Which Engine Oil Does Audi Recommend?

Audi primarily recommends engine oils that meet its own VW/AUDI specifications—most notably VW 504 00/507 00 for modern gasoline and diesel engines in many markets. The specific grade (such as 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30) and exact spec depend on the model, engine code, model year, and market, so Audi instructs owners to follow the owner’s manual, the sticker under the hood or in the engine bay, or the digital service documentation, and to use only oils that explicitly state compliance with the relevant VW standard on the label.

How Audi Defines the “Right” Engine Oil

Unlike older recommendations that focused only on viscosity (for example, 5W‑30), Audi now bases its guidance on proprietary VW oil specifications that cover detergency, high‑temperature stability, ash content, fuel economy, and compatibility with emissions systems. Viscosity is still important, but the VW standard printed on the bottle is the decisive factor.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specifications for Modern Engines

Modern Audi models often share engine technology with Volkswagen, so they use the same VW specifications. These specs define how the oil must perform under extended service intervals, turbocharged conditions, and with particulate filters and catalytic converters.

The most commonly recommended VW/Audi engine oil specifications include:

• VW 504 00 – Long‑life, low‑ash oil for many modern gasoline (petrol) engines with extended service intervals, widely used in Europe and other markets outside North America.
• VW 507 00 – Long‑life, low‑SAPS (low ash) oil for many modern diesel engines, especially those with diesel particulate filters (DPF). Often paired with 504 00 as “504/507.”
• VW 508 00 – Very low‑viscosity, fuel‑efficient oil (commonly 0W‑20) for the latest generation gasoline engines (for example some new TFSI units), typically for newer Audi models built around mid‑2010s onward depending on market.
• VW 509 00 – Companion spec to 508 00 for some newest diesel engines requiring ultra‑low viscosity and fuel‑efficient oils, often 0W‑20.
• VW 502 00 – Earlier high‑performance spec for gasoline engines, suitable for many older Audi TFSI/FSI engines under fixed (non–long‑life) service intervals.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01 – Older diesel specs, commonly seen on older TDI engines; 505 01 is especially associated with “Pumpe‑Düse” (unit injector) TDIs.

Together, these specifications form Audi’s core oil framework. The newer the vehicle and the more advanced its emissions system and fuel‑efficiency targets, the more likely it is to require 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 rather than older 502 00 or 505 01 oils.

Viscosity Grades Audi Commonly Uses

While the VW spec is the primary requirement, Audi also prescribes a viscosity grade appropriate for the engine design and climate. Choosing a different viscosity than the one specified can affect cold‑start protection and high‑temperature stability, particularly in turbocharged engines.

Some of the most frequently specified viscosity grades in modern Audi vehicles are:

• 0W‑20 – Increasingly common in the latest gasoline and some diesel engines that call for VW 508 00/509 00, designed for improved fuel economy and rapid cold‑start lubrication.
• 0W‑30 – Used in some markets and engines for a balance between fuel economy and protection, often compatible with certain 504 00/507 00 applications where specified.
• 5W‑30 – Still widely used in many Audi engines that require 504 00/507 00 or 502 00/505 01, especially in regions with moderate climates.
• 5W‑40 – Sometimes specified (usually with VW 502 00/505 00) for older performance engines or where higher‑temperature protection is favored, including some S and RS models from previous generations.

Viscosity must not be chosen on preference alone; it should match what Audi lists for your engine and region. Some engines allow more than one viscosity grade based on climate, but they still require the correct VW specification.

Regional Differences: Europe vs. North America vs. Other Markets

Audi’s recommendations can vary by market due to climate, fuel quality, emissions regulation, and service interval strategies. That means an Audi A4 in Germany might have a different recommended oil than the same model year in the United States or the Middle East.

Europe and Many International Markets

In Europe and a number of other regions that use long‑life service intervals (often up to 30,000 km or 2 years, depending on driving profile and service regime), Audi typically specifies:

Common patterns for Europe and many international markets include:

• Most post‑mid‑2000s gasoline and diesel models: VW 504 00/507 00, often 5W‑30 or 0W‑30.
• Latest generation engines (WLTP/Euro 6d emissions era): VW 508 00 (petrol) or 509 00 (diesel), commonly 0W‑20.
• Older engines (1990s–early 2000s): VW 502 00 for petrol and VW 505 00/505 01 for diesel, usually with 5W‑30, 5W‑40, or 10W‑40 depending on climate and engine type.
• High‑performance S/RS models: Often VW 502 00 or 504 00 with higher‑temperature viscosity grades like 5W‑30 or 5W‑40, depending on era and engine.

