What Kind of Oil Goes in a 2013 Audi A5?

The 2013 Audi A5 requires high-quality synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where applicable), most commonly in viscosity grades 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on engine type and climate. In practical terms, owners should use a reputable full-synthetic motor oil labeled as meeting “VW 502 00” for gasoline engines and always confirm details in the owner’s manual or via the VIN at an Audi dealer.

Understanding the 2013 Audi A5 Engine Options

The correct oil for a 2013 Audi A5 depends first on which engine is under the hood. In 2013, the A5 lineup featured primarily turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engines in many markets, with some regions also offering diesel variants and, in certain markets, V6 options. While the core oil spec is similar for most gasoline engines, nuances matter for long-term reliability, especially with turbocharged designs.

Main Engine Types in the 2013 Audi A5

The following list outlines the typical engines found in the 2013 Audi A5 range and why that matters for oil choice.

• 2.0 TFSI inline-4 (gasoline, turbocharged): The most common engine in North America and many other markets; requires high-temperature-stable synthetic oil due to turbocharging.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (gasoline, supercharged): Found mainly in the S5 rather than the standard A5, but in some regions performance-oriented A5 variants may use this engine; also needs premium synthetic oil.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI (diesel, turbocharged): Available in many European and some global markets; diesel engines typically use oils meeting VW 505.01, 507.00, or regional diesel specs.

Identifying your exact engine—via the owner’s manual, the build sticker in the trunk or service book, or an Audi dealer using your VIN—ensures you match the correct oil specification for your specific A5 configuration.

The Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications

Audi does not choose oil by brand first; it chooses by specification. For a 2013 A5 gasoline engine, the central requirement is that the oil meets or exceeds a VW/Audi standard such as VW 502 00. This spec defines performance expectations for wear protection, sludge control, and high-temperature stability, especially important for turbocharged engines.

Key Oil Specs for the 2013 Audi A5 (Gasoline)

The list below explains the most relevant Volkswagen/Audi oil specifications for a 2013 Audi A5 with a gasoline engine.

• VW 502 00: The primary standard for most 2013 Audi gasoline engines in markets like North America. Full-synthetic oil labeled “VW 502 00 approved” (or explicitly listing “VW 502 00”) is the go-to spec for routine service.
• VW 504 00: A more advanced, low-ash spec generally associated with long-life service intervals and newer engines, common in Europe. Some later or specific A5 engines may allow or recommend 504 00; if both 502 00 and 504 00 are permitted in your manual, 504 00 is acceptable or preferred.
• Older or alternate specs: VW 500 00 and VW 501 01 are legacy specifications and are not appropriate for a 2013 Audi A5; they do not provide the required performance for modern turbocharged engines.

When shopping for oil, always look on the back label for a line such as “Approved: VW 502 00” or “Meets VW 502 00.” If the bottle does not clearly state this, it is safer to choose a different product explicitly approved to the relevant spec.

Oil Specs for Diesel Variants

Diesel-powered 2013 A5 models, more common outside North America, rely on different VW specifications, especially to protect diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

The following list outlines typical diesel oil specs relevant to 2013 Audi A5 diesel engines.

• VW 507 00: A low-ash, long-drain oil spec designed for modern TDI engines with DPFs. Frequently used in 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI engines in this era.
• VW 505 01 / 505 00: Seen on some older diesels; for a 2013 A5, VW 507 00 is more likely to be correct, but you must verify against the manual or dealer data.
• ACEA C3 / C2 equivalents: In some markets, manuals also reference ACEA standards. However, VW 507 00 approval remains the priority when available.

Diesel engines are particularly sensitive to using the wrong oil, due both to emissions systems and higher soot load; owners of diesel A5s should be especially careful to use VW 507 00-approved oils when specified.

Recommended Viscosity Grades: 5W-40 and 5W-30

Once you know the required VW spec, the next question is viscosity. For a 2013 Audi A5, the most common recommendations are synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30, both of which are suitable for wide temperature ranges and high-load, turbocharged operation.

