What Oil Does a 2013 Audi A7 Take?

The 2013 Audi A7 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for most U.S. diesel models), with the most common viscosity being 5W-40 or 5W-30 depending on climate and engine type. Below is a detailed breakdown of the correct oil types, specifications, and practical tips to help owners maintain their engines properly.

Understanding the 2013 Audi A7 Engine Lineup

The correct oil for a 2013 Audi A7 depends first on which engine is under the hood. While the basic spec families (VW 502 00 and VW 507 00) are consistent, gasoline and diesel engines have different requirements, and regional market differences (U.S. vs. Europe) also play a role.

Common U.S. Engine Variants

In the U.S. market, the 2013 Audi A7 was primarily sold with a supercharged 3.0L gasoline V6 (3.0 TFSI) and, in some trims, a 3.0L turbo diesel V6 (3.0 TDI). These engines are engineered to run on high‑quality synthetic oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards for protection, sludge control, and compatibility with the long-life service intervals.

The key 2013 Audi A7 engine variants in the U.S. and their general oil spec families are as follows:

• 3.0 TFSI V6 (gasoline, supercharged) – Requires synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00; typical viscosity 5W-40 or 5W-30 depending on climate.
• 3.0 TDI V6 (diesel) – Requires low-ash synthetic oil meeting VW 507 00; typically 5W-30.
• European/other markets – May include additional engine options (e.g., 2.8 FSI, 3.0 BiTDI); always confirm with the owner’s manual for the exact VW spec and viscosity range.

While this overview captures the main configurations, the final authority is always the specific engine code and the owner’s manual, which specify both the VW standard and acceptable viscosity ranges based on climate.

Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications for the 2013 A7

Audi does not choose oil brands as much as it defines performance standards (VW norms). Any oil that is certified to these specifications is acceptable, regardless of brand, as long as it has the correct approval on the label.

Key VW Oil Standards

The critical piece of information for any 2013 Audi A7 owner is the VW specification printed on the oil bottle. This tells you whether the oil is truly approved for your engine, beyond just matching the viscosity.

Here are the main VW specifications relevant to a 2013 Audi A7:

• VW 502 00 – High-performance gasoline engine oil spec used by Audi/VW for many turbocharged and direct-injection gasoline engines, including the 3.0 TFSI. Prioritizes wear protection, sludge control, and resistance to high-temperature breakdown.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01 – Older diesel specs used on some earlier TDI engines; less common for 2013 A7 but sometimes mentioned in broader Audi documentation.
• VW 507 00 – Low-SAPS (low ash) long-life diesel oil spec used in modern TDI engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF), including the 3.0 TDI. Essential for DPF longevity and emissions system health.

As long as the bottle explicitly lists the correct VW standard for your engine (VW 502 00 for gasoline, VW 507 00 for diesel), the oil is considered suitable, even if the brand or product name varies.

Recommended Oil Viscosity for the 2013 Audi A7

Viscosity (the “5W-30” or “5W-40” on the label) determines how thick the oil is in cold and hot conditions. Audi provides a range of acceptable viscosities depending on ambient temperature, but certain grades are more common and widely available.

Typical Viscosity Grades

For most 2013 Audi A7 owners in moderate climates, one of a small number of synthetic viscosities will be recommended. Extreme hot or cold conditions might shift this choice slightly, as indicated in the owner’s manual temperature charts.

The most commonly recommended viscosity grades are:

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00) – Very common choice for the 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine in many markets; offers robust high-temperature protection while maintaining acceptable cold-start performance.
• 5W-30 (VW 502 00) – Also used in some manuals and dealer service fills for gasoline engines, especially where fuel economy targets are prioritized, provided the oil carries proper VW approval.
• 5W-30 (VW 507 00) – Standard for the 3.0 TDI diesel engine with DPF; balances protection, DPF compatibility, and long-life service intervals.

Local climate and driving conditions can influence which viscosity within the approved range is ideal, but choosing a VW-approved 5W-40 or 5W-30 that matches your engine type will be correct for most owners.

Gasoline 3.0 TFSI: Specific Oil Recommendations

The supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6 is a high-stress engine that runs hot and places heavy demands on engine oil, especially in spirited driving. Using a fully synthetic oil that truly meets Audi’s requirements is crucial to avoid sludge, timing chain wear, and varnish buildup.

Oil Requirements for the 3.0 TFSI

For the 2013 Audi A7 with the 3.0 TFSI gasoline engine, Audi’s primary requirements focus on the VW 502 00 specification and an appropriate all-season viscosity.

