What Oil Is Best for an Audi A4?

The best oil for an Audi A4 is a high-quality, fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW/Audi specification VW 504 00 / 507 00 (or the exact VW spec listed in your owner’s manual), typically in a 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40 viscosity grade depending on engine and climate. In practical terms, that means choosing a major brand synthetic oil explicitly labeled with the correct VW approval, rather than just matching viscosity alone.

Why the “Right” Oil Matters for an Audi A4

Modern Audi A4 engines—whether gasoline or diesel, turbocharged or mild-hybrid—are engineered around specific oil formulations. These oils must handle high temperatures from turbochargers, tight tolerances, extended service intervals, and emissions systems such as particulate filters. Using the wrong oil can accelerate wear, increase oil consumption, and jeopardize warranty coverage.

Key Oil Specifications for Audi A4 Engines

The critical factor for choosing oil in an Audi A4 is not just thickness (like 5W-30) but whether the oil meets Audi/VW’s official performance standards, known as VW oil specifications.

Core VW/Audi Oil Specs for Modern A4 Models

The following list covers the main VW oil specifications most commonly relevant to Audi A4 models from the mid‑2000s to today, especially in Europe and North America.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – The current “gold standard” for many late-model Audi A4 petrol and diesel engines with long-life service intervals and particulate filters; often 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 low-SAPS synthetic oil.
• VW 502 00 – Older high-performance gasoline engines (including many turbo 2.0 TFSI/TFSI engines from earlier generations) often with fixed or shorter service intervals; usually 0W‑40 or 5W‑40.
• VW 505 01 / 505 00 – Older diesel engines (especially PD “Pumpe‑Düse” units) generally requiring 5W‑40 or similar; more common on early 2000s A4 diesels.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Ultra-low viscosity oils (typically 0W‑20) for the latest-generation highly efficient engines designed specifically for these specs; only use if your manual explicitly calls for them.

Matching the exact VW specification printed in your owner’s manual or on the under-hood oil label is more important than choosing by brand alone; the spec ensures compatibility with your engine’s design and service schedule.

Recommended Oil Types by Audi A4 Generation

Because the Audi A4 has been produced across several generations with different engines, it is useful to break down typical recommendations by model era and fuel type. Always compare these guidelines with your specific VIN-based recommendation or manual.

B9/B10 Audi A4 (Approx. 2016–Present)

The current A4 generation features downsized turbocharged gasoline engines (like the 2.0 TFSI), mild hybrids, and efficient diesels. These engines typically use long-life service intervals and advanced emissions systems.

• Typical spec: VW 504 00 / 507 00 for most EU and North American engines.
• Viscosity: Commonly 0W‑30 or 5W‑30; some markets allow 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 for hotter climates if the manual lists them.
• Gasoline (TFSI) engines: Fully synthetic low-SAPS oil with VW 504 00 approval.
• Diesel (TDI) engines with DPF: Fully synthetic low-SAPS oil with VW 507 00 approval.

For a late-model A4, a premium 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 synthetic oil specifically marked “VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved” is generally the safest and most appropriate choice for both performance and warranty protection.

B8 Audi A4 (Approx. 2008–2016)

The B8 generation includes popular engines like the 2.0 TFSI and a range of TDI diesels; many of these engines are known to be sensitive to oil quality and intervals.

• Gasoline 2.0 TFSI / 1.8 TFSI: Usually VW 502 00 (fixed interval) or VW 504 00 (long-life); 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 fully synthetic.
• Diesel TDIs with DPF: Typically VW 507 00 low-SAPS oil, often 5W‑30.
• High-mileage or oil-consuming engines: Many specialists recommend a 5W‑40 fully synthetic oil still meeting the correct VW spec (usually 502 00 / 505 00) to reduce consumption.
• US vs EU differences: In North America, dealers historically used 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 VW 502 00 synthetic; in Europe, long-life 504/507 5W‑30 oils are common.

With B8 cars, ensuring the correct VW approval is especially important, as some engines are prone to sludge or consumption if serviced with substandard oils or overly long intervals.

B7 and Earlier Audi A4 (1990s–2008)

Older Audi A4 models often have simpler oil requirements but may have higher mileage and different wear patterns, which can influence oil choice within the approved ranges.

• Gasoline engines (1.8T, 2.0, 3.0, etc.): Typically VW 502 00; common viscosities include 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 fully synthetic.
• Early TDI diesels: Often VW 505 00 or 505 01 approved oils, generally 5W‑40 synthetic or semi-synthetic.
• High-mileage engines: Many independent Audi specialists prefer 5W‑40 fully synthetic VW 502 00/505 00 to balance cold-start protection and oil consumption.
• Non-longlife service: Fixed-interval (e.g., 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or annually) rather than extended “LongLife” intervals are usually safer for older engines.