5W-40: Common Choice for Many Gasoline A5s

In many regions and service manuals, a 5W-40 oil that meets VW 502 00 is the default recommendation for 2013 Audi A5 gasoline engines.

The list below highlights why 5W-40 is widely used for these cars.

• Good cold-start performance: The “5W” rating ensures oil remains fluid enough in typical winter conditions to protect during startup.
• Stronger high-temperature film: The “40” rating offers slightly thicker protection at high temperatures, useful for spirited driving, highway use, and hot climates.
• Turbocharger protection: The turbo runs very hot; 5W-40 synthetic oils are formulated for thermal stability and resistance to breakdown.
• Common dealer fill: Many Audi dealers and European specialists routinely use 5W-40 VW 502 00 in this generation of A5.

For drivers in hotter climates, those who drive aggressively, or cars under heavier loads, 5W-40 VW 502 00 is generally a safe and robust choice when listed as acceptable in the manual.

5W-30: Often Approved, Especially for Efficiency and Some Markets

Some 2013 A5 manuals and regional recommendations allow or prefer 5W-30 oils that meet VW 502 00 or 504 00, particularly where fuel economy and long-life intervals are emphasized.

The list below explains why 5W-30 might be recommended or allowed for a 2013 Audi A5.

• Fuel efficiency focus: Slightly lower viscosity at operating temperature can reduce internal friction, marginally improving fuel economy.
• Cold climate suitability: 5W-30 flows well in cold conditions, ideal for areas with harsh winters if specified by the manual.
• Long-life service intervals: In European markets, where “LongLife” service intervals are used, 5W-30 VW 504 00 / 507 00 is frequently the dealer fill.
• Compatibility: Many high-quality 5W-30 oils carry multiple approvals (e.g., VW 502 00 / 504 00), simplifying product choices.

If your owner’s manual lists both 5W-30 and 5W-40 as acceptable, you can reasonably choose based on climate and driving style, as long as the correct VW spec is met.

Recognized Brands and Example Products

Audi does not require a specific brand, but using a well-known, fully synthetic oil that clearly lists the correct VW approval is a smart way to protect the engine. Names and product lines change over time, but several manufacturers consistently offer VW 502 00 and 507 00-approved oils.

Example Oils for Gasoline Engines (VW 502 00)

The list below shows typical oil product lines that, in many regions, carry VW 502 00 approval in suitable viscosities like 5W-40 or 5W-30. Labels and availability may vary by country, so always check the back of the bottle.

• Castrol EDGE / EDGE Professional 5W-40 or 5W-30: Many Audi dealers historically used Castrol as an OE partner; specific “VW 502 00” variants are widely available.
• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 / 5W-40 (formerly New Life): Some variants carry VW 502 00/505 00 approvals; check the current label for exact specs.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Leichtlauf series (5W-40, 5W-30): Popular among European-car specialists; many are VW 502 00-approved.
• Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 / 5W-30: Certain versions are certified to VW 502 00.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro / Euro LX series: In North America and some other markets, specific “Euro” formulas carry VW 502 00 or 504 00 approvals.

These examples are illustrative, not exhaustive. The critical step is always to confirm that the exact bottle in your hand lists the correct VW approval in writing, as formulations and approvals can change over time.

Example Oils for Diesel Engines (VW 507 00)

For diesel-powered 2013 A5 models, low-ash, DPF-safe oils with VW 507 00 approval are typically required. The products below are representative of common choices.

• Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30: Often factory or dealer fill in European VW/Audi diesels; typically VW 504 00/507 00 approved.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30: Designed for VW/Audi applications, with VW 504 00/507 00 in many markets.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30: A low-SAPS oil that in some formulations carries VW 504 00/507 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30: Frequently used in modern VW/Audi diesel engines with VW 504 00/507 00 approvals.

