What Oil Does a 2015 Audi Take?

A 2015 Audi generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW/Audi specification VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, with the most common viscosity being 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on engine type and regional conditions. Exact requirements vary by model and engine, so the owner’s manual and oil cap label are the final authority.

Understanding Oil Requirements for 2015 Audi Models

Audi’s 2015 lineup includes multiple engines—turbocharged gasoline (TFSI), diesel (TDI), and some high-performance variants—each with specific lubricant needs. While viscosity (such as 5W-40) is important, the most critical detail is that the oil meets the official VW/Audi specifications, which ensure compatibility with engine design, turbochargers, emission systems, and extended service intervals.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specifications for 2015 Vehicles

Volkswagen Group (Audi’s parent company) uses its own oil standards to ensure performance, cleanliness, and durability across its engines. The following are the main specifications relevant to most 2015 Audi passenger vehicles.

• VW 502 00: Standard spec for most gasoline (petrol) engines in 2015 Audi models. Typically used with fixed or shorter service intervals. Common viscosity grades: 5W-40, 5W-30.
• VW 504 00: Long-life, low-ash (low-SAPS) synthetic oil for newer gasoline engines designed for extended service intervals, often 5W-30. Frequently required in Europe and some newer engines.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel specifications, with 505 01 especially for unit-injector TDI engines; relevant mostly to some earlier diesels but still seen in parts of the world.
• VW 507 00: Low-ash long-life spec for many modern TDI (diesel) engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF), usually 5W-30.
• High-performance models (S/RS): Many still use oils that meet VW 502 00, often in a 5W-40 or sometimes 0W-40 viscosity, but you must verify in the model-specific manual.

These specifications are more important than brand, and any oil you choose should clearly list the relevant VW/Audi approval (e.g., “VW 502 00 approved”) on the bottle rather than just saying “recommended for use in.”

Typical Oil Viscosity by Common 2015 Audi Models

While the precise requirement should always be confirmed with the manual or dealer by VIN, most 2015 Audi models on the road fall into a few familiar patterns based on engine family and market.

Popular 2015 Audi Gasoline Models

Many gasoline-powered 2015 Audi vehicles share similar oil spec patterns, although engine codes and markets can shift viscosity recommendations slightly.

• A3 1.8T / 2.0T (TFSI, MQB platform): Commonly 5W-40 or 5W-30 fully synthetic oil that meets VW 502 00 (North America) or VW 504 00 (Europe/long-life service).
• A4 / A5 2.0T TFSI: Typically 5W-40 synthetic meeting VW 502 00 in North America; 5W-30 VW 504 00 in many European markets with flexible service intervals.
• A6 2.0T TFSI / 3.0T Supercharged V6: Usually 5W-40 synthetic with VW 502 00 approval in the U.S. and Canada; some regions specify VW 504 00 5W-30.
• Q5 2.0T / 3.0T: Often 5W-40 VW 502 00 in North America; 5W-30 VW 504 00 where long-life servicing is implemented.
• A3 e-tron (plug-in hybrid, 1.4 TFSI in many markets): Typically 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, with emphasis on fuel efficiency and low-ash formulation.

In practice, most mainstream 2015 Audi gasoline engines will safely run on a quality 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic with VW 502 00 approval, unless the manual clearly specifies VW 504 00 for extended drain intervals.

Diesel (TDI) Models

Diesel engines, especially those with diesel particulate filters (DPFs), place stricter demands on oil to protect emissions systems.

• A3 TDI / A6 TDI / Q5 TDI (3.0 TDI, 2.0 TDI depending on market): Commonly require low-ash 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting VW 507 00.
• Older or regional diesel variants: Some non-DPF or early TDI units may specify VW 505 01, though this is less typical for 2015 models in major markets.

Using the correct VW 507 00 low-SAPS oil is vital to protect diesel particulate filters from clogging and to maintain emissions compliance and engine longevity.

High-Performance S and RS Models

Performance engines operate at higher temperatures and loads, so consistent lubrication and shear stability are critical.

• S3 (2.0 TFSI high-output): Typically 5W-40 full synthetic with VW 502 00; some markets may allow 0W-40 with the same spec.
• S4 / S5 (3.0 TFSI supercharged V6): Commonly 5W-40 VW 502 00 synthetic oil, with strict adherence to approved brands and specs recommended.
• TTS / other performance variants: Usually 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00, though always cross-check with the specific engine code.

High-performance models are particularly sensitive to oil quality; using a lower-spec oil can increase wear, especially under spirited driving or track use.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2015 Audi

Because Audi used numerous engine codes within the same model year, it is essential to verify the exact oil requirement for your individual vehicle rather than relying solely on model names or general guidance.