Key guidelines for the 3.0 TFSI include:

• Specification: Oil must be certified to VW 502 00.
• Type: Fully synthetic or high-quality synthetic blend explicitly approved to VW 502 00 (most products will be full synthetic).
• Viscosity (typical): 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and regional Audi guidance, with 5W-40 favored in many dealer and specialist shops for its high-temperature robustness.
• Change interval: Commonly around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year under factory long-life intervals, though many independent specialists recommend shorter intervals (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles) for engine longevity.

Sticking to VW 502 00-approved oils and changing them on a reasonable schedule is especially important for this supercharged engine, which can suffer when cheaper or non-approved oils are used.

Diesel 3.0 TDI: Specific Oil Recommendations

The 3.0 TDI V6 diesel in the A7 uses a diesel particulate filter and advanced emissions control system, making the correct low-ash oil crucial. Using the wrong oil can shorten DPF life and cause costly repairs.

Oil Requirements for the 3.0 TDI

The 3.0 TDI specification centers on VW 507 00, which is designed for modern, clean-diesel applications with DPFs.

Key guidelines for the 3.0 TDI engine include:

• Specification: Oil must be certified to VW 507 00 (low-SAPS, long-life diesel oil).
• Type: Fully synthetic, specifically low-ash and DPF-compatible.
• Viscosity (typical): 5W-30 is the standard viscosity grade recommended for VW 507 00 oils.
• Change interval: Often up to 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year under factory guidance; as with gasoline, some owners choose shorter intervals for added protection, especially with heavy towing or frequent short trips.

Because the DPF is sensitive to ash and sulfur content, using any oil that is not VW 507 00-approved risks clogging the filter and triggering warning lights, regeneration issues, or premature component failure.

Popular Brands and Products That Meet Audi Specs

Many major oil brands produce formulations specifically approved for VW/Audi standards. While the brand is less important than the approval codes, using a well-known, widely available product makes it easier to stay consistent from change to change.

Examples of Suitable Oils

The following are examples of commonly available oils that, in certain formulations, carry VW 502 00 and/or VW 507 00 approvals. Always confirm the exact approval on the specific bottle, as product lines may vary by region and over time.

Examples of oils frequently used in 2013 Audi A7s include:

• Castrol EDGE / EDGE Professional – Selected variants labelled as meeting VW 502 00 or VW 507 00 (often 5W-40 or 5W-30); Castrol has often been an Audi service partner.
• Mobil 1 ESP – Certain ESP formulations meet VW 504 00/507 00 (suitable for many gasoline and diesel applications in some markets) and are widely recommended for modern TDIs.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec series – Top Tec 4200 (VW 504 00/507 00) or other variants labeled with VW 502 00 approval, popular among European car specialists.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro – Specific “Euro” or Helix variants list VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 approvals, often in 5W-40 or 5W-30 grades.
• OEM-branded VW/Audi oil – Sold at dealerships, typically bottled by a major oil company but labeled with official VW/Audi branding and correct approvals.

The crucial step is not the brand name but verifying the exact VW approval number on the label, ensuring it matches VW 502 00 or VW 507 00 as required by your engine.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A7

While general guidance covers most scenarios, individual cars can differ slightly by engine code, market, or previous owner modifications. Verifying the proper oil for your exact vehicle prevents costly mistakes.

Steps to Double‑Check the Correct Oil

Before purchasing or changing oil, it is wise to confirm the specific requirements for your exact 2013 A7 configuration using a combination of factory resources and vehicle data.

Practical steps to verify the right oil for your car include:

• Check the owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine Oils” or “Maintenance” section; it will list VW specifications and viscosity ranges by engine.
• Consult the service sticker or booklet: Many cars have a sticker under the hood or a record in the service book noting the oil spec and viscosity used by the dealer.
• Use your VIN: Provide your VIN to an Audi dealer or reputable parts supplier so they can identify your exact engine code and confirm the spec.
• Inspect the filler cap or under-hood labels: Some vehicles list recommended VW specs or viscosity directly on the cap or under-hood label.
• Check for software or hardware mods: If the engine has aftermarket tuning or major modifications, a specialist may recommend different change intervals (though not different specs) for added protection.

Taking these confirmation steps ensures you’re not relying on generic advice but on information tailored to your particular A7’s engine and market configuration.

Oil Capacity and Change Interval Considerations

Beyond choosing the right oil type, it’s important to use the correct quantity and maintain sensible change intervals. Overfilling or running oil too long can cause issues ranging from leaks to mechanical wear.

Typical Capacity and Service Intervals

Exact oil capacity can vary slightly with options and whether the filter is changed, but there are general figures for 2013 A7 engines, along with guidance on interval choices.

