What Type of Oil Goes in an Audi A4?

The correct oil for an Audi A4 is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW’s official specification (such as VW 502 00, 504 00, 508 00 or 509 00, depending on model year and engine), typically in a 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity. The exact choice depends on the car’s model year, engine code, and whether it’s on fixed or flexible (long-life) service intervals, so owners should always confirm with the owner’s manual or a trusted Audi dealer.

Why Oil Specification Matters for an Audi A4

The Audi A4 uses high-performance, tightly engineered engines—turbocharged gasoline (TFSI), diesel (TDI), and newer mild-hybrid setups—that run hot, at high pressure, and often on extended service intervals. These engines are designed around specific oil standards created by the Volkswagen Group (VW). Using the wrong oil can increase wear, cause sludge buildup, affect fuel economy, and can even risk voiding warranty coverage on newer cars.

Core Audi/VW Oil Specifications for the A4

Audi doesn’t primarily specify oil by brand; it specifies it by compliance with Volkswagen (VW) standards. These “VW numbers” ensure the oil has the correct additive package, viscosity performance, and long-term stability for Audi engines.

The following list outlines the main VW oil specifications commonly relevant to Audi A4 models and what they are generally used for.

• VW 502 00: High-performance gasoline engines on fixed (non-flexible) service intervals; common for many older and mid-2010s A4 TFSI engines.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel engines, especially pre-DPF or early DPF applications (more common in older European A4 diesels).
• VW 504 00: Gasoline engines with extended (LongLife) service intervals; low-ash, compatible with advanced emissions systems.
• VW 507 00: Modern diesel engines with DPF (diesel particulate filter) and long-life service; low-SAPS formulation to protect after-treatment systems.
• VW 508 00 (gasoline) / 509 00 (diesel): Newest generation, ultra-low viscosity oils, typically 0W-20, designed for latest engines (e.g., many 2018+ MLB-platform cars) and improved fuel economy.

Understanding which VW spec your Audi A4 requires is more critical than the brand itself; it ensures the oil is engineered for your engine’s demands and emissions controls.

Recommended Oil by Model Year and Engine Type

Because Audi has changed engines and oil standards over the life of the A4, the ideal oil depends largely on the age and type of engine under the hood. Below is a general guide; always verify against the owner’s manual or dealer data by VIN.

B5 A4 (Approx. 1994–2001)

Early A4 models in this era used naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, plus early TDI diesels mainly in European markets. Their oil requirements are less complex than modern cars, but quality and cleanliness are still crucial.

The following list summarizes typical oil requirements for B5-era A4 engines.

• Gasoline engines (1.8T, 2.8 V6, etc.): Fully synthetic 5W-40 or 0W-40 meeting VW 502 00.
• Older diesels (TDI): Fully synthetic 5W-40 meeting VW 505 00 (or 505 01 if unit-injector in certain markets).
• Climate considerations: Colder climates may favor 0W-40; moderate climates often use 5W-40.

These older engines benefit from a slightly thicker oil (40-weight at operating temperature) for robust protection, while still using modern fully synthetic formulations.

B6/B7 A4 (Approx. 2001–2008)

With the B6 and B7 generations, turbocharged 1.8T and 2.0T FSI gasoline engines and more advanced TDIs became common, and issues like sludge in early 1.8T models made proper oil choice even more important.

The following list offers general recommendations for B6/B7 A4 engines.

• Gasoline (1.8T, 2.0T FSI, 3.0, 3.2): Fully synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 meeting VW 502 00.
• Diesels (TDI with DPF): Fully synthetic 5W-30 meeting VW 507 00, particularly where DPF is fitted.
• Extended intervals (where LongLife service is enabled): Oils meeting VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) in 5W-30 are typically specified.

These generations straddle the transition from traditional fixed service schedules to extended, condition-based servicing, making 504/507 oils increasingly common, especially in Europe.

B8 A4 (Approx. 2008–2016)

The B8 generation, including facelift models, introduced popular 2.0 TFSI engines, as well as more sophisticated TDI options, often paired with start-stop systems and stricter emissions standards.

