What Oil Is Recommended for an Audi A4?

An Audi A4 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 specifications, with the most common viscosity grades being 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year, engine, and regional climate. Understanding your specific car’s engine code and service schedule is essential to choosing the right oil and preserving performance, fuel economy, and warranty coverage.

Contents

How Audi Specifies Engine Oil for the A4
Key Oil Specifications for Modern Audi A4 Models
Model‑by‑Model Overview
Recommended Brands and Label Reading
How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A4
Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips
Summary

How Audi Specifies Engine Oil for the A4

The recommended oil for an Audi A4 is not just about a viscosity number; Audi (via Volkswagen Group) uses proprietary approval codes such as VW 502 00, 504 00, 505 00, 507 00 and others. These standards define detergent levels, high‑temperature stability, and compatibility with emissions systems like particulate filters and catalytic converters. Using oil that meets the required VW spec is more important than brand loyalty alone.

Key Oil Specifications for Modern Audi A4 Models

Most modern Audi A4s sold in Europe and North America use turbocharged gasoline (TFSI) engines that demand high‑quality synthetic oil. The specific VW specification and viscosity can vary by model year and engine code.

Common VW Oil Specs for the Audi A4

The following list outlines the most commonly required VW oil approvals for various generations of the Audi A4 and what they generally apply to.

VW 502 00: Widely used for many gasoline A4 engines up to the late 2010s; suitable for high‑performance, turbocharged engines with normal drain intervals.

VW 504 00: Long‑life, low‑ash synthetic oil for newer gasoline engines with extended service intervals, often paired with flexible service regimes.

VW 505 00 / 505 01: Primarily for older diesel engines (pre‑DPF or early PD TDI designs); less common on recent A4s.

VW 507 00: Low‑SAPS oil designed for modern diesels with diesel particulate filters (DPF), often required on newer A4 TDI models.

VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer ultra‑low‑viscosity (e.g., 0W‑20) oils used on some of the latest Audi engines focused on maximum efficiency and reduced CO₂.

Together, these specifications form the backbone of Audi’s lubrication strategy, ensuring that oil is matched to engine type, emissions equipment, and service intervals rather than just general viscosity ratings.

Typical Viscosity Grades for an Audi A4

While the VW spec is the non‑negotiable starting point, viscosity must also match your engine’s design and your climate. These are the most frequently recommended grades for A4s from the mid‑2000s onward.

0W‑20: Used on the latest generation engines that specify VW 508 00/509 00; prioritizes fuel economy and cold‑start performance.

5W‑30: Very common for many B8 and B9 A4 gasoline and diesel engines; often tied to VW 504 00/507 00 specs and long‑life service intervals.

5W‑40: Often used for earlier turbocharged gasoline engines (VW 502 00) or where slightly thicker hot‑viscosity is desirable, including in warmer climates or more spirited driving.

0W‑30: Occasionally specified for certain markets and engines emphasizing cold‑weather performance while maintaining adequate protection at operating temperature.

Matching both the VW approval and the viscosity stated in your owner’s manual or oil cap label is the safest way to ensure proper lubrication, especially for turbocharged engines that run hot and are sensitive to oil quality.

Model‑by‑Model Overview

Because the Audi A4 has evolved significantly through its B6, B7, B8, and B9 generations, recommended oils differ. The outline below summarizes trends rather than replacing your manual, which remains the final authority.

B6/B7 Audi A4 (Approx. 2001–2008)

Earlier A4s in the B6 and B7 generations used a mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, as well as early TDI diesels in many markets. Oil requirements reflected the technology of that time, with shorter drain intervals and less emphasis on ultra‑low‑SAPs formulations.

Gasoline engines (1.8T, 2.0, 3.0, 3.2): Typically VW 502 00 approved fully synthetic, most often in 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 grades.

Early diesel engines (e.g., 1.9 TDI, 2.0 TDI PD): Frequently required VW 505 01 for pump‑duse (PD) diesels, often in 5W‑40 synthetic.

Service intervals: Many were set around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year, depending on region and driving profile.

Although these engines are robust, using the correct VW‑approved oil is crucial now, especially as many of these vehicles are older and more prone to sludge or turbo wear if low‑quality oil is used.

B8 Audi A4 (Approx. 2008–2016)

The B8 generation introduced widespread turbocharged direct‑injection gasoline engines (2.0 TFSI) and more advanced TDI units, along with flexible service intervals in many markets. This era marked a shift toward long‑life, low‑ash oils in some variants.

2.0 TFSI gasoline: Commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 fully synthetic oil, depending on market and service schedule.

3.2 FSI / 3.0 TFSI: Typically VW 502 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40; some markets may specify VW 504 00 for long‑life servicing.

2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI (with DPF): Generally VW 507 00, commonly in 5W‑30 low‑SAPS oil, to protect the diesel particulate filter.

Flexible vs. fixed service: Cars set for variable/long‑life service almost always require VW 504 00/507 00 oils; fixed‑interval servicing sometimes allowed VW 502 00.