Because DPF systems can be damaged by incorrect oil, diesel A5 owners should be especially strict about only using oils explicitly marked with VW 507 00 approval.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Beyond the type of oil, knowing how much oil the engine holds and how often to change it is key to reliability. Capacities vary with engine and market, but there are broad patterns for the 2013 Audi A5.

Typical Oil Capacity Ranges

The following list summarizes approximate oil capacities for common 2013 A5 engines, including the filter. Exact figures may vary slightly by engine code and market, so the owner’s manual or dealer data remains the final reference.

• 2.0 TFSI (gasoline, turbo 4-cyl): Roughly 4.6–5.0 liters (about 4.9–5.3 US quarts), depending on variant.
• 3.0 TFSI (gasoline V6): Typically in the 6.5–7.0 liter range (about 6.9–7.4 quarts).
• 2.0 TDI (diesel 4-cyl): Commonly around 4.5–5.0 liters (about 4.8–5.3 quarts).
• 3.0 TDI (diesel V6): Often in the 6.5–7.0 liter range, similar to the 3.0 TFSI.

When changing oil, it is best to add slightly less than the listed capacity, run the engine briefly, then top up gradually while monitoring the dipstick or electronic level readout to avoid overfilling.

Recommended Change Intervals

Service intervals for a 2013 A5 vary by market and whether the car is on a fixed or flexible (LongLife) schedule. Many owners, especially in North America, adopt more conservative intervals than the maximums suggested.

The list below describes common oil-change interval practices for this model year.

• Fixed interval (common in North America): Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using VW 502 00 oil.
• Flexible / LongLife interval (common in parts of Europe): Up to roughly 18,000–19,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, using VW 504 00/507 00 oils and monitoring via the service indicator.
• Owner-conservative practice: Many enthusiasts and independent shops recommend 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) for turbocharged engines, particularly if driven hard or mostly in city conditions.
• Severe service conditions: Frequent short trips, heavy traffic, or hot climates justify shorter intervals regardless of the official maximum.

While the car’s service system and manual provide official limits, more frequent oil changes with the correct specification can improve long-term engine cleanliness and turbocharger health.

How to Check You’re Using the Right Oil

Given the number of oil brands and marketing claims, verifying compliance with Audi’s requirements is essential. A structured approach can reduce uncertainty and prevent mistakes.

Verification Steps for Choosing Oil

The following list outlines a straightforward procedure to confirm that the oil you buy truly matches what a 2013 Audi A5 needs.

• Consult the owner’s manual first: Locate the lubrication section and note the required VW spec (e.g., “VW 502 00”) and any viscosity guidance.
• Identify your engine code if needed: Check the service booklet, under-hood stickers, or ask a dealer using your VIN to confirm the exact engine variant.
• Check the oil bottle label for VW approval: Look for explicit wording such as “Approved: VW 502 00” or “VW 504 00/507 00.” Avoid oils that merely say “recommended for” without formal approval when an approved oil is available.
• Match viscosity to your climate and use: Choose 5W-40 or 5W-30 as permitted by the manual, leaning toward 5W-40 for hotter climates or harder driving, and 5W-30 where efficiency and cold-weather performance are priorities.
• Record what you used: Keep a note of the brand, product name, viscosity, and spec with the date and mileage, useful for maintenance tracking and resale value.

Following these steps ensures you are not relying solely on shelf placement or generic “European formula” marketing but instead on the exact standards Audi designed the engine around.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the wrong oil can lead to sludge, increased wear, or turbocharger issues over time. Several recurring errors crop up with owners unfamiliar with European-car oil requirements.

Frequent Oil-Choice Errors With the 2013 Audi A5

The list below highlights typical missteps and why they matter for engine health.

