What Type of Oil Does My Audi Q5 Take?

Your Audi Q5 typically requires a full-synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00—with a viscosity like 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 depending on model year and engine. To choose the correct oil, you must match both the required VW specification in your owner’s manual and the recommended viscosity for your specific engine and climate.

Why the Exact Oil Specification Matters for an Audi Q5

The Audi Q5’s engines—whether 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, 3.0 TDI, or newer mild-hybrid variants—are engineered around precise lubrication requirements. Using the wrong oil can lead to increased wear, timing chain issues, turbocharger problems, or even voided warranty coverage. Audi (and parent company Volkswagen) therefore approves oils to internal standards like VW 502 00, 504 00, 505 00, 505 01, and 507 00, which go beyond simple viscosity ratings such as 5W-30.

Main Oil Standards for the Audi Q5

To understand which oil your Audi Q5 needs, it helps to break down the VW oil standards commonly associated with different engines and model years.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The following list outlines the VW oil standards most frequently relevant to the Audi Q5 and what they are typically used for.

• VW 502 00 – High-performance gasoline engines, widely used on many older and mid-2010s Q5 2.0 TFSI and 3.2/3.0 TFSI engines for fixed or flexible service intervals.
• VW 504 00 – Long-life synthetic oil for modern gasoline engines with extended service intervals; often used on newer Q5 petrol engines.
• VW 505 00 – Older diesel engines without advanced after-treatment; less common on modern Q5 models.
• VW 505 01 – Certain diesel engines with unit injectors (PD); relevant to some older VW/Audi diesels, but rarely for Q5s in North America.
• VW 507 00 – Low-ash “LongLife” oil for modern diesels with DPF (diesel particulate filter), including many Q5 TDI engines.

In practical terms, most modern gasoline Q5 models will call for VW 502 00 or 504 00 oil, while diesel Q5s will generally require VW 507 00. Always verify the exact code in your owner’s manual or on the oil-filler cap decal, as markets and model years differ.

Typical Oil Requirements by Audi Q5 Generation

Because the Q5 has been produced since 2008 with multiple engines and generations, oil requirements can vary significantly. The following overview summarizes the most common patterns; your manual remains the final authority.

First Generation (Typ 8R, approx. 2009–2017)

The first-generation Q5 introduced a wide range of gasoline and diesel engines. The oils used reflect that variety and the evolution of VW specifications over the decade.

• 2.0 TFSI gasoline (early 8R models): Commonly VW 502 00 / 5W-40 or 5W-30 full synthetic. Some regions allowed VW 504 00 for extended service intervals.
• 3.2 FSI gasoline: Often VW 502 00 with 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and local recommendations.
• 3.0 TFSI gasoline (supercharged, SQ5 in some markets): Typically VW 502 00, full synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30.
• 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI diesel: Usually VW 507 00 low-ash oil, generally 5W-30, designed for DPF-equipped engines and longer change intervals.

Owners of first-generation Q5s should pay close attention to engine code and region-specific guidance, as some markets promoted extended “LongLife” intervals using VW 504 00/507 00, while others specified fixed intervals with VW 502 00/505 00 oils.

Second Generation (Typ FY, approx. 2018–Present)

The second-generation Q5 brought more efficient engines, mild-hybrid systems, and stricter emissions rules, which in turn tightened oil requirements.

• 2.0 TFSI gasoline (including 45 TFSI, 40 TFSI designations): Commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, usually in 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 viscosities depending on model year and market. Many newer models trend toward 0W-20 or 0W-30 to boost fuel economy.
• 3.0 TFSI gasoline / SQ5: Typically VW 504 00 or VW 502 00 full-synthetic oil, often 0W-30 or 5W-30; performance variants may favor slightly thicker grades such as 5W-30 or 5W-40 in hotter climates.
• 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI diesel (where available): Almost always VW 507 00, low-ash 5W-30 long-life oil for DPF-equipped engines.
• Plug-in hybrid Q5 TFSI e: The gasoline engine portion typically follows VW 502 00 or 504 00 specifications, again with 0W-20 or 0W-30 often recommended for efficiency.

