Audi A3 Engine Oil — Grade, Capacity & Recommendations (2020-2024)
Oil Specification by Engine
| Engine | Oil grade | VW specification | Capacity (inc. filter) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30/35 TFSI (1.0/1.5 petrol) | 5W-30 | VW 504 00 | check handbook |
| 2.0 TDI (30/35/40 diesel) | 5W-30 | VW 507 00 | check handbook |
| S3 2.0 TFSI (petrol) | 5W-30 | VW 504 00 | check handbook |
Not sure which spec you need? The required VW oil number is printed on the oil filler cap, and the engine code is in section D.2 of your V5C.
Capacities vary by engine and build; confirm against your owner’s manual or by VIN before buying volume. VW’s newest engines may specify 0W-20 (VW 508 00) — check the filler cap.
Recommended Engine Oils
TSI petrol & TDI diesel — 5W-30, VW 504 00 / 507 00
Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL
VW Group’s official oil partner; carries VW 504 00 / 507 00.
Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30
Full-synthetic 5W-30 approved to VW 504 00 / 507 00, low-SAPS for the DPF.
Any 5W-30 listing VW 504 00 / 507 00
Liqui Moly, Shell and Total all make 5W-30 oils carrying these VW approvals.
VW 504 00, 507 00 — Which Does Your A3 Need?
VW Group specifies oil by approval number. The turbo TSI/TFSI petrol engines use 5W-30 to VW 504 00, a low-SAPS LongLife oil. The TDI diesel uses 5W-30 to VW 507 00, validated to keep the DPF clear — most premium 5W-30 oils carry both numbers. VW’s newest engines move to a thinner 0W-20 (VW 508 00) — always confirm on the filler cap.
Oil Change Intervals
On VW Group LongLife (variable) servicing the car can run up to ~2 years or 18,000–20,000 miles between changes; many owners prefer fixed servicing (12 months or ~10,000 miles), which is gentler on direct-injection carbon build-up and the diesel DPF.
Tip: always change the filter with the oil, and use a LongLife-rated oil if you stay on variable servicing.
How to Check Your Oil Level
Step 1: Park on level ground and wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the engine.
Step 2: Remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert fully, then remove again to read the level.
Step 3: The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Top up in small amounts if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What oil does a Audi A3 take?
5W-30 — VW 504 00 for the TSI/TFSI petrol engines and VW 507 00 for the TDI diesel. The newest engines may use 0W-20 (VW 508 00); check the filler cap.
Why does my A3 TDI need VW 507 00 oil?
VW 507 00 is a low-ash LongLife oil that stops the diesel particulate filter clogging with ash that cannot be burned off during regeneration. A non-507 oil can ruin the DPF.
Can I use 0W-20 in my A3?
Only if your filler cap specifies VW 508 00. Most A3 engines are designed for 5W-30 to VW 504 00 / 507 00.
How much oil does it take?
It varies by engine and build — confirm the exact figure in your owner’s manual. The required VW spec is printed on the oil filler cap.
Other Audi A3 Guides
Bulb GuideHeadlight & indicator bulbs
Cabin Filter GuideFilter type & replacement
Battery GuideSize, type & specs
Spark Plug GuideType & gap settings
How we check fitment for this guide
We cross-reference fitment figures against manufacturer specifications and OE-supplier catalogue data where available, and matched to the standard codes that actually govern fit — battery type/group sizes, wiper lengths and fitting types, bulb fitment codes, tyre size markings, and oil specifications. We work by make, model, year, engine, and build date, because a single model can take different parts across its life. Where the right part depends on your exact vehicle, we tell you to confirm by registration or VIN. More on our method →