What Type of Oil Does an Audi Q5 Use?

The Audi Q5 typically requires full synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approvals—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00—usually in a 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40 viscosity depending on model year and engine. The exact specification for your Q5 is listed in the owner’s manual and often on the under‑hood oil label, and using the correct spec is more important than the brand name on the bottle.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for the Audi Q5

The Audi Q5 is a premium SUV with tightly engineered turbocharged engines, advanced emissions systems, and long service intervals. These factors make oil choice critical not just for performance, but also for turbo longevity, fuel economy, and warranty protection. Unlike older cars that could use any generic oil of the right weight, modern Audis rely on oils that pass strict Volkswagen Group tests for resistance to sludge, high‑temperature breakdown, and low‑ash content.

Official Oil Specifications for the Audi Q5

The most important factor in choosing oil for an Audi Q5 is meeting the correct VW/Audi specification (called “VW norms”). These norms are listed as codes like VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 on the container label, often near the back in the approvals section.

• VW 502 00: The most common requirement for gasoline Audi Q5 engines in North America up to many recent model years; used for fixed (non‑flexible) oil change intervals, typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or annually.
• VW 504 00: A more advanced low‑SAPs (low ash) long‑life specification, often required on newer Audi engines and in regions using flexible/long‑interval service regimes; typically paired with 0W‑30 or 0W‑20 oils.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00: Primarily for diesel Q5 models, including some TDI engines; 507 00 is a low‑ash long‑life spec critical for diesel particulate filters (DPF).
• API / ACEA ratings: Many Audi‑approved oils will also show API SP/ SN Plus and ACEA C3 ratings, but these are secondary to the VW norm; if forced to choose, always prioritize the VW specification for an Audi.

These specifications ensure the oil will handle the thermal stress of turbocharging, protect against sludge, and be compatible with emissions hardware, so matching the VW code is the single most reliable way to choose correctly.

Typical Oil Types by Engine and Model Year

While the owner’s manual is the final authority, most Audi Q5 models fall into predictable patterns of viscosity and approvals based on engine family and production year.

2018–2024 Audi Q5 (U.S. and Europe, including Q5 and SQ5)

Recent Audi Q5 models with 2.0 TFSI turbocharged gasoline engines and mild‑hybrid variants increasingly use low‑viscosity oils to meet efficiency and emissions targets, while the SQ5’s high‑performance V6 may use a slightly heavier grade.

• 2.0 TFSI (EA888 Gen 3 / Gen 4, mild hybrid): Commonly 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 full synthetic oil meeting VW 504 00 (in many newer European specs) or VW 502 00 in some markets, depending on year and region.
• Earlier 2.0 TFSI (pre‑facelift in this range): Often 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 full synthetic meeting VW 502 00.
• SQ5 3.0 TFSI V6: Commonly 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 full synthetic meeting VW 502 00 (in some markets certain years may also allow 0W‑40; always confirm against the manual or under‑hood sticker).

For these newer Q5s, Audi’s move toward lighter oils is driven by efficiency and CO₂ targets, but the VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval remains the non‑negotiable requirement.

2013–2017 Audi Q5

This generation introduced updated versions of the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, and 3.0 TDI engines, many of which shared similar oil norms though viscosities could vary by climate and market.

• 2.0 TFSI gasoline: Typically 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 full synthetic with VW 502 00 approval.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 gasoline (including SQ5 in some markets): Often 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 full synthetic meeting VW 502 00.
• 3.0 TDI diesel: Frequently 5W‑30 full synthetic approved to VW 507 00, crucial for vehicles with diesel particulate filters.

Owners of this generation should pay particular attention to engine type: gasoline vs diesel have different VW norms and diesel models often require low‑ash oils such as 507 00 for emissions‑system durability.

2009–2012 First‑Generation Audi Q5

Early Q5 models introduced the SUV to many markets and typically used more conventional viscosities, with specifications that remain compatible with today’s full synthetics, provided they meet the correct VW norms.

• 2.0 TFSI gasoline: Commonly 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 full synthetic with VW 502 00.
• 3.2 FSI V6 gasoline (where offered): Typically 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 synthetic meeting VW 502 00.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI (diesel markets): Usually 5W‑30 low‑ash full synthetic with VW 507 00, especially for long‑life service programs.

On these older models, owners sometimes encounter a variety of oils used over the vehicle’s life. When in doubt, switching to a fresh, fully synthetic oil that meets the correct VW norm is more important than sticking to a historical viscosity.

Common Oil Viscosities for the Audi Q5

Apart from meeting the VW norm, Audi specifies a viscosity grade suited to your climate and engine design. This grade is printed as something like 0W‑20 or 5W‑40 on the bottle and in your service booklet.

• 0W‑20: Increasingly common on newest 2.0 TFSI engines for fuel efficiency; must meet VW 504 00 (or the latest Audi‑specified norm) to be safe for extended intervals.
• 0W‑30: Used on some modern Audi long‑life service schemes; often paired with VW 504 00 approval.
• 5W‑30: A very common choice across many Q5 gasoline and diesel engines; suitable year‑round in most climates when it meets VW 502 00 (gas) or VW 507 00 (diesel).
• 5W‑40: Frequently factory‑specified for older 2.0 TFSI and V6 engines; offers additional high‑temperature protection, especially in hot climates or spirited driving, as long as it’s VW 502 00 approved.

