What Oil Is Best for an Audi A3?

The best oil for most modern Audi A3 models is a fully synthetic 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 oil that meets Volkswagen/Audi’s VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification, but the exact choice depends on your engine type, model year, and regional conditions. Checking your owner’s manual and the oil spec label under the hood is essential before buying.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi A3

The Audi A3 uses high-efficiency, often turbocharged engines that operate at elevated temperatures and pressures. Using the correct oil spec is not just about longevity—it directly affects performance, fuel economy, emissions system health, and your ability to maintain warranty coverage. Audi and Volkswagen define strict standards (VW oil specifications) that any oil must meet to be approved for use in these engines.

Key Oil Specifications for Audi A3 Models

Modern Audi A3 engines require oil that meets specific Volkswagen (VW) standards such as VW 504 00 and VW 507 00. These specs ensure that the oil is compatible with long-life service intervals, turbochargers, and emissions systems such as gasoline particulate filters (GPF) and diesel particulate filters (DPF).

Most Common Spec: VW 504 00 / 507 00

For most Audi A3 models from mid‑2000s onward (especially in Europe and many other markets), VW 504 00 / 507 00 is the primary and safest recommendation for both gasoline (TSI/TFSI) and many diesel (TDI) engines.

The following list outlines what VW 504 00 / 507 00 means in practice for Audi A3 owners.

• VW 504 00: Low-ash, long-life oil for modern gasoline engines, optimized for extended service intervals and high-performance turbocharged operation.
• VW 507 00: Low-SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) formulation designed to protect diesel particulate filters and maintain emissions compliance.
• Viscosity range: Usually 5W‑30 or 0W‑30, providing good cold-start protection and stable performance at high temperatures.
• LongLife service: Approved for flexible/extended service intervals where the vehicle’s onboard system determines oil change timing (common in European A3s).
• Backward compatibility: Often approved as a replacement for several older VW specs used on previous-generation engines.

Choosing an oil that explicitly lists VW 504 00 / 507 00 on the label helps ensure your Audi A3’s engine and emissions system are protected under a wide range of conditions and driving styles.

Older Specs You May Encounter

Some older Audi A3 engines, particularly early 2000s models and certain non-European variants, may still reference earlier VW oil specifications.

This list highlights several legacy VW specs you might see and how they relate to A3 ownership today.

• VW 502 00: High-performance gasoline-engine spec often seen on older turbo and naturally aspirated petrol A3s; typically used with 5W‑40 synthetic oil.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel specs, especially for early pumpe-düse (PD) TDI engines, requiring specific anti-wear properties.
• VW 503 00 / 503 01: Early “long-life” specifications largely superseded by VW 504 00 / 507 00 in newer manuals.
• Regional manuals: North American manuals for certain years may emphasize VW 502 00 for gasoline engines, even as Europe shifted to 504 00 / 507 00.

If your A3 manual lists one of these older specs, using an oil that meets that specification—or a later spec explicitly stated as compatible by Audi or the oil manufacturer—is vital for durability and legal compliance.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for Audi A3

Viscosity describes how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. Audi’s most common recommendations for the A3 are 0W‑30, 5W‑30, and 5W‑40, depending on model year, climate, and engine type.

Common Choices: 0W‑30 and 5W‑30

For many Audi A3 models built in the last decade, especially those using VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils, 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 is recommended as the standard fill.

The next list explains how these common viscosity grades affect real-world driving.

• 0W‑30: Flows very well in cold weather, ideal for colder climates and frequent cold starts, while maintaining protection at normal operating temps.
• 5W‑30: Slightly thicker at very low temperatures but still excellent in all-season conditions; widely available as VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oil.
• Fuel economy benefits: Thinner oils like 0W‑30 and 5W‑30 help reduce internal friction, potentially improving fuel efficiency.
• Turbocharger protection: These grades, when meeting the VW specs, are engineered to protect high-speed turbo bearings from oil coking and wear.

Sticking to 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 where recommended offers a good balance of cold-start performance, fuel economy, and long-term engine health for most A3 drivers.

When 5W‑40 Might Be Appropriate

Certain older A3 engines and some regional manuals (especially in hotter climates or for hard driving) allow or recommend 5W‑40 oils that meet VW 502 00 or similar specs.

The following list describes situations where a 5W‑40 oil could be sensible if it meets your vehicle’s required specification.

