What Oil Should You Use for a 2017 Audi Q7?

You should use a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00 (for gasoline) or VW 504 00, with the typical recommended viscosity being SAE 5W-40 or 0W-40, and for diesel models oil meeting VW 507 00, usually in viscosities like 5W-30. The exact specification is more important than the brand, and you’ll find it in your owner’s manual and on a label under the hood or on the oil fill cap.

Understanding the Basics: Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi Q7

The 2017 Audi Q7 is a premium SUV with tightly engineered turbocharged engines that rely on high-quality synthetic oil for lubrication, cooling, and long-term durability. Using the correct specification oil helps protect the turbocharger, keep internal engine parts clean, and maintain warranty-safe operation. Choosing the wrong oil—even if it has the “right” viscosity—can lead to premature wear, deposits, and potentially expensive repairs.

Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications for the 2017 Q7

Audi doesn’t just specify viscosity; it uses internal standards (VW norms) that define how the oil must perform under heat, pressure, and extended drain intervals. Knowing which of these codes applies to your engine is the key to buying the right oil.

Gasoline Engines (2017 Audi Q7)

For the gasoline-powered Q7 models—such as the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI offered in many markets—Audi typically requires oils that meet specific VW standards. These norms ensure the oil can handle high temperatures, turbocharger demands, and prevent sludge or deposits.

The main oil specs and grades recommended for gasoline 2017 Q7 engines are:

• VW 502 00 – The most common requirement for many Audi gasoline engines without extended “LongLife” service intervals in North America and many other markets.
• VW 504 00 – A higher-spec “LongLife” oil standard used especially in Europe and some other regions for extended service intervals and lower emissions, typically low-SAPS (low ash) formulations.
• Typical viscosity grades:
  

  • 5W-40 fully synthetic – Widely used and often recommended for many climates.
  • 0W-40 fully synthetic – Better cold-start performance, suitable for colder climates while still offering strong high-temperature protection.

These specifications matter more than the viscosity alone; an oil can be labeled 5W-40 but still fail to meet VW 502 00 or 504 00, which means it may not deliver the necessary protection for a 2017 Q7 gasoline engine.

Diesel Engines (Where Applicable)

In markets where the 2017 Q7 was offered with diesel engines (such as the 3.0 TDI in Europe and some other regions), Audi specifies different oil norms to protect the engine and the emissions aftertreatment system, including the diesel particulate filter (DPF).

For diesel-powered 2017 Q7 models, the key standards are:

• VW 507 00 – Low-SAPS, high-quality synthetic oil designed for DPF-equipped diesel engines and often tied to extended service intervals.
• Typical viscosity grades:
  

  • 5W-30 fully synthetic – The most common grade for VW 507 00 oils, balancing fuel efficiency, cold-start performance, and high-temperature stability.

Using a non-507 00 oil in a DPF-equipped diesel Q7 may increase soot and ash buildup in the filter and can compromise emission system life and performance.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific Q7

Because trim levels, engines, and regional requirements vary, the safest way to confirm the correct oil is to cross-check several reliable sources tied specifically to your vehicle’s identity and environment.

The most reliable places to verify the right oil for your 2017 Q7 are:

1. Owner’s manual – Look for the “Engine oil” section, which will list VW specifications (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00) and possibly recommended viscosities.
2. Service booklet or maintenance schedule – May indicate whether your Q7 is set up for fixed or flexible (LongLife) service intervals, which influences whether VW 502 00 or 504/507 00 is preferred.
3. Oil filler cap and engine bay labels – Some Q7s have the required VW norm printed directly on or near the oil fill cap or on a sticker under the hood.
4. Dealer or official Audi service center – By providing your VIN, they can confirm the exact spec originally specified for your engine and market.
5. Reputable online parts catalogs – Entering your VIN or exact model/year/engine on well-known OEM or premium aftermarket sites can show only compatible oils that meet the required VW norm.

By cross-referencing these sources, you ensure that the oil you select isn’t just “close,” but precisely matches the technical and regulatory demands of your particular Q7.

Viscosity: Choosing 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30

Once you’ve locked in the correct VW specification, viscosity is the next decision. Viscosity numbers (like 0W-40 or 5W-30) describe how thick the oil is when cold (the number before “W”) and when hot (the second number). Audi calibrates its engines around certain ranges, but climate and driving style can influence the ideal choice.

Here’s how the common viscosity options for a 2017 Q7 typically break down:

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00)
  

  • Common for gasoline engines in many regions.
  • Good all-rounder for moderate to hot climates and mixed driving.
  • Often recommended for Q7s with fixed (non-LongLife) service intervals.

• 0W-40 (VW 502 00/504 00 depending on product)
  

  • Favored in colder climates for better cold-start lubrication.
  • Still provides strong high-temperature protection.

• 5W-30 (VW 504 00 or 507 00)
  

  • Common for VW 504 00/507 00 oils, especially in Europe.
  • Offers a balance of fuel efficiency and engine protection.
  • Standard for many diesel Q7s and LongLife service setups.

Choosing between these grades should always be done within the boundary of Audi’s approved viscosity range and the required VW specification listed in your manual and on engine labels.

Brands and Product Examples That Typically Meet Audi Specs

While Audi dealers often use factory-branded oil, many major oil manufacturers produce products that meet VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00. The brand itself is less important than the certification printed on the bottle, but certain product lines are commonly associated with VAG (Volkswagen-Audi Group) requirements.

