What Type of Oil Does the Audi S4 Take?

The Audi S4 should use high‑quality, fully synthetic engine oil that meets the specific VW/Audi approval standard for its engine generation—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 for older gasoline models and VW 508 00 for the newest mild‑hybrid S4 gasoline engines. The exact viscosity (such as 5W‑40, 0W‑40, or 0W‑20) and approval code depend on model year, engine type, and market, so owners should always confirm with the owner’s manual or an Audi dealer.

Why the “Right Oil” Depends on the S4’s Model Year and Engine

The Audi S4 has evolved through several generations, with significant changes in engine design—from naturally aspirated V8s to supercharged and turbocharged V6 units, and in some markets, high‑output diesel engines. Each powertrain is engineered to work with oil that matches specific viscosity and chemical standards. These standards are defined not just by viscosity grades like 5W‑40, but by official VW/Audi approval codes such as VW 502 00, 504 00, or 508 00, which govern performance, cleanliness, and compatibility with emissions systems.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specifications for the Audi S4

Understanding Audi’s internal oil approval standards is crucial because using oil that only matches viscosity—but not the correct VW spec—can jeopardize warranty coverage and long‑term engine health. Below are the main specifications relevant to recent gasoline S4 models.

• VW 502 00: Traditional high‑performance gasoline engine oil spec. Common for many pre‑WLTP era S4s, especially 3.0 TFSI V6 models up to around the mid‑2010s. Typically used with 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 fully synthetic oils.
• VW 504 00: “Longlife” spec for extended drain intervals on gasoline engines, compatible with many modern direct‑injection engines. Often used in European markets where flexible service intervals are common.
• VW 508 00: New‑generation, low‑viscosity oil spec (often 0W‑20) for the latest high‑efficiency Audi gasoline engines, including newer mild‑hybrid 3.0 TFSI V6 units, to reduce friction and CO₂ emissions.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 (for diesels, where applicable): These appear on some diesel S4 variants (mainly in Europe) and are designed for high‑performance diesel engines with particulate filters.

These approval codes are printed on oil containers from reputable brands; matching them is more important than brand loyalty because they capture the detailed performance and compatibility requirements Audi engineers specify.

Recommended Oil Types by Audi S4 Generation

The exact factory‑recommended oil depends on the specific S4 generation and engine variant. Owners can use the following breakdown as a guide, but should always check the service booklet or owner’s manual for their VIN‑specific recommendation.

B6/B7 Audi S4 (Approx. 2003–2008, 4.2‑Liter V8)

The B6/B7 S4 models were powered by a naturally aspirated 4.2‑liter V8, a relatively high‑revving engine that generates substantial heat. This configuration benefits from slightly thicker, high‑temperature‑resistant oils.

• Oil type: Fully synthetic
• Typical viscosity: 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 (depending on climate)
• VW/Audi approval: VW 502 00 (gasoline engines)
• Service interval: Often around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or annually, but many enthusiasts prefer shorter intervals for this V8.

For these earlier S4s, selecting a high‑quality 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 oil with VW 502 00 approval from a major brand is generally considered the safest approach for engine longevity.

B8/B8.5 Audi S4 (Approx. 2010–2016, 3.0 TFSI Supercharged V6)

The B8 and B8.5 S4 introduced the 3.0‑liter supercharged V6 (3.0 TFSI), a forced‑induction engine that places specific demands on oil due to higher operating pressures and temperatures. These engines are sensitive to deposit formation and require oils that maintain cleanliness and viscosity under stress.

• Oil type: Fully synthetic
• Typical viscosity (North America & many markets): 5W‑40 or 0W‑40
• VW/Audi approval: VW 502 00 most commonly; in some regions with longlife service schedules, VW 504 00 may be specified
• Examples of compliant oils: 5W‑40 synthetic oils clearly labeled “VW 502 00 approved” from brands such as Castrol, Mobil 1, Motul, Liqui Moly, Shell, and others.

Owners of B8/B8.5 S4s are often advised by specialists to stick strictly to VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where specified) oils and to avoid generic oils that only mention broad industry specs but no VW approval.