• Older engines: Higher-mileage A3s with minor oil consumption may benefit from the slightly thicker film of 5W‑40.
• Hot climates: Regular driving in very high ambient temperatures or heavy stop‑start traffic can justify a 5W‑40 where the manual permits it.
• Enthusiastic driving: Track days, frequent high‑load or high‑speed use can benefit from 5W‑40’s extra thermal margin—again, only if spec‑approved.
• Diesel variants: Some older TDIs originally specified 5W‑40 oils meeting VW 505 01 or 502 00/505 00 combinations.

Before switching to 5W‑40, confirm that your Audi A3’s manual lists it as an approved viscosity and that the oil carries the correct VW certification.

Gasoline vs. Diesel Audi A3: Oil Needs

The Audi A3 line includes both gasoline (TFSI/TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines, and while many modern oils can serve both, there are specific concerns—especially around particulate filters in diesel engines.

Gasoline (TFSI/TSI) Engines

Turbocharged gasoline engines in the A3 tend to be demanding on oil, with high temperatures and potential for deposits if inferior oils are used.

The next list outlines priorities for owners of gasoline-powered A3 models.

• Preferred spec: VW 504 00 (often combined with 507 00) in a 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 viscosity for most modern engines.
• Detergent and deposit control: High-quality synthetic oil helps keep turbochargers, piston rings, and intake valves cleaner.
• LSPI protection: Some later turbo direct-injection engines benefit from oils formulated to reduce low-speed pre-ignition risk, often labeled under newer API or ACEA standards in addition to VW specs.
• Warranty relevance: Using an oil conforming to the manual’s VW spec is important for maintaining any remaining powertrain warranty or extended coverage.

For most gasoline A3 owners, staying with a well-known brand’s fully synthetic VW 504 00 / 507 00 oil at the specified viscosity is the safest long-term strategy.

Diesel (TDI) Engines

Modern A3 TDIs frequently use diesel particulate filters (DPF), which are sensitive to certain oil additives. That is why low-SAPS oils such as VW 507 00 formulations are generally required.

The following list explains diesel-specific oil considerations for the Audi A3.

• Primary spec: VW 507 00 low-SAPS oil, usually in 5W‑30, is standard for most DPF-equipped TDI engines.
• DPF protection: Low-ash formulations reduce clogging and extend DPF life, which is expensive to replace.
• Older TDIs: Some early A3 diesels without DPFs may still list VW 505 01 or 505 00; follow the manual exactly in these cases.
• Fuel quality and intervals: Poor diesel fuel quality or frequent short trips may justify more frequent oil changes than the maximum flexible interval.

Using the specified low-SAPS VW 507 00 oil is critical to avoid premature DPF issues and ensure that your diesel A3 remains compliant with emissions standards.

Top Brands and Product Examples

While brand is less important than meeting the exact VW specification, many major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic oils explicitly approved for Audi and VW engines.

Commonly Recommended Oils That Meet VW 504 00 / 507 00

The following examples, current as of late 2024, illustrate widely available products that typically carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals (always check the latest label or data sheet).

• Castrol Edge 5W‑30 LL: Marketed specifically for VW/Audi long-life service, commonly factory-approved and widely stocked at dealers.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30: Low-SAPS synthetic oil often carrying VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, suitable for both gasoline and diesel A3s.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W‑30: Designed for VW group vehicles, typically meets 504 00 / 507 00 with good deposit control.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W‑30: Popular in European markets, optimized for VW long-life intervals and emissions systems.
• TotalEnergies Quartz Ineo Long Life 5W‑30: Another European-focused oil with frequent VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.

Any of these, or equivalent products carrying the same VW approvals, can be appropriate choices for an Audi A3 when matched to the viscosity and intervals specified in the owner’s manual.

Oil Change Intervals: Fixed vs. LongLife

Audi A3 models are often set up either for fixed (time/ mileage) service intervals or for flexible “LongLife” intervals based on sensor data and driving style. Your chosen oil must match the system in use.

Typical Service Interval Ranges

The table-like list below describes common interval patterns used on A3s, though actual requirements depend on model year, market, and driving conditions.

• Fixed interval (time/mileage): Often every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using an approved synthetic oil.
• LongLife / flexible interval: Can extend up to roughly 18,000–20,000 miles (around 30,000 km) or 2 years under ideal conditions, but only with VW 504 00 / 507 00 long-life oils.
• Severe use adjustment: Frequent short trips, stop‑start city driving, very dusty conditions, or track use may justify shorter intervals than the maximum allowed.
• Oil level monitoring: Many A3s can display oil level and quality warnings; these should not be ignored, even if you are within the time/mileage window.

