What Oil Do Audi Recommend?

Audi generally recommends fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approvals such as VW 504 00 / 507 00 for most modern petrol and diesel engines, with viscosity grades like 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 commonly specified; however, the exact oil depends on engine type, model year and market, so owners must check the owner’s manual or the oil label for the correct VW approval code.

Why the “Right” Oil Matters for Audi Engines

Audi engines are engineered with tight tolerances, turbocharging, advanced emissions systems and long service intervals. For these engines to operate reliably, Audi does not just specify a viscosity (like 5W‑30); it requires oil that passes its own VW group standards (for example, VW 504 00) on top of the usual ACEA and API standards. Using oil without the correct approval can shorten engine life, damage emissions systems such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalytic converters, and may invalidate warranty coverage.

The Core Recommendation: VW 504 00 / 507 00 for Most Modern Models

For the majority of Audi models from roughly the mid‑2000s onward (especially in Europe and many other markets), the default recommendation is a fully synthetic “longlife” low‑SAPs oil that meets VW 504 00 (for petrol) and VW 507 00 (for diesel). In practice, these are usually combined into one product labeled “VW 504 00 / 507 00.” Common viscosities are 5W‑30 or sometimes 0W‑30, chosen to balance cold‑start protection, fuel economy and engine cleanliness.

Typical Factory-Fill and Service Oils

In many regions, Audi dealerships primarily use oils developed in partnership with brands such as Castrol or, increasingly, oils marketed directly under the Audi or Volkswagen brand name. These oils are specifically blended to meet VW 504 00 / 507 00 and support flexible (longlife) service intervals, where permitted by local conditions and regulations.

Understanding VW/Audi Oil Specifications

Audi’s recommendations are centered on VW approval codes printed on the bottle rather than only on the viscosity grade. These codes indicate that the oil has passed manufacturer tests for wear protection, sludge formation, compatibility with fuel systems, and emissions equipment longevity.

The following list outlines the most common VW oil specs relevant to Audi passenger cars.

• VW 504 00: Longlife petrol-engine oil approval, typically fully synthetic, low‑ash, intended for modern Audi petrol engines with extended drain intervals.
• VW 507 00: Longlife diesel-engine oil approval, low‑SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) for use with diesel particulate filters and extended service intervals.
• VW 502 00: High‑performance petrol-engine oil approval for fixed (non‑flexible) service intervals; common on older or performance‑oriented engines in some markets.
• VW 505 00: Conventional diesel oil approval for many older diesel engines without DPF or with shorter service intervals.
• VW 505 01: Special diesel approval often required for older “Pumpe‑Düse” (PD) unit‑injector engines; protects the camshaft and injector systems.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer “ultra‑low viscosity” approvals (often 0W‑20) for certain latest‑generation petrol and diesel engines designed for maximum efficiency, introduced in late 2010s and beyond.

Together, these specifications define the oils Audi considers suitable for particular engine families and service regimes; the exact spec required for your car will be printed in the owner’s manual and often on a sticker under the hood or near the oil filler cap.

Common Viscosity Grades Audi Recommends

While the VW approval code is the decisive factor, viscosity still matters for climate, driving style and design of the engine. Modern Audis are often factory‑filled with low‑viscosity oils to improve fuel efficiency and cold‑start performance, especially in colder climates and newer engine designs.

The following list summarises the viscosity grades most often specified for contemporary Audi models.

• 5W‑30: Probably the single most common viscosity for VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils, used in a large range of petrol and diesel engines with or without turbochargers.
• 0W‑30: Used in some newer models where better cold‑start performance and slight fuel savings are targeted, especially in colder markets.
• 0W‑20: Paired with VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval in latest‑generation engines (e.g., some newer EA3xx petrol and diesel units) designed for ultra‑low viscosity oil.
• 5W‑40: Often associated with VW 502 00 / 505 00 oils, important for older models, higher‑performance engines, or hot‑climate markets where a thicker high‑temperature film is desirable.

Even when the viscosity seems interchangeable, Audi’s documentation will only approve specific combinations of viscosity and VW spec; both must be respected when choosing an oil.

Differences by Model, Year and Region

Audi’s oil recommendations are engine‑specific and can change over time as engines are updated or emissions rules evolve. For example, an early 2010s A4 diesel in Europe might require VW 507 00 5W‑30, while a mid‑2000s petrol V6 in another market could be on VW 502 00 5W‑40 with fixed service intervals. In markets with extreme temperatures, heavy dust, or fuel quality issues, local Audi importers may specify different service intervals or approve a narrower range of oils than in Europe.

