What Oil Does an Audi A5 Take?

An Audi A5 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 504 00 / 507 00 (for most modern petrol and diesel engines), with viscosity grades such as 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on the engine and climate. However, the exact oil type depends on the model year, engine variant, and regional requirements, so checking the owner’s manual or the oil sticker under the hood is essential.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi A5

The Audi A5 is a premium coupe, Sportback, or cabriolet built on advanced engines that depend heavily on correct lubrication. Using the right oil isn’t just a maintenance detail: it affects performance, fuel economy, emissions, and long-term engine durability. Audi engines are engineered around specific oil standards, particularly the Volkswagen Group’s VW 504 00 and VW 507 00 approvals, which define how the oil behaves under heat, pressure, and extended service intervals.

Key Oil Specifications for Modern Audi A5 Models

For most Audi A5 models sold in the last decade, the primary factor is not a brand name but the factory specification, especially if the car still follows flexible or “LongLife” service intervals. These specifications are listed in the owner’s manual and often on the oil cap or service label.

Core VW/Audi Oil Standards

The following list outlines the main VW/Audi oil approvals commonly relevant to the Audi A5 and what they typically apply to.

• VW 504 00: Fully synthetic low-ash (“low SAPS”) oil for modern petrol engines with extended service intervals, including many turbocharged TFSI units.
• VW 507 00: Fully synthetic low-ash oil for modern diesel engines, including those with DPFs (diesel particulate filters), also suitable for LongLife service.
• VW 502 00: High-performance petrol engine oil for fixed (shorter) service intervals; often used on older/American-market models or where LongLife isn’t used.
• VW 505 01: Diesel spec mainly for some older PD (Pumpe-Düse) engines; rarely relevant for newer A5s but still appears on some lists.

In practice, most current Audi A5 petrol and diesel engines are designed around oils meeting VW 504 00 and VW 507 00, giving flexibility between petrol and diesel while supporting extended service intervals and modern emissions systems.

Typical Oil by Generation and Engine Type

The Audi A5 has been produced across multiple generations with a wide range of engines: TFSI petrol, TDI diesel, mild hybrid variants, and high-performance S5/RS 5 models. While exact requirements vary, there are clear patterns by era and market.

First Generation (B8/B8.5: Approx. 2007–2016)

First-generation A5 models used an evolving mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines. Many transitioned from older fixed-interval oils to the newer LongLife standards.

The list below summarizes common oil requirements for this generation, as typically found in European and many global markets (U.S. may differ slightly).

• 2.0 TFSI (4-cylinder turbo petrol): Usually requires fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 or VW 504 00; viscosity often 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate and whether fixed or flexible service intervals are used.
• 3.2 FSI / 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol: Generally VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 oil; 5W-30 or 5W-40. Performance focus and higher temperatures make quality synthetic oil essential.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI diesel: Typically VW 507 00 low-ash oil, 5W-30, to protect diesel particulate filters and enable longer service intervals.
• Early S5 (4.2 V8) and later 3.0 TFSI S5: High-performance engines often specified with VW 502 00 or 504 00; viscosity usually 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic, with some markets leaning toward 5W-40 for severe or hot conditions.

Although these engines are more tolerant to variation than the newest units, using the correct VW-approved oil remains crucial, especially where turbochargers or DPFs are involved.

Second Generation (B9/B9.5: Approx. 2016–2024)

The second-generation A5 family introduced more downsized turbocharged engines, widespread use of particulate filters, and, in many markets, extended service intervals by default. This made adherence to VW 504 00 / 507 00 increasingly important.

The next list outlines typical matches between engine types in this era and recommended oil specifications/viscosities.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol (various outputs, often with mild hybrid on later models): Usually VW 504 00 oil; 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic. In colder climates, 0W-30 is common; warmer regions may see 5W-30.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol (S5, some markets): VW 504 00 oil; 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic. Performance use may prompt dealers to recommend 5W-30 or occasionally 5W-40 where allowed by Audi’s regional guidance.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI diesel (B9 A5, S5 TDI in some markets): VW 507 00, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 low-ash oil designed for DPFs and long service intervals.
• High-output RS 5 (2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo): Performance-oriented engines usually specify VW 504 00 oil; 0W-30, 5W-30, or sometimes 5W-40, depending on region and climate. Audi Sport often recommends strict adherence to factory spec and shorter change intervals if driven hard.

By this generation, the VW 504 00 / 507 00 pairing dominates the A5 lineup, making it easier to choose a single compliant oil for mixed petrol and diesel fleets, as long as the viscosity fits local conditions.

Latest and Mild-Hybrid Models

Facelifts and late B9 variants introduced widespread 12V or 48V mild-hybrid systems, gasoline particulate filters (GPF), and stricter CO₂ targets. These changes didn’t radically alter oil specifications but reinforced the importance of low-ash, low-viscosity oils that meet VW 504 00 for petrol and VW 507 00 for diesel.

Choosing the Right Viscosity: 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40?

Viscosity describes how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures, such as cold starts or full operating heat. Audi approves several viscosity grades as long as they meet the VW specification, though recommendations vary by climate and usage pattern.

Common Viscosity Grades for Audi A5

The following list explains how the main viscosity grades used in Audi A5 models differ and when they’re typically chosen.

• 0W-30: Very good cold-start performance and efficient fuel economy. Often recommended in colder climates or on newer engines tuned for low-viscosity oils.
• 5W-30: The most common middle ground: strong protection and wide climate suitability. Frequently the default at many Audi dealers worldwide.
• 5W-40: Slightly thicker at operating temperature, sometimes recommended for hotter climates, spirited driving, or older engines that benefit from a more robust oil film (if explicitly allowed by Audi for that engine).

