What Oil Should You Use for Your Audi Q5?

Most Audi Q5 models require fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 specification, with a typical viscosity of 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on the engine and model year. The safest choice is to use oil that explicitly states “VW 502 00” or “VW 504 00” (and, where applicable, “VW 508 00” / “509 00”) on the bottle and matches the viscosity listed in your owner’s manual or on the under‑hood label.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5’s engines—whether 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, TDI diesel, or newer mild-hybrid powertrains—operate with tight tolerances, turbocharging, and high operating temperatures. They depend on specific oil formulations that protect turbochargers, keep internal components clean, support fuel economy, and maintain warranty coverage where applicable.

Key Oil Specifications for the Audi Q5

Audi (through Volkswagen Group) defines strict oil standards. Choosing oil that meets these standards is more important than picking a brand or just a viscosity number.

• VW 502 00 – High-performance gasoline engines; common for many Q5 petrol engines up to the mid‑2010s and still used when not on long-life service regimes.
• VW 504 00 – Long-life, low-ash synthetic oil for modern gasoline engines on flexible service intervals; often specified for newer Q5 models.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 – Diesel engine specifications; 507 00 is the common low‑SAPs spec for modern TDI engines with DPF (diesel particulate filters).
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Newer ultra‑low viscosity oils (often 0W-20) for the latest high-efficiency Audi engines, especially from late 2010s onward.

These specifications ensure proper protection, emission system compatibility, and performance. Even if another oil looks “similar,” if it doesn’t state the correct VW spec, it may not be suitable for long-term use.

Typical Oil Types by Generation and Engine

Because the Audi Q5 has several generations and many engine options, the recommended oil can vary. Always confirm with your specific model year, engine code, and regional manual.

First-Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2009–2017)

The first-generation Q5 used primarily 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI gasoline engines, along with various TDI diesels in many markets.

• 2.0 TFSI (gasoline): Commonly 5W-40 or 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 502 00 (fixed intervals) or VW 504 00 (long-life/flexible intervals).
• 3.0 TFSI (gasoline): Usually 5W-40 or 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, depending on service regime.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI (diesel): Low‑ash oils meeting VW 507 00, typically in 5W-30 viscosity, designed to protect the DPF.
• Cold climates: Sometimes 0W-30 or 0W-40 is listed to improve cold-start lubrication while still meeting the appropriate VW spec.

For these earlier models, the main rule is to match the VW spec (502/504 for petrol, 507 for diesel) and choose the viscosity recommended in the owner’s manual for your climate.

Second-Generation Audi Q5 (Approx. 2018–Present)

The second-generation Q5, built on the MLB Evo platform, introduced more advanced engines, including mild-hybrid systems and stricter emissions controls.

• Newer 2.0 TFSI (gasoline): Often specify 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 or VW 508 00/509 00, depending on market and exact engine variant.
• 3.0 TFSI / SQ5 (gasoline): Frequently call for fully synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30 oils meeting VW 504 00 (long-life) or 502 00 (fixed interval, where allowed).
• TDI Diesel engines: Typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 low‑ash oils meeting VW 507 00 (and in some latest engines, 0W‑20 meeting VW 508 00/509 00).
• PHEV / hybrid variants: Still use standard VW gasoline oil specs (mainly VW 504 00 or VW 508 00/509 00), but are more likely to specify 0W‑20 to maximize efficiency.

These models often require newer, thinner oils to support fuel economy and emissions compliance, making it especially important not to “upgrade” to thicker oil without checking Audi’s official guidance.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific Q5

Because exact recommendations can differ by year, engine, and region, verification on your individual car is essential.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine Oil” or “Lubricants” section, which will list VW specifications and acceptable viscosities.
2. Look under the hood or in the trunk: Some Q5s have a sticker or label indicating the correct oil spec and sometimes viscosity.
3. Consult your Audi dealer: Provide VIN and engine type; they can confirm the precise VW spec and service interval type (flexible vs fixed).
4. Use reputable online catalogues: Major oil manufacturers (Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, etc.) have “oil finder” tools where you enter your car details; verify that their recommended oil lists the proper VW specification.

