What Oil Does a 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 Take?

The 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 (both supercharged gasoline V6 and 3.0 TDI diesel, where sold) requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW specifications—namely VW 502 00 (for most gasoline 3.0 TFSI engines) or VW 504 00 (for long-life intervals), and VW 507 00 for 3.0 TDI diesels—with a typical viscosity of 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 depending on market and climate. In practical terms, you should use a high‑quality, fully synthetic oil that clearly lists the correct VW approval on the bottle, not just the viscosity grade.

Understanding the 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 Engine Types

The 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 was sold in different powertrain configurations depending on region. In North America, the 3.0 designation usually refers to the 3.0 TFSI supercharged gasoline V6. In Europe and some other markets, there were also 3.0 TDI V6 diesel variants. The oil specification differs slightly between the gasoline and diesel engines, but both require OEM‑approved synthetic oil that meets Audi’s VW group standards.

Key Engine Variants and Why They Matter for Oil Choice

Although the displacement is the same, the internal design, operating pressures, and emissions hardware of the gasoline and diesel engines influence which VW oil standard Audi assigns. Using an oil that meets the proper VW spec protects the turbo/supercharger, timing components, and after‑treatment systems such as particulate filters and catalytic converters.

The main 2018 Q7 3.0 variants are:

• 3.0 TFSI gasoline V6 (supercharged, common in U.S. and Canada)
• 3.0 TDI diesel V6 (sold in certain markets outside North America)

These variants share some maintenance principles, but the correct VW specification for engine oil is tailored to the fuel type and emissions system, making it crucial to confirm which engine you have before choosing oil.

Official Oil Specifications for the 2018 Audi Q7 3.0

For Audi vehicles, the official requirement is not just the viscosity (like 5W‑40), but an oil that is approved to a specific VW performance standard. This is what Audi dealers and the owner’s manual reference, and it’s what you should prioritize when buying oil.

Gasoline 3.0 TFSI (Supercharged V6) – North America and Similar Markets

For the gasoline 3.0 TFSI engine in most 2018 Audi Q7 models sold in North America, the required oil typically is:

The following list details the typical Audi/VW specs and viscosities for the 3.0 TFSI engine:

• VW 502 00 approval – standard fixed service intervals (common in North America)
• VW 504 00 approval – used in some markets with flexible/long-life service intervals
• Viscosity: commonly 5W‑40 or 5W‑30, depending on climate and market guidance
• Oil type: 100% fully synthetic engine oil

In practice, any premium fully synthetic 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 that explicitly states “VW 502 00” (or VW 504 00 where specified) on the label will satisfy Audi’s requirements for the 3.0 TFSI, provided you follow the service interval recommended in your manual.

Diesel 3.0 TDI – Markets Where Available

For the 3.0 TDI diesel variants of the 2018 Q7, especially where diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are fitted, the oil must be low‑ash and compatible with emission control devices.

The list below outlines the typical specs for 3.0 TDI engines:

• VW 507 00 approval – low‑SAPs (low‑ash) oil designed for DPF‑equipped diesels
• Viscosity: typically 5W‑30
• Oil type: fully synthetic, formulated for modern diesel engines with particulate filters

Using a VW 507 00‑approved oil helps prevent DPF blockage and protects key diesel components, which is vital for engine longevity and emissions compliance.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for the Q7 3.0

While the VW approval is the non‑negotiable requirement, viscosity is chosen based on climate and Audi’s regional recommendations. The 2018 Q7 3.0 is generally specified for multigrade oils that offer good cold‑start protection and stable high‑temperature performance.

Common Viscosity Choices

The following viscosities are most commonly recommended for the 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 engines, provided they meet the correct VW spec:

• 5W‑40 – very common for 3.0 TFSI in many climates; good high‑temperature protection
• 5W‑30 – widely used for both TFSI and TDI, especially where VW 504 00/507 00 oils are specified
• 0W‑30 or 0W‑40 – sometimes allowed in colder climates, if they carry the correct VW approval

Choosing between these grades depends on your local climate and the specific guidance in your owner’s manual, but the VW approval (502 00, 504 00, or 507 00) must always be the first filter when selecting oil.

How to Check the Correct Oil for Your Specific Q7

Because trim, market, and emissions packages can vary, the most reliable confirmation is always your car’s documentation and under‑hood labels. Audi’s recommendations can differ slightly between regions even for the same model year.

