What Oil Is Recommended for the Audi A5?

The recommended oil for most modern Audi A5 models is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 504 00 (for gasoline) or VW 507 00 (for diesel), typically in viscosity grades 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40, depending on model year, engine, and climate. In practice, using a reputable brand that clearly states these VW approvals on the label is more important than the brand name itself.

Understanding Oil Requirements for the Audi A5

The Audi A5 has been produced in several generations and with a range of gasoline and diesel engines. While owners often focus on brand and viscosity (such as 5W-30), Audi’s official requirement centers on meeting specific VW/Audi oil standards. These standards ensure proper lubrication, protection against wear, compatibility with emissions systems, and support for the extended “LongLife” service intervals many Audi models use.

The Key Audi/VW Oil Specifications

The most critical factor when choosing engine oil for an Audi A5 is compliance with the correct VW/Audi approval codes. These codes are printed on oil containers and in the vehicle manual.

The following list outlines the main VW oil specifications relevant to Audi A5 models and when they are typically used:

• VW 504 00 – For modern gasoline engines with extended service intervals (“LongLife” service), commonly used on newer Audi A5 petrol engines in Europe and many other markets.
• VW 507 00 – For modern diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and extended service intervals; the primary choice for most newer Audi A5 diesels.
• VW 502 00 – For many earlier-generation gasoline engines without LongLife service, or in markets where fixed-interval maintenance is more common.
• VW 505 01 – For certain older diesel engines, especially pumpe-düse (PD) units, generally found in earlier VW/Audi diesels rather than recent A5s.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Ultra-low-viscosity oils (such as 0W-20) for some of the newest, highly efficient engines; these appear on the latest models and must only be used where specifically approved by Audi.

In practice, drivers of most recent Audi A5 models will be looking for VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) on the label, unless the owner’s manual or service booklet clearly specifies a different standard.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for the Audi A5

While VW/Audi specifications define oil performance, viscosity determines how the oil behaves in different temperatures. Audi generally recommends low-viscosity, fully synthetic oils to support efficiency and cold-start protection.

Typical Viscosities by Engine Type and Climate

The following list summarizes common viscosity grades used in Audi A5 models, bearing in mind that exact recommendations can vary by model year, engine code, and market:

• 0W-30 – Often used for modern gasoline and diesel engines in colder climates, especially where quick cold-start lubrication is a priority.
• 5W-30 – One of the most common choices for both gasoline and diesel A5 engines, suitable for a broad range of temperatures; widely recommended when it meets VW 504 00 or VW 507 00.
• 0W-40 or 5W-40 – Sometimes recommended for performance-oriented engines (such as certain S-line or higher-output units) or for use in hotter climates, provided the oil carries the correct VW approval.
• 0W-20 – Used only in some of the latest Audi engines designed to work with VW 508 00/509 00 oils; this must not be used unless your engine is specifically approved for it.

Although many owners focus on viscosity (e.g., always choosing 5W-30), the decisive factor is that the oil’s label lists the exact VW standard your manual calls for; viscosity is then chosen based on climate and Audi’s recommendations.

Gasoline vs. Diesel Audi A5: What’s Different?

Gasoline and diesel Audi A5 engines have different needs, particularly concerning emissions systems and soot management. Choosing the correct oil helps protect turbochargers, timing components, and particulate filters.

Gasoline (Petrol) Audi A5 Engines

Most modern gasoline Audi A5 engines, including TFSI units, require low-ash, fully synthetic oil compatible with extended drain intervals and high-temperature operation.

The following points outline common guidance for petrol A5 engines:

• VW 504 00 – Primary recommendation for many European and global A5 petrol engines with LongLife service intervals.
• VW 502 00 – Used on some earlier engines or in markets where Audi specifies fixed (shorter) oil-change intervals.
• Viscosity – Typically 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40, depending on climate; 5W-30 is widely used if it meets VW 504 00.
• High-performance variants – For engines with higher power outputs, a 0W-40 or 5W-40 oil that meets the required VW spec can offer extra high-temperature protection.

As a rule, if you have a petrol Audi A5 from the last decade, a fully synthetic 5W-30 with VW 504 00 approval will usually match or exceed Audi’s recommendations, but always confirm with your manual or dealer.

Diesel Audi A5 Engines

Modern Audi A5 diesel engines are especially sensitive to the wrong oil, because of their diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and emissions equipment. Using a non-approved oil can lead to premature filter clogging and costly repairs.

