What Oil Does a 2009 Audi Q5 Take?

The 2009 Audi Q5 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW approvals—most importantly VW 502 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for the 3.0 TDI diesel in some markets). Viscosity is typically 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on engine and climate, but the approval on the label matters more than the brand or exact viscosity.

Understanding the 2009 Audi Q5 Engine Options

The correct oil for a 2009 Audi Q5 depends partly on the engine fitted to the vehicle and the market in which it was sold. Globally, the Q5 of this model year was offered mainly with a 2.0 TFSI (gasoline turbo), 3.2 FSI V6 (gasoline), and 3.0 TDI (diesel) in some regions. North American models commonly feature 3.2 FSI gasoline V6, while European and other markets include 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI options.

Typical 2009 Audi Q5 Engines and Oil Approvals

The most important factor is that the oil meets Audi/VW’s own approval standards. These standards ensure the oil can handle high temperatures, turbochargers, direct injection, and extended drain intervals used in many Audi service schedules.

The main Audi/VW approvals for a 2009 Q5 are:

• VW 502 00 – Standard high-performance gasoline engine oil spec, suitable for most 2009 Audi gasoline engines (including 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI), when fixed/normal service intervals are used.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – “LongLife” low-ash synthetic oils used in some regions for extended service intervals and for engines with sensitive emission systems, especially diesels like the 3.0 TDI. Often sold as “VW 504 00/507 00” on the same bottle.
• VW 507 00 – Essential for many 3.0 TDI diesel engines, especially those with diesel particulate filters (DPF), because it is low-SAPS (low ash, phosphorus, sulfur).

These approvals are listed on the rear label of quality European-spec synthetic oils and are non‑negotiable for warranty compliance and long-term engine health; oil that “meets or exceeds European standards” is not enough unless the specific VW code is printed.

Recommended Oil Types and Viscosity

Once the correct VW approval is identified, the next step is to pick the appropriate viscosity grade. Viscosity affects cold starts, high-temperature protection, and fuel economy, but Audi’s own approval is still the primary requirement.

Gasoline Engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI)

For gasoline-powered 2009 Audi Q5 models, oils must be fully synthetic and approved for VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 in long-life markets). A range of viscosities may be allowed based on climate, but some are more common and widely recommended.

Typical oil choices for 2009 Q5 gasoline engines include:

• 5W-40, VW 502 00 – Very common recommendation; offers robust protection in a wide temperature range and suits both 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI in many climates.
• 5W-30, VW 504 00/507 00 – Often used in markets with flexible “LongLife” service intervals; lower viscosity aids fuel economy while still protecting the engine when the oil carries the correct approval.
• 0W-40, VW 502 00 – Sometimes recommended in very cold climates for easier cold starts, as long as the VW spec is correct.

Owners’ manuals and service booklets may list several viscosity options, but all will share the VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval. In practice, a 5W-40 oil with VW 502 00 is a safe and widely accepted choice for most 2009 Q5 gasoline engines, especially in North America and temperate climates.

Diesel Engines (3.0 TDI)

The 3.0 TDI engine, primarily offered outside North America in the 2009 Q5, has stricter requirements due to turbocharging, high pressures, and diesel particulate filters (DPFs). Here, using the correct VW approval is critical for protecting the DPF and meeting emissions standards.

Typical oil choices for a 2009 Q5 3.0 TDI include:

• 5W-30, VW 507 00 – This is the standard low-SAPS long-life diesel oil for modern VAG diesels with DPFs; most 3.0 TDI engines are explicitly designed around this spec.
• 5W-30, VW 504 00/507 00 – Combined gasoline/diesel long-life approval also acceptable when 507 00 is included; often labeled as “504 00/507 00.”

Using an oil that lacks VW 507 00 in a DPF-equipped TDI can accelerate DPF clogging and potentially damage emissions components, even if the viscosity looks correct.

Oil Capacity and Service Intervals

Beyond choosing the right oil, drivers must also know how much oil the engine takes and how often it should be changed. These numbers vary slightly by engine and service regime (fixed vs. flexible/LongLife). Always cross-check with the owner’s manual or dealer.

Approximate Oil Capacities

The exact fill quantity can vary based on engine code and whether the oil filter is changed, but generalized figures are helpful when planning a service.

Approximate oil capacities for 2009 Audi Q5 engines (with filter change) include:

• 2.0 TFSI – Around 4.6–5.0 liters (about 4.9–5.3 US quarts).
• 3.2 FSI V6 – Around 6.6–6.8 liters (about 7.0–7.2 US quarts).
• 3.0 TDI – Around 6.7–7.0 liters (about 7.1–7.4 US quarts).

It is prudent to add slightly less than the full amount, run the engine briefly, then top up to the correct level using the dipstick or MMI oil level display, because overfilling can cause problems with foaming and catalyst/DPF stress.

Service Interval Considerations

The oil type is closely linked to how often it can safely remain in the engine. Audi has run two main philosophies: fixed intervals and flexible “LongLife” intervals.