B9 Audi S4 (Approx. 2017–2020, 3.0 TFSI Single‑Turbo V6)

The first B9 S4 models retained a 3.0‑liter V6 but moved to a single‑turbo layout with further efficiency and emissions refinements. In some markets, notably Europe, the S4 transitioned to diesel power during this generation, while North America remained gasoline‑only.

• Gasoline S4 (3.0 TFSI):
  

  • Oil type: Fully synthetic
  • Typical viscosity: 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 (market/climate dependent)
  • VW/Audi approval: VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, according to the owner’s manual and service interval strategy

• Diesel S4 (where sold, 3.0 TDI):
  

  • Oil type: Fully synthetic low‑SAPS diesel oil
  • Typical viscosity: 5W‑30 or 0W‑30
  • VW/Audi approval: Typically VW 507 00 for diesel engines with DPF (diesel particulate filter)

Because this generation straddles both gasoline and diesel variants depending on market, it’s especially important that owners identify precisely which engine they have and use oil with the corresponding VW approval.

B9.5 / Latest Audi S4 (Facelift, Mild‑Hybrid & Newest Engines)

The facelifted B9 S4 and the very latest S4 models incorporate more advanced efficiency measures, including mild‑hybrid systems and increasingly strict emissions hardware. To reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy, Audi often specifies lower‑viscosity oils paired with the VW 508 00 standard.

• Oil type: Fully synthetic, low‑viscosity
• Typical viscosity: 0W‑20 for gasoline engines where VW 508 00 is specified
• VW/Audi approval: VW 508 00 for many recent gasoline S4s; some diesel or regional variants may continue to use VW 507 00
• Compatibility note: VW 508 00 oils are not backward‑compatible with many older VW 502 00 engines unless explicitly stated by Audi; owners should not switch specs without consulting official documentation.

On these newest models, following the handbook exactly is critical: Audi designs tolerances, hydraulic systems, and emissions aftertreatment around these newer low‑viscosity, high‑spec oils.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific Audi S4

Because there are multiple S4 generations, engines, and regional variations, a small amount of model‑specific research is essential. Simply choosing any synthetic 5W‑40 is not sufficient; it must match the Audi approval code for your exact car.

Below are steps owners can take to ensure they are using the correct oil.

1. Check the owner’s manual: The lubrication section specifies both the viscosity (e.g., 5W‑40, 0W‑20) and the required VW/Audi oil standard (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 508 00).
2. Review the service booklet or under‑hood stickers: Some S4s have service labels or stickers in the engine bay or near the oil fill cap indicating the required spec.
3. Use your VIN at an Audi dealer: A dealer can pull up the exact engine code and recommended oil spec tied to your vehicle identification number.
4. Look for the VW approval on the oil bottle: Make sure the container clearly states “VW 502 00 approved,” “VW 504 00 approved,” “VW 508 00 approved,” or whichever code your car requires—not just “suitable for” or “meets requirements.”
5. Consider climate and usage: Within the approved range, colder climates may benefit from 0W‑xx oils for improved cold starts, while hotter or track use often favors slightly higher hot‑weight grades if allowed by Audi’s charts.

Following these steps reduces the risk of using a non‑approved oil and helps align your oil choice with Audi’s engineering requirements and your local climate and driving style.

Why Using the Correct Oil Matters for the Audi S4

The S4’s high‑output engines, whether V8, supercharged V6, turbo V6, or diesel, place heavy demands on their lubricants. These engines operate under high temperatures and pressures, often in stop‑start traffic and with frequent turbo or supercharger use in spirited driving.

The following points illustrate why adhering to Audi’s oil specification is more than a formality.

• Protection against wear: The right oil maintains proper film strength under high load, protecting bearings, cams, and turbocharger components from direct metal‑to‑metal contact.
• Deposit and sludge control: Approved oils are formulated to keep internals clean, minimizing carbon deposits on piston rings, intake valves, and turbochargers, which can affect performance and reliability.
• Compatibility with emissions systems: Modern S4s use gasoline particulate filters (GPF) or diesel particulate filters (DPF) and advanced catalytic converters. The correct low‑ash, low‑sulfur oil is essential to avoid premature filter blockage or catalyst damage.
• Fuel economy and engine response: Lower‑viscosity, high‑spec oils can reduce internal friction, improving throttle response and efficiency when the engine is designed around them.
• Warranty and resale value: Using oil that meets the official VW spec and following recommended service intervals supports warranty claims and provides documentation that future buyers often appreciate.

