Which Engine Oil Is Good for the Audi A4?

The best engine oil for an Audi A4 is typically a fully synthetic oil that meets VW 504 00 / 507 00 specifications, in a viscosity grade such as 5W‑30 or 0W‑30, depending on engine, climate, and model year. That standard—not the brand name—is the crucial detail owners should follow.

Why Engine Oil Choice Matters for the Audi A4

The question of which oil is best for an Audi A4 arises because modern Audi engines are highly engineered, turbocharged in many trims, and sensitive to lubrication quality. Correct oil affects performance, fuel economy, emissions system longevity, and protection against wear, especially under extended service intervals that are common in Europe and often adopted by owners elsewhere.

Key Specifications: What Audi and VW Require

For most recent Audi A4 models (roughly mid‑2000s onward, and especially B8, B9, and current generations), the most important factor is that the oil meets Volkswagen Group’s official specifications. These standards go beyond generic API or ACEA ratings and are tailored to Audi/VW engines and emissions systems.

The following list explains the core VW/Audi oil specifications you should look for on the bottle label.

• VW 504 00 – Long-life, low-ash oil for modern gasoline (petrol) engines, compatible with extended drain intervals and advanced emissions systems.
• VW 507 00 – Long-life, low-ash oil for modern diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF); often paired with 504 00 on “504/507” labeled products.
• VW 502 00 – High-performance, non–long-life spec for many earlier petrol engines; commonly used where fixed (shorter) service intervals are followed.
• VW 505 01 – Older spec for diesel engines, especially pump‑duse (PD) technology; still relevant for some legacy models.
• ACEA C3 / API SP or SN Plus – European and American standards that should usually appear alongside VW specs; they are important but secondary to the VW code itself.

In practice, choosing an oil that explicitly states VW 504 00 / 507 00 (for newer models) or the exact spec listed in your owner’s manual is the safest and most durable option, regardless of the brand.

Recommended Viscosity Grades for Different Audi A4 Engines

Viscosity, expressed as grades like 0W‑30 or 5W‑40, determines how the oil flows when cold and when hot. Audi and VW approve several viscosity options that still meet their core specs, but local climate and driving style influence the best choice.

Typical Viscosity Choices

The list below outlines the most common viscosity grades for the Audi A4 and when each is usually appropriate.

• 5W‑30 (VW 504 00 / 507 00) – The most widely recommended choice for recent Audi A4 petrol and diesel engines in moderate climates; balances cold-start protection and hot-running stability.
• 0W‑30 (VW 504 00 / 507 00) – Favored in colder regions due to superior low-temperature flow; helps smoother cold starts and marginally better fuel economy.
• 5W‑40 (VW 502 00 / 505 00 or 505 01) – Often recommended for older A4 engines, high-mileage cars, or hotter climates where a slightly thicker film at operating temperature provides extra protection.
• 0W‑40 (VW 502 00) – Suitable for performance‑oriented driving or wide temperature swings; flows very well when cold but remains robust under heat.

Ultimately, viscosity should match what Audi specifies for your exact engine code and climate zone; the owner’s manual and dealer service data remain the definitive guide.

Good Oil Brands and Product Lines for the Audi A4

While specifications matter more than brand, certain well-known manufacturers offer oils explicitly approved by VW for the Audi A4. Approval lists are updated regularly, but several product lines are widely available and correctly certified as of late 2024.

Well-Regarded Oils That Commonly Carry VW 504 00 / 507 00 Approval

The following list details some popular, widely distributed fully synthetic oils that often meet the VW 504 00 / 507 00 standard suitable for late-model A4 engines. Always confirm the exact spec on the bottle before purchase, as formulations can change.

• Castrol Edge 5W‑30 LL – Frequently recommended in Audi dealer networks in Europe; designed for long-life intervals and modern TFSI/TDI engines.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30 – Low-ash formulation engineered to protect gasoline and diesel engines and their exhaust after-treatment systems; widely stocked.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 – Tailored for VW/Audi requirements, often explicitly marked with 504/507 approval.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W‑30 – German-made oil popular among European car specialists, formulated specifically for VW Group specifications.
• Ravenol VMP 5W‑30 – Another brand with VW approvals that is favored by enthusiasts for its strong technical data sheets.

Each of these products, when purchased with the correct VW approval printed on the label, is a solid choice; owners can safely choose based on availability, price, and personal brand preference as long as the spec matches.

Oils Often Used for Older or High-Mileage Audi A4 Models

For earlier-generation A4s (such as B5, B6, early B7) or cars with high mileage, owners and independent workshops sometimes choose slightly higher-viscosity oils within the correct VW spec to reduce consumption and noise.

The list below outlines options commonly selected for these older or higher-mileage engines.