Early A4 models benefit from robust, mid-weight synthetic oils, but the exact VW code in the manual remains the definitive guide to which products are acceptable.

Viscosity Grades: 0W-30 vs 5W-40 and Beyond

Once you have the correct VW specification, the next key variable is viscosity—the oil’s thickness at different temperatures. This is where climate, driving style and engine age play a role.

How to Think About Viscosity for an A4

The following points explain how to interpret common viscosity options approved for various Audi A4 engines.

• 0W-30 / 5W-30: Favored for newer A4s with long-life intervals; offers good cold-start performance and improved fuel economy while still protecting modern turbo engines.
• 0W-40 / 5W-40: Slightly thicker when hot; often recommended for spirited driving, hotter climates, or older A4s where added film strength and reduced consumption are desirable.
• 0W-20 (VW 508 00 / 509 00 only): Ultra-thin oils for the very latest engines explicitly designed for them; do not use unless your manual specifically requires this spec.
• Climate considerations: Colder climates favor 0W ratings for faster circulation at start-up; very hot climates may benefit from 40-weight at operating temperature, if approved by the manual.

Within the range of viscosities permitted by Audi for your engine, it is generally wise to stay close to the factory default, adjusting slightly only for severe climate or high mileage while maintaining the correct VW approval.

Brand Examples That Meet Audi/VW Specs

Several major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic oils that carry genuine VW 504 00 / 507 00 or other relevant approvals. The brand is less important than the specification, but known brands can make selection easier.

Common Approved Oils for Audi A4

The following are representative examples of products often used in Audi A4 servicing; always confirm the exact spec and approval on the label, as formulas change.

• Castrol EDGE / Castrol Edge Professional 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval (often used by Audi dealers in many regions).
• Mobil 1 ESP 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00; and Mobil 1 0W‑40 with VW 502 00 / 505 00 for some older engines.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec series (e.g., Top Tec 4200 5W‑30) carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00, or special formulas for 502 00/505 00 where appropriate.
• TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo Long Life 5W‑30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00, widely used in Europe.

Choosing a reputable brand with the exact VW approval gives you confidence that the oil meets Audi’s standards for cleanliness, volatility, and compatibility with emissions systems.

Service Intervals and Oil Change Strategy

Beyond the oil itself, when you change it and how you drive significantly affect engine health in an Audi A4.

Fixed vs LongLife Intervals

Audi offers flexible “LongLife” servicing in many markets, but real-world driving often justifies more conservative intervals, especially as the car ages.

• LongLife (variable) interval: Up to ~30,000 km or 2 years in some markets, using 504 00/507 00 oil and mostly gentle, long-distance driving.
• Fixed interval: Typically 10,000–15,000 km or 1 year; many independent specialists recommend this regardless of LongLife capability.
• Severe use (short trips, city traffic, frequent cold starts): More frequent oil changes are advisable, even with premium synthetic oil.
• High-mileage engines: Shortening intervals and closely monitoring level and condition can slow wear and reduce deposit formation.

For most A4 owners, especially with turbocharged engines or many short trips, a high-quality 504/507 oil changed roughly every year or 10,000–15,000 km strikes a good balance between cost and engine protection.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific Audi A4

Because engine options and regional specifications vary, the definitive answer for your car is always tied to its exact model year, engine code, and market. A few simple checks can remove any doubt.

Steps to Verify the Correct Oil

The following steps outline how to make sure you are using the appropriate oil for your exact Audi A4.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the section labeled “Engine oil” or “Lubricants” and note the VW specification (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00, 502 00).
2. Look under the hood: Many A4s have a sticker on the oil cap or near the radiator support listing the required VW spec.
3. Use your VIN at the dealer: An Audi dealer’s parts/service department can look up your VIN and confirm the official oil spec and viscosity recommendation for your exact engine.
4. Cross-check on the product label: When buying oil, ensure the bottle explicitly states “VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved” (or your specific spec), not just “meets or exceeds” without certification.
5. Consider local climate and mileage: Within the approved viscosities, choose the grade best suited to how and where you drive, especially if your car is older or high mileage.

By systematically confirming your vehicle’s specification and matching it with a certified product, you can be confident that the oil you choose is truly appropriate for your Audi A4.

Summary

For most modern Audi A4 models, the best oil is a fully synthetic 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, while some older engines may call for VW 502 00 or 505-series oils in 5W‑40 or similar grades. The VW specification in your owner’s manual is the decisive factor; viscosity and brand come second. Selecting any reputable synthetic oil that clearly lists the correct VW approval—and changing it at sensible intervals—will give your A4 the protection, efficiency and reliability its engineering was designed to deliver.