Steps to Verify the Correct Oil

The following steps help you confirm the exact oil spec for your own 2018 Q7 3.0:

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” or “Specifications” section, which will list the required VW standard (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00).
2. Check the oil filler cap and under‑hood labels: Some vehicles indicate the necessary spec or viscosity right on the cap or nearby stickers.
3. Use your VIN with an Audi dealer: Call or visit a dealer, give them your VIN, and ask for the official engine oil specification and quantity.
4. Cross‑check with reputable oil manufacturers: Major brands (Castrol, Mobil 1, Shell, Liqui Moly, etc.) offer online “oil finder” tools where you enter your car’s details and they list products that meet VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00.
5. Do not rely on viscosity alone: Avoid oils that say, for example, “meets requirements of VW 502 00” but are not actually approved; look for explicit VW approval numbers on the data sheet or label.

Following these steps ensures you are not just choosing a similar oil, but one that is officially approved for your engine and warranty requirements.

Oil Change Intervals and Capacity

Even the best oil will underperform if it is not changed at the proper interval or if the engine is under‑ or over‑filled. The 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 is designed for relatively long service intervals when the correct oil is used, but driving conditions can shorten these intervals.

Typical Service Intervals

Depending on market and whether your Q7 is set up for fixed or flexible (long‑life) servicing, recommended change intervals usually look like this:

• Fixed interval: Approximately every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first
• Flexible/long‑life interval (where enabled): Up to about 18,000–20,000 miles (30,000–32,000 km) or 24 months, depending on driving profile and oil quality (typically VW 504 00 / 507 00)
• Severe driving conditions: Frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy towing, or stop‑and‑go city driving may justify more frequent oil changes

Your dashboard service indicator and the owner’s manual will give the definitive guidance for your vehicle’s service regime, and staying within those intervals is essential for engine health.

Approximate Oil Capacity

The 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 engines hold a substantial amount of oil due to their V6 layout and performance design.

The following figures are approximate and can vary slightly by engine variant and filter type:

• 3.0 TFSI gasoline V6: roughly 6.5–7.0 liters (about 6.9–7.4 quarts) including filter
• 3.0 TDI diesel V6: similar range, typically around 7.0 liters, including filter
• Always confirm: precise capacity is listed in the owner’s manual or dealer documentation

When changing oil yourself, it is safer to add slightly less than the full capacity, check the dipstick or electronic level display, and top up carefully to avoid overfilling.

Brand Examples That Meet Audi/VW Specs

Many major oil brands manufacture products explicitly approved to VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00 standards. The specific product names can change over time, but the key is matching the approval code, not the brand.

Typical Aftermarket Options

Below are examples of common product types you might see on shelves that (in some formulations/regions) carry the right approvals—always verify the exact spec on the actual container or technical data sheet:

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional with VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 approval (often in 5W‑30 or 5W‑40)
• Mobil 1 ESP or FS lines, certain variants approved for VW 502 00 or VW 504 00/507 00
• Shell Helix Ultra and Pennzoil Platinum Euro series with VW approvals
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Special Tec formulas specifically labeled for VW/Audi with the correct spec

Brand choice is largely a matter of availability and preference as long as the oil is fully synthetic and explicitly carries the VW approval that matches your engine’s requirement.

Why the Correct VW Specification Matters

Using an oil that technically “fits” in terms of viscosity but lacks the correct VW approval can cause long‑term problems, especially in engines with advanced emissions and forced‑induction systems like the Q7’s V6s.

Consequences of Using the Wrong Oil

The potential issues from using non‑approved or incorrect oil include:

• Premature wear of timing chains, tensioners, and cam components
• Increased deposits on turbo/supercharger bearings and intake valves
• DPF and catalyst damage in diesel engines due to high ash or phosphorus levels
• Higher oil consumption and degraded performance over time
• Potential warranty disputes if an engine failure can be linked to incorrect lubrication

Because of these risks, following the exact VW approval listed by Audi is not just a formality—it is a key part of protecting your engine and its emissions systems.

Summary

The 2018 Audi Q7 3.0 requires high‑quality, fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Audi/VW standards. For the 3.0 TFSI gasoline V6, that typically means VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 in some markets) in a 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 grade. For 3.0 TDI diesel versions, the standard is usually VW 507 00 in 5W‑30. The VW approval printed on the oil container is more important than brand name or viscosity alone, and it should always match what is specified in your owner’s manual.