As Audi has moved toward lower-viscosity, long-life oils on the FY generation, adhering exactly to the label “VW 504 00/507 00” or “VW 502 00” has become even more critical than the specific 0W/5W number alone.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Q5

Even within the same model year, two Q5s can require different oils based on engine, region, or emission package. Verifying the correct product is therefore a multi-step process.

Check Your Owner’s Manual and Labels

The simplest and most reliable way to confirm the right oil is to consult the documentation and visual labels that came with your vehicle.

• Owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine Oil” section, which will list the exact VW standard (e.g., “Use only VW 504 00/507 00 approved oil”). This specification is more important than brand or viscosity alone.
• Service booklet or digital service schedule: May specify whether your car is set up for fixed (time/distance) intervals or variable “LongLife” intervals, which affects whether VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 is recommended.
• Oil filler cap and under-hood labels: Many Q5s have a small decal near the filler cap or on the radiator support that repeats the VW oil standard.
• MIS (Multi-Information Screen) / MMI: Some models display oil interval information that hints whether you are on a LongLife schedule (more common with VW 504 00/507 00 oils).

These sources are tailored to your exact VIN and market, so they override generic advice—even recommendations from parts catalogs or non-specialist garages.

Match the VW Specification on the Oil Bottle

Once you know which VW spec you need, your next task is to choose a product that explicitly states compliance with that standard.

• Look for explicit approval wording: The label should say “VW 502 00 approved,” “VW 504 00/507 00 approved,” or list the codes under “Approvals.” Not all “VW suitable” or “meets requirements” claims are equal—true approvals are best.
• Confirm viscosity: Match the recommended viscosity in your manual (for example 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40). Audi’s newer engines often specify 0W-20 or 0W-30 for cold starts and efficiency.
• Use reputable brands: Audi dealers commonly use Castrol, but brands like Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, Total, Motul, and others also offer VW-approved oils.
• Beware of generic “European car formula” labels: These sometimes match the viscosity but not the exact VW code; without the code, they may not meet Audi’s warranty requirements.

Checking both the VW code and viscosity ensures your oil truly fits your Audi Q5’s engineering and service expectations, rather than relying on guesswork or approximations.

Common Viscosity Grades for Audi Q5 Engines

The viscosity rating—such as 0W-20 or 5W-40—describes how the oil flows at cold and hot temperatures. Audi selects specific viscosities to balance performance, fuel economy, and engine protection.

Typical Viscosity Ranges

The following overview shows viscosity grades you are likely to see recommended for different Q5 generations and climates.

• 0W-20: Increasingly used in newer 2.0 TFSI engines and some hybrid models to maximize fuel efficiency and cold-start performance. Only use if explicitly specified (or allowed as an alternative) in your manual.
• 0W-30: A common long-life grade for modern VW 504 00/507 00 oils; suitable across a wide temperature range and often factory-fill for newer Q5 models.
• 5W-30: Historically the most common grade across both gasoline and diesel Q5 engines, particularly when paired with VW 502 00 or 507 00 approvals; offers a good balance of protection and economy.
• 5W-40: Sometimes preferred in older or higher-mileage engines, hotter climates, or performance variants (like SQ5) where added high-temperature protection is desirable, provided the manual allows it.

Viscosity should always be chosen within the options Audi lists for your engine; going significantly thicker or thinner than recommended may reduce efficiency or increase wear, especially with tight-clearance modern engines and turbochargers.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Regimes

The type of oil your Q5 requires is closely linked to how often it is designed to be changed. Audi uses both fixed (time/mileage) and variable “LongLife” service intervals depending on market, driving pattern, and oil standard.

