What Type of Oil Does My Audi A4 Take?

Your Audi A4 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or VW 508 00 specifications, with the most common viscosity grades being 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year and engine. To choose correctly, you must match both the VW approval code and viscosity grade listed in your owner’s manual or on the under‑hood sticker.

Understanding Audi A4 Oil Requirements

The question of which oil your Audi A4 takes is more complex than just picking a viscosity like 5W-30. Modern Audis use specific oil formulations certified by Volkswagen Group. These oils are engineered to work with turbocharged engines, extended service intervals, and emissions systems such as particulate filters and catalytic converters. Using the wrong oil can increase wear, cause deposits, or even void warranty coverage on newer cars.

The Most Common Oil Specs for Audi A4 by Generation

Audi A4 models differ by generation and engine, but they share one principle: the oil must meet a VW/Audi approval standard (e.g., VW 502 00). The viscosity (0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-40) comes second, after the approval spec.

B9 and B9.5 Audi A4 (2017–Present, including 2025)

For current and recent-generation A4 models, Audi has shifted toward low-viscosity oils and longer service intervals, especially on mild-hybrid and newer turbo engines. Most North American B9 A4s use a 2.0 TFSI four‑cylinder engine, but exact oil requirements can vary slightly by year and emissions regulations.

The following list outlines typical oil specifications and viscosity grades used on B9/B9.5 Audi A4 models in many markets; always confirm with your owner’s manual or dealer because regional variations exist.

• 2017–2019 A4 (2.0 TFSI, many markets): Fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where specified), commonly in 5W-40 or 0W-30 grades.
• 2020–2022 A4 (facelift in some regions): Increasing use of low-friction oils; many models require oils meeting VW 504 00 or VW 508 00, with viscosities like 0W-20 or 0W-30.
• 2023–2025 A4 (2.0 TFSI mild-hybrid where equipped): Typically specified for VW 508 00 (gasoline) with 0W-20 viscosity, optimized for fuel economy and emissions.
• Diesel variants (TDI, where sold): Usually require oils meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 in low-ash formulations such as 5W-30.

These specifications reflect Audi’s move toward thinner, fuel-efficient oils approved by VW Group; however, your car’s build date, engine code, and market can change the exact requirement, making the manual the final authority.

B8 and B8.5 Audi A4 (2009–2016)

The B8 generation, popular for its 2.0 TFSI engine, generally uses slightly thicker synthetic oils than the newest models, but still within VW’s approval framework.

The following list shows the common oil standards and viscosity ranges for B8/B8.5 Audi A4 models, which cover most typical gasoline and diesel engines.

• Gasoline engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, etc.): Fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where specified); often 5W-40 or 5W-30.
• Long-life service intervals (where enabled): Oil must meet VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel), usually in 5W-30.
• Diesel engines (TDI): Typically oils with VW 507 00, low-SAPS formula, most commonly 5W-30.
• Cold climate options: Some manuals permit 0W-30 or 0W-40 oils, provided they still meet the required VW spec.

In practical terms, many independent shops and owners of B8 A4s use a VW 502 00-approved 5W-40 synthetic for gasoline engines and a VW 507 00-approved 5W-30 for diesel, unless the car is set up for flexible (long-life) intervals requiring 504/507 oils.

B7, B6 and Earlier Audi A4 (through 2008)

Older A4 generations, including the B7, B6 and B5, have a mix of naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines such as the 1.8T, 2.0T, and V6 options. These cars are often more tolerant of different viscosity grades but still should use VW-approved synthetic oil, especially for turbocharged engines.

The following list summarizes typical oil choices for older Audi A4 generations, which are often out of factory warranty but still benefit from correct VW-approved oils.

• Gasoline engines (1.8T, early 2.0T, V6): Fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00; common viscosities include 5W-40, 0W-40, or 5W-30 (depending on climate).
• High-mileage engines: Many owners favor slightly thicker oils (e.g., 0W-40 or 5W-40) that still carry the VW 502 00 approval.
• Diesel (TDI) models: Often require VW 505 01 or later specs (such as VW 507 00 on newer TDIs) with viscosities like 5W-30 or 5W-40.
• Sludge-prone engines (notably some early 1.8T): Using high-quality synthetic VW 502 00 oil and strict change intervals is critical to avoid sludge and turbo issues.

Although these older models can physically run on a broad range of oils, sticking with VW-approved formulations helps protect turbos, hydraulic lifters, and seals, especially as the cars age.

How to Find the Exact Oil Spec for Your Specific A4

Because Audi A4 engines, markets, and model years differ, the only precise answer for your car comes from its official documentation and identification labels.

The following steps explain how to accurately determine which oil spec and viscosity your individual Audi A4 needs without guessing or relying only on generic recommendations.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine Oils” or “Service and Maintenance” section. It will list VW approval codes (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 508 00) and sometimes a preferred viscosity.
2. Inspect the under-hood label or oil cap: Many newer A4s have a sticker near the radiator support or on the oil fill cap noting the required spec, such as “VW 508 00 – 0W-20.”
3. Identify your engine code: The engine code (e.g., EA888, CNCD, etc.) appears in service records, the trunk data sticker, or through your dealer. Certain engines have specific oil requirements.
4. Use the VIN at an Audi dealer: Provide your VIN to an Audi service department; they can see the exact engine and recommend the approved oil spec for your build.
5. Consult regional guidance: Some markets (Europe vs. North America vs. Asia) have slightly different approved oils due to emissions rules, so use documentation specific to your region.