Older vs. Newer Audi Engines

Older Audi engines, especially from the 1990s and early 2000s, sometimes predate current longlife oils and may not be designed for extended service intervals or ultra‑low viscosity products. These engines often specify VW 502 00 or 505 00 with viscosities like 5W‑40 or 10W‑40. By contrast, new mild‑hybrid and turbocharged engines, along with engines using gasoline particulate filters (GPF) or DPFs, often rely on VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 508 00 / 509 00 oils to protect advanced aftertreatment systems.

Approved Brands and “Genuine” Audi Oil

Audi does not require that you use a specific brand as long as the oil meets the correct VW approval; however, dealerships typically use “Genuine” Audi or Volkswagen oil, which is often blended by large oil companies under contract (for example, Castrol, Shell, or others, depending on region and contract period). Independent garages and owners often use equivalent products from major brands, provided they clearly list the exact VW approval on the label.

The following list provides examples of how approved oils are typically labeled on the shelf.

• “Fully synthetic engine oil 5W‑30 – Meets VW 504 00 / 507 00, ACEA C3”
• “0W‑20 Longlife III FE – VW 508 00 / 509 00 approved”
• “5W‑40 – VW 502 00 / 505 00, API SN, ACEA A3/B4”
• “5W‑40 – VW 505 01 PD Diesel approved” (for older unit‑injector diesels)

As long as the correct VW number appears explicitly, Audi considers the oil acceptable; generic statements like “suitable for VW engines” without a specific approval number are not sufficient.

Special Cases: S, RS and Motorsport-Derived Engines

High‑performance S and RS models, along with some older naturally aspirated V8s and V10s, can have more demanding lubrication requirements due to higher operating temperatures, track use, or extended high‑load running. While many still use VW 502 00 or 504 00 oils, their manuals may restrict viscosity to particular grades (e.g., 5W‑40 or a specific 0W‑30) and may advise more frequent changes under “severe use.” Owners who track their cars often change oil more frequently than the standard service schedule, even when using fully approved oils, to maintain optimal protection.

How to Find the Exact Oil Audi Recommends for Your Car

Because Audi’s official recommendation depends on engine code, model year, and markets, the precise answer for your vehicle is always in the car’s documentation and sometimes on the car itself.

The following list explains the most reliable ways to confirm the correct Audi‑approved oil.

1. Check the owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists required VW approval codes and acceptable viscosity ranges for various temperature conditions.
2. Look for under‑hood labels: Some models have stickers near the oil filler cap or under the bonnet indicating the required VW spec (e.g., “Use only oil VW 504 00 / 507 00”).
3. Use Audi’s online service portals: In many regions, Audi provides service information by VIN; dealers and some independent workshops can access these databases.
4. Consult the dealer or authorized service center: Provide your VIN to ensure the recommendation matches your exact engine and local service regime.
5. Verify the bottle’s label: Once you know the VW spec, buy oil that explicitly lists that approval (for example, “VW 504 00 / 507 00”) rather than just “recommended for VW.”

Following these steps ensures that the oil you choose is not only the correct viscosity but also carries the exact factory approval Audi expects for your car’s engine type and service schedule.

Can You Mix Oils or Use Non-Approved Alternatives?

In an emergency, Audi allows top‑up with oil of the same viscosity grade and at least broadly comparable specification to prevent the engine from running low, but the long‑term recommendation is always to use fully compliant oil with the correct VW approval. Mixing small amounts of another approved oil (for example, two different VW 504 00 / 507 00 brands) is generally acceptable. However, routinely using oils that do not carry the required VW approval can contribute to deposits, timing chain wear, turbo damage and premature DPF or GPF blockage, especially on engines designed around low‑SAPs, longlife oils.

Summary

Audi recommends fully synthetic engine oils that meet specific VW approval standards rather than simply a viscosity grade. For most modern petrol and diesel models, that means a 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 oil carrying the VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, with newer ultra‑efficient engines increasingly using 0W‑20 oils that meet VW 508 00 / 509 00. Older engines may require VW 502 00, 505 00 or 505 01 oils, often in 5W‑40. The exact recommendation depends on model, engine code, year and market, and is detailed in the owner’s manual and often on under‑hood labels. To protect engine longevity, emissions systems and warranty coverage, Audi expects owners to choose oils that clearly display the correct VW approval code on the bottle and to respect the specified service intervals or adopt more frequent changes for severe or high‑performance use.