What Oil Does a 2018 Audi S4 Take?

The 2018 Audi S4 requires high-quality, fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00, with the most common viscosity being 0W-40 or 5W-40, and a typical fill capacity of about 6.8–7.0 liters (7.2–7.4 quarts) for its 3.0L turbocharged V6 engine. Below is a detailed breakdown of the correct oil type, suitable brands, service intervals, and practical maintenance tips.

The Official Oil Specification for the 2018 Audi S4

The 2018 Audi S4 (B9 generation) is equipped with a 3.0L TFSI turbocharged V6 engine (EA839). Because of its performance-oriented, high-compression design, it relies on a very specific type of engine oil to protect internal components, maintain efficiency, and support turbocharger longevity.

Required Oil Standard (VW/Audi Specification)

Before considering viscosity or brand, the primary requirement is that the oil meets Audi/Volkswagen’s factory performance standard. This ensures the oil has passed manufacturer tests for stability, deposit control, and wear protection under the engine’s operating conditions.

• VW 502 00 – This is the key specification for the 2018 Audi S4 in North America and many other markets.
• Oil must be fully synthetic (also frequently labeled as “100% synthetic”).
• Oils labeled with VW 502 00 are designed for high-performance gasoline engines and are suitable for the S4’s turbocharged 3.0 TFSI.
• Some regions may list updates or extended-drain specs (such as VW 504 00), but VW 502 00 remains the standard and widely recommended spec for this model year.

Choosing an oil that clearly shows “VW 502 00” (or better, if explicitly approved by Audi for the S4) on the bottle is more important than simply matching viscosity, as the spec governs critical performance and protection parameters.

Recommended Oil Viscosity Grades

Viscosity determines how thick or thin the oil is at cold starts and normal operating temperature. Audi approves several viscosity options for different climates, all within the correct spec.

• 0W-40 (VW 502 00 approved) – A very common choice, particularly in colder climates, offering excellent cold-start performance and strong protection at operating temperature.
• 5W-40 (VW 502 00 approved) – Also widely used, especially in moderate to warmer climates; provides slightly thicker protection at cold starts while remaining suitable year-round.
• 0W-30 or 5W-30 (only if VW 502 00 approved) – In some markets, lower-viscosity 30-weight oils with the correct VW 502 00 approval may be listed as acceptable, though many enthusiasts and dealers favor 0W-40 or 5W-40 for performance use.

In practical terms, most 2018 Audi S4 owners in North America and Europe can safely choose either a 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil that clearly lists VW 502 00 on the label, adjusting mainly for climate and driving style.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Beyond type and viscosity, understanding how much oil the engine takes and how often to replace it is crucial for reliability and performance. The 2018 S4’s turbocharged V6 places high demands on oil, making proper maintenance particularly important.

Engine Oil Capacity

Knowing the approximate oil capacity helps ensure you have enough oil on hand and can double-check levels after service. The actual fill can vary slightly depending on how thoroughly the old oil is drained and whether the filter is changed.

• Engine: 3.0L TFSI V6 (EA839)
• Approximate capacity with filter change: about 6.8–7.0 liters (roughly 7.2–7.4 US quarts)
• Always verify the exact level via the dipstick or MMI oil level display after filling, rather than relying solely on a fixed quantity.
• Top off in small increments (for example, 0.25–0.5 liter at a time) if needed to avoid overfilling.

Because slight variations in drainage and filter replacement can affect the final level, it’s best practice to add slightly less than the maximum stated capacity, run the engine briefly, then re-check and top up to the proper mark.

Factory vs. Practical Oil Change Intervals

Audi provides a standardized service interval, but many owners—especially those who drive hard or in severe conditions—prefer more conservative schedules for added protection.

• Factory interval (typical for 2018 S4): about every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
• Enthusiast/“severe use” interval: often every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), especially for:
  

  • Frequent short trips
  • High-performance or track driving
  • Very hot or very cold climates
  • Stop-and-go city traffic

• Even when using high-quality VW 502 00 synthetic oil, shorter intervals improve long-term engine and turbocharger health.

Owners who plan to keep the car beyond warranty or drive it aggressively often adopt a more frequent change schedule than the official maximum, treating the factory interval as an upper limit, not a target.