Fixed vs. LongLife Intervals

Understanding your service regime helps you choose and manage the correct oil over time.

• Fixed intervals: Typically around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first (check your manual for exact figures). These often pair with VW 502 00 oils in some regions.
• LongLife / variable intervals: Can extend up to roughly 18,000–20,000 miles (30,000+ km) or 2 years, but are determined by on-board monitoring and driving style. These usually require VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) oils.
• Severe driving conditions: Frequent short trips, stop-and-go traffic, extreme heat or cold, or heavy towing can justify shorter intervals, even with long-life oils.
• Warranty considerations: In and out of warranty, following the manufacturer’s specified interval and oil standard provides the best protection in case of engine issues.

Regardless of the theoretical maximum interval, many independent specialists recommend oil changes closer to 7,500–10,000 miles (or yearly) for turbocharged engines to maintain optimal longevity.

What If I Don’t Know My Exact Engine or Model Year?

If you’re uncertain about your Q5’s exact specifications, there are still reliable ways to obtain the right oil recommendation.

Steps to Get an Exact Oil Recommendation

When information is incomplete, the following actions can help you identify the correct oil with confidence.

1. Use your VIN: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number to an Audi dealer or trusted parts supplier; they can pull the exact oil spec and part numbers for your car.
2. Check the service history: Past invoices from dealers or specialists often list the oil type and VW specification used previously.
3. Consult the MMI or cluster: Some systems list service type and remaining oil life, which may hint at LongLife versus fixed interval setups.
4. Ask an Audi-focused workshop: Independent Audi/VW specialists are typically familiar with the standard oils for your generation and regional market.

Combining VIN-based data with professional advice ensures you do not rely on generic “one-size-fits-all” suggestions that might miss crucial VW approval requirements.

Can You Mix Different Oils in an Audi Q5?

In emergencies, topping up with a different oil that meets at least the same VW standard is usually acceptable, but mixing specifications or viscosities should be minimized.

Guidelines for Topping Up Oil

If you must mix oils, certain precautions reduce the risk of problems.

• Match the VW code if possible: If your car uses VW 504 00/507 00, topping up with another oil that also has 504 00/507 00 approval is ideal.
• Stay close in viscosity: Topping up 0W-30 with 5W-30 is less problematic than mixing 0W-20 with 5W-40, for instance.
• Use it as a temporary solution: After emergency mixing, consider a full oil change at the next convenient opportunity.
• Avoid non-approved products: Do not top up with non-synthetic or generic oils that lack the VW approval your engine requires.

While modern oils are generally compatible, best practice is to maintain consistency with the originally recommended VW specification and viscosity for your Audi Q5.

Summary

Your Audi Q5 requires a full-synthetic oil that specifically meets Audi/VW standards such as VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00, with a viscosity usually in the 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 range depending on engine and model year. First-generation Q5 gasoline engines typically use VW 502 00 oils, while many diesels require VW 507 00. Second-generation models increasingly rely on VW 504 00/507 00 long-life oils at lower viscosities like 0W-20 or 0W-30. The most reliable way to be certain is to read the owner’s manual, check under-hood labels, or consult an Audi dealer using your VIN, then choose a reputable full-synthetic oil whose label clearly states the matching VW approval and recommended viscosity.

Can I use 5W-30 in Audi Q5?

Yes, 5W-30 oil can be used in your Audi if it meets the VW/Audi oil quality standards specified for your engine type. Always consult your owner’s manual for the correct specifications to ensure optimal performance and protection.

What happens if I use 5W-30 instead of 5W-40?

5w40 offers thicker, high-temperature protection for hot areas, while 5w30 flows better for colder climates and improves fuel mileage. For high mileage engines, 5w40’s slightly thicker consistency may help to reduce leaks.

What oil should I put in my Audi Q5?

Castrol – GTX High Mileage 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Engine Oil, Protects Against Sludge, 5 Quart (Part No. 1597C4)

Which 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.