What Kind of Oil Does the Audi S4 Take?

The Audi S4 typically takes full-synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification (or newer approved equivalent), most commonly 0W-40 or 5W-40 in North America and Europe. The exact grade and spec depend on model year and engine, but using VW-approved full-synthetic oil is essential to protect the performance V6 engine and maintain warranty coverage.

Understanding the Audi S4’s Oil Requirements

The Audi S4 is a performance-oriented version of the A4, and its engines—whether the earlier supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 or the later single-turbo 3.0 TFSI V6—run hot, high-stress cycles. This makes the choice of oil more critical than on many non-performance cars. Audi specifies oils that meet strict VW/Audi standards to guarantee proper lubrication, turbo/supercharger protection, and long-term reliability.

Main Oil Specification for Most Modern Audi S4 Models

For the majority of B8, B8.5 and B9 Audi S4 models sold in North America and Europe, Audi recommends full-synthetic oil that meets VW 502 00 (or an officially superseding spec, if updated by Audi) in the appropriate viscosity grade for your climate.

Recommended Oil Specification

The following bullet points summarize the core oil spec most Audi S4 owners should look for on the bottle label.

• VW 502 00 approval: This is the key Audi/VW gasoline engine standard for S4 models up to and including current B9/B9.5 versions in most markets.
• Full-synthetic only: Semi-synthetic or conventional oil is not acceptable for the S4’s high-performance TFSI engines.
• ACEA and API standards: Common accompanying ratings include ACEA A3/B4 and API SN, SP or better, but VW 502 00 is the non-negotiable spec.
• Manufacturer-branded oils: Audi Genuine Oil (often 0W-40) is a rebranded premium full-synthetic that meets or exceeds VW 502 00.

When choosing oil, the most important factor is that the product explicitly lists “VW 502 00” approval on the container; viscosity comes second, guided by your owner’s manual and climate conditions.

Typical Viscosity Grades for the Audi S4

While the VW 502 00 spec is the primary requirement, Audi also recommends certain viscosity grades based on expected temperature ranges and engine design.

• 0W-40: Common factory and dealer fill in many markets, offering strong cold-start protection and robust high-temperature stability.
• 5W-40: Also widely approved and used; slightly thicker at cold start but still suitable for most climates.
• 5W-30 (502 00): In some regions and manuals, a high-quality 5W-30 oil that still meets VW 502 00 may be listed as an acceptable option.
• Climate-based choice: Colder climates often favor 0W-40; temperate or warmer climates often use 5W-40 with equal success.

Drivers should consult the viscosity chart in their owner’s manual, but in practice, 0W-40 and 5W-40 VW 502 00 oils cover nearly all conditions for most S4 owners.

Differences by Generation and Engine

The appropriate oil spec remains broadly consistent across recent S4 generations, but knowing which engine you have helps you understand why Audi is strict about full-synthetic 502 00 oils.

B8/B8.5 Audi S4 (2010–2016, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6)

The 2010–2016 S4 uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (engine codes such as CAKA, CGWC, and variants), which is known for strong performance and sustained high temperatures under load.

• Spec: VW 502 00 full-synthetic oil only.
• Typical viscosity: 5W-40 or 0W-40, depending on climate and regional recommendations.
• Oil change interval: Audi typically specifies around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year, but many enthusiasts prefer 5,000–7,500 miles for added protection.
• Oil capacity (approximate): Roughly 6.6–7.0 US quarts (about 6.3–6.6 liters), but always confirm with the manual or dealer.

Because the supercharger adds thermal load, using an approved VW 502 00 oil in the correct viscosity is crucial for long-term reliability and to minimize issues like timing chain wear and oil consumption.

B9/B9.5 Audi S4 (2018–Present, 3.0 TFSI Single-Turbo V6)

The B9-generation S4 (arriving in North America for the 2018 model year) switched to a single-turbo 3.0 TFSI V6 (EA839), which builds significant boost and heat via a hot-vee turbo configuration.

• Spec: In most markets, still VW 502 00 for gasoline S4 engines; always verify via the current owner’s manual.
• Typical viscosity: 0W-40 is common from the factory and in dealer service, with 5W-40 VW 502 00 also widely accepted.
• Oil capacity (approximate): Around 7.0–7.5 US quarts (about 6.6–7.1 liters), depending on market and exact variant.
• Service intervals: Similar to B8/B8.5—Audi often lists 10,000 miles / 1 year, though earlier changes are popular in enthusiast circles.

Turbos are sensitive to oil quality; using the correct spec and maintaining timely changes reduces the risk of coking, sludge, and premature turbo wear.

Approved Brands and Common Choices

Several oil brands widely available in North America and Europe produce fully approved VW 502 00 oils in the right viscosities for the Audi S4.