By following these steps, you align your oil choice with Audi’s official guidance for your exact car instead of relying on broad, one-size-fits-all suggestions.

VW/Audi Oil Specifications Explained

The VW approval code on the bottle matters more than the brand name. These codes reflect tests for wear protection, deposits, fuel economy, and compatibility with emissions hardware such as gasoline particulate filters (GPF) and diesel particulate filters (DPF).

The list below breaks down the most common VW oil specifications you will encounter when choosing oil for an Audi A4, helping you understand which one applies to your engine and why.

• VW 502 00: High-performance gasoline engines, widely used in older and many mid-2010s A4 models; designed for fixed (non-flexible) service intervals.
• VW 504 00: Long-life gasoline oil for extended service intervals, low-SAPS formulation that can be compatible with emissions systems.
• VW 505 01: Older diesel engines with unit injectors (mostly not relevant for modern A4s, but appears on some early TDIs).
• VW 507 00: Long-life diesel oil with low-SAPS for DPF-equipped TDIs, also used in some mixed-fleet applications.
• VW 508 00: New-generation, low-viscosity (often 0W-20) gasoline oils for modern Audi engines with fuel-efficiency and emissions optimization.

Matching your car’s required VW code with a bottle that clearly lists that same code is the single most important step in choosing the right oil, more critical than the precise viscosity in most cases.

Viscosity: 0W-20 vs 0W-30 vs 5W-40

Once you have the correct VW spec, you can consider viscosity, which describes how thick or thin the oil is at cold and hot temperatures. Audi specifies a primary viscosity but often allows a range based on climate.

The following points outline how the most common viscosities used in Audi A4 models differ in practice and how climate and driving style can affect your choice, provided the oil still meets the required VW spec.

• 0W-20: Very low-viscosity oil used on the newest A4s with VW 508 00 approval; maximizes fuel economy and cold-start performance, typically factory-fill on late-model cars.
• 0W-30: Offers excellent cold-start performance with slightly higher hot viscosity; common for some VW 504 00/507 00 applications and in colder climates.
• 5W-30: Traditional modern synthetic grade; common for VW 504 00/507 00 and some 502 00 oils, widely used in both gasoline and diesel A4s with long-life or fixed intervals.
• 5W-40: Slightly thicker at operating temperature; popular in older or higher‑mileage A4s with VW 502 00 spec, especially in warmer climates or spirited driving.

As long as the oil carries the correct VW approval code, Audi often permits more than one viscosity, so you can tune the choice slightly to your climate and driving style without compromising engine protection.

Top Example Oils That Commonly Meet Audi A4 Specs

Many brands offer VW-approved oils; the key is to look on the label or data sheet for the exact VW code, not just “for European cars.” Availability varies by country, but several well-known options regularly meet Audi A4 requirements.

The following examples show popular product lines that frequently carry VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, or 508 00 approvals; always verify the current approval list on the bottle or manufacturer’s website as formulations change.

• Castrol EDGE / EDGE Professional: Often available in 0W-20 (VW 508 00), 5W-30 (VW 504 00/507 00), and 5W-40 (VW 502 00) variants used by many Audi dealers.
• Mobil 1 ESP & Mobil 1 FS: ESP lines frequently carry VW 504 00/507 00 approvals; some regional 0W-20 or 0W-30 products carry VW 508 00.
• Liqui Moly (e.g., Top Tec, Leichtlauf series): Several 5W-30 and 5W-40 oils are approved for VW 502 00/505 00 or 504 00/507 00, popular among European repair shops.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro: Multiple formulations carry VW 502 00 or VW 504 00/507 00 approvals and are widely distributed.
• TotalEnergies / ELF: Common OEM supplier in Europe, with several VW-approved 5W-30 and 0W-20 oils for Audi/VW vehicles.

These example oils demonstrate that many reputable brands meet Audi’s standards; choosing one comes down to availability, cost, and personal preference, as long as the correct VW approval is printed on the product.

Service Intervals and Why the Right Oil Matters

Audi A4 models may be set up for either fixed or flexible (long-life) service intervals. Newer cars often go up to around 10,000 miles or 15,000 km between changes under normal conditions, though many owners prefer shorter intervals for added protection.

The following points outline how correct oil specification and service intervals interact, and why using the proper oil helps protect your engine, turbo, and emissions system.

• Extended intervals: Long-life oils (VW 504 00, 507 00, 508 00) are formulated to resist breakdown and deposits over time; using a non-approved oil can lead to sludge or varnish.
• Turbocharger protection: Turbocharged A4 engines rely heavily on clean, thermally stable oil; wrong or degraded oil increases risk of coking and turbo failure.
• Emissions system health: Low-SAPS oils (e.g., 504 00/507 00) protect particulate filters and catalytic converters from ash loading and contamination.
• Warranty and resale value: For newer cars, following the factory oil spec helps avoid warranty issues and provides reassuring documentation for future buyers.

Even if your Audi allows long intervals, many enthusiasts change oil more frequently—often around 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km)—while still using the correct VW-approved oil for optimal longevity.

Summary

An Audi A4 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approval codes—most commonly VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, or 508 00—with viscosities like 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year, engine, and region. For late-model A4s, VW 508 00 0W-20 is increasingly standard; for many 2000s–mid-2010s gasoline A4s, VW 502 00 5W-40 or 5W-30 is typical, while TDI versions often require VW 507 00 5W-30. The decisive step is to confirm the exact VW spec and viscosity listed in your owner’s manual, under-hood label, or via your VIN at an Audi dealer, and then choose any reputable brand oil that clearly states that approval on the packaging.