The following list outlines typical oil needs for B8 A4s.

• Gasoline (2.0 TFSI, 1.8 TFSI, 3.2/3.0 engines):
  

  • Most commonly: 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic meeting VW 502 00 (fixed interval).
  • For LongLife/variable intervals: 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 504 00.

• Diesel (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI with DPF): 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 507 00, often used both for fixed and long-life intervals.
• North America vs. Europe: North American manuals often lean toward 5W-40 or 5W-30 502 00 for gasoline; European cars more commonly specify 504/507 oils.

B8 engines are quite sensitive to oil quality; correct 502/504/507 oils help manage direct injection deposits, turbocharger heat, and emissions after-treatment durability.

B9 A4 (Approx. 2016–Present)

The B9 A4, including its mid-cycle updates, brought lighter platforms, high-efficiency TFSI engines, mild hybrid systems in later years, and even stricter CO₂ and emissions requirements. This is where 0W-20 oils under VW 508/509 become increasingly common.

The following list provides a broad guide to oil requirements for B9 A4s, recognizing that exact specs vary by market and engine code.

• Early B9 (around 2016–2018 gasoline):
  

  • Often 0W-30 or 5W-30 fully synthetic meeting VW 504 00.
  • Some markets still allow 502 00 5W-30/5W-40 for fixed intervals.

• Later B9 / B9.5 (many 2018+ engines):
  

  • 0W-20 fully synthetic meeting VW 508 00 for gasoline engines.
  • 0W-20 fully synthetic meeting VW 509 00 for newer diesels.

• Diesel with advanced after-treatment: Usually 0W-30 or 0W-20 low-SAPS oils meeting VW 507 00 or 509 00, depending on engine and year.

Because the B9 series is still evolving and has region-specific specifications, it’s especially important to check your exact engine code and model year before buying oil, and to follow the latest recommendations in the owner’s manual or from Audi.

Viscosity Grades: 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40?

In addition to VW specifications, your Audi A4 requires oil in a specific viscosity range. This affects how the oil behaves in cold starts and at full operating temperature.

The following list explains the most common viscosity grades used in Audi A4 engines and when each is typically appropriate.

• 0W-20: Common in many 2018+ A4s (VW 508/509 oils). Very low viscosity improves fuel economy and cold-start performance; only use it if your engine is designed for it.
• 0W-30: Offers excellent cold-flow with slightly higher operating viscosity; often seen with 504/507 oils in newer European models.
• 5W-30: A widely used compromise viscosity for many mid-2000s and 2010s A4s, available in VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00 formulations.
• 5W-40: Favored in many older turbo engines and in hotter climates; the thicker hot viscosity (40-weight) can be beneficial for engine longevity under high load, commonly available with VW 502 00.

While multiple viscosity options are sometimes permitted, using a grade outside what Audi allows for your specific engine can compromise fuel efficiency or protection, so defer to the manual’s approved range.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A4

Because Audi A4 variants, markets, and engines are so diverse, the most reliable method is to identify the exact engine and its current maintenance regime. A few straightforward checks can prevent mistakes.

The following list highlights practical steps to verify the correct oil for your A4 before you buy or change it.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the section on engine oil; Audi will specify a VW norm (e.g., “Use only oils complying with VW 504 00/507 00”).
2. Look under the hood or oil filler cap: Some cars have a sticker or note indicating the specification (such as “Use VW 502 00” or “VW 508 00 only”).
3. Use your VIN at a dealer or parts counter: Providing the VIN allows Audi or specialist shops to pull the exact engine code and recommended oil spec.
4. Consult the service booklet or digital service record: These may note whether the car is set up for fixed or flexible (LongLife) servicing, which changes the spec (e.g., 502 vs. 504/507).
5. Check regional guidance: North American, European, and other regional manuals can differ slightly; always follow the manual specific to your market.

Following these steps ensures you match the oil to your particular car, avoiding generic assumptions that might not apply to your engine or service schedule.