The main considerations for diesel A5 engines include:

• VW 507 00 – The primary standard for most modern A5 diesels with DPFs and LongLife intervals.
• Low-SAPS (low ash) formulation – Required to avoid contaminating the DPF and to maintain emissions performance.
• Common viscosities – Typically 5W-30 or, in some climates, 0W-30, as long as they carry VW 507 00 approval.
• Older diesels – If you have an early-generation engine or a region-specific model, your manual may list VW 505 01 or related standards instead.

For nearly all recent diesel A5 models, a fully synthetic 5W-30 oil certified to VW 507 00 remains the safest and most widely correct choice, but confirmation in the vehicle’s documentation is essential.

LongLife vs. Fixed Service Intervals

Many Audi A5 models are set up for “LongLife” service intervals, in which the car’s sensors and driving-style algorithms determine when an oil change is needed (often up to around 30,000 km or 2 years in some markets). Others are maintained on fixed intervals, such as every 15,000 km or once a year.

How Service Regime Affects Oil Choice

The type of service schedule used has a direct effect on which oil is recommended.

The following list explains how your service regime may influence oil selection:

• LongLife service (variable intervals) – Usually requires VW 504 00 (petrol) or VW 507 00 (diesel) oils designed to maintain performance over extended distances and time.
• Fixed service (time/mileage-based) – May permit or recommend VW 502 00 (gasoline) or certain other standards, often with shorter change intervals.
• Driving style – Frequent short trips, city driving, or heavy towing may prompt a switch from LongLife to fixed intervals, even with the same oil specification, to protect engine health.
• Dealer settings – The dealer or workshop can change the car’s service mode (e.g., from variable to fixed), which should then be matched with the correct oil spec.

Owners who prefer maximum engine longevity often choose fixed, shorter intervals even with LongLife-capable oils; this can supplement the factory recommendations, especially on older, high-mileage cars.

Brand Recommendations and Real-World Choices

Oil brand is less important than meeting the correct VW specification, but some major manufacturers produce lines specifically marketed for VW/Audi vehicles. Many Audi dealers also use oils under the “Audi” or “Volkswagen” label, which are typically made by well-known oil companies.

Common Brands That Meet Audi A5 Requirements

The following are examples of widely available brands that often produce VW 504 00 / 507 00 compliant oils (availability may vary by region and product line updates):

• Castrol – Castrol EDGE or EDGE Professional with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval in 5W-30 or 0W-30 grades, often used by Audi dealers in many markets.
• Mobil 1 – Specific variants such as Mobil 1 ESP formulas that carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 certification.
• Shell – Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix Professional ECT variants approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00.
• Liqui Moly – Oils branded explicitly for VW/Audi with 504 00 / 507 00 approval, popular in Europe.
• TotalEnergies, Motul, and others – Offer dedicated VW-approved lines in the correct viscosity grades.

Regardless of brand, always check the back label for the exact VW approval code; wording like “suitable for” or “meets the requirements of” is not equivalent to an official approval number such as “VW 504 00 / 507 00 – Approved.”

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific A5

Because Audi A5 engines, model years, and regional specifications vary, the only definitive way to confirm the recommended oil is to consult your own vehicle’s documentation and identifiers.

Steps to Verify the Right Oil

The following practical steps help ensure you select the correct oil for your particular Audi A5:

1. Check the owner’s manual – Look for the “Engine oil” section; it will list the VW specification numbers (e.g., VW 504 00 / 507 00) and sometimes the approved viscosities.
2. Find your engine code – Located on a sticker in the service booklet, in the trunk (near the spare wheel well in some models), or readable by a dealer; different engine codes sometimes have different oil requirements.
3. Consult the service booklet – Audi prints or stamps oil specifications in the maintenance record, often next to the first service page.
4. Ask an Audi dealer or specialist – Provide your VIN; the dealer can access factory data that lists the approved oils for your exact build and market.
5. Match the oil label exactly – When buying oil, confirm that the bottle explicitly lists the VW code (e.g., “VW 504 00 / 507 00 – Approved”) along with a suitable viscosity like 5W-30 or 0W-30.

By confirming specification, viscosity, and compatibility with your service regime, you reduce the risk of engine wear, sludge formation, and emissions-system problems over the life of your Audi A5.

Summary

For the vast majority of modern Audi A5 models, the recommended engine oil is a fully synthetic product approved to VW 504 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for diesel engines), most commonly in 5W-30 or 0W-30 viscosity. Some older or region-specific A5 engines may instead call for VW 502 00 (petrol) or 505-series (diesel) oils, while certain very new engines may require VW 508 00 / 509 00 0W-20 oil. The safest approach is to follow the VW specification printed in your owner’s manual or service booklet and then select a reputable brand and viscosity suited to your climate and service interval type.