What Kind of Oil an Audi S5 Takes

An Audi S5 generally requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 specification, typically in 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity for most gasoline models, though exact requirements vary by model year and engine. The correct oil type is defined more by meeting Audi/VW’s official specification than by brand or generic viscosity grade.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for an Audi S5

The Audi S5 is a high-performance vehicle, and its engines—ranging from earlier naturally aspirated V8s to supercharged and turbocharged V6s—operate under higher thermal and mechanical stress than standard sedans. Using the correct specification oil is critical to protect turbo/supercharger components, timing chains, and emissions systems, while maintaining warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

Official Oil Specifications for Audi S5 Engines

The Audi S5 has used different engines over the years, but they share one constant: Audi requires oils that meet specific Volkswagen Group (VW/Audi) standards. These standards govern detergency, high-temperature stability, sludge control, and compatibility with modern emissions systems.

Core VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The following list outlines the primary oil specifications that apply to most Audi S5 gasoline engines sold in North America and Europe.

• VW 502 00 – The most common spec for high-performance gasoline engines in earlier and many current S5 models; suitable for fixed (non-flexible) service intervals.
• VW 504 00 – A more advanced, low-ash “long-life” spec used with some newer engines and flexible/extended service intervals, especially in Europe.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 – Primarily diesel-focused specs; generally not applicable to gasoline S5 models, but sometimes listed in multi-spec oils. The S5 owner should still prioritize 502 00 or 504 00 for gasoline engines.
• Audi-approved list – Many brands advertise “meets or exceeds VW 502 00 / 504 00.” The safest choice is an oil that explicitly states “VW 502 00 approved” (or 504 00 approved) on the container.

Together, these specifications define the required quality level for Audi S5 engines; as long as the bottle clearly states VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval (for a gasoline S5), the brand is less important than the spec itself.

Recommended Viscosity Grades by Generation

While the VW/Audi spec is the first requirement, viscosity must also match Audi’s guidance for your climate and engine generation. Below is a breakdown by typical S5 generations and engines (note: always cross-check with your owner’s manual or dealer by VIN).

First-Generation Audi S5 (B8, ~2008–2012) – 4.2L V8 & Early 3.0T V6

The earliest S5 models launched with a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8, followed later by a 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Both engines demand high-quality synthetic oil, particularly because of elevated operating temperatures and extended drain intervals.

The following list summarizes typical oil requirements for B8 S5 models:

• Specification: VW 502 00 (minimum requirement for gasoline engines)
• Viscosity (common recommendations):
  

  • 0W-40 or 5W-40 fully synthetic in most climates
  • 5W-30 can be allowed if and only if it carries VW 502 00 approval

• Climate considerations:
  

  • Colder climates: 0W-40 tends to provide better cold-start performance.
  • Hotter climates or track use: 5W-40 is often preferred for slightly higher high-temperature viscosity.

In practice, for a B8 Audi S5, a VW 502 00-approved 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil from a reputable brand (e.g., Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul) will meet the needs of both the V8 and early supercharged V6 engines.

Facelift B8.5 & Early B9 Audi S5 (~2013–2019) – 3.0T Supercharged / Turbocharged V6

Later S5 models moved fully to 3.0-liter V6 engines, initially supercharged and then turbocharged, with tighter tolerances and even greater emphasis on oil quality due to forced induction and more complex emissions systems.

The following list outlines oil requirements usually applicable to these later engines:

• Specification:
  

  • VW 502 00 remains the primary standard in many regions.
  • VW 504 00 may be specified for certain European-market models with long-life service intervals.

• Viscosity (commonly recommended):
  

  • 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40, depending on market and model year, always with VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval.

• Turbo/supercharger protection:
  

  • Fully synthetic oil is mandatory; conventional oil is not acceptable.
  • High-temperature deposit control and oxidation resistance are critical due to turbocharger heat.

Modern 3.0T engines are especially sensitive to oil quality; selecting a VW 502 00 or 504 00-approved 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil is typically the safest universal choice unless your owner’s manual explicitly specifies a different grade.

Newest Audi S5 Models (B9 and Beyond, ~2020–Present)

Recent S5 models (particularly in Europe and some other markets) incorporate mild hybrid systems and more stringent emissions controls, which intersect with oil formulation. U.S. models commonly use a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, while diesel variants (S5 TDI) exist in some markets.

The following list captures recent trends in factory recommendations for late-model S5 gasoline engines:

• Specification:
  

  • VW 502 00 remains widely used for fixed intervals.
  • VW 504 00 is common for flexible or extended service intervals, especially in Europe.

• Viscosity:
  

  • 0W-30 or 0W-40 VW 504 00-approved oil in many European late-model S5s.
  • 0W-40 or 5W-40 VW 502 00-approved oil in many North American models.

• Emissions and particulate filters (for some markets):
  

  • Low-SAPS (low ash, phosphorus, sulfur) oils under VW 504 00/507 00 may be required to protect gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) and catalytic converters.

Because the latest S5 models may differ by market and emissions package, checking the specific VIN-based recommendation or the under-hood oil label is especially important.

Common Oil Brands and Products That Meet Audi S5 Requirements

While Audi dealers often use factory-branded Castrol or similar, S5 owners have a wide range of high-quality aftermarket options, as long as they have explicit VW 502 00 or 504 00 approvals on the label.

