What Oil Is Needed for an Audi Q7?

An Audi Q7 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 504 00 / 507 00 specifications, most commonly 0W-30 or 5W-30, but the exact grade and spec depend on model year and engine type and must match what is listed in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 is a large, premium SUV with complex, high-output engines—turbocharged gasoline and diesel units that run hot and feature tight tolerances. Using the correct engine oil is essential for reliability, fuel economy, turbocharger protection, and maintaining warranty coverage. Audi and its parent group Volkswagen specify very particular oil standards, and those standards are more important than the brand name or the generic viscosity alone.

Core Requirement: VW 504 00 / 507 00–Approved Oil

For most modern Audi Q7 models (roughly mid-2000s onward), the crucial requirement is that the oil meets Volkswagen Group’s internal specifications, commonly VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesel engines. Many oils are “dual-approved” and will state “VW 504 00 / 507 00” on the label.

What These VW Specifications Mean

Audi’s in-house specifications go beyond generic industry standards (like ACEA or API). VW 504 00 and 507 00 define strict requirements for high-temperature stability, sludge and deposit control, turbocharger cleanliness, and compatibility with modern emissions hardware such as particulate filters and catalytic converters. Using oil that does not meet these specifications can accelerate wear, clog emissions components, or trigger fault codes.

Typical Oil Types by Engine and Model Year

While you must confirm with the vehicle’s specific documentation, most Audi Q7 engines built in the last decade use low-ash, fully synthetic oil in 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity that complies with VW 504 00 / 507 00. The examples below reflect common configurations but are not a substitute for checking your VIN-specific data.

Recent Audi Q7 (Approx. 2016–Present, including Q7 e-tron / mild hybrids)

Modern Q7 models, including those on the MLB Evo platform (often referred to as second generation), typically require long-life, low-SAPS oils tailored for extended service intervals and advanced emissions systems.

The following list outlines common recommended oil grades and approvals for recent Audi Q7 engines, but you must still confirm with your owner’s manual or dealer.

• 3.0 TFSI V6 gasoline (supercharged or turbocharged, depending on year): Fully synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30, VW 504 00.
• 2.0 TFSI gasoline (where available): Fully synthetic 0W-30 or 5W-30, VW 504 00.
• 3.0 TDI V6 diesel: Fully synthetic 5W-30 (occasionally 0W-30 in colder climates), VW 507 00.
• Q7 e-tron plug-in hybrid diesels (in markets where sold): Fully synthetic low-ash 0W-30 or 5W-30, VW 507 00, sometimes specified as “LongLife III” or equivalent.
• Engines with gasoline particulate filters (GPF): Low-SAPS 0W-30 or 5W-30 that explicitly lists VW 504 00 on the label to protect the GPF.

These recommendations reflect how Audi aligns engine families with its VW 504 00 / 507 00 standards, but slight differences by region, emissions package, and climate mean your model’s documentation remains the final authority.

First-Generation Audi Q7 (Approx. 2006–2015)

The first-generation Q7 spans multiple engine families and some evolving oil requirements, especially around diesel particulate filter (DPF) adoption and the rollout of extended-drain “LongLife” oils in Europe. Many of these vehicles have now aged into higher-mileage status, which makes correct oil even more important.

The following list summarizes typical oil needs for common first-generation Q7 engines, noting that some early models used older VW specs that were later superseded.

• 3.6 FSI / 4.2 FSI gasoline V6/V8: Fully synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting VW 502 00 (or 504 00 on later years with LongLife service).
• 3.0 TDI V6 diesel (with DPF): Fully synthetic 5W-30 low-ash oil meeting VW 507 00.
• 4.2 TDI V8 diesel (with DPF): Fully synthetic 5W-30 low-ash oil meeting VW 507 00.
• Early diesels without DPF (in some markets): May use oils meeting VW 505 01 or 506 01; however, many owners and workshops now standardize on VW 507 00 as a backward-compatible solution where permitted by Audi.
• Vehicles on fixed (non–LongLife) service intervals: Often 5W-30/5W-40 VW 502 00 (gasoline) or VW 505 01 (diesel), with shorter change intervals.

Because the first-generation Q7 spans different emissions rules and service regimes by market, cross-checking the exact engine code and local service recommendations is especially important before choosing an oil.

How to Know Exactly Which Oil Your Q7 Needs

Even within a single model year, Audi may specify different oils for different markets, engines, or emissions packages. The safest approach is always to follow what Audi lists for your specific vehicle identification number (VIN).

Key Places to Confirm the Correct Oil

Drivers can rely on several factory-backed sources to confirm the correct specification and viscosity for their exact Q7, helping avoid guesswork and incompatible products.

