What Oil Should You Use for an Audi A4?

For most modern Audi A4 models, you should use a fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 504 00 / 507 00 specification, typically in 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosity, depending on the engine, model year, and climate. This specification is more important than the brand, and it is what Audi and Volkswagen design their engines around for performance, longevity, and warranty compliance.

Why the Right Oil Matters for an Audi A4

The Audi A4’s engines—especially the turbocharged TFSI and TDI units—run hot, operate under high pressure, and rely heavily on precise lubrication. Using the correct oil protects the turbocharger, reduces sludge buildup, improves fuel economy, and helps avoid costly long-term damage. Audi and Volkswagen define strict oil standards (VW 504 00, 507 00 and related specs) that go beyond generic “synthetic” labels.

Key Oil Specification: VW 504 00 / 507 00

The most critical factor when choosing oil for an Audi A4 is that it meets the manufacturer’s specification. For most late‑model A4s, that specification is VW 504 00 / 507 00, sometimes printed as “504.00 / 507.00” on the bottle.

The following list outlines the main Audi/VW oil specifications you’ll see for the A4 and what they mean.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00: The current, common spec for most modern Audi gasoline and diesel engines in Europe and many global markets. Low‑ash “LongLife” oil suitable for extended service intervals and compatible with modern particulate filters and catalytic systems.
• VW 502 00 / 505 00: Older performance spec used on many gasoline engines (and some diesels) before 504/507 became standard. Still valid for many pre‑2013 A4s, particularly in North America.
• VW 511 00: A newer spec for some very recent engines and specific regions; where required, Audi documentation will explicitly state it.
• ACEA and API ratings: You may see ACEA C3, C5 or API SN, SP on labels; these are helpful but are secondary. The VW spec (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00) is the priority.

Understanding these specifications ensures you choose an oil formulated for Audi’s unique engine requirements rather than relying only on generic viscosity or marketing terms.

Recommended Viscosity Grades by Engine and Climate

While the specification (VW 504 00 / 507 00, etc.) is mandatory, viscosity (0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30) can vary based on engine design, model year, and climate. Audi’s owner’s manual and under‑hood sticker are the final authority, but there are common patterns across A4 generations.

Recent Models (Approx. 2017–Present, B9 and B9.5)

Current A4 engines are more efficiency‑focused, often calling for lower‑viscosity oils. Always confirm with your specific VIN and manual, but the pattern below is typical.

The following list summarizes typical viscosity recommendations for recent Audi A4 engines.

• 2.0 TFSI (Gasoline, North America and many markets):
  

  • Primary: 0W-20 or 0W-30 meeting VW 504 00 (and often 507 00).
  • Alternative for hotter climates: 5W-30 meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 if listed as an approved alternative in the manual.

• 2.0 TDI (Diesel, Europe and selected markets):
  

  • Standard: 5W-30 fully synthetic, VW 504 00 / 507 00.
  • Some efficiency‑optimized variants: 0W-30 with VW 504 00 / 507 00 or a specific VW diesel spec.

• S4/S performance variants (where applicable):
  

  • Typically: 0W-30 or 5W-30 fully synthetic, VW 504 00 / 507 00.

This shows why you cannot rely on viscosity alone; two oils can both be 5W‑30, but only those with the right VW spec are actually suitable for your A4.

Older Generations (Approx. 2008–2016, B8/B8.5 and Earlier)

Older A4s often allow slightly thicker oils and may use previous Volkswagen specs, although newer 504/507 oils are usually backward‑compatible.

The next list outlines common guidance for earlier Audi A4 models and their oil needs.

• 2.0 TFSI (Gasoline, turbocharged):
  

  • Common: 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic meeting VW 502 00 (or 504 00 / 507 00 where accepted).
  • Colder climates: 0W-30 or 0W-40 with VW 502 00 or 504/507.

• 1.8 TFSI / 3.2 FSI and similar gasoline engines:
  

  • Typically: 5W-30 or 5W-40, VW 502 00.

• Diesel variants (TDI):
  

  • Common: 5W-30 fully synthetic, VW 507 00 or VW 505.01 where specified.
  • Particulate filter (DPF) models: Must use low‑ash oil with the correct VW diesel spec (often 507 00).

Earlier A4 engines can be more tolerant of viscosity changes, but sticking to an approved VW spec remains crucial, especially for turbocharged engines and those with particulate filters.

Brand Recommendations That Meet Audi Requirements

Once you know the VW spec and viscosity, you can choose from several reputable brands. The brand is less important than the approval, but some oils are explicitly marketed for VW/Audi use.

The following list provides examples of widely available oils that commonly offer VW 504 00 / 507 00 or related approvals (verify the exact label, as formulas change).

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional LongLife III
  

  • Often factory‑fill or dealer‑supplied in many regions.
  • Has variants with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, usually in 5W-30 or 0W-30.

• Mobil 1 ESP
  

  • ESP 0W-30, 5W-30 and similar often carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.
  • Designed for engines with particulate filters and catalytic converters.

• Liqui Moly Top Tec series
  

  • Examples include Top Tec 4200 (5W-30) and newer variants with VW 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.
  • Popular in Europe and among enthusiasts for VW/Audi cars.

• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro L
  

  • Euro‑formulated versions often carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 in 0W-30 or 5W-30.

• TotalEnergies Quartz, Motul Specific, and OEM‑branded oils
  

  • Lines specifically labeled for VW/Audi often carry the correct approval numbers.