• 5W‑40 fully synthetic with VW 502 00 / 505 00 approval – A popular choice for older petrol and non-DPF diesel engines; provides a thicker protective film at operating temperatures.
• 0W‑40 fully synthetic with VW 502 00 approval – Offers excellent cold flow with strong high-temperature stability, suitable for colder climates and spirited driving.
• High-mileage formulas (where VW spec is still met) – Some brands offer seal-conditioning additives that can help mild seepage; these are acceptable only if they still carry the necessary VW approval.

While thicker oils may slightly reduce oil consumption in worn engines, they should not be used if they conflict with the emissions system requirements or omit the proper VW approval code.

Differences Between Petrol and Diesel Audi A4 Oils

Modern Audi A4 petrol (TFSI) and diesel (TDI) engines often share the same 504 00 / 507 00-approved oils, but there are important distinctions, particularly regarding older diesels and those fitted with particulate filters.

Petrol (TFSI) Engines

Most current and recent petrol Audi A4 models operate safely and efficiently on a VW 504 00 / 507 00 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 oil. These formulations are designed to manage high turbocharger temperatures and reduce deposits that can lead to pre-ignition or intake valve buildup in direct-injection engines.

Diesel (TDI) Engines and DPF Considerations

Diesel engines equipped with a diesel particulate filter require low-SAPS (low sulphated ash, phosphorus, and sulphur) oils to prevent the filter from clogging.

The following list summarizes key points specific to diesel A4 models.

• VW 507 00 is essential for DPF-equipped TDIs – This spec ensures low-ash performance, protecting the DPF from premature blockage.
• Older TDIs without DPF may still specify 505 01 or 505 00 – Those vehicles can use 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 oils with the matching older spec.
• Avoid generic diesel oils without VW approval – Even if marketed as “diesel oil,” they may lack the low-SAPS characteristics critical to modern Audi diesels.

Correct diesel oil choice safeguards both engine and emissions hardware, helping to avoid expensive repairs to DPFs and EGR systems.

Service Intervals and Driving Conditions

Choosing the right oil for an Audi A4 also ties directly into how often it is changed. Audi uses different maintenance strategies—fixed (time/mileage-based) and flexible (variable “LongLife”)—depending on market and owner preference.

Fixed vs. LongLife Service Regimes

Before looking at typical interval lengths, it helps to understand what each maintenance regime is designed for.

• Fixed intervals – Oil changes at regular, shorter distances (for example, every 10,000–15,000 km or 6,000–10,000 miles, or yearly), suitable for harsh use such as frequent short trips or heavy traffic.
• LongLife (variable) intervals – Extended intervals (often up to 30,000 km / ~18,000 miles or 2 years in some markets), using sensors and algorithms to determine oil degradation; permitted only when LongLife-spec oil (like VW 504 00 / 507 00) is used.
• Regional differences – In North America, Audi often defaults to fixed intervals around 10,000 miles (16,000 km), while many European markets rely more heavily on LongLife schedules.

Regardless of the official schedule, many specialists recommend slightly more frequent oil changes—especially in turbocharged TFSI and TDI engines—to minimize long-term wear and deposit formation.

Practical Advice for Choosing Oil for Your Specific Audi A4

Because Audi A4 models span multiple generations, engines, and regional variants, the most precise answer is always tailored to your vehicle’s identity and use pattern.

Information You Should Check Before Buying Oil

The following list describes the key pieces of information owners should gather to ensure the right oil choice.

• Model year and generation – For example, B7 (2004–2008), B8 (2008–2015), B9 (2015–2023), B10 (latest); each has slightly different guidance.
• Engine code and fuel type – TFSI vs. TDI, displacement (e.g., 2.0 TFSI vs. 2.0 TDI), and power output influence the oil spec.
• Presence of DPF (for diesels) – Later TDIs almost always have DPFs and require VW 507 00; older ones may not.
• Owner’s manual recommendations – Audi’s documentation lists the exact VW specification and approved viscosity ranges for your engine.
• Climate and driving pattern – Very cold climates may favor 0W grades; largely highway use may better justify LongLife intervals.

With this information in hand, matching an oil that has both the correct VW specification and an appropriate viscosity becomes straightforward.

Summary

For most modern Audi A4 models, the safest and best-performing engine oil is a fully synthetic 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 that explicitly carries the VW 504 00 / 507 00 approval, regardless of brand. Older A4s may use 5W‑40 or other grades as long as they meet the earlier VW 502 00 / 505 00 / 505 01 specs specified in the owner’s manual. Petrol and diesel versions—especially DPF-equipped diesels—have particular requirements that make the VW approval code on the bottle more important than any marketing label. Checking your engine code, manual, and local climate, then choosing a reputable brand that meets the correct VW specification, will ensure the best protection and longevity for your Audi A4.