What Oil Should You Use for Your Audi A4?

The right oil for most modern Audi A4 models is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW/Audi approval 504 00 (for gasoline) or 507 00 (for many diesels), typically in a 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40 viscosity, depending on engine and climate. The safest choice is always to follow the specification in your owner’s manual or under-hood label, prioritizing the VW/Audi approval code over brand or exact viscosity.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for an Audi A4

The Audi A4’s engines are engineered with tight tolerances, turbocharging, and extended service intervals, which make oil choice more critical than in many older or simpler engines. Using oil that doesn’t meet Audi’s specifications can lead to premature wear, sludge buildup, turbocharger problems, and may risk warranty issues on newer cars.

Core Rule: Follow VW/Audi Oil Approvals

While viscosity numbers (like 5W-30) get most of the attention, the most important factor for an Audi A4 is that the oil has the correct VW/Audi approval printed on the bottle. These internal standards govern detergents, ash content, high-temperature stability, and compatibility with emissions systems.

The following are the most common VW/Audi oil approvals you’ll see for an Audi A4, along with what they mean in practice.

• VW 504 00: Long-life synthetic oil for gasoline engines, widely used on modern Audi A4 models in Europe and many other markets.
• VW 507 00: Low-ash long-life synthetic oil for modern diesel engines with DPF (diesel particulate filter); common in newer A4 diesels.
• VW 502 00: High-performance synthetic or synthetic-blend oil for gasoline engines, often used in North America and for fixed (non-flex) intervals or older models.
• VW 505 01 / 505 00: Older specifications for certain diesel engines; still relevant for some early-generation A4 TDI models.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer low-viscosity oils (often 0W-20) used in some recent VW Group engines; only applicable if clearly specified in the owner’s manual.

In practice, checking your Audi A4’s manual or service book for the exact VW code—rather than just looking at viscosity—is the most reliable way to select an oil that protects the engine and maintains emissions-system health.

Typical Oil Specs by Audi A4 Generation

Because Audi A4 engines and oil requirements have changed over time, it helps to group recommendations by generation and fuel type. These are generalized guidelines; always cross-check with the exact engine code and market-specific documentation.

B5, B6, and Early B7 (mid-1990s to mid-2000s)

Older Audi A4 models from this era used less complex emissions systems and shorter service intervals, but turbocharged engines still benefit from high-quality synthetic oils.

The following outlines typical oil recommendations for gasoline and diesel engines from these early generations.

• Gasoline engines (1.8T, 2.0, 2.8, 3.0):
  

  • VW 502 00 approved oil strongly recommended.
  • Common viscosities: 0W-40, 5W-40, 5W-30 (synthetic).
  • Examples: Mobil 1 0W-40, Castrol Edge 5W-40, Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 (where labeled VW 502 00).

• Diesel engines (TDI without DPF):
  

  • VW 505 00 or 505 01, depending on exact engine (PD TDI engines typically require 505 01).
  • Common viscosities: 5W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic.
  • Look for “VW 505 01” on the label for pumpe-düse (PD) diesels.

While these older A4s are more forgiving than newer models, sticking with VW-approved full synthetic oils remains important for turbo longevity and cleaner internals.

Late B7, B8 (mid-2000s to mid-2010s)

The B7 and especially the B8 A4 brought direct injection, more sophisticated emissions systems, and more widespread use of long-life oil intervals, making VW 504 00/507 00 and 502 00 especially relevant.

The main oil guidelines for mid-generation Audi A4s can be summarized by fuel type and service interval style.

• Gasoline engines (FSI/TFSI, e.g., 2.0T):
  

  • Europe / many other markets:
    

    • Use VW 504 00 approved oil for flexible “long-life” intervals.
    • Typical viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic.

  • North America & fixed intervals:
    

    • VW 502 00 approved synthetic oil is widely used.
    • Viscosities: 0W-40, 5W-40, or 5W-30, depending on climate.