Key points on service intervals for a 2009 Audi Q5 include:

• Fixed interval (often 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or 1 year) – Common in North America; typically uses VW 502 00 (gasoline) or 507 00 (diesel) oils but with conservative change frequency.
• LongLife/flexible interval (up to ~18,000–20,000 miles / 30,000 km or 2 years in some markets) – Requires VW 504 00/507 00 oils and electronic monitoring; more common in Europe but often shortened by owners for longevity.
• Severe use conditions – Short trips, extreme temperatures, frequent towing, and lots of idling all justify shorter intervals (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km), even with the correct spec oil.

While Audi’s official schedules allow long intervals, many independent specialists advise more frequent oil changes, especially on turbocharged 2.0 TFSI engines, to reduce carbon buildup and sludge risk.

How to Choose a Brand and Verify the Oil

With many brands on the market, selection comes down to picking a reputable synthetic oil with the exact VW approval code printed on the bottle. Well-known European-oriented brands commonly provide oils certified to VW 502 00 or VW 504/507.

Label Checking and Common Pitfalls

Misreading the label or trusting vague marketing claims is one of the main ways owners inadvertently use incorrect oil. Verification is straightforward once you know what to look for.

When buying oil for a 2009 Audi Q5, pay attention to:

• Exact VW approval codes – Look specifically for “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” “VW 507 00” printed in the approval section, not hidden in marketing text.
• Full synthetic wording – The bottle should clearly state “full synthetic” or “100% synthetic” in markets where that designation is regulated.
• Correct viscosity for climate – For most conditions, 5W-40 (502 00) or 5W-30 (504/507) is appropriate; colder climates may benefit from 0W variants with the proper VW spec.
• Avoiding generic “European formula” oils – If the precise VW code is not listed, do not assume compatibility.

By focusing on the VW approval first and then choosing viscosity and brand, owners significantly reduce the risk of engine wear, sludge, or emissions-system issues.

Practical Recommendations by Scenario

Real-world use often comes down to a few common situations: typical driving in a moderate climate, very cold regions, and diesel ownership with a DPF. In each case, the underlying rule remains: VW approval first.

Typical Gasoline Q5 in a Moderate Climate

For a 2009 Q5 with a 3.2 FSI or 2.0 TFSI petrol engine in a temperate region, the default choice used by many independent workshops remains broadly consistent.

A practical setup for most owners would be:

• Oil type: Full synthetic 5W-40 with VW 502 00 approval.
• Interval: Every 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–15,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
• Filter: Quality filter from a known brand (MANN, Mahle, or OEM equivalent).

This pattern balances cost, protection, and convenience and is often more conservative than the most extended intervals officially permitted.

Diesel Q5 with 3.0 TDI and DPF

Owners of the 3.0 TDI model must pay particular attention to their oil choice due to the DPF and the engine’s demands.

For the diesel 2009 Q5 3.0 TDI, a robust pattern is:

• Oil type: Full synthetic 5W-30 with VW 507 00 (or combined VW 504 00/507 00) approval.
• Interval: Follow local LongLife or fixed schedule but consider changes around 10,000–12,000 miles (16,000–20,000 km) for long-term durability.
• Monitoring: Watch for regeneration behavior and avoid frequent very short trips that can dilute the oil with fuel.

With the right 507 00 oil and sensible intervals, the 3.0 TDI can run high mileages while keeping the DPF and turbocharger in good condition.

Summary

The 2009 Audi Q5 is designed to run on fully synthetic oil that meets strict Volkswagen Group approvals. For gasoline engines like the 2.0 TFSI and 3.2 FSI, the standard requirement is VW 502 00 (or 504 00 in long-life markets), most commonly in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity. For diesel 3.0 TDI models, VW 507 00—usually in a 5W-30 grade—is mandatory to protect the diesel particulate filter and support longer service intervals.

Owners should always prioritize the VW approval printed on the oil label over brand or generic marketing claims, then choose a viscosity suitable for local climate and driving style. Combined with appropriate change intervals and a quality filter, correctly specified oil is central to maintaining performance, efficiency, and longevity in a 2009 Audi Q5.

What kind of oil does a 2009 Audi take?

Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.

What oil should I put in an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 requires a fully synthetic engine oil, with common viscosity ratings being 5W-30 or 5W-40, though 0W-40 is also used in some models, particularly newer ones or those in colder climates. Always check your specific owner’s manual for the exact specification, as the correct type can depend on the model year and engine, such as VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 specifications. 
Oil type and viscosity

• Synthetic oil: The Audi Q5 needs a fully synthetic motor oil for optimal protection. 
• Common viscosities: The most common viscosity grades are 5W-30 and 5W-40. 
• Other options: Some models, like the 2018 2.0T, may recommend 0W-40. 
• Climate consideration: You may prefer 0W-30 or 0W-40 in colder climates and 5W-30 or 5W-40 in moderate to warmer climates. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step. The manual will specify the exact oil type and specifications (like VW 502 00) needed for your particular Q5 model and engine, say eEuroparts.com and Blauparts.
• Meet specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi/VW oil quality standards recommended for your vehicle, not just the viscosity rating. 

Can I use 5W-30 in Audi Q5?

Yes, 5W-30 oil can be used in your Audi if it meets the VW/Audi oil quality standards specified for your engine type. Always consult your owner’s manual for the correct specifications to ensure optimal performance and protection.

What kind of oil does a 2009 Audi Q5 take?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.