Combining these checks gives you a reliable confirmation that the oil you buy truly matches what Audi engineered your Q5 to use.

Recommended Viscosity Grades and Climate Considerations

Viscosity (0W-20, 5W-30, etc.) affects how the oil flows in cold starts and at operating temperature. Audi typically lists a primary recommendation and sometimes alternatives for extreme climates.

• 0W-20: Common in latest-generation Q5 gasoline engines with VW 508 00/509 00 specs; prioritizes efficiency and modern emission standards, especially in moderate climates.
• 0W-30: Often used in newer TDI and TFSI engines; good for cold climates, balancing protection and fuel economy.
• 5W-30: A very common choice across many Q5 engines with specs VW 504 00 or 507 00; suitable for a wide range of climates.
• 5W-40: Sometimes allowed or preferred in older TFSI engines or hotter climates, provided it meets VW 502 00.

While you may have several acceptable viscosity options, staying close to the manual’s primary recommendation and the local climate conditions usually offers the best long-term protection.

Brand Choices and What to Look for on the Bottle

Audi partners with Castrol in many markets, but your Q5 does not require a specific brand; it requires the correct specification.

• Check for the VW spec first: The label should explicitly say “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” “VW 507 00,” or “VW 508 00 / 509 00” as applicable.
• Confirm viscosity: Match the viscosity (e.g., 0W‑20, 5W‑30) recommended in your manual for your climate.
• Choose full synthetic: Audi Q5 engines are designed for fully synthetic oil; avoid conventional or semi-synthetic oils that do not meet the VW spec.
• Reputable suppliers: Buy from trusted retailers to avoid counterfeit oil, which can be an issue for premium brands.

Once the specification and viscosity are correct, brand selection becomes largely a matter of price, availability, and personal preference.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Regimes

The oil you use is also tied to how often you change it. Audi Q5s may be set up with fixed or flexible (long-life) service intervals.

• Flexible / Long-life intervals: Often up to 30,000 km or about 2 years (depending on region and usage), requiring VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel), or the newer 508 00/509 00 oils.
• Fixed intervals: Typically around 10,000–15,000 km or 1 year; can sometimes use VW 502 00 (gasoline) or VW 505 00/507 00 (diesel), depending on model and market guidance.
• Severe driving conditions: Frequent short trips, heavy traffic, very hot or very cold climates, or lots of towing may justify shorter intervals, even if the car allows long-life servicing.
• Warranty and resale: Following Audi’s interval and using approved oil is important for warranty claims and can help protect resale value with documented service history.

Regardless of the maximum allowed interval, many owners choose to change oil more frequently than the manufacturer minimum, especially on turbocharged engines, to reduce wear and deposits.

What to Do If You Only Need a Small Top-Up

Sometimes you may only need to add a small amount of oil between services, rather than perform a full oil change.

• Match the spec: Even for a top-up, use oil that meets the same VW specification as what’s already in the engine.
• Don’t mix incompatible specs: While modern oils are generally mixable, avoid combining, for example, a non‑VW‑approved oil with a VW 508 00/509 00 oil, as this can dilute the intended performance.
• Add gradually: Add small amounts (e.g., 100–200 ml), then recheck the oil level after a minute or two.
• Use the correct measurement method: Follow your Q5’s procedure (dipstick or MMI electronic display) and keep the level between the minimum and maximum marks.

Proper top-ups help maintain stable lubrication and reduce stress on the engine, especially in turbocharged Q5 models that are more sensitive to low oil levels.

Summary

For an Audi Q5, the right oil is a fully synthetic product that meets the specific Volkswagen Group standard specified for your engine—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesels, with newer models often requiring VW 508 00/509 00 0W‑20 oils. Viscosity (0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40) should follow your owner’s manual and local climate guidance. If you are unsure, check the manual, under‑hood labels, or consult an Audi dealer with your VIN. Matching the correct VW spec and viscosity—and changing the oil at appropriate intervals—will give your Q5 the protection and longevity its engineering demands.