What Oil to Use on an Audi A3

The correct oil for an Audi A3 is usually a fully synthetic 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 that meets VW/Audi’s own specifications (such as VW 504 00 / 507 00 for most modern petrol and diesel engines), but the exact choice depends on your A3’s model year, engine type, and service schedule. Understanding the manufacturer standards, climate, and your driving style is essential to picking the right oil and protecting the engine over the long term.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi A3

The Audi A3 is engineered with tight tolerances, turbocharged engines, and often long service intervals, all of which place high demands on engine oil. Choosing the correct specification isn’t just about viscosity; it’s about ensuring compatibility with turbochargers, emissions systems (like particulate filters and catalytic converters), and Audi’s “LongLife” flexible service intervals common in Europe.

The Key Standards: VW 504 00, 507 00 and Others

Audi, under the Volkswagen Group, uses its own internal oil specifications that go beyond generic API and ACEA ratings. These VW standards are the most important thing to match before worrying about brand names.

Most Modern Audi A3 Models (Approx. 2007–Present)

For most third- and fourth-generation Audi A3 models (including current 8V and 8Y platforms) with TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, the go‑to standard is VW 504 00 / 507 00. This is especially relevant for cars with gasoline particulate filters (GPF) or diesel particulate filters (DPF), and for markets where long service intervals are used.

Below is a list summarizing the most common VW oil specs used on recent Audi A3 engines and when they generally apply.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Universal low‑SAPs spec for many modern petrol and diesel engines, including those with GPF/DPF; often the default for LongLife flexible service intervals.
• VW 502 00: High‑performance petrol engines without extended drain intervals; often used for fixed annual/10,000–15,000 km (6,000–10,000 mile) services.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel and pump‑duse (PD) diesel engines in earlier A3 generations; typically with shorter fixed intervals.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00: Newer ultra‑low viscosity (e.g., 0W‑20) oils used in some latest-generation VW/Audi engines for efficiency; only use where explicitly specified in the manual.

Understanding which VW standard your specific engine requires is more important than simply choosing a well-known oil brand, as using the wrong spec may affect engine longevity and emissions system performance.

Typical Viscosity Grades for the Audi A3

While the VW spec is the primary requirement, viscosity still matters for cold starts, climate, and fuel economy. Most Audi A3 models are designed around mid-range multi‑grade oils that flow well in cold conditions yet protect at high operating temperatures.

The following list outlines the most commonly recommended viscosity grades for the Audi A3 and the situations in which they are typically used.

• 5W‑30: The most common grade for many 504 00 / 507 00 oils; widely recommended for modern A3 petrol and diesel engines in moderate climates.
• 0W‑30: Favored in colder climates for better cold starts while still meeting 504 00 / 507 00; often recommended where winter temperatures fall well below freezing.
• 0W‑20 / 5W‑20: Used only in select newer engines approved for VW 508 00 / 509 00 oils; improves efficiency but must not be used in engines not designed for it.
• 5W‑40: Sometimes specified for older petrol or diesel A3 models under VW 502 00 / 505 00 or 505 01 requirements, or in hot climates when allowed by the manual.

Sticking to the viscosity grades listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil-cap/under‑hood label is crucial; going too thin or too thick outside what’s approved can affect wear, fuel economy, and warranty coverage.

Finding the Right Oil for Your Specific Audi A3

The Audi A3 has been sold in multiple generations (8L, 8P, 8V, 8Y) and with a wide range of engines—from small 1.0 TFSI three‑cylinders to larger 2.0 TFSI and high‑output S3/RS3 variants, plus several diesel options. Each combination may have slightly different oil requirements.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm the Correct Oil

The steps below outline a simple process to determine exactly which oil is right for your particular A3, even if you don’t have dealership support nearby.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” or “Lubricants and fluids” section; Audi lists the required VW norm (e.g., 504 00 / 507 00) and acceptable viscosity ranges.
2. Inspect the oil cap and engine bay labels: Many A3s have a reminder of the required VW spec on the oil cap or under‑hood sticker.
3. Confirm by model year and engine code: If the manual is missing, use the VIN or engine code (e.g., CAXA, CZEA, etc.) and consult an Audi dealer or reputable parts catalog.
4. Match the VW spec on the oil label: When shopping, ignore generic “suitable for VW” wording and look specifically for “VW 504 00 / 507 00” (or the spec your manual calls for) printed in the approvals list.
5. Consider your service regime: If your car is set for LongLife flexible intervals, stick strictly to LongLife‑approved oils (504/507); for fixed annual/shorter intervals, 502 00 or 505‑series oils may be permitted depending on the engine.

By following these checks rather than relying solely on general advice or what’s cheapest on the shelf, you significantly reduce the risk of using an unsuitable oil that could harm your engine or emissions system.

Petrol vs Diesel Audi A3: Oil Requirements

Different engine types in the A3 range have distinct demands, particularly when it comes to emissions hardware like DPF and GPF systems. Choosing a compatible low‑SAPs oil is often mandatory on newer engines.