• Diesel engines (TDI with DPF):
  

  • VW 507 00 is typically required for DPF-equipped diesels.
  • Viscosities: mainly 5W-30 low-SAPS synthetic oil.

Given known issues like intake valve deposits and timing-chain wear in some TFSI engines, using the exact VW-approved oil and not extending oil-change intervals beyond recommendations is particularly important during these years.

B9 and Current Models (mid-2010s to present)

Newer Audi A4 models feature more advanced turbocharged gasoline and diesel engines, often with mild-hybrid systems and stricter CO₂ and particulate regulations, which in turn influence oil formulation and viscosity.

For current-generation A4s, oil choice is closely linked to advanced emissions controls and extended service intervals.

• Modern gasoline engines (TFSI):
  

  • Most commonly require VW 504 00 or, in some new engines, VW 508 00 (0W-20), depending on market and engine code.
  • Standard viscosities: 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-20 (only if 0W-20 is specifically approved in the manual with VW 508 00).
  • If your manual lists both 504 00 and 502 00, 504 00 long-life oil is usually preferred for factory-recommended flexible intervals.

• Modern diesel engines (TDI with DPF and SCR):
  

  • Generally require VW 507 00 low-ash oil.
  • Viscosity usually 5W-30; some markets may list 0W-30 for cold climates.
  • Using non-507 00 oil risks DPF clogging and aftertreatment issues.

For these latest engines, deviating from the specified VW standard or using unapproved viscosities can affect emissions performance, fuel economy, and warranty coverage, making manual-based selection absolutely essential.

Choosing Viscosity: 0W-30 vs 5W-30 vs 0W-40

Once you have the correct VW approval code, the next step is selecting the appropriate viscosity grade for your climate and driving pattern. Viscosity controls how oil flows when cold (first number with “W”) and when hot (second number).

Below is a practical guide to the most common viscosity choices for an Audi A4 and when they make sense.

• 5W-30 (very common choice):
  

  • Officially approved under VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 502 00 in many formulations.
  • Balanced performance for moderate climates and mixed driving.
  • Often the default recommendation for recent A4 gasoline and diesel engines.

• 0W-30:
  

  • Better cold-start performance in very cold climates.
  • Increasingly used in newer engines designed for lower friction and higher fuel economy.
  • Must still carry the correct VW approval (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00).

• 0W-40 / 5W-40:
  

  • Higher high-temperature viscosity, potentially beneficial in hot climates or for hard driving.
  • Commonly used with VW 502 00 approval in older or performance-oriented gasoline engines.
  • Not usually specified for latest-generation low-friction designs unless explicitly allowed in the manual.

While drivers sometimes prefer “thicker” oils for spirited driving or aging engines, any change should remain within the viscosity and approval range Audi lists, especially on newer A4s with tight clearances and modern emissions equipment.

Brand Choice: What Names Are Trustworthy?

Audi’s factory-fill oil is often branded Castrol in many regions, but the brand itself is far less important than the VW code on the label. Several major manufacturers sell oils that meet Audi’s requirements.

The following well-known brands regularly offer VW-approved oils commonly used in Audi A4 models.

• Castrol (Edge, Edge Professional, LongLife ranges labeled VW 504 00/507 00 or 502 00).
• Mobil 1 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 often carries VW 504 00 / 507 00; Mobil 1 0W-40 often carries 502 00/505 00).
• Shell (Shell Helix Ultra lines with VW 504 00 / 507 00 or 502 00 approvals).
• TotalEnergies / ELF (widely used in Europe, with many VW-approved formulations).
• Liqui Moly (German brand with dedicated VW/Audi-approved oils, popular among enthusiasts).
• OEM-labeled oil (bottles sold at Audi dealers carrying the Audi / VW part number and correct approvals).

Selecting any of these reputable brands with the correct VW approval is generally equivalent in protection; differences are minor compared with the importance of meeting Audi’s specification and following proper change intervals.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Strategy

Beyond which oil to use, how often you change it significantly affects engine longevity, especially for turbocharged and direct-injection engines prone to contamination and deposit formation.

