What Type of Oil Does a 2011 Audi A4 Take?

A 2011 Audi A4 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 specifications, most commonly 5W-40 in many markets, though 5W-30 can also be used if it meets the correct Audi/VW approval. The exact oil type can depend on the specific engine (gasoline vs. diesel) and regional climate, but compatibility with VW 502 00 (or the appropriate VW spec for diesel engines) is the critical requirement.

Understanding the Oil Requirements for the 2011 Audi A4

The 2011 Audi A4 was sold with several engine variants worldwide, and while viscosity grades can vary slightly based on climate and engine type, Audi’s official oil specification is the key factor. Owners should prioritize using oil that carries the correct VW/Audi approval over simply matching the viscosity printed on generic bottles.

Official Audi/VW Oil Specifications

The most reliable way to pick the right oil is to match the Volkswagen (VW) approval number rather than just the viscosity. These specifications ensure the oil has passed Audi/VW tests for wear protection, sludge control, turbocharger compatibility, and extended drain intervals.

• VW 502 00: Main specification for most 2011 Audi A4 gasoline engines (including the 2.0 TFSI in North America and many global markets). Requires high-quality fully synthetic oil.
• VW 504 00 / 507 00: Long-life, low-ash oils used in some markets and with certain engines, particularly where extended service intervals (LongLife Service) or specific emissions systems are in place. More commonly seen in Europe.
• VW 505 01 / 507 00 (diesel models): For 2011 A4 TDI engines, especially those with diesel particulate filters (DPF). VW 507 00 is a low-SAPS oil designed to protect emissions components.

In practice, most North American 2011 Audi A4 gasoline owners will look for bottles labeled with VW 502 00 approval, while European and diesel owners should double-check for VW 504 00/507 00 or the diesel-specific spec listed in their owner’s manual.

Recommended Viscosity Grades

Once the correct VW specification is identified, the next step is choosing a viscosity grade suited to typical driving conditions and climate. Audi generally approves more than one viscosity option, provided it meets the correct spec.

Common Viscosities for the 2011 Audi A4 (Gasoline Engines)

The most commonly recommended viscosities for the 2011 A4’s gasoline engines (such as the 2.0 TFSI) are chosen to balance cold-start protection and high-temperature performance.

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00): Widely recommended and often considered the default choice in many markets. Offers robust protection under highway and spirited driving, and adequate cold-start performance in most climates.
• 5W-30 (VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00): Acceptable where specified by Audi, often used in regions with moderate climates and where fuel-economy-optimized or long-life oils are common. Must still have the correct VW approval.
• Other viscosities (0W-40, 0W-30 with VW approval): In very cold climates, a 0W-30 or 0W-40 that meets VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 can improve cold-start performance while maintaining high-temp protection.

While 5W-40 VW 502 00 is generally a safe, broadly accepted choice for a 2011 A4 gasoline engine, owners in extreme climates or on long-life service intervals should verify the viscosity guidance in their regional owner’s manual.

Viscosity for Diesel (TDI) Versions

For 2011 Audi A4 TDI engines, oil selection must account for modern emissions systems, including diesel particulate filters.

• 5W-30 (VW 507 00): Commonly specified for many TDI engines with DPF. This is a low-ash, fully synthetic oil designed to protect both the engine and emissions system.
• Alternative viscosities (e.g., 0W-30) with VW 507 00: In colder regions, 0W-30 meeting VW 507 00 may be approved by Audi, providing better cold-weather starts while preserving DPF compatibility.

Diesel owners should be particularly careful not to substitute generic diesel oil for a VW 507 00-approved product, as incorrect oil can shorten the life of the DPF and other emissions components.

Recognizing Suitable Brands and Labels

Many major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic products that meet VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 specifications. The key is to look for the VW approval printed explicitly on the bottle, rather than relying on terms like “Euro formula” or “for European cars.”

• Common brands: Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell (Helix), TotalEnergies, Motul, and others offer VW-approved synthetic oils.
• Label wording: Look for a line such as “VW 502 00/505 00 approved” or “VW 504 00/507 00 approved.” Phrases like “Recommended for” or “Suitable for” without explicit “approved to VW 502 00” are not equivalent to certification.
• Audi-branded oil: Dealer-supplied oil is usually a rebranded product from a major oil company that conforms to the correct VW spec; part numbers vary by region but always match the specification in the owner’s manual.

By prioritizing the VW approval on the label rather than just viscosity or marketing claims, owners can confidently select third-party oils that are fully compatible with their 2011 Audi A4.

Oil Capacity and Service Intervals

Knowing the correct oil capacity and change interval is as important as choosing the right type, particularly for engines like Audi’s 2.0 TFSI, which are sensitive to oil level and quality.

Approximate Oil Capacity

The exact capacity can vary slightly by engine and market, but there are general figures that apply to most 2011 A4 variants.

• 2.0 TFSI (gasoline): Approximately 4.6–5.0 liters (about 4.9–5.3 US quarts) with filter change. The final fill should always be checked and adjusted using the dipstick or MMI display, depending on the car’s equipment.
• Diesel engines (TDI): Typically in the 4.3–5.0 liter range, again depending on exact engine code. Always confirm via the owner’s manual or a trusted service database.

These capacities are guidelines, not absolute figures; topping off gradually and re-checking the level is essential to avoid overfilling.

Service Interval Considerations

The 2011 Audi A4 may be set up for fixed or flexible service intervals depending on region and configuration.

• Fixed interval (common in North America): Typically around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, when using VW 502 00 oil.
• Flexible/LongLife interval (more common in Europe): Up to approximately 18,000–19,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years under ideal conditions, requiring VW 504 00/507 00 approved oil and proper service settings.
• Severe use: Frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy traffic, or spirited driving may justify more frequent changes than the maximum interval specified.

Following the stricter of the official interval or your usage-based judgment is a practical way to protect the engine, especially on older vehicles where wear and deposits can accumulate.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2011 A4

Because the 2011 Audi A4 range includes multiple engines and regional differences, the final authority is the documentation specific to your vehicle.

• Owner’s manual: Lists the exact VW oil spec (e.g., 502 00, 504 00/507 00) and recommended viscosities for your engine and climate.
• Service booklet or dealer records: May indicate whether the car is configured for fixed or LongLife service intervals, which affects which oil spec is preferred.
• VIN-based lookup: An Audi dealer or reputable online parts catalog can identify your engine code and oil requirements from the VIN.

Taking a moment to cross-check your car’s specific engine code and documentation can prevent mistakes and ensure that the oil you buy is fully compatible with your particular A4 configuration.

Summary

The 2011 Audi A4 generally uses fully synthetic engine oil that meets official Audi/VW specifications, with VW 502 00 being the primary requirement for most gasoline engines and VW 507 00 (or related diesel specs) for TDI models. For a typical 2011 A4 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, a 5W-40 fully synthetic oil carrying VW 502 00 approval is a widely accepted and manufacturer-aligned choice, while some regions may use 5W-30 or long-life oils that meet VW 504 00/507 00. Diesel variants usually require low-ash 5W-30 oils approved to VW 507 00 to protect emissions systems. Owners should always verify the exact VW spec and viscosity recommendations in the owner’s manual or via a VIN-based lookup to ensure proper engine protection and compliance with Audi’s standards.