.
• 5W-40 (and occasionally 0W-40): More common in older A8 gasoline engines and some high-mileage or hot-climate applications, under VW 502 00 or related specs.

Switching away from the recommended viscosity can affect fuel consumption, turbocharger performance, and wear patterns, so any deviation should only be made if Audi formally approves it for your engine and climate.

Brand Choices and Aftermarket Oils

While Audi often fills vehicles from the factory with oils co-branded with major suppliers (such as Castrol or other OEM partners), owners are not forced to use a single brand—as long as the oil meets the exact VW specification required.

Choosing a Brand for Your A8

Most major oil manufacturers offer products that meet VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 508 00 / 509 00 approvals, but you have to confirm the approval codes on the label—not just “recommended for use in Audi.”

• Check for official approvals: Look for explicit wording such as “Approved VW 504 00/507 00” or “VW 508 00” rather than vague phrases like “suitable for.”
• Use full synthetic: Audi’s long-drain and high-performance engines are designed around fully synthetic oil; semi-synthetic or mineral oils are not appropriate.
• Match the viscosity and spec: Even within the same brand, different product lines may have similar viscosity but different approval status; pick the bottle that matches both the viscosity and VW spec from your manual.

As long as the oil meets the precise VW approval and viscosity recommended for your A8, brand choice can largely come down to availability, price, and personal preference.

Oil Change Intervals and Why the Correct Oil Matters

The A8 often uses “long-life” service intervals, where the car’s sensors and algorithms calculate when an oil change is due. These intervals can be significantly longer than in older vehicles, which is why Audi is strict about the oil specification.

Service Intervals and Engine Protection

Correct oil helps maintain performance, fuel economy, and emissions compliance across tens of thousands of kilometers or miles between services.

• Long-life intervals: Many A8 models with flexible servicing can go up to roughly 15,000–20,000 miles (or around 24,000–30,000 km) between oil changes, depending on driving style and region-specific guidance.
• Fixed intervals: Some markets or owners opt for fixed intervals (e.g., every 10,000 miles/15,000 km or annually), which can be beneficial for short-trip, city, or harsh-climate use.
• Risks of incorrect oil: Using non-approved oil can lead to sludge, timing chain tensioner issues, turbocharger wear, particulate filter/catalyst damage, and could complicate warranty claims.

Regardless of the theoretical maximum interval, many specialists recommend slightly more frequent oil changes on high-value cars like the A8, especially if driving conditions are severe—always with the correct VW-approved oil.

Practical Steps for Audi A8 Owners

For owners seeking a clear, actionable path, keeping the A8’s engine properly lubricated comes down to a few disciplined habits.

Checklist Before Your Next Oil Change

Following a consistent checklist can help ensure every oil change preserves performance and reliability.

1. Confirm your engine code and model year: Use your registration or VIN, or consult the under-hood label, to identify the exact engine.
2. Read the owner’s manual: Note the specified VW oil approval and any listed viscosity ranges for your climate.
3. Buy oil with the correct VW approval: Verify the approval code is printed on the bottle; do not rely on generic “for European cars” claims.
4. Use a high-quality filter: Choose an OEM or OEM-equivalent filter designed for your engine’s pressure and flow requirements.
5. Record each service: Log the date, mileage, oil brand, spec, and viscosity to track maintenance and protect resale value.

By consistently following these steps, you greatly reduce the risk of lubrication-related engine issues and keep your A8 aligned with Audi’s original engineering assumptions.

Summary

An Audi A8 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW approvals, with VW 504 00 / 507 00 and the newer VW 508 00 / 509 00 being the most common for recent models, typically in 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosity. The exact specification depends on generation, engine, and market, and is clearly stated in the owner’s manual and often on under-hood labels. When choosing oil, the critical factor is not just viscosity or brand, but whether the product explicitly carries the correct VW approval for your specific A8 engine. Using the proper approved oil supports long service intervals, protects complex turbocharged and hybrid powertrains, and preserves both performance and emissions-system health over the life of the car.

What is Audi recommended engine oil?

Oil Viscosity Recommendations
SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines.

What kind of oil does a 2019 Audi A8 take?

Notes: Full Synthetic. 0W-30.

What kind of oil does the Audi A8 take?

Castrol – Edge 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Maximizes Engine Performance, 5 Quart (Part No. 15B6FE)

What kind of oil does a 2017 Audi A8 4.0 T take?

9 – Liters Of German RAVENOL VMO 5w40 Motor Oil – OEM approved Audi oil quality standard 502 00 required for the Audi A8 4.0T engine.