Examples of oil product lines that often have variants meeting the relevant VW specs include:

• Castrol Edge and Castrol Edge Professional – Some versions specifically labeled for VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00.
• Mobil 1 – Selected formulations such as Mobil 1 ESP lines designed for VW 504 00 / 507 00; others meet VW 502 00.
• Shell Helix Ultra and Pennzoil Platinum Euro – Euro-range oils often carry VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly – Several “Leichtlauf” and “Top Tec” products are formulated to VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 standards and widely used in European workshops.
• OEM-branded Audi/VW oil – Sold at dealers, bottled to meet exactly the VW norms specified in your manual.

Always verify the VW approval number on the back label of the specific bottle, because not every oil within a brand family meets Audi’s requirements.

Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Beyond selecting the correct oil, how and when you change it has a major impact on engine health. Some regions use flexible (condition-based) intervals, while others use fixed mileage or time-based schedules.

Key points to keep in mind when maintaining oil in a 2017 Audi Q7 are:

1. Follow the service interval set in your car’s system – Many Q7s have the interval programmed (e.g., around 10,000 miles / 15,000 km or annually for fixed schedules; sometimes longer for LongLife specs in Europe).
2. Consider more frequent changes for severe use – If you drive lots of short trips, heavy towing, or spend time in extreme temperatures, changing oil earlier than the maximum interval can improve longevity.
3. Always replace the oil filter – Using a quality filter (OEM or top-tier aftermarket that meets Audi specs) is just as important as the oil itself.
4. Check oil level regularly – Turbocharged engines can consume small amounts of oil; top up only with the same spec and viscosity used at the last change.
5. Avoid mixing incompatible oils – If you must mix brands, ensure the top-up oil meets the same VW specification; don’t top up a VW 507 00 diesel oil with generic 5W-30 lacking that approval.

Taking a cautious approach to intervals and consistent oil quality can significantly reduce the risk of sludge, timing chain wear, and turbocharger issues over the life of the vehicle.

What to Do If You’re Unsure

If the documentation isn’t clear or your Q7’s service history is mixed, it’s better to pause and verify than to guess. Mis-matched oil, especially in modern turbo and emissions-equipped engines, can become a costly mistake.

If you remain uncertain about the correct oil for your 2017 Audi Q7, these steps can help resolve the confusion:

• Call an Audi dealer with your VIN – They can quickly confirm engine type and recommended VW oil spec from factory records.
• Ask a trusted independent Audi/VW specialist – Many independents know the Q7 platform well and can advise on both official specs and best practices.
• Use the digital owner’s resources – Audi often provides PDF manuals online; cross-check the section on “Engine oil” for your exact market and engine.
• Avoid relying solely on generic quick-lube databases – These can be wrong or out-of-date; always confirm that any recommendation explicitly lists the correct VW approval number.

By verifying with official or expert sources before purchase, you can be confident that the oil you pour into your Q7 aligns with Audi’s engineering and warranty expectations.

Summary

For a 2017 Audi Q7, the correct choice is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets the specific Audi/VW norm required for your engine: typically VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 in 5W-40 or 0W-40 for gasoline engines, and VW 507 00 in 5W-30 for diesel engines. The VW specification printed in your owner’s manual and on engine labels is more important than brand or viscosity alone. Confirm the spec using your manual, VIN, or dealer records, then select a reputable synthetic oil carrying that exact approval, change it at or before the recommended interval, and always replace the filter. Following these steps will help keep your 2017 Q7’s engine clean, efficient, and well protected over the long term.

Which engine oil is best for Audi Q7?

The best oil for an Audi Q7 is a fully synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on the engine and model year, that meets Audi’s specific quality standards (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 507 00). Always check your owner’s manual or the oil cap for the most accurate viscosity grade and required specification, as newer models may call for a different viscosity, like 0W-20. 
Choosing the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: The most important step is to consult your owner’s manual or the sticker on the engine bay for the specific viscosity (e.g., 5W-40, 5W-30, or 0W-20) and quality standard (like VW 502 00 or 507 00) your engine requires. 
• 5W-40 is a common recommendation: Many 3.0L TFSI engines recommend 5W-40 as the ideal choice, but 5W-30 is often an acceptable alternative. 
• Consider newer models: Some newer models, like certain 2021 versions, may require a different oil such as 0W-20. 
• Look for full synthetic: Audi specifies fully synthetic oils to ensure optimal performance, longevity, and efficiency. 
• Match the quality standard: Ensure the oil has the correct Audi/VW quality certification listed in your manual, as different standards exist for different engines. 

What to do before an oil change

• Warm up the engine: Warm the engine to operating temperature before draining the oil. 
• Use the correct oil filter: Always use an OEM or approved oil filter to ensure proper filtration. 
• Refill and check: After refilling with the correct amount of oil, check the level using the car’s MMI system, and always use a new drain plug seal. 

What kind of oil does a Q7 3.0 diesel take?

It will be 0w30 or 5w30.

What kind of oil does a 2017 Audi Q7 take?

A 2017 Audi Q7 takes a full synthetic oil, most commonly 5W-40, but 5W-30 or 0W-40 can also be used depending on the climate. The most crucial requirement is that the oil must meet specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality specifications, such as VW 502 00. Always check the owner’s manual for the exact grade and certification needed for your engine. 
Key requirements and options

• Viscosity: The most common recommended viscosity is 5W-40, but 5W-30 or 0W-40 are also acceptable depending on climate and temperature. 
• Oil type: Always use a full synthetic oil. 
• Specifications: The oil must meet Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standards, most importantly VW 502 00. 
• Capacity: The 2017 Audi Q7 requires 5.5 quarts of oil with a filter change. 

Important considerations

• Always confirm the exact oil specification in your owner’s manual before purchasing to ensure it meets the engine’s requirements.
• Using oil with the correct Audi/VW specification is vital for proper engine performance and longevity. 

What kind of oil does a 2017 Audi use?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.