Ultimately, correct oil selection is a relatively low‑cost way to safeguard an S4’s engine, particularly as these performance models can be expensive to repair if lubrication‑related issues arise.

Typical Oil Change Intervals and Practical Advice

In many markets, Audi specifies service intervals up to around 10,000 miles (15,000 km) or 12 months for gasoline S4 models under normal conditions, and sometimes longer under flexible “LongLife” schemes in Europe. However, real‑world usage—especially frequent short trips, spirited driving, or track use—can justify more conservative practices.

Here are practical guidelines owners and independent specialists commonly follow.

• Standard street use: Change oil roughly every 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–15,000 km) or once a year, whichever comes first, using the factory‑approved spec.
• Heavy or spirited use: For cars driven hard, regularly taken on mountain roads, or frequently exposed to high ambient heat, changes every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) can offer a safety margin.
• Track days or high‑stress driving: Many owners perform an oil change shortly before and/or after events, ensuring fresh oil and filter handle the extra thermal load.
• Check level regularly: Some S4 engines can consume modest amounts of oil; periodic level checks between services are wise, especially on earlier V8 and forced‑induction V6 models.

By pairing the correct factory‑approved oil with reasonable change intervals and periodic level checks, S4 owners can significantly extend the life and reliability of their engines.

Summary

The Audi S4 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approval standards tailored to each generation and engine. Earlier V8 and supercharged V6 S4s typically use 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 oils with VW 502 00 approval, while many mid‑generation turbo V6 models may call for VW 502 00 or 504 00. The latest mild‑hybrid S4 engines often specify low‑viscosity 0W‑20 oils approved to VW 508 00. Because these specifications vary by model year, engine, and region, the safest approach is to confirm the exact VW approval code and viscosity in the owner’s manual or via an Audi dealer, then select a quality oil brand that explicitly carries that approval.

What kind of oil does an Audi S4 take?

The Audi S4 oil type varies by model year, with common recommendations including 5W-40 for many models from 2000-2016 and 0W-20 or 0W-30 for newer models (2018+). It is crucial to use a full synthetic oil that meets the specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standard for your S4, such as VW 502 00 for many earlier models and VW 508 00 for some newer ones. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct viscosity and oil specification for your specific year. 
Common oil types by model year

• 2000-2016 models (including 2.7T and 3.0T Supercharged):
  • Viscosity: 5W-40 is a common and recommended viscosity. Some models may also be compatible with 5W-30. 
  • Specification: Look for an oil that meets the VW 502 00 quality standard. 
• 2018-2024 models:
  • Viscosity: 0W-20 is often recommended. Some owner’s manuals might specify 0W-30 for certain model years. 
  • Specification: Newer models may require a different specification, such as VW 508 00. 

Important considerations

• Always check your owner’s manual: The most accurate information will be in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, which specifies the correct oil viscosity and quality standard for your particular S4. 
• Use full synthetic oil: High-performance Audi engines require full synthetic oil to ensure proper lubrication and protection. 
• Meet the oil quality standard: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi/Volkswagen specification (like VW 502 00 or VW 508 00). Using the wrong oil can lead to engine damage. 

How much oil does a 2019 Audi S4 take?

The 2019 Audi S4 has an engine oil capacity of 7.7 quarts (7.257.257.25 liters) when changing the oil filter. It is crucial to use an oil that meets the Audi oil quality standards and has the correct viscosity, which is typically 0W-20 for the 3.0L Turbo V6 engine. 

• Total Capacity: 7.77.77.7 quarts (7.257.257.25 liters) with a filter change. 
• Oil Specification: Must meet the required Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standards. 
• Viscosity: 0W-20 is the recommended viscosity for most conditions. 
• Final Check: Always check the oil level through the instrument cluster after refilling to ensure it is correct. 

Is 5W-30 ok for Audi?

Audi recommends using synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Here are a few top choices: Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Known for its exceptional strength under high pressure, this oil provides superior protection and performance for your Audi A4.

What oil does a 2018 Audi S4 take?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 0W-20 1 Quart.