What Oil a 2009 Audi A4 Takes: Specifications, Brands, and Practical Advice

A 2009 Audi A4 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (for gasoline) or VW 507 00 (for most diesels) specifications, most commonly in 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 viscosity depending on the engine and climate. The exact requirement is determined by the specific engine code and regional service schedule.

Understanding the 2009 Audi A4 Oil Requirements

The 2009 Audi A4 (B8 generation) came with several engine options worldwide, and each engine has precise oil specifications set by Audi/Volkswagen. Using oil that meets the correct VW standard is more important than the brand name alone. Incorrect oil can lead to increased wear, sludge buildup, or issues with turbochargers and emission systems such as particulate filters.

Key Oil Specifications for the 2009 Audi A4

Engine oil for a 2009 Audi A4 is defined primarily by Volkswagen (VW) approval standards, not just viscosity. These standards ensure the oil can withstand high temperatures, turbocharger loads, and extended service intervals.

The following list explains the core VW oil specifications you’ll encounter for a 2009 Audi A4 and what they mean.

• VW 502 00 – High-performance gasoline engine oil spec, suitable for most 2009 A4 petrol engines on fixed (non–long-life) service intervals. Typically used with 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 fully synthetic oils.
• VW 504 00 – Long-life gasoline engine spec for flexible/extended service intervals, often paired with low-SAPS (low ash) oils, usually 5W‑30. Common in markets where Audi used variable service intervals.
• VW 505 01 – Older diesel spec primarily for unit-injector (PD) engines; relevant only to certain regions and earlier diesels. Less common for the 2009 A4 but may appear in cross-compatibility charts.
• VW 507 00 – Low-ash “LongLife” diesel oil spec designed for TDI engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF). Standard for most 2009 A4 TDI models, typically in 5W‑30 viscosity.

In practice, identifying whether your car needs VW 502 00 or VW 507 00 (or 504 00/507 00 combined) is the critical step, as the correct VW approval ensures compatibility with your engine and emissions equipment.

Common Engine Types and Their Typical Oil Requirements

The 2009 Audi A4 was sold with several engines; the most common are the 2.0 TFSI gasoline and various 2.0 TDI diesel options. Exact specs are best confirmed by your owner’s manual or VIN-based dealership lookup, but the patterns below apply to most vehicles of this year.

Gasoline Engines (TFSI)

Most 2009 A4 gasoline models in North America and Europe were equipped with the 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder turbo, with some markets also offering a 3.2 FSI V6.

The following list outlines typical oil specs and viscosities for the 2009 A4 gasoline engines.

• Oil specification: Usually VW 502 00 for standard/fixed service intervals; VW 504 00 may be specified where flexible/long-life intervals are used.
• Viscosity:
  

  • 5W‑40 fully synthetic is commonly recommended for many 2.0 TFSI engines, particularly in North America and warmer climates.
  • 5W‑30 VW 504 00/502 00 oils may be recommended in some regions and for long-life service regimes.

• Temperature considerations: 5W‑40 offers robust protection at higher temps; 5W‑30 can improve fuel economy and cold-start behavior, especially in colder climates.
• Avoid: Conventional (non-synthetic) oils, generic synthetics without VW 502 00/504 00 approval, and oils with only older VW specs (like 500 00 or 501 01).

For most 2.0 TFSI owners, a quality 5W‑40 fully synthetic oil carrying VW 502 00 approval will meet or exceed Audi’s requirements under normal driving and fixed service intervals.

Diesel Engines (TDI)

European and some other markets received several 2.0 TDI variants, often with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). These engines demand low-ash oils to protect the DPF and meet emissions regulations.

The following list describes the usual oil requirements for 2009 A4 TDI engines.

• Oil specification: Primarily VW 507 00, which is a low-SAPS, long-life oil appropriate for modern TDIs with DPFs.
• Viscosity:
  

  • 5W‑30 fully synthetic VW 507 00 is the standard choice for most 2009 A4 TDIs.