Common Oil Brands That Meet VW 502 00 for the 2018 S4

Many major oil manufacturers offer products that comply with VW 502 00. While Audi has preferred brands, you can safely choose any oil that explicitly lists the correct specification and viscosity.

Examples of Suitable Oils

The following are widely available oils, as of 2024–2025, often used in 2018 Audi S4 models. Always confirm the current packaging and approvals, as formulations can change.

• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 or 5W-40 (VW 502 00) – Frequently associated with Audi dealers; a popular choice in many markets.
• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (often labeled “European Car Formula” or similar, VW 502 00) – A well-known, high-performance synthetic widely used in German performance cars.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Synthoil series 0W-40 / 5W-40 (VW 502 00) – German-made oils favored by many Audi and VW enthusiasts.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40 or 5W-40 (VW 502 00) – Designed for European performance engines and usually easy to find in North America.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Helix Ultra Professional series 0W-40 / 5W-40 (VW 502 00) – Commonly recommended in Europe and select markets.

These brands illustrate the range of compatible options; the essential step is verifying the VW 502 00 approval on the bottle rather than choosing based on marketing terms alone.

How to Verify You’re Using the Right Oil

Because engine protection depends on both the right spec and correct fill, taking a few extra moments to verify details can prevent costly mistakes. Checking the owner’s manual and label claims is more reliable than relying on generic “European” or “synthetic” branding.

Steps to Confirm Compatibility

Ensuring that your oil choice truly meets Audi’s requirements can be done with a short, systematic check of documentation and labels.

• Check your owner’s manual: Look for the section on engine oil, which will specify the required VW/Audi standard (VW 502 00) and recommended viscosity grades for your climate.
• Read the oil bottle label carefully: Confirm that “VW 502 00” is explicitly printed in the approvals section—not just “suitable for” or “meets requirements of” without formal approval.
• Verify viscosity: Ensure the viscosity (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40) matches or is within the range recommended by Audi for your ambient temperatures.
• Cross-check on the manufacturer’s website: Many oil companies list official OEM approvals, which can serve as an extra verification step.
• Ask your Audi dealer or trusted specialist: If uncertain, a quick call with your VIN can confirm the correct spec for your specific market and engine code.

By following these steps, you minimize the risk of using oil that only partially meets the requirements or has changed formulation since earlier recommendations you may have seen online.

Practical Tips for Owners of a 2018 Audi S4

Beyond simply picking the right oil, routine habits during and between oil changes can have a meaningful impact on engine longevity, efficiency, and performance. This is especially true for a turbocharged performance sedan like the S4.

Maintenance and Use Considerations

The following practices can help you get the most from your chosen VW 502 00 oil and protect your 3.0 TFSI V6 over the long term.

• Warm-up sensibly: Avoid hard acceleration and high RPMs until the oil has reached operating temperature; cold oil is thicker and circulates more slowly.
• Monitor oil level periodically: Check via the dipstick or MMI at least every few thousand miles, especially if you drive the car hard; top up only with the same spec and viscosity.
• Always replace the oil filter at each oil change: Use an OEM or high-quality equivalent filter designed for the 3.0 TFSI engine.
• Respect turbocharger cool-down: After sustained spirited driving or highway runs, allow a short period of gentler driving or idle before shut-down so oil can cool and circulate properly.
• Document changes: Keep records of oil brand, viscosity, VW 502 00 approval, mileage, and date to support warranty claims and resale value.

These habits, combined with correct oil choice, significantly reduce wear, help prevent varnish and sludge, and support consistent performance from the engine and turbo system.

Summary

The 2018 Audi S4’s 3.0L TFSI V6 is designed to run on fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification, with 0W-40 or 5W-40 being the most commonly recommended viscosity grades. The engine typically holds about 6.8–7.0 liters (7.2–7.4 quarts) of oil with a filter change. Major brands such as Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Pennzoil, and Shell offer compliant products, but always confirm the exact VW 502 00 approval on the label and cross-check with your owner’s manual. While Audi’s official service interval can extend to around 10,000 miles or 12 months, many owners opt for more frequent changes—around 5,000–7,500 miles—to better protect this high-performance turbocharged engine.