Examples of Oils Commonly Used in Audi S4s

The following list shows popular, commonly referenced oils that meet VW 502 00 and are suitable for many S4 owners, provided the viscosity aligns with your manual and climate.

• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 / 5W-40 (VW 502 00 approved): Frequently used in Audi/VW applications, some formulations branded as “Euro Car” or “European Formula.”
• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (formerly “European Car Formula”): A very common enthusiast choice, often carrying VW 502 00 approval.
• Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40: Widely popular among European-car owners, typically carrying VW 502 00 approval.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 or 0W-40: Select versions carry VW 502 00 and are formulated for European high-performance engines.
• Motul 8100 X-cess / X-clean (select grades): Certain variants meet VW 502 00 and are used by tuners and track-day drivers.
• Audi Genuine Oil 0W-40: The dealer-supplied option, usually a premium synthetic rebranded from a major supplier to meet Audi’s current specs.

Availability and exact product names can vary by region, but the unifying factor is an explicit VW 502 00 approval, printed on the bottle or the manufacturer’s product sheet.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific S4

Although VW 502 00 0W-40 or 5W-40 will be correct for many owners, you should always double-check for your exact model year, market, and engine variant.

Steps to Verify the Right Oil

The following steps help ensure you’re using the correct and most up-to-date oil recommendation for your Audi S4.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” section; Audi lists both the VW approval code (e.g., 502 00) and several acceptable viscosity grades.
2. Look at the service-booklet or under-hood label: Some S4s have a label specifying the oil spec, especially in certain markets.
3. Consult your dealer with the VIN: The Audi dealer can confirm the current recommended oil spec and any updated technical bulletins.
4. Verify the label on the oil bottle: Ensure it explicitly states “VW 502 00” approval—not just “recommended for use where 502 00 is required.”
5. Consider climate and driving style: If you track the car, tow, or drive aggressively in hot conditions, staying with 0W-40 or 5W-40 VW 502 00 is generally safest.

Using these checks reduces the risk of accidentally choosing a non-approved oil, which can affect engine longevity and, in some cases, warranty protection.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Correct oil spec is only part of the equation; consistent and appropriate change intervals are just as important for the S4’s performance and durability.

Recommended Intervals and Best Practices

The bullet points below outline common practices and considerations for changing oil in an Audi S4.

• Official interval: In many regions, Audi specifies approximately 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
• Enthusiast interval: Many S4 owners change oil every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), especially on tuned or hard-driven cars.
• Use a quality filter: OEM or OEM-equivalent filters (e.g., Mann, Mahle, Hengst) help maintain proper filtration and oil pressure.
• Warm engine before draining: A short drive before an oil change helps suspend contaminants and improves drainage.
• Monitor consumption: Some S4s, particularly older ones, may consume oil; check the level regularly between services.
• Keep receipts: If you do your own oil changes, retain receipts and document date/mileage for potential warranty or resale value.

By combining the right oil with sensible change intervals and good maintenance habits, owners substantially reduce the risk of expensive engine or turbocharger repairs.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for the S4

The S4’s performance engines feature tight tolerances, forced induction, direct injection, and sophisticated emissions systems—all of which place heavy demands on engine oil.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Oil

The following points highlight what can go wrong if an S4 is run on non-approved, low-quality, or incorrect-viscosity oil.

• Increased engine wear: Insufficient film strength and thermal stability can lead to bearing wear, camshaft damage, and timing-chain issues.
• Turbo or supercharger damage: Poor oil quality or breakdown under high heat can cause coking and bearing failure in forced-induction components.
• Sludge and deposits: Non-approved oils may not handle high-temperature or extended intervals well, leading to sludge and varnish.
• Fuel economy and performance loss: Dirty or degraded oil can increase friction, reduce efficiency, and dull throttle response.
• Warranty complications: Using oils that do not meet VW 502 00 could complicate or jeopardize warranty claims if engine problems occur.

Given the S4’s complexity and repair costs, adherence to Audi’s oil specifications is a relatively inexpensive way to preserve performance and protect your investment.

Summary

The Audi S4, regardless of generation, is designed to run on high-quality, full-synthetic oil that meets strict Audi/VW standards. For most modern S4 models, the correct oil is a VW 502 00–approved full-synthetic in 0W-40 or 5W-40, with 0W-40 especially common from the factory and dealers. Owners should always confirm the exact spec and viscosity in their owner’s manual or with a dealer using the vehicle’s VIN, then select a reputable brand that clearly states VW 502 00 approval on the label. Combined with sensible oil-change intervals and proper filters, this approach helps keep the S4’s high-performance V6 running smoothly, reliably, and efficiently over the long term.