• Compatibility: VW 507 00 oils usually also carry VW 504 00 approval, allowing them to be used in some gasoline engines as well, but this should be confirmed in the owner’s manual.
• Avoid: Non–low-ash diesel oils and any oil without explicit VW 507 00 approval, as these can shorten DPF life and risk non-compliance with emissions standards.

For TDI owners, choosing a 5W‑30 oil with VW 507 00 on the label is essential to maintain both engine health and the longevity of the DPF system.

Recommended Oil Viscosities by Climate

Although VW approvals are the priority, viscosity still matters, especially where temperatures vary widely. Audi publishes viscosity charts in the owner’s manual based on expected ambient temperatures.

The list below summarizes how viscosity generally correlates with climate for a 2009 Audi A4.

• Cold climates (regularly below −20°C / −4°F):
  

  • 5W‑30 or even 0W‑30 VW-approved oils may be allowed, improving cold-start flow.

• Moderate climates (−20°C to 30°C / −4°F to 86°F):
  

  • 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 are both common and acceptable when they carry the proper VW spec.

• Hot climates (often above 30°C / 86°F):
  

  • 5W‑40 VW 502 00 is often favored for gasoline engines due to better high-temperature film strength.

• Mixed urban/highway use with turbocharged engines:
  

  • 5W‑40 VW 502 00 (gasoline) or 5W‑30 VW 507 00 (diesel) generally provide a safe balance of protection and efficiency.

While you can adapt viscosity slightly to your climate, never sacrifice the correct VW approval in favor of a different viscosity number alone.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Aside from type and specification, owners also need to know how much oil to add and how often to replace it. These details can vary slightly by engine and region, but there are common benchmarks for the 2009 A4.

The next list outlines typical oil capacities and service intervals, noting that exact figures should be checked against your specific engine code and owner’s manual.

• Oil capacity (approximate):
  

  • 2.0 TFSI gasoline: Around 4.3–4.6 liters (4.5–4.9 qt) including filter, depending on market and pan design.
  • 3.2 FSI gasoline: Typically around 6.6 liters (about 7.0 qt) including filter.
  • 2.0 TDI diesel: Roughly 4.3–4.7 liters (4.5–5.0 qt) including filter, depending on variant.

• Service intervals:
  

  • Fixed interval: Commonly every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, in markets like North America.
  • Flexible/long-life interval: Up to ~18,000–20,000 miles (≈30,000 km) or 2 years in some European markets when using VW 504 00/507 00 oils with Audi’s LongLife service regime.

• Best practice:
  

  • Many independent Audi specialists recommend changes closer to 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or annually for turbocharged gasoline engines, even if the manual allows longer intervals.

Because individual usage patterns differ, owners who drive mostly in city traffic, in extreme temperatures, or who drive hard may benefit from more frequent oil changes than the maximum intervals permit.

Specific Product Examples That Meet Audi’s Requirements

Numerous major brands sell oils that carry the necessary VW approvals. The following examples are commonly available in many markets as of 2024–2025; always verify the approval on the current product label, as formulations can change.

The following list highlights popular oils that typically meet the VW 502 00 and 507 00 specs suitable for a 2009 Audi A4.

• For gasoline engines (VW 502 00, 5W‑40 or 5W‑30):
  

  • Castrol EDGE 5W‑40 (often labeled “A3/B4” and listing VW 502 00/505 00).
  • Mobil 1 FS 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 (check label for VW 502 00 approval).
  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100 5W‑40 or Synthoil High Tech 5W‑40 (VW 502 00).
  • Shell Helix Ultra 5W‑40 with VW 502 00/505 00 approval (availability varies by region).

• For diesel engines with DPF (VW 507 00, 5W‑30):
  

  • Castrol EDGE Professional or EDGE 5W‑30 LL (often labeled VW 504 00/507 00).
  • Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00).
  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00).
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00).

• Dealer/OEM options:
  

  • Genuine Audi/VW branded 5W‑40 VW 502 00 or 5W‑30 VW 504 00/507 00 oils sold at dealerships, often supplied by Castrol or other partners.