Common reference points for the 2013 A7 include:

• Oil capacity (approximate, with filter):
  

  • 3.0 TFSI: typically around 6.6–7.0 liters (about 7.0–7.4 quarts), depending on market documentation.
  • 3.0 TDI: typically in a similar range, often around 6.5–7.0 liters (check manual for exact figure).

• Factory interval: Up to about 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months under normal service conditions.
• Severe service: Frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy stop‑and‑go, or towing may justify shorter intervals, such as every 5,000–7,500 miles.
• Always replace the oil filter: At every oil change, use an OEM or high-quality equivalent filter designed for your engine.

Checking the dipstick or electronic oil level display after a change, and periodically between services, ensures the engine remains within the correct operating range and helps detect leaks or unexpected consumption early.

Why Using the Correct Oil Matters

Modern Audi engines are finely engineered and run tight tolerances, turbocharging/supercharging, and advanced emissions systems. Using the wrong oil can have consequences that emerge slowly over time—often after the warranty has expired.

Potential Risks of Incorrect Oil

Deviating from Audi’s specified oil standards can damage components and undermine the long-term reliability of the engine and emissions systems, even if the car appears to run normally in the short term.

Some risks associated with using non-approved or incorrect oil include:

• Accelerated engine wear: Insufficient film strength at high temperatures or poor detergency can lead to timing chain, camshaft, and bearing wear.
• Sludge and varnish buildup: Reduced detergent and dispersant capabilities can cause deposits that clog oil passages and affect variable valve timing and supercharger/turbo lubrication.
• DPF and catalyst damage (diesel): High-ash, non-507 00 oils can poison or clog the diesel particulate filter and oxidation catalysts, leading to expensive repairs.
• Warranty or goodwill issues: For vehicles still covered by extended warranties or goodwill programs, using non-approved oils can complicate claims for engine or emissions system problems.

For a high-value car like the A7, sticking closely to VW 502 00 or 507 00 oils offers relatively inexpensive insurance against long-term mechanical issues.

Summary

A 2013 Audi A7 generally takes fully synthetic oil that meets specific Audi/VW standards, with the exact spec depending on whether the car has the gasoline 3.0 TFSI or the diesel 3.0 TDI engine. Gasoline models should use oil approved to VW 502 00, most commonly in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity, while diesel models should use low-ash oil approved to VW 507 00, typically 5W-30. The most important step is confirming the exact VW approval code on the oil bottle and cross-checking with the owner’s manual or VIN-based information. Proper oil choice and reasonable change intervals help preserve performance, protect the engine and emissions systems, and extend the service life of the 2013 Audi A7.

What kind of oil does an Audi A7 take?

The correct Audi A7 oil type depends on the model year and engine. For newer gasoline models (2019+), use 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting the VW 508 00 specification. For older gasoline engines (2012-2018 3.0T), 5W-40 is often recommended with the VW 502 00 spec, while newer models might use 0W-30 or 5W-40, and diesel models (2014-2016 3.0L TDI) require oil meeting the VW 507 00 spec. Always confirm the specific requirement for your vehicle’s year and engine. 
Common Audi A7 oil types by engine

• 2019 and newer 3.0T (gasoline): Use a full synthetic 0W-20 oil that meets the VW 508 00 specification. 
• 2012–2018 3.0T (gasoline): Many models use 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Some model years also recommend 0W-30 or 0W-40. 
• 2014–2016 3.0L TDI (diesel): Requires oil that meets the VW 507 00 specification. 

Important considerations

• Verify your vehicle’s specific requirements: Always check your owner’s manual or the label under the hood for the exact oil viscosity and specification recommended by Audi for your particular model year and engine. 
• Synthetic oil is often required: Many Audi models require or recommend full synthetic oil for optimal performance and protection. 
• European specifications: Look for the specific Volkswagen (VW) oil quality standard on the oil container, such as VW 508 00 or VW 507 00, as these are critical for meeting Audi’s engineering requirements. 

What kind of oil for Audi A7 2013?

The Audi A7 Engine Oil Types Across Different Model Years
These are: 2012-2014: The recommended oil type for Audi A7 models dating from 2012 to 2014 is 5W-30, which offers balanced protection and efficiency. 2015: For 2015 Audi A7 models, 0W-40 improves cold-start performance.

What type of oil does a 2013 Audi take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-40.

Can I use 5W-30 in my Audi?

The recommended oil type is 5w-40 synthetic. While 5w-30 can work in a pinch, it’s best to use 5w-40 if you have it available. Yes, using Mobile One is perfectly acceptable.