• Owner’s manual: Contains a section labeled “Engine oils” or similar with required specifications (VW 504 00 / 507 00, etc.) and acceptable viscosities for your climate.
• Service booklet / maintenance schedule: Often lists the approved oil types for LongLife vs. fixed-interval servicing.
• Under-hood or oil-cap label: Many Q7 models have a sticker or cap engraving that states “Use only VW 504 00 / 507 00” or similar language.
• Audi dealer or official service portal: With your VIN, a dealer can confirm the current recommended specification and whether any TSBs (technical service bulletins) have updated oil guidance.
• Reputable oil manufacturers’ online look-up tools: Brands like Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, and others host vehicle-specific guides; ensure the recommended product explicitly lists the correct VW approval on its data sheet.

Using these authoritative references ensures you match Audi’s exact requirements, rather than relying on generic shop advice or brand marketing alone.

Common Viscosities for the Audi Q7

While the VW approval code is the first filter, viscosity still matters, especially in extreme climates or for older engines with higher mileage. Audi typically calibrates Q7 engines for low-viscosity synthetics to improve efficiency while preserving protection.

Typical Viscosity Ranges

The viscosity ranges below summarize what’s commonly specified for the Q7, with the understanding that Audi’s own guidance overrides any general rule.

• 0W-30: Increasingly common on newer Q7 engines and in colder climates, providing better cold-start flow while still meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• 5W-30: The most widespread choice across many Q7 gasoline and diesel engines; a standard viscosity for VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils.
• 5W-40: Appears on some earlier Q7 gasoline engines (e.g., 4.2 FSI) and in hotter climates or high-load usage when specified by Audi under VW 502 00.
• 0W-40 (selected older performance variants or extreme cold): Sometimes recommended or permitted for specific engines or conditions under VW 502 00, not typically under 504/507.

Choosing viscosity within these ranges must always be done within the framework of the VW approval required for your engine; viscosity alone does not guarantee suitability.

Can You Mix or Substitute Oils in an Audi Q7?

Emergency top-ups with a different but compatible oil are sometimes necessary, but regular mixing or downgrading specifications is strongly discouraged in engines as sophisticated as those in the Q7.

Rules for Topping Up and Substitution

If the correct oil is not immediately available, following a few basic principles can help minimize risk until a full change can be performed.

• Same VW approval first: Prioritize matching the VW 504 00 / 507 00 (or your specified code), even if the viscosity is slightly different but still acceptable in the manual.
• Avoid non-approved oils except in emergencies: If you must use a non-approved synthetic for a small top-up, plan a full oil change back to the correct approved oil as soon as possible.
• Do not mix with conventional (non-synthetic) oils: The Q7 is designed for fully synthetic oils; mixing can degrade performance and sludge resistance.
• Respect particulate filter requirements: Diesel and some gasoline Q7 models use DPF/GPF; using high-ash or non–low-SAPS oil can shorten filter life.
• Monitor level and consumption: After any emergency top-up, keep an eye on level, oil color, and engine behavior until you have returned to the correct oil.

These stopgap practices help protect the engine in the short term, but the long-term strategy should always center on using fully compliant oil from the next complete change onward.

How Often Should You Change Oil in an Audi Q7?

Oil change intervals for the Q7 depend on whether the vehicle is configured for flexible “LongLife” servicing or fixed-interval servicing, as well as on driving style and conditions. Electronic reminders on the dashboard are programmed from the factory for the intended regime.

Typical Service Intervals

Audi outlines broad intervals that may be shortened under severe operating conditions, such as frequent short trips, heavy towing, extreme climates, or extended idling.

• LongLife / flexible service (mostly Europe and some other markets): Up to about 30,000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, when using LongLife approved oil (VW 504 00 / 507 00).
• Fixed intervals (common in North America and elsewhere): Often 10,000 miles or 15,000 km, or 1 year, whichever comes first.
• Severe or high-stress use: Many independent specialists recommend more conservative intervals, such as 7,500 miles / 12,000 km, especially for turbocharged gasoline engines.
• High-mileage vehicles: Older Q7 models driven in demanding conditions may benefit from shorter intervals than the official maximums.

Regardless of the theoretical upper limit, keeping oil fresh and within specification is one of the cheapest forms of insurance against expensive engine and turbocharger failures.

Popular Oil Brands That Meet Audi Q7 Requirements

Numerous global and regional oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic lubricants that officially meet VW 504 00 / 507 00 or earlier Audi/VW standards. Choosing a well-known brand with published approval letters or certificates ensures quality and traceability.

Examples of Approved Product Lines

The following products are examples commonly used in Audi Q7s worldwide, but availability varies by country, and you must confirm that the specific product variant you buy carries the correct VW approval on its label or data sheet.

