What Oil to Put in an Audi S5 2018

The 2018 Audi S5 typically requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 in some regions) specification, most commonly 0W-40 or 5W-40, with exact grade and approval confirmed in the owner’s manual and on the oil filler cap.

Understanding the 2018 Audi S5 Engine and Its Oil Needs

The 2018 Audi S5 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (engine code often referenced as EA839), a high-performance powerplant that operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress. Because of this, Audi requires high-quality synthetic oil that meets specific Volkswagen (VW/Audi) approvals to ensure longevity, efficiency and warranty compliance.

Official Oil Specification for the 2018 Audi S5

For modern Audi engines like the one in the 2018 S5, the most important factor is not just viscosity, but whether the oil meets the official VW specification. These specs ensure compatibility with the engine’s design, turbocharger, emissions system and service intervals.

The core specifications and basics can be summarized as follows:

• Primary oil spec: VW 502 00 (commonly used in North America and many other markets).
• Alternative spec: VW 504 00 (often for flexible/long-life service intervals, more common in Europe).
• Oil type: Fully synthetic motor oil only.
• Typical viscosity: 0W-40 or 5W-40 (climate-dependent; 0W-30 or 5W-30 may be acceptable if explicitly approved by Audi/VW spec).
• Check owner’s manual and oil cap: Always confirm the required VW spec and viscosity printed there.

These points provide the baseline: any oil you use should clearly state on the label that it meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 and match an approved viscosity range for your climate.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for the Audi S5 2018

Viscosity describes how thick the oil is at cold start and at operating temperature. For the 2018 S5, viscosity must balance cold-start protection with high-temperature stability under boost and spirited driving.

Commonly Recommended Viscosities

Drivers will most often encounter a short list of practical, Audi-approved viscosity options for this engine.

• 0W-40 (VW 502 00 or 504 00 approved): A frequent choice in many regions, offering strong cold-start performance with robust high-temperature protection—ideal for mixed climates.
• 5W-40 (VW 502 00 approved): Widely available, particularly suited to temperate or warmer climates, and a common dealer fill in many markets.
• 0W-30 or 5W-30 (VW 504 00 approved): Sometimes used where Audi specifies extended drain intervals or for fuel-efficiency focus; must explicitly carry VW 504 00 (or 502 00, if allowed in your manual).
• Climate consideration: Colder areas benefit from 0W oils, while 5W-40 is fine for mild to hot regions.

In practice, most 2018 S5 owners in North America and similar climates will be well served by a high-quality 0W-40 or 5W-40 synthetic oil that clearly meets VW 502 00 on the label.

Examples of Suitable Oils (By Specification)

Many major brands produce oils that meet Audi’s requirements. Labels and product lines change over time, so it is crucial to verify that the bottle specifically lists the VW spec (502 00 or 504 00).

Oils Meeting VW 502 00 (Typical Choice)

The following are examples of oils commonly used for the 2018 S5 that generally carry VW 502 00 approval; always double-check the most current product data sheet or label:

• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (often labeled “European Car Formula” or “ESP X3 0W-40” in some markets, check that it lists VW 502 00).
• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 or 5W-40 that explicitly states VW 502 00.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Synthoil lines, such as Top Tec 4100 5W-40 or Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40, with VW 502 00 approval.
• Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 with VW 502 00 on the label.
• TotalEnergies (Total Quartz) 9000 0W-40 or 5W-40 with VW 502 00 approval.

These oils are widely trusted for European turbocharged engines and are designed to handle the demands of performance models like the S5 when used with proper change intervals.

Oils Meeting VW 504 00 (Long-Life / Some Markets)

In regions using Audi’s flexible or extended service intervals, VW 504 00 oils may be specified. These are usually lower-ash, modern formulations designed for newer emissions systems.

• Certain variants of Mobil 1 ESP 0W-30 or 5W-30 that list VW 504 00/507 00.
• Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 (often used in European dealerships, labeled VW 504 00/507 00).
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W-30 or 5W-30 with VW 504 00/507 00.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 with VW 504 00/507 00 approval.