• Check the owner’s manual: The “Engine Oil” section lists the exact VW specification (e.g., VW 502 00, VW 504 00, VW 507 00) and recommended viscosities for your climate.
• Inspect the oil fill cap and under-hood labels: Many 2015 Audis have the VW oil spec printed on the cap or an engine bay sticker.
• Use your VIN at an Audi dealer or official parts catalog: Dealers can pull factory data by VIN to confirm the precise spec your engine requires.
• Cross-check with reputable oil manufacturers: Major brands (Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, etc.) host online selectors where you enter year, make, model, and engine to find oils with genuine VW approval.

By confirming via multiple sources—manual, vehicle labels, and VIN-based lookup—you reduce the risk of using a near-match oil that lacks the required official approval.

Recommended Oil Types and Brands (By Specification)

While Audi frequently partners with Castrol in branding, you are not locked into a single brand as long as the oil meets the VW spec. Below are common examples as of 2024 from major manufacturers that typically carry the necessary approvals; availability varies by country, and labels should be checked carefully.

For VW 502 00 (Most 2015 Gasoline Engines)

These oils are typical choices for fixed/normal service intervals on many gasoline-powered 2015 Audis.

• Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (or 0W-40 in some regions): Often sold as “Euro Car” or “Advanced Full Synthetic” with VW 502 00 approval.
• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (formerly “European Car Formula”): Commonly carries VW 502 00 approval on the label.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Leichtlauf series 5W-40: Several variants officially approved to VW 502 00.
• Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40: In many markets, a variant is certified to VW 502 00.

Any of these, or similar oils with clearly printed VW 502 00 approval, are usually suitable for mainstream 2015 Audi gasoline engines unless your manual explicitly requires a different spec.

For VW 504 00 (Gasoline, Long-Life / Low-Ash)

Some regions and engines use VW 504 00, particularly when flexible or extended drain intervals are specified.

• Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LongLife III: Often labeled with VW 504 00 / 507 00, widely used in European-market Audis.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30: Certain variants are approved for VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30: Frequently approved for VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30: Often carries the dual VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval.

Oils that meet both VW 504 00 and 507 00 are popular in markets with variable service intervals, as a single oil can be used across many petrol and diesel engines.

For VW 507 00 (Most 2015 TDI Diesel Engines)

VW 507 00 oils are low-SAPS, long-life synthetics engineered to protect DPF-equipped diesel engines from ash buildup.

• Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30: Common in Audi dealers, labeled with VW 507 00.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30: Selected formulations carry official VW 507 00 approval.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30: Typically approved for VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30: Often meets VW 507 00 along with 504 00.

Ensuring the bottle shows “VW 507 00” explicitly is crucial for TDI models, as generic “diesel compatible” oils may not protect emission systems correctly.

Service Intervals and Oil Change Considerations

The correct oil selection interacts closely with how often you change it. Audi’s 2015 service guidance differs by region, driving style, and whether you use fixed or flexible/long-life intervals.

Fixed vs. Flexible Service Schedules

Understanding your car’s service schedule helps determine which spec and change frequency to follow.

• Fixed intervals: Typically every 10,000 miles (about 15,000 km) or 1 year in North America, whichever comes first, usually with VW 502 00 (gas) or VW 507 00 (diesel).
• Flexible (long-life) intervals: In many European markets, cars on LongLife service can go up to ~30,000 km or 2 years, but only if using VW 504 00 / 507 00 long-life oil and under ideal conditions.
• Severe driving conditions: Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extreme heat/cold, or heavy loads may justify shorter change intervals than the maximum stated, even with approved oil.

Following the stricter of your local recommendations and your actual driving conditions is usually better for long-term engine health than stretching intervals to the maximum.

Practical Steps When Buying Oil for a 2015 Audi

Even with detailed specifications, the buying process can be confusing due to marketing terms and similar-looking products. A systematic approach reduces mistakes.

• Start with your manual: Note the exact VW spec and acceptable viscosity range (e.g., “VW 502 00, SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30”).
• Check the oil cap and stickers: Confirm that the same spec appears under the hood, which helps guard against misprints or past manual mix-ups.
• At the store, ignore generic marketing phrases: Focus on the fine print that lists “Approvals” or “Meets/Approved to VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00.” Genuine approvals are usually in a dedicated approvals section.
• Keep receipts and note the oil used: Record brand, viscosity, and spec for future reference and potential warranty discussions.
• If unsure, consult a dealer or trusted independent Audi specialist: They can quickly confirm the correct spec for your VIN and climate.

By approaching the purchase methodically and prioritizing official VW approvals over brand loyalty or marketing terms, you greatly reduce the risk of using an unsuitable oil.

Summary

A 2015 Audi typically uses fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards—most commonly VW 502 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesels, with viscosities such as 5W-40 or 5W-30 depending on engine and region. Some engines, particularly in European markets with extended service intervals, require VW 504 00 (often combined with 507 00 on the label). Because Audi offered multiple engines in 2015, the definitive answer for any particular car is in the owner’s manual, on the oil cap or engine-bay label, or via a VIN lookup at an Audi dealer. Choosing an oil that explicitly carries the correct VW approval—rather than just being “recommended for European cars”—is essential for engine longevity, emissions system protection, and maintaining warranty compliance.