Adhering to appropriate intervals and using oil certified for either fixed or long-life service helps prevent sludge, turbo damage, and premature wear—especially in small, high-output engines.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific A3

Because the Audi A3 has been sold in multiple generations, engine variants, and markets, the single most reliable way to confirm the correct oil is to refer to your specific car’s documentation and labeling.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following steps provide a straightforward way to ensure you purchase oil that is correct for your exact A3.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the engine oil section; note both the VW specification (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00) and recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W‑30).
2. Look under the hood: Many A3s have a sticker on the oil cap, radiator support, or near the front lock carrier indicating oil spec.
3. Confirm engine code: If uncertain, find your engine code (e.g., EA888 for many TFSI engines) and cross‑check with Audi documentation or a dealer.
4. Match the spec on the bottle: Ensure the oil bottle explicitly lists the VW spec as “approved” or “meets/approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00,” not just “recommended for.”
5. Consult a dealer or specialist: If in doubt, ask an Audi dealer or reputable independent workshop to verify the correct oil and interval for your VIN.

Following these steps minimizes the risk of using an incompatible product and gives you written confirmation should you need to demonstrate proper maintenance later.

Summary

For most modern Audi A3 models, the best oil is a fully synthetic 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 that is officially approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00, suitable for both gasoline and many diesel variants. Older A3s may instead specify VW 502 00, 505 00, or 505 01—often in 5W‑40—but the exact requirement depends on engine type, model year, and region. The crucial rule is to follow the VW specification and viscosity listed in your vehicle’s manual and to verify that any oil you buy clearly states that approval on the label. Doing so ensures proper protection for the engine and emissions systems, supports optimal performance and fuel economy, and keeps your Audi A3 in good health over the long term.

Which engine oil is best for Audi A3?

5W-30 oil
You’ll be able to find exactly what engine oil your Audi A3 needs in the car’s handbook, so it’s important to check there before making any top-ups to avoid issues. It’s usually recommended for most A3 cars to use 5W-30 oil, but this may change depending on your exact model and how old it is.

What oil does a 2017 Audi A3 take?

The 2017 Audi A3 uses a full synthetic motor oil that is typically either 0W-20 or 5W-30, depending on the specific engine and climate, which must meet specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standards like VW 502 00 or VW 508 00. You should consult your owner’s manual or the sticker under the hood for the exact recommendation, as different versions of the car may have different requirements. 
Key oil specifications

• Viscosity: Commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30. 
• Oil Quality Standard: The oil must meet a specific standard, such as VW 502 00 or VW 508 00. 
• Type: Full synthetic is recommended for modern engines. 
• Capacity: Check your owner’s manual, but it is typically around 4.3 to 5.7 liters. 

How to find the exact oil for your car

• Check the owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct oil type and specifications for your specific vehicle. 
• Look for a sticker: Some models have a sticker under the hood that lists the recommended oil type. 
• Use an online oil selector tool: Many oil manufacturers provide tools on their websites to find the correct oil by entering your car’s make, model, and year. 

Is Audi A3 5w30 or 5w40?

Oil Viscosity Recommendations
Audi A3 engines typically require: SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines. SAE 5W-40: Provides additional protection in warmer climates or for turbocharged engines.

What oil brand does Audi recommend?

Audi recommends specific oil specifications, often formulated by Castrol (like Castrol EDGE), and you should always use an oil that meets the correct VW standard for your engine, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or VW 507 00, which is found in your owner’s manual. While Castrol is frequently cited, other brands like Mobil 1 and Liqui Moly also offer products that meet these specifications and are considered acceptable options. 
Recommended oil by brand and specification

• Castrol: Often recommended by dealerships, with Castrol EDGE being a common choice. 
  • Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (approved for VW 502 00) 
  • Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 (approved for VW 504 00/507 00) 
• Mobil 1: Offers products like Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 that meet the required specifications for many Audi models. 
• Liqui Moly: Brands like Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 are also a trusted option for those meeting the VW 504 00/507 00 standards. 
• Pennzoil: Has products like Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 that meet VW specifications. 
• Motul: Motul Specific 504 00/507 00 5W-30 is another option that meets strict European emission standards. 

What to do before buying oil

• Always check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step to ensure you get the correct viscosity and, most importantly, the right specification (e.g., VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or VW 507 00).
• Match the specification: The VW specification is crucial for ensuring the oil is formulated for your engine’s demands, not just the viscosity grade (like 5W-30 or 5W-40).