As long as the VW 504 00 / 507 00 (or correct older spec) is satisfied, Audi usually allows more than one viscosity option, and the manual or service documentation will note the acceptable ranges.

Factory-Fill vs. Service Oil

New Audi A5 models leave the factory with a specific oil formulation that meets the correct VW standard; this “factory fill” is often a 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil. At the first and subsequent services, dealers use bulk or packaged oils from approved suppliers (e.g., Castrol, Shell, Mobil, or VW’s own-branded oil), as long as they carry the right VW approval.

Brand vs. Specification

Some owners focus heavily on brand, but from Audi’s perspective, the formal VW approval is the non-negotiable. Multiple major oil brands produce formulations that fully comply with VW 504 00 / 507 00.

The list below highlights what to prioritize when buying oil for top-ups or independent servicing.

• Check VW approval first: The bottle should clearly state “VW 504 00” and/or “VW 507 00” (or 502 00 / 505 01 for some older engines). This is more important than the brand name.
• Confirm viscosity is allowed: Cross-check with the manual for permitted viscosities like 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 for your climate.
• Use reputable suppliers: Buy from trusted retailers or service centers to avoid counterfeit oil, which is a genuine issue in some markets.
• Keep receipts and records: Documentation can help with warranty claims and resale value.

By prioritizing official VW approvals and correct viscosities over brand loyalty alone, owners can confidently mix dealer and independent servicing without compromising engine protection.

LongLife (Flexible) vs. Fixed Service Intervals

Many Audi A5s, especially in Europe, are configured from the factory for “LongLife” or flexible service intervals, which can extend oil changes up to around 30,000 km (about 18,000–19,000 miles) or two years, depending on driving conditions. Others are set for fixed intervals, typically 10,000–15,000 km or annually.

How Oil Spec Ties to Service Strategy

Service strategy and oil specification are linked; LongLife intervals require oils that pass stricter tests for oxidation, deposit control, and wear over prolonged use.

The next list outlines how this affects oil choice.

• LongLife service (flexible intervals): Generally requires VW 504 00 (petrol) and VW 507 00 (diesel). Oils without these approvals should not be used for extended intervals.
• Fixed/annual service: May allow oils with VW 502 00 (petrol) or other older specs, provided changes are more frequent. Some owners voluntarily switch to fixed intervals for extra protection, especially on performance engines.
• Driving profile matters: Frequent short trips, heavy city traffic, track use, or towing can all justify shorter change intervals even when LongLife oil is used.
• Dealer configuration: Some markets default to fixed intervals regardless of oil spec due to local conditions or customer expectations.

Ultimately, owners should align oil choice and change frequency with both Audi’s official guidance and their specific driving conditions, erring on the side of more frequent changes in demanding use.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific Audi A5

Because engine options and regional specifications vary, the safest approach is to look up the exact requirements for your VIN, model year, and engine code rather than relying solely on general guidelines.

Practical Steps for Owners

The following list provides concrete ways to verify which oil your particular Audi A5 needs before your next change or top-up.

• Check the owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists required VW approvals and acceptable viscosities for your engine and climate.
• Look at the oil cap or engine bay sticker: Many A5s have a label specifying “use only VW 504 00 / 507 00” or similar wording.
• Ask an Audi dealer with your VIN: Dealers can pull up exact engine codes and recommended oils for your specific car and market.
• Use official online resources: Some regional Audi websites or digital service schedules list oil specs once you register your vehicle.
• Avoid generic “one-size-fits-all” advice: Third-party recommendations that don’t mention VW approvals or model-year differences should be treated with caution.

Combining the manual, physical labels, and VIN-based dealer confirmation gives a precise, authoritative answer tailored to your particular A5 rather than a generic approximation.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Oil?

Occasional small deviations—such as topping up with a similar oil in an emergency—are less serious than consistently running on an incorrect specification. Still, the risks increase over time if the wrong oil is used for regular changes.

Potential Consequences

The following list outlines issues that can arise when an Audi A5 is run on oil that doesn’t meet the correct VW approvals or viscosity recommendations.

• Increased engine wear: Turbochargers, timing chains, and camshafts can suffer accelerated wear if the oil film or additive package is inadequate.
• Sludge and deposits: Oils that can’t handle high temperatures or long intervals may form sludge, blocking oil passages and causing noisy or sticking components.
• DPF/GPF damage: Non-low-ash oils can clog diesel or gasoline particulate filters more quickly, leading to expensive repairs or forced regeneration cycles.
• Higher consumption and leaks: Incorrect viscosity may burn off faster or exacerbate small leaks in older engines.
• Warranty complications: If an engine fails and the service history shows use of non-approved oils, warranty coverage or goodwill assistance can be jeopardized.

While a single mistake is rarely catastrophic, consistently ignoring Audi’s oil standards can shorten engine life, increase running costs, and create difficulties if major repairs are needed.

Summary

An Audi A5 generally requires fully synthetic oil approved to VW 504 00 (for most modern petrol engines) or VW 507 00 (for most modern diesels), usually in a 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity, with 5W-40 permitted for some engines and climates. Older A5s may specify VW 502 00/505 01 in place of these standards, particularly on fixed service intervals.

The precise oil for any specific A5 depends on model year, engine type, regional specification, service interval strategy, and climate. Owners should always confirm the correct VW approval and viscosity in the owner’s manual, on the oil cap or engine bay label, or via an Audi dealer using the vehicle’s VIN. Sticking to these specifications—rather than relying solely on brand names—ensures optimal performance, protection, and compliance with Audi’s design and warranty expectations.