Petrol (TFSI/TSI) Engines

Modern petrol Audi A3s, especially turbocharged TFSI units, often share oil requirements with diesels because they, too, may be fitted with particulate filters. This means low‑ash oils that protect the filter and catalytic converter.

The following list breaks down typical petrol engine oil requirements by general era and technology.

• Recent TFSI with GPF (8V facelift and 8Y): Usually require VW 504 00 with low‑SAPs formulations; 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 fully synthetic.
• Older TFSI/FSI without particulate filter: Often VW 502 00 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 fully synthetic, sometimes 504 00 if LongLife servicing is enabled.
• High‑performance S3/RS3 engines: Typically require VW 502 00 or 504 00 in higher‑stability synthetic oils; many owners and tuners prefer 5W‑40 within the approved range for track or hard use, if allowed by Audi.

Because turbocharged petrol engines can be demanding on oil due to high temperatures and shear forces, it is especially important not to downgrade to cheaper mineral or semi‑synthetic oils or unapproved viscosities.

Diesel (TDI) Engines

Diesel Audi A3 models, particularly those equipped with DPFs, require low‑ash oils to prevent filter blockage and maintain emissions performance. Using the wrong oil can shorten DPF life and lead to costly repairs.

The list below outlines common diesel oil requirements by technology and age.

• Modern common‑rail TDI with DPF: Typically VW 504 00 / 507 00, 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 fully synthetic LongLife oils.
• Older TDI without DPF: Often VW 505 00 (standard) or 505 01 for PD (pump‑duse) injectors, usually 5W‑40 synthetic; these engines should not generally use 504/507 unless specifically approved.
• High-mileage or heavy-use diesels: Sticking with the correct VW spec remains essential; in some markets and older engines, 5W‑40 within 505 01 or 502/505 approvals can provide extra robustness when allowed by the manual.

Since diesel engines are especially sensitive to ash and soot accumulation, matching the VW norm precisely is often even more crucial than on petrol variants, particularly where DPFs are fitted.

LongLife vs Fixed Service Intervals

Many Audi A3s in Europe and some other regions are configured for “LongLife” flexible intervals, where oil change timing is determined by driving conditions and can extend to roughly 30,000 km (about 18,000–19,000 miles) or two years. In other markets, fixed annual or mileage-based service intervals are more common.

The following points highlight how service regimes affect which oil you should buy.

• LongLife (flexible) services: Require LongLife-approved oils such as VW 504 00 / 507 00; these are formulated for extended drain intervals and low‑SAPs performance.
• Fixed interval services: May permit VW 502 00 or 505 00 / 505 01 depending on the engine; oil changes occur more frequently (e.g., every 12 months or 10,000–15,000 km).
• Switching from LongLife to fixed: Many owners of older A3s choose to move from LongLife to annual fixed services for peace of mind, especially on turbocharged engines; in that case, you can still use 504/507 or switch to 502/505 if approved for your engine.

Choosing an oil designed for your specific service interval ensures both adequate protection and that the oil’s additives are not overstressed before the next change is due.

Recommended Brands and How to Read the Label

Audi’s branded oils are produced by major manufacturers, but you do not need to buy the dealer’s own label as long as the product meets the correct VW specification. Reputable brands like Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, Motul and others offer multiple VW‑approved options.

The list below explains how to interpret labels so you don’t get misled by vague marketing claims.

• Look for “VW 504 00 / 507 00” (or your spec) in the approvals section: This should appear clearly under “Approvals” or “Specifications;” not just “recommended for.”
• Confirm the viscosity grade: Check that it matches what your manual allows (e.g., 5W‑30, 0W‑30); avoid guessing based on climate alone.
• Ignore generic claims like “meets the requirements of…” unless they specifically list the VW norm; genuine approvals are usually certified and listed explicitly.
• Prefer fully synthetic oils: For virtually all modern A3 engines, fully synthetic is required or strongly recommended; avoid mineral or semi-synthetic blends unless specifically allowed in older models.

By focusing on what’s printed in the approvals section rather than the marketing slogans on the front of the bottle, you ensure you’re buying an oil truly tested and validated against Audi/VW’s standards.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Even with high‑quality synthetic oils, regular changes are critical to keeping an Audi A3 engine healthy, especially in turbocharged variants or cars used mainly in urban stop‑start traffic.

The following list outlines practical tips for timing changes and caring for your engine oil.

• Follow the onboard service indicator: For LongLife systems, the car’s computer assesses driving conditions and alerts you when an oil change is due.
• Consider shorter intervals for severe use: Frequent short trips, heavy loads, or spirited driving can justify changing oil earlier than the maximum interval, even with LongLife oils.
• Check oil level regularly: Some TFSI engines are known to consume small amounts of oil; check at least monthly and before long trips, topping up only with the correct spec oil.
• Replace the oil filter every time: Always change the filter with the oil; using an OEM or high‑quality equivalent helps maintain proper filtration and oil pressure.

Thoughtful maintenance—rather than just following the bare minimum intervals—can significantly extend engine life and protect expensive components such as turbochargers and particulate filters.

Regional and Model-Year Variations

While VW 504 00 / 507 00 is a global standard for many recent Audi A3 models, variations can exist by market (Europe, North America, Asia) and by specific engine code or emissions standard (Euro 4, Euro 5, Euro 6, etc.).