Examples of Widely Used Oils for Audi S5

The following list provides examples (not endorsements) of oils commonly used by S5 owners that meet VW specifications, subject to checking the current label for official approvals.

• Castrol Edge 0W-40 A3/B4
  

  • Typically carries VW 502 00/505 00 approvals.
  • Frequently used in both older and newer gasoline Audi S models.

• Mobil 1 FS European Car Formula 0W-40
  

  • Often approved to VW 502 00 and Porsche/BMW specs.
  • Popular for performance-oriented European engines.

• Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
  

  • Typically VW 502 00 approved.
  • Favored among enthusiasts for German vehicles.

• Motul 8100 X-cess / X-clean series
  

  • Certain variants carry VW 502 00 or 504 00 approvals.
  • X-clean types often target low-SAPS requirements for newer engines.

Any of these—or similar products from other brands—are generally suitable provided they explicitly list the relevant VW specification and appropriate viscosity for your climate and S5 generation.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific Audi S5

Because Audi has updated engines, emissions systems, and service intervals over the years, the only definitive answer for a specific car comes from its documentation and identification data.

Steps to Verify the Right Oil

The following list explains how S5 owners can confirm the exact oil specification required for their individual vehicle.

1. Check the owner’s manual
   

   • Look for the “Engine Oil” section.
   • Find both the VW spec (e.g., 502 00 or 504 00) and recommended viscosity (e.g., 0W-40).

2. Inspect the oil-fill cap and under-hood labels
   

   • Many S5s have “VW 502 00” or similar printed near the filler cap.
   • This is an immediate clue to the correct spec.

3. Use your VIN with an Audi dealer
   

   • Call or visit a dealer, give them your VIN, and ask for the official oil specification and viscosity.
   • This is particularly useful if the car has a regional variant engine or updated service bulletins.

4. Check latest labels on oil containers
   

   • Formulations change over time; re-confirm that the exact oil you buy still lists VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval.
   • Look for wording like “Approved by Volkswagen under VW 502 00.”

5. Consider driving conditions
   

   • For frequent track use or heavy towing (rare, but possible), many specialists prefer 5W-40 for additional high-temp margin, as long as it meets VW 502 00.
   • For extremely cold climates, 0W-40 can improve cold-start lubrication.

Following these steps ensures your choice of oil is not just generally correct for an S5, but precisely correct for your specific model, engine, and usage pattern.

Service Intervals and Oil Change Considerations

Even with the correct oil, how often it is changed is crucial, especially in high-output engines like those in the Audi S5.

Typical Intervals and Best Practices

The following list outlines general interval guidance and practical tips for S5 owners, recognizing that official intervals vary by region and model year.

• Factory intervals
  

  • Commonly 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months in many markets.
  • Some European models with long-life service and VW 504 00 oils may extend beyond this, based on sensors and driving profile.

• Enthusiast/“severe service” intervals
  

  • Many owners and independent specialists change oil every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), especially on turbo/supercharged engines.
  • Heavy stop-and-go traffic, frequent short trips, or spirited driving justify shorter intervals.

• Filter replacement
  

  • Always replace the oil filter with each oil change.
  • Use OEM Audi/VW filters or high-quality equivalents to ensure proper flow and filtration.

• Oil consumption monitoring
  

  • Some Audi engines, particularly older V8 and early 3.0T motors, can consume oil between services.
  • Check the dipstick or MMI oil level display regularly and top up with the same spec/viscosity oil when needed.

Aligning your oil change schedule with both factory recommendations and real-world driving conditions helps preserve engine health and prevents common issues like sludge, varnish, and timing chain wear.

Key Takeaways: Oil Type for an Audi S5

For most Audi S5 models, the essential requirement is a fully synthetic oil that carries the correct VW specification, with viscosity tailored to your engine generation and climate. While the specifics evolve over time, the overarching rules remain consistent.

Practical Rule-of-Thumb for Most S5 Owners

The following list boils the guidance down to practical, broadly applicable advice.

• Primary spec: Use a fully synthetic oil approved to VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where specified).
• Viscosity (very common choices):
  

  • 0W-40 or 5W-40 for most gasoline S5s across a wide range of climates.
  • 0W-30 may be specified in some newer, efficiency-focused models but must still meet VW 502 00 or 504 00.

• Brand flexibility: Choose any reputable brand as long as the bottle clearly lists the correct VW approval and viscosity.
• Verification: Confirm via the owner’s manual, oil cap label, or Audi dealer (using the VIN) for your exact model year and engine.

Following this rule-of-thumb, while double-checking your specific S5’s documentation, ensures you use an oil that protects your engine, supports performance, and keeps you in line with Audi’s technical requirements.

Summary

An Audi S5 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Volkswagen/Audi’s VW 502 00 or, in some newer models with extended service intervals, VW 504 00 specification. For most gasoline S5s, a 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity is a safe and widely recommended choice, provided the oil is officially approved to the correct VW spec. Exact requirements vary by model year, engine type (V8 vs. supercharged or turbocharged V6), market, and emissions package, so owners should always confirm details in the owner’s manual, under-hood labeling, or through an Audi dealer using the vehicle’s VIN.