Brand Choices and Popular Oils That Meet Audi Specs

Once you know the correct VW spec and viscosity, you can choose among multiple reputable brands. Audi dealerships typically use factory-approved oils, but many aftermarket oils also meet the required standards.

The following list gives examples of well-known product lines that frequently offer VW-approved oils for Audi A4 models (exact product names and approvals vary by region and year).

• Castrol: Edge or Edge Professional lines often carry VW 502 00/504 00/507 00 and, in newer formulations, 508 00/509 00 approvals.
• Mobil: Mobil 1 ESP series commonly includes 504/507 oils and some 508/509-compliant variants; Mobil 1 FS or similar for 502 00 in 5W-40.
• Shell: Shell Helix Ultra and Shell Helix Ultra Professional ranges frequently offer oils meeting 502, 504/507, and newer 508/509 specs.
• Liqui Moly: Known for VAG-focused products; offers specific “Top Tec” and “Special Tec” oils that clearly list VW 502, 504, 507, or 508/509 on the label.
• OEM-branded oil: Audi/VW-branded oil sold by dealers is typically produced by major oil companies and guaranteed to meet the required spec.

Regardless of brand, the crucial thing is that the label explicitly states compliance with the VW standard your manual calls for, not just “suitable for” or “recommended for” language without formal approval.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

Using the wrong oil can cause subtle long-term damage or immediate issues, especially in turbocharged and modern direct-injection engines. Being aware of frequent errors helps you avoid costly repairs.

The following list outlines typical mistakes owners make when choosing oil for an Audi A4 and why they matter.

• Ignoring VW specs and choosing by viscosity alone: A 5W-30 oil without VW approval may lack the right additive package for your engine and emissions system.
• Using non-low-SAPS oil in DPF-equipped diesels: Oils not meeting 507 00 or 509 00 can ash up the DPF, leading to expensive replacement.
• Skipping fully synthetic oil: Semi-synthetic or mineral oils usually don’t meet VW’s high-performance norms and can cause sludge or turbo wear.
• Mixing incompatible oils frequently: Topping up occasionally with another approved oil is generally fine, but constant mixing of different formulations may reduce optimal performance.
• Extending intervals beyond what the system or manual allows: Even with long-life oil, going too far between changes accelerates wear and deposit formation.

A disciplined approach—matching VW spec, choosing correct viscosity, and respecting service intervals—minimizes these risks and preserves engine longevity.

Practical Tips for Owners

Day-to-day habits and basic checks can make as much difference as the oil label itself. Monitoring levels and conditions is essential, particularly in higher-mileage or turbocharged A4s.

The following list offers simple, practical advice for maintaining proper oil health in an Audi A4.

• Check the oil level regularly: Many TFSI engines consume some oil; monitor dipstick or digital level at least every few thousand kilometers/miles.
• Keep 1 liter of the correct oil in the trunk: This allows safe top-ups on the road with the exact spec your engine needs.
• Respect cold-start behavior: Avoid hard acceleration until the engine and oil are warm, regardless of viscosity; this drastically reduces wear.
• Use trusted suppliers: Buy oil from reputable stores or directly from dealers to avoid counterfeit products, which are a growing issue in some regions.
• Document oil changes: Keeping receipts and mileage records helps with resale value and, for newer cars, warranty discussions.

With these habits, an Audi A4’s engine can remain reliable and efficient well past typical mileage expectations, provided the correct oil is also consistently used.

Summary

An Audi A4 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific Volkswagen Group standards—such as VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, 508 00, or 509 00—paired with the viscosity range approved in the owner’s manual (commonly 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40). Older and mid-2000s engines typically use 5W-30 or 5W-40 under VW 502 00 or 504/507, while many newer B9 models call for ultra-low-viscosity 0W-20 oils meeting VW 508/509. The safest approach is to check your specific car’s manual, engine code, and service schedule, then choose any reputable brand whose oil explicitly lists the matching VW specification on the label.