Which Oil Is Good for an Audi A4?

The best oil for an Audi A4 is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 specifications (for petrol) and VW 505 01, 507 00 (for many diesels), typically in viscosities like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40, depending on model year and engine. The precise choice should always follow the owner’s manual and the label on the oil filler cap, because Audi’s requirements differ slightly between engines, markets, and service intervals.

Why Oil Choice Matters for the Audi A4

The Audi A4’s engines—whether the latest mild‑hybrid 2.0 TFSI turbo petrol, TDI diesel, or older naturally aspirated variants—are engineered with tight tolerances and complex emissions and turbocharging systems. Using the correct oil is essential not just for lubrication, but also for turbo longevity, fuel economy, and keeping emissions equipment like particulate filters and catalytic converters healthy.

Key Oil Specifications for the Audi A4

Before looking at viscosity (such as 5W‑30), it is critical to understand Audi/Volkswagen’s own approval codes. These specifications ensure that the oil has been tested for the specific demands of VW Group engines, including high-temperature performance, sludge control, and compatibility with after‑treatment systems.

Core VW/Audi Oil Specifications to Look For

The following list outlines the most relevant VW specifications for modern Audi A4 petrol and diesel engines and how they are generally used.

• VW 502 00 – High‑performance petrol engine oil spec used in many Audi A4 TFSI engines, especially in markets or models not using extended “LongLife” service intervals. Commonly paired with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 fully synthetic oils.
• VW 504 00 – LongLife petrol spec designed for extended service intervals and low-ash (low SAPS) formulations. Frequently used in newer TFSI engines and generally combined with 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 oils.
• VW 505 01 – Diesel spec historically required for certain PD (Pumpe‑Düse) engines; still sometimes seen in recommendations for older A4 diesels. Typically 5W‑40 synthetic.
• VW 507 00 – LongLife low‑ash diesel spec for engines with particulate filters (DPF), used in most modern Audi A4 TDI engines. Usually 5W‑30 or 0W‑30.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Ultra‑low viscosity (typically 0W‑20) specs for the newest high‑efficiency Audi/VW engines, including some recent A4 models, to improve fuel economy while still meeting wear protection targets.

These codes are printed on the back label of high‑quality oils; if the bottle does not explicitly state one of these VW approvals (not just “meets requirements of”), it is safer to choose a different product that is officially approved.

Recommended Oil Types by Audi A4 Generation (General Guidance)

Because exact requirements vary by engine code, market, and model year, any generic table should be treated as guidance, not a substitute for your owner’s manual or dealership information.

Approximate Guidelines by Era

The list below gives a broad overview of what oil types are generally recommended for different generations of the Audi A4 up to the 2024/2025 model year.

• B5 (mid‑1990s–early 2000s)

  Petrol: Fully synthetic 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 meeting VW 502 00.

  Diesel: Fully synthetic 5W‑40 meeting VW 505 00 or 505 01 (depending on engine).

• B6/B7 (early–late 2000s)

  Petrol: 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic meeting VW 502 00 or 504 00 (LongLife).

  Diesel: 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 synthetic meeting VW 505 01 or 507 00 for DPF-equipped models.

• B8 (around 2008–2015)

  Petrol (TFSI): 5W‑30 synthetic with VW 502 00 or 504 00, depending on service regime.

  Diesel (TDI): 5W‑30 synthetic with VW 507 00, especially for DPF-equipped cars.

• B9/B9.5 (2016–present, including mild‑hybrid versions)

  Petrol (2.0 TFSI, etc.): Often 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 with VW 504 00 or VW 508 00/509 00, depending on engine and market.

  Diesel (TDI): Typically 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 meeting VW 507 00.

While these guidelines fit most mainstream engines, always verify against the specific engine code (e.g., EA888, EA288, etc.) and the official documentation for your vehicle, as special or performance variants can differ.

Understanding Viscosity: 0W‑20 vs 5W‑30 vs 5W‑40

After ensuring the oil meets the correct VW specification, viscosity (the “thickness” of the oil at different temperatures) is the next key factor. Choosing the wrong viscosity is less critical than using the wrong spec, but it can still affect startup wear, fuel economy, and oil consumption.

What the Numbers Mean

The following list explains the common viscosity grades you’ll see recommended for Audi A4 models and what they signify in real-world driving.

• 0W‑20 – Very light oil that flows quickly at cold start and reduces internal friction, improving fuel economy. Common in the latest A4 models that specify VW 508 00/509 00. Should not be used in older engines unless the manual explicitly allows it.
• 0W‑30 – Good cold-start performance with a bit more high-temperature protection than 0W‑20. Used in some LongLife petrol and diesel applications with VW 504 00 or 507 00 approval.
• 5W‑30 – Widely used, balanced choice. Provides strong protection at operating temperature, acceptable cold-start behavior in most climates, and is common for VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 oils.
• 5W‑40 – Slightly thicker at high temperature, often recommended for older engines, hotter climates, or when oil consumption is a concern. Look for VW 502 00 (petrol) or VW 505 01 (older diesels).

While a thicker oil like 5W‑40 can sometimes reduce consumption in a worn engine, using a higher viscosity than recommended in a new A4 may slightly worsen fuel economy and isn’t advisable unless there is a specific reason and the engine manual states it is acceptable.

Top Brands and Product Examples That Fit Audi A4 Requirements

Many reputable manufacturers produce VW‑approved oils. The critical factor is not the brand name, but whether the exact product label lists the correct VW code and viscosity for your engine and climate.

Widely Available Oils That Often Meet Audi A4 Specs

The list below gives examples of oil lines commonly used in Audi A4s when matched to the proper VW approvals and viscosities.