Owners in these regions should pay close attention to whether their car is set up for “LongLife” flexible service intervals or fixed intervals, as this can affect which oil spec is required.

United States and Canada

In North America, Audi’s official recommendations sometimes differ from Europe, particularly for models adapted to local emissions rules, fuel quality, and service schedules, which are usually time‑/mileage‑based rather than flexible.

Some typical patterns for Audi in the U.S. and Canada include:

• Modern gasoline models (TFSI): Often require oils meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00, commonly 0W‑20, 0W‑30, or 5W‑30 depending on the specific engine and model year. Newer models increasingly specify 0W‑20 that meets the VW 508 00 standard.
• Modern diesel models (TDI, where sold): Commonly require VW 507 00 oils, usually 5W‑30, though new ultra‑low‑viscosity 509 00 oils may appear in the newest engines.
• Older gasoline engines: Frequently specify VW 502 00 (5W‑40 or 5W‑30 synthetic). Many aftermarket “European formula” oils in North America carry this label.
• Performance models (S/RS): Historically recommend VW 502 00 (often 5W‑40), but some newer ones are moving to 0W‑30 or 0W‑20 with VW 508 00 where designed for ultra‑low‑viscosity oils.

Because Audi issues Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and updates to oil guidance, North American owners should rely on the latest version of the owner’s manual and dealer information rather than assuming that all “European car” oils are correct.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Audi

The safest way to know what Audi recommends for your specific vehicle is to check information tied directly to its VIN and market. This reduces the risk of using an oil that technically meets a VW spec but is not appropriate for your engine’s design generation or emissions equipment.

Where to Look for Audi’s Official Recommendation

Audi provides multiple reference points to guide owners to the right engine oil specification and viscosity.

The main sources of information include:

• Owner’s manual: The primary reference detailing the VW specification (e.g., 504 00/507 00) and recommended viscosity grades for your engine and climate ranges.
• Oil filler cap and under‑hood stickers: Many Audi models have an oil recommendation on or near the cap, often listing the VW spec (e.g., “Use VW 504 00 / 507 00 approved oil”).
• Service booklet or digital service record: Provides model‑specific notes, including whether the car is configured for flexible (long‑life) or fixed service intervals, which can affect the oil spec.
• Dealership or authorized service center: Can look up your VIN to confirm the exact oil specification and any updated guidance, particularly for newer or revised engines.
• Audi’s official websites and technical portals (where available): Some regions offer online tools where you enter your vehicle details to see recommended maintenance products, including oil.

Using these sources ensures you match not only the VW specification but also the correct viscosity and change interval strategy for your car and region.

Reading Oil Labels: What to Look For

Engine oil containers display several standards (API, ACEA, ILSAC) alongside the VW approvals. For an Audi, the VW approval is the non‑negotiable line item.

When choosing an oil brand or product, pay close attention to these details on the label:

• Explicit VW approval: Look for wording such as “Approved: VW 504 00/507 00” or “Meets VW 502 00.” “Recommended for” or “Suitable for use in” is less authoritative than “Approved” or “VW approval: …”.
• Viscosity grade: Ensure it matches your manual (e.g., 0W‑20, 5W‑30). An oil might meet VW 504 00 but be in a viscosity Audi has not authorized for your engine.
• Full synthetic vs. synthetic blend: Most current Audi specs require full synthetic oils; the label should clearly indicate “full synthetic” or equivalent wording.
• Low‑SAPS/low ash indication: For engines with DPF or sensitive catalytic converters (especially 504/507 oils), the label often references “low‑SAPS” or ACEA C3/C5‑type categories.
• Brand‑specific approvals lists: Major oil makers (Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly, etc.) publish PDF approval lists; cross‑checking there adds another layer of assurance.