• Using conventional (non-synthetic) oil: The 2013 A5 is designed for full-synthetic oils; conventional oils generally cannot provide adequate protection, especially for turbochargers.
• Ignoring VW specifications: Choosing oil solely on viscosity (e.g., “5W-30 is fine”) without checking VW 502 00 or 507 00 risks inadequate additive packages for modern Audi engines.
• Mixing incompatible oils frequently: Small top-ups with a different brand/spec are usually acceptable in an emergency, but routinely mixing random oils can dilute the intended performance characteristics.
• Overextending change intervals: Relying on maximum possible intervals without considering driving conditions can accelerate buildup and wear, especially in city or short-trip driving.
• Using diesel-only oil in gasoline engines (or vice versa): Some oils are formulated specifically for diesel emissions systems; using them incorrectly can affect catalyst performance or fail to protect as designed.

Avoiding these pitfalls largely comes down to reading the manual carefully, checking the label for formal VW approval, and being reasonably conservative with service intervals.

Summary

The 2013 Audi A5 is engineered to run on high-quality, fully synthetic motor oil that meets strict Volkswagen/Audi standards. For most gasoline versions, the correct choice is a full-synthetic oil explicitly approved to VW 502 00, commonly in 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosities, with 5W-40 often favored for hotter climates or more spirited driving. Diesel variants typically require low-ash oils approved to VW 507 00, such as 5W-30 LongLife formulations designed for DPF-equipped engines.

Owners should confirm their exact engine and local recommendations via the owner’s manual or an Audi dealer, verify the VW approval printed on the oil bottle, and follow appropriate change intervals based on driving conditions. By combining the correct VW specification with a suitable viscosity and regular maintenance, a 2013 Audi A5’s engine can deliver reliable performance and longevity well beyond its original warranty period.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Audi take?

The 2013 Audi oil type depends on the specific engine, but it is typically a full synthetic oil in a 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity grade, or 0W-40 for some models and colder climates. Always confirm with your owner’s manual for the correct viscosity and the required Audi oil quality specification (e.g., VW 507 00 for some diesel models). 
Common oil types

• SAE 5W-40: A common choice for many gasoline engines, especially those that are turbocharged, and can provide extra protection in warmer climates. 
• SAE 5W-30: Suitable for a wide range of temperatures and often used in gasoline engines and is also the recommended viscosity for many diesel models. 
• SAE 0W-40: A good option for colder weather or newer, advanced engines. 
• SAE 0W-30: Suitable for cold weather operations. 

Important considerations

• Full synthetic: Most 2013 Audi engines require a full synthetic oil. 
• Audi quality standard: Ensure the oil meets the specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standards for your engine to guarantee compliance. 
• Owner’s manual: The final determination should always be made by checking the owner’s manual, as the requirements can vary by model and engine. 

What kind of oil does a 2013 Audi A5 take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-30.

What oil does an Audi A5 take?

An Audi A5 takes a specific oil viscosity and a synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer’s quality standard, which can be 5W-30, 5W-40, or 0W-20, depending on the year and engine. For older models (like 2010-2018), look for oils that meet the VW 502 00 standard, while newer models (like 2021-2024) often require VW 508 00. Always verify the specific requirement in your owner’s manual or on the under-hood sticker. 
Oil recommendations by model year

• 2010-2018 Audi A5 2.0T: Use a synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 standard, such as 5W-30 or 5W-40. 
• 2019-2020 Audi A5 2.0T: Look for synthetic oil that meets the VW 504 00 standard. 
• 2021-2024 Audi A5 2.0T: This generation often requires a 0W-20 synthetic oil with the VW 508 00 specification. 
• 2008-2011 Audi A5 3.2L: This model uses a synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. 

How to ensure you have the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle’s requirements.
• Look for the under-hood sticker: There may be a label with the correct oil specification. 
• Verify the quality standard: Make sure the oil meets the specific Audi/VW standard (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 508 00) as this is more important than just the viscosity. 
• Consider climate: If a specific weight oil isn’t available, choose one suitable for your local climate’s temperature range, provided it meets the correct quality standard. 

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.