These oils are appropriate if your owner’s manual specifies VW 504 00 and your service schedule is based on flexible or extended intervals; if you follow fixed, shorter intervals, VW 502 00 oils remain a safe and widely used choice.

Oil Capacity, Change Intervals, and Service Practices

Correct oil quantity and change frequency are as important as choosing the right specification. Overfilling or running low can both harm a turbocharged engine, while extended intervals with unsuitable oil can increase wear and deposits.

Typical Capacity and Interval

There are some general numbers and practices that apply to the 2018 S5, though exact figures should always be checked in the owner’s manual or with an Audi dealer.

• Approximate oil capacity: Around 6.5 to 7.0 liters (roughly 6.9 to 7.4 quarts) with filter change, depending on the specific variant and market.
• Change interval (fixed): Commonly about every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, in many markets.
• Change interval (severe use): Many enthusiasts prefer 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) if they drive hard, do frequent short trips, or live in extreme climates.
• Flexible/long-life service: In some regions, intervals may extend further when using VW 504 00 oil and the car’s service interval system; consult the vehicle’s service display and manual.
• Filter replacement: Always change the oil filter at every oil change; use an OEM or high-quality equivalent filter rated for this engine.

Adhering to correct fill volume and reasonable intervals—ideally slightly more conservative than the maximum allowed—helps maintain turbo health, reduce deposits, and support long-term reliability.

How to Verify You’re Using the Right Oil

Given ongoing product updates and regional differences, the most reliable way to confirm the right oil for a 2018 Audi S5 is to cross-check multiple sources: your documentation, labels, and reputable technical information.

Practical Verification Steps

The following steps help ensure that the oil you put into your S5 is appropriate and safe for the engine and warranty.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the engine oil section specifying VW 502 00 or 504 00 and recommended viscosities.
2. Look at the oil filler cap: Many Audi caps explicitly list “VW 502 00” or another required spec.
3. Read the bottle label carefully: Confirm it states “VW 502 00” or “VW 504 00/507 00” in the manufacturer approvals, not just “recommended for” or generic European spec language.
4. Use the latest product data sheet (PDS): Check the oil maker’s website; approvals sometimes change with reformulations.
5. Ask the dealer or independent Audi specialist: They can confirm current factory recommendations and local climate considerations.

By confirming approval codes rather than relying on brand reputation alone, you significantly reduce the risk of using an incompatible oil in this high-performance engine.

Special Considerations for Performance and Warranty

The S5’s turbocharged engine may be driven more aggressively than a typical commuter car, and many owners are especially concerned with maintaining performance, avoiding carbon buildup, and protecting their investment.

Driving Style, Modifications, and Oil Choice

How you use the car can influence how strictly you adhere to the top end of Audi’s interval range and which viscosity you prefer.

• Spirited or track driving: Shorter intervals and higher-robustness 0W-40 or 5W-40 oils with VW 502 00 approval are often favored.
• Tuned or modified engines: Extra power increases stress and heat; many tuners advise more frequent oil changes and sticking to high-quality 40-weight synthetics with the proper VW approvals.
• Warranty considerations: During warranty coverage, using oils that do not meet the specified VW standard can jeopardize coverage if engine issues arise.
• Oil consumption monitoring: Turbocharged engines can consume small amounts of oil; check levels between changes and top up only with the same spec oil.

Matching your maintenance habits to how the car is actually driven—rather than solely following maximum interval claims—pays off in both performance consistency and engine longevity.

Summary

The 2018 Audi S5’s 3.0L turbocharged V6 is designed to run on high-quality fully synthetic oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards. In most markets, you should use a VW 502 00–approved synthetic oil, typically in 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity, while some regions and service programs call for VW 504 00 oils in 0W-30 or 5W-30 grades. The key is to verify that the bottle explicitly lists the required VW approval, match the viscosity to your climate and driving style, and follow sensible oil change intervals—often 5,000–10,000 miles with a new filter each time. Confirming details in the owner’s manual, on the oil filler cap and via current product data ensures that the oil you choose will properly protect your Audi S5’s engine and maintain both performance and reliability.