While brand preference can vary, the critical step is confirming the correct VW approval code (502 00, 504 00, 507 00) on the bottle rather than relying solely on marketing terms like “Euro” or “synthetic.”

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2009 A4

Because options and regulations differed by market, the safest way to determine the exact oil spec for your specific 2009 A4 is to check documents tied to your VIN or physical car. This helps avoid confusion where manuals differ from later service bulletins or regional practices.

The list below explains the best ways to verify your car’s oil requirement.

• Owner’s manual:
  

  • Look for the “Engine oil” or “Capacities and specifications” section.
  • Find the line showing “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” “VW 507 00,” etc., and any notes about flexible/long-life servicing.

• Oil cap and under-hood stickers:
  

  • Some vehicles have the VW spec printed on the oil cap or an under-hood label (e.g., “Use only VW 502 00 oil”).

• Dealer or reputable independent specialist:
  

  • Provide your VIN so they can see the exact engine code and the corresponding Audi technical guidance.

• Online parts catalogues:
  

  • Major oil manufacturers offer “oil finder” tools where you enter your car details; cross-check the result with your manual to ensure agreement.

Taking a moment to verify your car’s specific requirement avoids guesswork and ensures you maintain both performance and warranty coverage (if any remains or for extended warranties).

Practical Tips for Owners When Changing Oil

Once you know the correct oil type and spec, there are a few practical steps that improve the reliability of your 2009 A4’s engine over the long term.

The following list details practical considerations to follow during oil changes and routine maintenance.

• Always replace the oil filter:
  

  • Use an OEM or high-quality filter from brands like Mahle, Mann, or Hengst that meet Audi’s specifications.

• Check for leaks and consumption:
  

  • Some 2.0 TFSI engines are known for higher oil consumption; monitor the dipstick regularly between changes.

• Warm the engine before draining:
  

  • Slightly warm oil drains more completely, helping remove contaminants.

• Use the correct drain plug and washer:
  

  • Replace or inspect the crush washer and torque the plug to spec to avoid pan damage or leaks.

• Reset the service indicator correctly:
  

  • After each change, reset the service reminder through the MMI or with a scan tool so it reflects your actual maintenance pattern.

• Dispose of used oil responsibly:
  

  • Take used oil and filters to a recycling center or parts store that accepts automotive fluids.

Following these steps alongside using the proper VW-approved oil helps prolong engine life and maintain consistent performance, especially on an older vehicle like a 2009 A4.

Summary

A 2009 Audi A4 requires fully synthetic oil that meets specific Volkswagen approvals. For most gasoline models, this is a VW 502 00 oil, commonly in 5W‑40 (or sometimes 5W‑30), while most diesel models with DPFs need a VW 507 00 low-ash 5W‑30 oil. Exact requirements vary by engine and region, so the owner’s manual, under-hood labels, or VIN-based dealer information should be consulted to confirm the correct VW spec and capacity. Sticking to the proper VW approval, choosing an appropriate viscosity for the climate, and maintaining sensible change intervals are the key factors in keeping a 2009 Audi A4’s engine running reliably.

How much oil does a 2.0 Audi A4 take?

The oil capacity for an Audi A4 with a 2.0L engine is typically around 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters) when changing the filter, though this can vary slightly by model year and specifications. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact capacity for your specific vehicle, as some model years might use a slightly different amount, such as 4.9 quarts or 5.2 liters. 

• Common capacity: Approximately 5.5 quarts (about 5.2 liters) with a filter change. 
• For specific models: Some model years may list 4.9 quarts or 5.2 liters. 
• Important: Always check your owner’s manual for the precise capacity of your specific year and model. After refilling, check the oil level according to the manufacturer’s instructions and top off if necessary. 

Can I use 5w40 instead of 5w30 for Audi?

As an emergency measure yes 5w40 is ok.

What oil is best for an Audi A4?

Choosing the Best Oil for Your Audi A4
Audi recommends using synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Here are a few top choices: Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Known for its exceptional strength under high pressure, this oil provides superior protection and performance for your Audi A4.

Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?

StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.