Because of issues like carbon buildup in some TFSI engines, adherence to the correct VW spec and regular change intervals can help mitigate long‑term reliability concerns.

B9 Audi A4 (Approx. 2016–Present)

The current B9 generation emphasizes efficiency and emissions control, including mild‑hybrid systems and newer engine families. Many of these models have transitioned to lighter viscosities and newer VW LongLife specifications.

Newer 2.0 TFSI gasoline engines: Often specify VW 504 00 with 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 in some markets, or VW 508 00 (0W‑20) on the latest efficiency‑optimized engines.

Modern TDI engines (e.g., 2.0 TDI with DPF and SCR): Typically VW 507 00 in 5W‑30 low‑SAPS oil.

High‑performance variants (S4, RS4): May require specific high‑performance synthetic oils, frequently VW 502 00/504 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 grades, depending on year and engine.

Extended intervals: Many B9s are configured for flexible service up to about 18,000–20,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, but severe use (short trips, hot climates) justifies more frequent changes.

For B9 owners, confirming whether your engine requires VW 508 00/509 00 0W‑20—which is not interchangeable with earlier 5W‑30 LongLife oils—is particularly important to avoid warranty and durability issues.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A4

Because trim, engine code, and region can all influence oil requirements, verifying what your specific car needs is essential rather than relying solely on general guidance.

Steps to Identify the Correct Oil

The next list summarizes practical steps any Audi A4 owner can take to ensure they select a compatible oil for their engine.

Check the owner’s manual: Look for the section labeled “Engine Oil” or “Specifications,” which will specify VW approval codes (e.g., 502 00, 504 00) and recommended viscosities.

Look at the oil cap and under‑hood stickers: Some A4s have the required VW spec printed right on the filler cap or a nearby label.

Use the VIN at a dealer or official website: An Audi dealer can input your VIN to confirm exactly which engine and oil spec your car requires.

Check online parts catalogs: Reputable OEM‑focused retailers often list oils filtered by your vehicle’s year, model, and engine.

Match both spec and viscosity: When buying oil, confirm that the bottle lists the correct VW approval and matches the viscosity range allowed in your manual for your climate.

Following these steps ensures you are not guessing based on model year alone, which is especially important for mid‑cycle engine changes and special editions that may use different lubrication standards.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Using the right oil is only part of the picture. How often you change it, and how you monitor oil level and condition, significantly affects the longevity of an Audi A4 engine.

Recommended Change Intervals

The next list outlines general interval guidance, but always defer to the service schedule for your market and use pattern.

Flexible/LongLife service: Up to roughly 18,000–20,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years when using VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00, mainly for highway‑heavy driving profiles.

Fixed interval service: Around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year; many owners of turbocharged A4s prefer this shorter schedule regardless of official flexibility.

Severe use (short trips, stop‑start city driving, towing, very hot or very cold climates): Often benefits from even more frequent changes (e.g., every 6,000–8,000 miles / 10,000–12,000 km).

Older/high‑mileage engines: May be better protected by slightly shorter intervals, even if they still use VW 502 00 or 504 00 oils.

While Audi’s long‑life intervals are technically supported by approved oils, many independent specialists recommend conservative change intervals to reduce the risk of sludge, turbo coking, or timing‑chain tensioner issues in aging engines.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The following list highlights pitfalls that can undermine engine health even when quality oil is used.

Ignoring VW approval codes: Using oil that has the right viscosity but lacks the correct VW spec can harm turbochargers, timing systems, and emission controls.

Mixing incompatible oils: Topping up VW 508 00 0W‑20 with random 5W‑40 can compromise efficiency and doesn’t meet the intended standard.

Extending intervals too far: Pushing oil well past the recommended maximum, especially in heavy stop‑and‑go driving, accelerates wear and deposit formation.

Ignoring oil level warnings: Many TFSI engines consume some oil; ignoring a low‑oil warning can cause rapid damage.

Using additives not approved by Audi: Some aftermarket additives can upset the carefully balanced additive package of VW‑approved oils and may affect warranty coverage.

Avoiding these mistakes, combined with consistent use of the proper VW‑approved synthetic oil, significantly improves the odds of trouble‑free ownership for an Audi A4, especially as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage.

Summary

An Audi A4 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Volkswagen Group approvals—most often VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, or, on newer models, 508 00/509 00—with common viscosities such as 0W‑20, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40 depending on generation and engine. The critical step is matching both the VW spec and viscosity listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil cap, rather than relying on generic recommendations. Major brands like Castrol, Mobil 1, Shell, Liqui Moly, and others offer oils carrying the correct approvals.

Owners should verify requirements using the manual, VIN‑based dealer guidance, and bottle labels, then pair the right oil with sensible change intervals adapted to driving conditions. Done correctly, this approach protects the A4’s turbocharged powertrains, supports emissions systems, and maintains both performance and reliability over the long term.