Using a viscosity outside Audi’s recommendations can affect cold starts, fuel economy, and in some cases warranty standing, so any change should be justified by climate or usage and still comply with the specified VW norm.

Popular Brands That Meet Audi Q5 Requirements

Many major oil brands produce products that fully comply with Audi’s VW specifications. The brand itself is less important than the approval code printed on the label.

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional: Frequently partnered with Audi dealers; offers VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00‑approved formulations in 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, and 5W‑40.
• Mobil 1: Lines such as Mobil 1 ESP and Mobil 1 FS often carry VW 502 00 or 504 00 / 507 00 approvals, depending on viscosity.
• Motul: Specific “Specific VW 504 00 / 507 00” and “8100” series oils tailored for VAG engines.
• Liqui Moly: Widely used in European workshops; a number of their full synthetics meet VW 502 00 and 504 00/507 00 and are marketed explicitly for Audi/VW applications.
• SHELL, TotalEnergies, Valvoline, Pennzoil: Also offer VW‑approved formulations; look for VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 on the back label.

Regardless of brand marketing, the decisive factor is that the oil container explicitly states the correct VW approval for your Q5’s engine and model year.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Q5

Because Audi’s recommendations can differ slightly by region, model year, and exact engine code, owners should confirm the specification before purchase or service.

• Check the owner’s manual: In the lubrication or maintenance section, Audi lists the required VW norm (e.g., “Use engine oil in accordance with VW 502 00”).
• Look under the hood: Many Q5s have a sticker near the radiator support or oil fill cap indicating oil viscosity and VW norm.
• Use VIN at dealer or parts counter: Audi service departments can pull the exact oil spec for your car using its VIN, ensuring no confusion between engine variants.
• Check online manufacturer databases: Reputable oil makers (Castrol, Mobil, etc.) offer “oil selector” tools where you input year, model, engine, and market to see compatible products, always cross‑checking against VW norms.

Taking a moment to confirm these details prevents misfills, protects your engine, and helps maintain manufacturer warranty or goodwill coverage in case of engine issues.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Tips

Choosing the right oil is only half the story; following reasonable change intervals and good practices is just as important for long‑term health of your Audi Q5.

• Typical Audi interval: Many Q5s in North America are set to about 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
• Heavy‑duty or short‑trip use: Frequent short trips, stop‑and‑go driving, or extreme temperatures may justify shorter intervals, such as every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).
• Always replace the oil filter: Use an OEM or quality equivalent filter at every oil change; cheap filters can negate the benefit of premium oil.
• Monitor oil level: Some Q5s have no traditional dipstick and rely on electronic level readings; check regularly through the MMI or instrument cluster, especially on turbocharged engines that can consume some oil.
• Warm‑up and cool‑down habits: Avoid hard acceleration on a cold engine and allow a short gentle drive before shutdown after sustained high‑load driving; this helps protect oil and turbocharger life.

Adhering to sensible intervals and basic care habits ensures that even with long‑life synthetic oils, your Q5’s engine remains clean, smooth, and reliable over high mileage.

Summary

The correct oil for an Audi Q5 is a full synthetic that meets the specific Volkswagen Group approval required for your engine—most commonly VW 502 00 for many gasoline models and VW 504 00 or 507 00 on newer and diesel variants. Viscosity typically ranges from 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 on recent efficiency‑focused engines to 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 on older or higher‑output units. The precise specification and viscosity are listed in your owner’s manual, on under‑hood labels, and can be confirmed by VIN at an Audi dealer. As long as the oil’s VW norm and viscosity match those recommendations, any reputable brand is acceptable, and changing it on time with a quality filter will do more for your Q5’s longevity than chasing any particular logo on the bottle.

What kind of oil goes in an Audi Q5?

The Audi Q5 requires a fully synthetic engine oil, with common viscosity ratings being 5W-30 or 5W-40, though 0W-40 is also used in some models, particularly newer ones or those in colder climates. Always check your specific owner’s manual for the exact specification, as the correct type can depend on the model year and engine, such as VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 specifications. 
Oil type and viscosity

• Synthetic oil: The Audi Q5 needs a fully synthetic motor oil for optimal protection. 
• Common viscosities: The most common viscosity grades are 5W-30 and 5W-40. 
• Other options: Some models, like the 2018 2.0T, may recommend 0W-40. 
• Climate consideration: You may prefer 0W-30 or 0W-40 in colder climates and 5W-30 or 5W-40 in moderate to warmer climates. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step. The manual will specify the exact oil type and specifications (like VW 502 00) needed for your particular Q5 model and engine, say eEuroparts.com and Blauparts.
• Meet specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi/VW oil quality standards recommended for your vehicle, not just the viscosity rating. 

Is 5W-30 ok for 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.

Can I use 5W-30 for Audi?

For most A4 engines, SAE 5W-40 grade motor oils are suitable, offering excellent protection in various temperatures. If this isn’t available, SAE 5W-30 or another motor oil with an alternative viscosity can be used as long as it adheres to Audi’s oil-quality standards.

What is Audi recommended engine oil?

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.