• Castrol Edge / Castrol Edge Professional

  Products like Castrol Edge 5W‑30 LL or 0W‑20 LL often carry VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 approvals and are widely used by dealers in some regions.

• Mobil 1 and Mobil Super

  Options such as Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00) and Mobil 1 ESP x2 0W‑20 (VW 508 00/509 00) are common choices for modern Audi petrol and diesel engines.

• Liqui Moly

  The “Top Tec” series includes VW‑approved oils like Top Tec 4200 5W‑30 (VW 504 00/507 00) and Top Tec 6200 0W‑20 (VW 508 00/509 00), popular with owners who prefer German-made oils.

• Shell Helix / Pennzoil (North America)

  Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV‑L 5W‑30 and related products often carry VW 504 00/507 00 approvals. In some markets, Pennzoil Platinum Euro L or LX variants fill the same role.

• TotalEnergies, Motul, and others

  Lines such as Total Quartz Ineo Long Life 5W‑30 or Motul Specific 504 00 507 00 5W‑30 are also formulated with VW approvals for Audi engines.

Because each product family includes multiple variants, it is crucial to check the back label rather than relying solely on the product name or a generic “for Audi/VW” claim on the front of the bottle.

Service Intervals and “LongLife” vs Fixed Interval Oils

Audi’s service strategy influences the recommended oil spec. LongLife regimes, popular in Europe, allow extended intervals, while fixed-interval service often uses a slightly different set of approved products.

How Your Service Regime Affects Oil Choice

The list below explains how different maintenance schedules affect which oil you should use in an Audi A4.

• LongLife (Flexible) Service

  Used mainly in Europe: oil-change intervals can extend up to ~30,000 km or 2 years depending on driving conditions. Typically requires VW 504 00 (petrol) or 507 00 (diesel) or the newer 508 00/509 00 oils. These oils are specifically formulated for extended drain intervals.

• Fixed Interval Service

  Oil is changed at shorter, predefined intervals (for example every 10,000–15,000 km or once a year). Many markets, including North America, lean towards fixed intervals. For older or non‑LongLife setups, VW 502 00 (petrol) and 505 01 (diesel) oils are often specified.

• Severe or Harsh Driving Conditions

  Frequent short trips, lots of stop‑start traffic, very hot or cold climates, or regular spirited driving can justify shorter intervals than the maximum allowed, even with LongLife oils. The spec remains the same, but the change interval shrinks.

Sticking to both the correct specification and a sensible interval for your driving conditions is as important as the specific brand or viscosity, and can significantly affect engine life.

How to Identify the Right Oil for Your Specific Audi A4

Given the variety of engines and regional differences, a step-by-step approach is often the safest way to confirm which oil is correct for your particular car.

Practical Steps for Owners

The list below outlines a straightforward process you can use to make sure you choose an oil that is compatible with your exact A4 model.

1. Check the owner’s manual – Locate the “Engine Oil” or “Lubricants” section. Note the required VW specification (e.g., VW 504 00/507 00) and approved viscosity range (e.g., 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30).
2. Look at the oil filler cap or under-hood sticker – Many newer A4s have the approval (“Use VW 504 00/507 00”) printed near the oil cap or in the engine bay.
3. Identify your engine code – On newer cars, the engine code (e.g., EA888 gen 3, EA288) can be found on a sticker in the service book, in the trunk/boot area near the spare wheel well, or via a dealer. Certain engine codes have very specific oil requirements.
4. Match the bottle label to your spec – Only choose oils that explicitly state your VW spec (not just “recommended for VW”). Use the exact viscosity or one of the allowed options listed in your manual for your climate.
5. Consider climate and usage – In very cold regions, a 0W‑30 or 0W‑20 may be preferable if permitted by the manual; in hotter climates for older engines, a 5W‑40 approved oil might be more suitable.

Taking a few minutes to verify these details can prevent the use of unsuitable oils and ensures that any warranty or extended coverage remains valid.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced owners occasionally make errors when choosing engine oil, often due to confusing marketing terms or incomplete information at the point of sale.

Typical Pitfalls With Audi A4 Oil Selection

The list below summarizes mistakes that can lead to increased wear, emissions issues, or warranty problems.

• Ignoring VW approval codes – Choosing a premium synthetic oil that does not carry the proper VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 / 508 00 approvals can still be a poor match, despite good general quality.
• Assuming “any synthetic 5W‑30” is fine – Not all 5W‑30 synthetics are equal; only those tested and approved to VW specs are guaranteed to meet Audi’s requirements.
• Mixing incompatible oils – Topping up with an oil of different spec or viscosity occasionally in emergencies is usually acceptable, but routinely blending mismatched oils can undermine performance and make diagnostics harder.
• Overextending service intervals – Relying on maximum LongLife mileages under severe conditions (short trips, city driving, heavy loads) can accelerate sludge formation and wear, even with the right spec.
• Using older “high‑zinc” or non‑low‑SAPS oils with DPFs – These can damage particulate filters and catalytic converters over time; modern A4 diesels almost always need low‑ash (low SAPS) 507 00 or newer spec oils.

Being aware of these pitfalls helps owners focus on verified technical requirements rather than broad marketing claims when selecting engine oil.

Summary

For an Audi A4, the correct oil is a fully synthetic product that explicitly carries the appropriate VW approval—typically VW 502 00 or 504 00 for most petrol engines and VW 505 01 or 507 00 for diesels, with newer models often requiring ultra‑low‑viscosity VW 508 00/509 00 oils. Viscosities like 0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, and 5W‑40 are chosen based on the engine generation, climate, and service regime as specified in the owner’s manual. Brand is less important than matching these approvals and changing the oil at sensible intervals. Owners who check the manual, confirm the VW spec on the bottle, and consider their driving conditions will give their A4 the best protection and performance over the long term.