The key factors in deciding intervals are your region’s service regime, your driving profile, and your engine’s age and condition.

• Long-life / flexible intervals (Europe and some other regions):
  

  • Engines designed for VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils can run up to ~30,000 km or 2 years (depending on car’s service indicator and usage).
  • Most independent specialists recommend shorter intervals (e.g., 15,000–20,000 km or annually) for engine longevity, especially with many short trips.

• Fixed intervals (common in North America):
  

  • Typically 10,000 miles / 16,000 km or 1 year, whichever comes first, using VW 502 00 or 504 00.
  • Severe use (short trips, stop–go city driving, frequent cold starts) justifies earlier changes (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km).

• Older or higher-mileage engines:
  

  • Often benefit from more frequent oil changes regardless of official interval.
  • Sticking with the original spec (e.g., 502 00 5W-40) is usually better than experimenting with much thicker oil.

While Audi’s long-life schedules are designed around convenience and regulatory targets, a slightly more conservative oil-change rhythm is a relatively inexpensive way to extend the life of an A4’s turbocharger, timing components, and emission controls.

How to Check What Your Specific Audi A4 Requires

The exact oil specification for your car depends on model year, engine code, and market, so verifying against your own vehicle is essential. A few simple checks can clarify the correct choice quickly.

Use the following steps to confirm the proper oil for your particular Audi A4.

1. Consult the owner’s manual:
   

   • Find the “Engine oil” or “Specifications” section.
   • Look for VW 50x/504/507/508 codes and allowed viscosities.

2. Check under-hood labels:
   

   • Some A4s have stickers near the radiator support or oil filler cap indicating the correct standard.

3. Use VIN-based lookup tools:
   

   • Official Audi service portals or dealer parts departments can tell you the spec using your VIN.
   • Major oil-company websites often have “Which oil for my car?” databases keyed to year, model, and engine.

4. Ask a dealer or trusted specialist:
   

   • A quick call with your VIN can confirm whether your engine needs, for example, VW 504 00/507 00 or 502 00.

Verifying the exact requirement once and noting it (e.g., in your phone or service records) simplifies future maintenance and helps avoid well-meaning but incorrect generic advice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Audi A4 owners sometimes run into preventable issues by misunderstanding oil labels or prioritizing generic advice over the manufacturer’s specification. Being aware of common pitfalls can help you avoid expensive repairs.

The following missteps are frequent sources of trouble for Audi A4 engines.

• Choosing oil only by viscosity (e.g., “5W-30 is fine”):
  

  • Many 5W-30 oils do not meet VW 504 00/507 00 or 502 00.
  • Always confirm the VW approval on the back label.

• Using non-low-ash oil in DPF diesels:
  

  • Lack of VW 507 00 approval can lead to faster DPF clogging and costly repairs.

• Overextending oil-change intervals:
  

  • Long-life maximums are not always ideal for engines doing many short or urban trips.
  • Sludge and deposits increase with old, fuel-diluted oil.

• Mixing different types of oil repeatedly:
  

  • Topping up occasionally with another VW-approved oil is fine, but constant mixing of unknown types can complicate diagnostics.

A cautious approach—correct VW approval, reasonable intervals, and careful top-ups—generally prevents the majority of oil-related issues commonly reported in Audi A4 ownership.

Summary

For most Audi A4 models, the correct oil is a fully synthetic product that carries the specific VW/Audi approval listed in your owner’s manual—commonly VW 504 00 for modern gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for diesels with DPF, with VW 502 00 still widely used on many earlier or fixed-interval gasoline engines. Once you identify that approval code, select a matching viscosity such as 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40 appropriate to your climate and driving style, using any reputable brand that clearly displays the required VW standard. Following these guidelines, and keeping to sensible oil-change intervals, will do more to protect your Audi A4’s engine and turbocharger than any particular brand-name choice or aftermarket additive.