Matching all of these details—VW approval, viscosity, synthetic type, and low‑SAPS where applicable—helps ensure you use an oil that truly conforms to Audi’s engineering requirements.

Commonly Used Brands and “Audi Original” Oil

Audi collaborates with major oil companies to supply “genuine” or “original” oils under Audi or VW branding, but it does not require owners to use that branding as long as the oil meets the required specification.

Genuine Audi Oil vs. Aftermarket Oils

The oil from an Audi or Volkswagen dealer is typically branded as “Audi Genuine” or “VW Genuine” oil and often comes from a large oil manufacturer under a private‑label agreement.

Key points regarding brand choice include:

• Genuine Audi/VW oil: Branded for Audi, guaranteed to meet the right VW spec; convenient for warranty peace of mind, especially during the warranty period.
• Major aftermarket brands: Many well‑known oils (e.g., Castrol Edge, Mobil 1 ESP, Shell Helix, Liqui Moly Top Tec) carry formal VW 504 00/507 00, 508 00/509 00, or 502 00 approvals. The label or technical data sheet will specify this.
• Warranty concerns: In most jurisdictions, warranty coverage hinges on using oil that meets the manufacturer’s spec—not a particular brand. Keep receipts and product labels as proof.
• Misleading or vague labeling: Avoid oils that only say “for use where VW xxxx is recommended” without stating an actual approval; this can indicate that the oil is formulated similarly but has not been officially tested or approved under VW’s protocol.

In practice, choosing a reputable brand with a clearly documented VW approval that matches Audi’s specification for your engine is equivalent, from a technical standpoint, to using dealer‑supplied genuine oil.

Service Intervals and Why the Right Oil Matters

Using the correct Audi‑specified oil is not only about engine protection—it is closely linked to service intervals, emissions performance, and fuel consumption, particularly on vehicles with extended service regimes.

Long‑Life vs. Fixed Service Regimes

Audi employs two main maintenance strategies: flexible (LongLife) intervals, which adjust based on driving style and conditions, and fixed intervals, which rely on a fixed mileage and time schedule.

These approaches influence what oil you must use:

• LongLife/flexible intervals: Engines set up for long intervals (for example up to 30,000 km or 2 years in some markets) almost always require advanced low‑ash long‑life oils like VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00. These oils are rigorously tested for extended drain performance.
• Fixed intervals: Vehicles on shorter, fixed intervals may use oils like VW 502 00 or 505 01, which are still high performance but not optimized for very long drains.
• Driving profile impact: Short trips, cold climates, frequent idling, or heavy towing increase oil stress; even with long‑life oils, many workshops recommend more frequent changes under severe use.
• Emissions system protection: Low‑SAPS 504/507 or 508/509 oils protect particulate filters and catalytic converters from ash and deposits, which is critical for maintaining compliance with emissions regulations.

Matching Audi’s specified oil spec to the configured service regime helps the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics accurately calculate oil life and protects both the engine and emissions hardware over the long term.

Model‑Specific Trends (Illustrative Examples)

While the definitive answer is always the documentation for your VIN, patterns have emerged for certain Audi model lines and engine types introduced over the last two decades.

Typical examples of how Audi’s oil recommendations map to engine families include:

• A3, A4, A5, Q3, Q5 with 2.0 TFSI (mid‑2010s onward): Often VW 504 00/507 00 or, in newer cases, 508 00 with 0W‑20. Earlier versions commonly used 5W‑30 with 504 00/507 00.
• Older 1.8T / 2.0T FSI and early TFSI engines (2000s): Frequently specify VW 502 00, usually 5W‑40 fully synthetic, particularly in North America and markets with fixed intervals.
• TDI diesels (A3, A4, A6, Q5, Q7 in TDI variants): Post‑DPF era engines typically call for VW 507 00 (5W‑30); newest designs may require VW 509 00 (0W‑20) where applicable.
• Performance models (S4, S5, S6, RS models): Historically 502 00 or 504 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40; newer downsized and electrified performance engines may shift toward 0W‑30 or 0W‑20 under 508 00 for efficiency and emissions reasons, depending on region and engine code.
• Very early models (1990s, early 2000s non‑turbo engines): Often require VW 500 00 or 501 01, but these specs have been effectively superseded by 502 00 in practice; owners should still follow the manual and, if in doubt, consult an Audi specialist.