Regardless of brand, always read the back label for the exact VW approval numbers; marketing phrases such as “for European cars” are not enough on their own.

How to Check the Correct Oil for Your Specific Audi A4

Because engines, emissions rules, and regional specs differ, the safest approach is to confirm the exact requirement for your car rather than relying solely on general guidelines.

The steps below explain how to verify the correct oil type for your particular Audi A4.

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine oil” section for the required VW spec (e.g., VW 504 00 / 507 00) and recommended viscosities by temperature.
2. Check the under‑hood label or service booklet: Many A4s have a sticker or note indicating “LongLife” oil or listing a VW spec.
3. Use the official Audi/VW online resources: Some regional Audi sites offer oil selectors where you enter the VIN or model year and engine code.
4. Call the dealer with your VIN: Ask them: “What VW oil specification and viscosity are required for my car for standard service?” Write this down for future reference.
5. Match the bottle to the spec: When buying oil, verify that the label explicitly lists the VW spec (e.g., “VW 504 00/507 00 approved”). If it only says “meets requirements of” without formal approval, treat it cautiously, especially during warranty.

By following these steps, you can confidently choose an oil that matches Audi’s engineering and warranty expectations for your specific A4.

Service Intervals and Oil Change Strategy

Audi A4s can be run on variable “LongLife” intervals or fixed intervals, depending on the region and owner preference. Oil choice and driving style influence how long an oil can safely stay in use.

The following list outlines typical service interval patterns and considerations for Audi A4 owners.

• LongLife (variable) service:
  

  • In many markets, Audi allows up to about 30,000 km (≈18,000 miles) or 2 years between oil changes under ideal conditions using approved LongLife oil (VW 504 00 / 507 00).
  • Best suited to primarily highway driving with low stop‑and‑go traffic and minimal short trips.

• Fixed (time/mileage) service:
  

  • Common recommendation: every 10,000–15,000 km (≈6,000–10,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
  • Better for cars with city use, lots of short journeys, or spirited driving.

• Enthusiast/“severe use” practice:
  

  • Many owners of turbocharged A4s choose 8,000–10,000 km (≈5,000–6,000 miles) intervals even with LongLife oils, to reduce the risk of deposits and turbo wear.

Choosing a conservative oil‑change interval, especially for older or heavily used vehicles, is an easy way to extend engine life beyond what the minimum factory schedule would allow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even well‑intentioned owners can damage their engines or emissions systems by overlooking key details when selecting oil for an Audi A4.

The points below highlight frequent oil‑related mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Focusing only on viscosity: Picking “any 5W‑30 synthetic” without checking for VW 504 00 / 507 00 (or the correct VW spec) is one of the most common errors.
• Ignoring diesel particulate filter (DPF) needs: For TDI models with DPFs, using an oil without low‑ash, DPF‑safe approval (commonly VW 507 00) can clog the filter and shorten its life.
• Mixing incompatible oils carelessly: Topping up with a generic oil once in an emergency is usually fine, but repeatedly mixing non‑approved oils can dilute the additive package the engine was designed for.
• Overfilling or underfilling: Modern A4s are sensitive to oil level; too much or too little oil can trigger warnings and, in extreme cases, cause damage. Always check the dipstick or electronic level readout after a change.
• Extending intervals too far with hard driving: If you do a lot of city, short‑trip, or performance driving, stretching to the maximum LongLife interval is risky, even with the correct oil.

Avoiding these pitfalls helps preserve the engine, the turbo, and emissions components, and can prevent expensive repairs later on.

Practical Recommendations by Scenario

Different driving profiles and ownership situations call for slightly different approaches to oil selection and service, even within Audi’s official guidelines.

The following list offers scenario‑based recommendations for choosing and changing oil in an Audi A4.

• Daily commuter with a late‑model A4 (gasoline 2.0 TFSI):
  

  • Use a VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved 0W-20 or 0W-30 as specified in the manual.
  • Change every 10,000–15,000 km or annually, even if the car allows longer.

• High‑mileage older A4 (turbo gasoline, out of warranty):
  

  • Use a high‑quality 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic with VW 502 00 or 504/507 approval.
  • Consider shorter intervals (8,000–10,000 km) to manage wear and deposits.

• Diesel A4 with DPF (Europe or similar markets):
  

  • Use only VW 507 00 or the exact spec in the manual, typically 5W-30.
  • Strictly avoid non‑DPF‑safe oils to protect the particulate filter.

• Owner doing mostly short trips in cold climate:
  

  • Choose 0W‑grade oil (0W-20 / 0W-30 / 0W-40 as allowed by the manual) to aid cold starts.
  • Change more frequently because oil may not reach full temperature often.

Aligning your oil strategy with how and where you actually drive ensures the Audi A4’s engine is protected under real‑world conditions, not just on paper.

Summary

For an Audi A4, the correct oil is a fully synthetic product that matches the official Volkswagen/Audi specification for your engine—most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 in recent models—alongside the viscosity (0W‑20, 0W‑30, or 5W‑30) listed in your manual. This specification matters more than the brand name or the viscosity alone. Modern turbocharged and diesel A4 engines are engineered around these oil standards to protect turbos, maintain fuel economy, and safeguard emissions systems like catalytic converters and particulate filters. By checking your owner’s manual or consulting a dealer with your VIN, selecting a reputable oil that explicitly lists the correct VW approval, and observing sensible oil‑change intervals based on your driving pattern, you can keep your Audi A4 running smoothly and reliably for many years.