The points below highlight why you should always cross‑check local documentation.

• North American models: Some U.S. and Canadian A3s may have slightly different recommendations or intervals due to EPA/market requirements; always consult the region‑specific manual.
• Older generations (8L, early 8P): Pre‑DPF diesels and early petrol engines might rely more heavily on VW 502 00 / 505 00 / 505 01 oils with 5W‑40 viscosity.
• Latest ultra‑efficiency engines: Engines explicitly requiring VW 508 00 / 509 00 will specify 0W‑20; these oils are not backward compatible with older engines unless clearly allowed.

Because of these subtle differences, two Audi A3s with similar badges but different model years or markets can legitimately use different oils, making it vital to verify with the correct documentation.

Summary

For most modern Audi A3 models, the correct oil is a fully synthetic 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 that carries the VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, particularly when the car uses LongLife service intervals or features petrol/diesel particulate filters. Older engines may instead require VW 502 00, 505 00 or 505 01 oils, sometimes in 5W‑40 viscosity. The decisive factor is always the VW specification in your owner’s manual or on the under‑hood labels, not just the viscosity or brand name. By matching that spec, using reputable fully synthetic oil, changing it at appropriate intervals, and checking levels regularly, you ensure your Audi A3’s engine and emissions systems remain protected and reliable over the long term.

What oil does the 2018 Audi A3 use?

The 2018 Audi A3 typically uses either 5W-40 full synthetic or 0W-20 full synthetic oil, depending on the specific engine type. It is crucial to use a full synthetic oil that meets the correct Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle’s engine. For the 2.0T engine without the B-cycle, 5W-40 is common, while engines with the B-cycle may require 0W-20. Always check your owner’s manual for the exact recommendation. 
Oil type and specifications

• Engine without B-cycle (e.g., 2.0T):
  • Oil Type: Full synthetic 
  • Viscosity: 5W-40 
  • Specification: Must meet the VW 502 00 standard 
• Engine with B-cycle (e.g., 2.0T B-Cycle):
  • Oil Type: Full synthetic 
  • Viscosity: 0W-20 
  • Specification: Must meet the VW 508 00 standard 
• Sportback e-tron (1.4L engine):
  • Oil Type: Synthetic oil that meets the applicable Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standard 
  • Viscosity: 5W-40 

How to confirm the correct oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle’s oil requirements.
• Look for the engine code: Check the label under the hood or your vehicle’s documentation for the engine code to determine if it uses the B-cycle. 

What oil do I put in an Audi A3?

The Audi A3 oil type depends on the model year, but common recommendations include 5W-30, 5W-40, or 0W-20, with 5W-30 being a frequent choice for many models. It is crucial to consult your owner’s manual or the oil filler cap for the specific viscosity and, most importantly, the required oil quality specification (like VW 502 00 or VW 508 00) for your engine.
 
Common Audi A3 oil types

• 5W-30: A very common and often recommended oil for many A3 engines, suitable for a wide range of temperatures. 
• 5W-40: An excellent choice for warmer climates or turbocharged engines, providing extra protection. 
• 0W-20: Often specified for newer models with specific engine designs, especially those with the B-Cycle engine. 

How to choose the right oil

1. Check your owner’s manual: This is the definitive source for your vehicle’s specific requirements. 
2. Look at the oil filler cap: Many caps have the recommended viscosity printed on them. 
3. Match the oil quality standard: Simply matching the viscosity isn’t enough. The oil must meet a specific Audi/VW quality standard (e.g., VW 502 00 or VW 508 00). 
4. Consider your climate: While 5W-30 is common, 5W-40 might offer better protection in very hot weather, while 0W-30 can be better in very cold weather. 
5. Use full synthetic: For most modern Audi engines, a full synthetic oil is the best choice for optimal performance and protection. 

What type of oil does Audi recommend?

Audi engines require full-synthetic oil, with common types being 5W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-40, though the specific type depends on the model and climate. The correct oil must meet specific Audi/VW specifications, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or LL-01, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification recommended for your vehicle. 
Common Audi oil types

• 5W-30: A common choice that balances fuel efficiency and wear protection, suitable for many engines in moderate climates.
• 0W-40: Excellent for cold climates because it provides better cold-start protection.
• 5W-40: Often recommended for higher-performance models and turbocharged engines, as it offers good protection in warmer climates. 

Why full-synthetic oil is crucial

• Audi engines are designed for the superior performance of synthetic oil. 
• Conventional oil can break down too quickly, leading to poor lubrication, sludge buildup, and potential damage to the engine and turbocharger. 

How to find the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as it lists the exact viscosity and specification required for your engine. 
• Look for Audi/VW specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi or Volkswagen approval number, such as VW 502 00, VW 505.00, or LL-04. 
• Consider your climate: Choose a viscosity grade that is appropriate for your local temperature conditions. 

Is Audi A3 5w30 or 5w40?

Oil Viscosity Recommendations
Audi A3 engines typically require: SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines. SAE 5W-40: Provides additional protection in warmer climates or for turbocharged engines.