These examples illustrate that as Audi engines evolve, the company increasingly favors low‑viscosity, low‑ash oils with advanced VW approvals to support both performance and environmental targets.

Practical Advice for Audi Owners

For day‑to‑day maintenance, Audi owners mainly need a clear, reliable way to align their oil choice with the company’s specifications, especially if they change oil outside the dealer network.

Steps to Ensure You’re Using the Correct Oil

The following approach helps minimize mistakes and protect both warranty and engine health when selecting engine oil for an Audi.

Practical steps include:

• Check the exact engine and model year: Use your VIN, engine code, and build date; seemingly similar models can have different oil requirements across years.
• Consult the latest owner’s manual: Use the digital version if your printed manual is older; it will specify the VW approval and any acceptable viscosity grades.
• Confirm with an Audi dealer or specialist: Especially important for very new models, performance variants, or cars with updated emissions hardware or service bulletins.
• Buy oil that clearly states the required VW spec: Look for “VW 504 00/507 00,” “VW 508 00,” “VW 502 00,” etc., exactly as indicated in your documentation.
• Keep records: Save receipts and note the oil brand, product name, viscosity, and VW approval used—useful for resale value, maintenance history, and any warranty discussions.

By following these steps, owners can confidently select engine oil that aligns with Audi’s requirements and reduces the risk of long‑term mechanical or emissions‑system problems.

Summary

Audi does not endorse a single brand of engine oil; it specifies performance standards defined by Volkswagen (VW 504 00/507 00, 508 00/509 00, 502 00, 505 01, and others) combined with particular viscosity grades such as 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40. For most modern Audi gasoline and diesel engines—especially in Europe and many other regions—the prevailing recommendation is a full‑synthetic, low‑ash oil approved to VW 504 00/507 00, while the latest high‑efficiency engines often require VW 508 00/509 00 0W‑20 oils. The exact requirement depends on model, engine, year, market, and service regime. Owners should therefore rely on their owner’s manual, under‑hood labeling, and dealer or official documentation to confirm the specific VW specification and viscosity and then choose a reputable oil that explicitly states that approval on the label.

Is Mobil 1 ok for Audi?

Choose Mobil 1™ motor oil for your Audi
We offer a full range of synthetic and synthetic blend motor oils to keep your engine in peak condition throughout its lifetime.

What brand of oil does Audi recommend?

Audi recommends using oils that meet their specific specifications, frequently recommending Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30 and other synthetic oils that meet VW standards like Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30. While Castrol is a common recommendation, other brands like Mobil 1, Valvoline, and Liqui Moly also have options that meet Audi’s specifications, such as Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 or Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40. It is crucial to check your owner’s manual or use an oil finder tool to ensure the oil’s specifications match your specific engine. 
Commonly recommended brands and products

• Castrol: Often recommended for its high performance and adherence to VW standards. A specific example is Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W-30. 
• Mobil 1: Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 is recommended for its excellent wear protection and engine cleanliness. Mobil 1 0W-40 is another option that meets Audi’s requirements. 
• Liqui Moly: Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 is another well-regarded option known for its high lubrication reliability. 

Important considerations

• Check your owner’s manual: Always consult your owner’s manual or use an online oil finder tool to determine the specific oil viscosity grade and specification (e.g., VW504, VW507) for your vehicle. 
• Use synthetic oil: Modern Audi engines, especially turbocharged ones, require the protection of synthetic oil. 
• Don’t overfill: When adding oil, be careful not to overfill, as this can cause severe engine damage. 

Do Audis need special oil?

Both Audi and Volkswagen require full synthetic oil for all models. Unlike conventional oil, synthetic oil is engineered to: Withstand higher temperatures without breaking down, flow more efficiently in cold weather, resist oxidation, and provide better lubrication and protection for longer intervals.

Why is an Audi oil change so expensive?

Firstly, Audi vehicles typically require synthetic oil, which is pricier than conventional options. This synthetic oil offers superior performance and protection, essential for high-performance engines found in many Audi models. Additionally, the specialized filters designed specifically for Audi cars add to the cost.