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional LongLife III 5W-30 or 0W-30: Frequently factory-fill or dealer-fill in many markets; designed for VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 or 0W-30: Low-SAPS formulations widely approved under VW 504 00 / 507 00; often used in DPF/GPF-equipped vehicles.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 5W-30: A Shell product line tuned to VW 504 00 / 507 00 specs.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 / Top Tec 4600 5W-30 (regional variants): German-made oils with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals, popular among independent VAG specialists.
• Motul Specific 504 00 507 00 5W-30: A dedicated VW/Audi-focused formulation meeting the required approvals.

These brands illustrate that the critical factor is not the name on the bottle but the VW approval code; any oil you select should show the relevant code clearly and verifiably.

Summary

An Audi Q7 generally requires fully synthetic, low-ash engine oil that carries the correct Volkswagen Group approval—most commonly VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesels, often combined as 504 00 / 507 00 in a single product, with viscosities such as 0W-30 or 5W-30. Earlier Q7 models may specify older standards like VW 502 00 or 505 01, and some high-performance or regional variants allow 5W-40 oils. To be certain, owners should consult the vehicle’s manual, under-hood labels, and VIN-specific guidance from Audi or reputable oil makers. Matching the correct VW specification, then selecting an approved viscosity within that framework, and changing the oil at or before the recommended intervals are the key steps to ensuring long-term reliability and performance from the Audi Q7’s engines.

Is 5W-30 ok for Audi?

Yes, many Audis can use 5W-30 oil, especially if it meets the VW/Audi oil quality standards specified for your engine, which you can find in your owner’s manual. While 5W-30 is often the recommended viscosity for moderate climates, other viscosities like 0W-40 or 5W-40 may be recommended for certain conditions or high-performance models. 
When 5W-30 is a good choice 

• Moderate climates: 5W-30 is a common recommendation that provides a good balance of fuel efficiency and engine protection in moderate temperatures. 
• Specific models: It is often specified for a wide range of Audi models, including some A3, A4, and A7 models. 
• Meets specifications: As long as the oil is a full synthetic and meets the specific VW/Audi oil quality specification (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 504 00), it can be used. 

When to consider other options

• Cold weather: For better cold-start protection, 0W-30 or 0W-40 may be a better choice, especially in colder climates. 
• Warm or high-performance engines: 5W-40 may be recommended for high-performance engines or to provide extra protection in hotter climates. 
• Vehicle-specific needs: Always check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information for your specific model year and engine, as recommendations can vary. 

What kind of oil does a 2017 Audi Q7 take?

The 2017 Audi Q7 requires a full synthetic motor oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. The recommended viscosities are 5W-40 or 5W-30, but other options like 0W-40 or 0W-30 may be acceptable depending on climate, as long as they meet the VW 502 00 standard. 
Key oil specifications

• Specification: VW 502 00 
• Viscosity: 5W-40 or 5W-30 (for most conditions) 
• Other viscosity options: 0W-40 or 0W-30 can be used if 5W-40 or 5W-30 are not available or for specific climates. 
• Type: Full synthetic 

Before you buy

• Always check your owner’s manual: For the most accurate and specific information for your vehicle, consult your owner’s manual. 
• Ensure the label states VW 502 00: When purchasing oil, look for the VW 502 00 specification on the bottle to ensure it is the correct type for your Audi. 
• Oil capacity: The 3.0L engine has a capacity of approximately 7.2 quarts, while the 2.0L engine has a capacity of about 5.5 quarts when replacing the filter. It’s best to confirm this in your manual and then check the dipstick after refilling. 

What oil should I use in my Audi Q7?

The oil type for an Audi Q7 depends on the engine model and year, but common types are 0W-20 and 5W-40 full synthetic oil, with specific certifications like VW 508 00 (for newer models) or VW 502 00 (for older models) required. Always confirm the exact type by checking your owner’s manual or a sticker under the hood for the most accurate information. 
Common Audi Q7 oil types

• For newer 2.0T or 3.0T engines: Many newer models, especially those with the “Hot V” engine, require 0W-20 full synthetic oil, which must meet the VW 508 00 specification. 
• For 3.0L supercharged engines (approx. 2017-2018): These models typically require 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. 
• For 3.0 TDI diesel engines: Depending on the model year, these may require 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets specs like VW 507 00. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle’s needs.
• Look for a sticker under the hood: Some owners have reported finding a sticker that specifies the correct oil type. 
• Use only full synthetic oil: Audi recommends fully synthetic oils to ensure proper performance and longevity. 

What kind of oil does a 3.0 diesel take?

Doc’s Diesel 0W-20 Oil Kit Fits Chevrolet/GMC 3.0L Duramax 2020+ | PF66.