Audi Oil ?

[Redd]

I know Audi aren't the only folks who want to sell their own special oil, and the owner's manual even mentions using synthetic 0W40 or 5W30 or similar if you can't buy Gen-You-Whine Audi Oil.

But last time I looked at an owner's manual, it referenced plain old API/SAE specs for oil like API SF or SJ (whatever they're up to these days) and showed ambient temperatures versus the 30 or 40 weight requirement. I'm not worried about the winter spec, 0W or 5W either one will exceed what I need. But are there any ratings for when these cars should be using the 30/vs/40 ratings for hot weather?

Ran the last car on Mobil1 since the stuff first came on the market, and fully intend to run this one on it as well.

--Redd

[spyder101]

Audi doesn't have it's own oil. Most dealers use Castrol or other name brand companies.

[MP4.2+6.0]

Here is the link to the Audi approved oils direct from the Audi USA web site: http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/a...e-Bulletin.pdf

The list goes on for pages. Distilling it down, first the oil the dealers use these days is 5W-40 synthetic. What the car is filled with at factory, and also pretty widely found in Europe. Second, you want to find an oil marked as complying with VW 502/505 standards (see link for more exact protocols). Historically, I distilled that down to Mobil 1 0W-40--and no since it always come up, not 0W-30, 5W-30 or ten other flavors, often the Costco and Wallyworld type stuff. It's specifically 0W-40 in Mobil 1 that has always met the relevant spec. OW is fine by me since I do get to Tahoe and temps indeed can be under 0F at times, or even -10 to -15 once in a while. Found at most common U.S. chain parts stores. What I have run in my Audi's usually. A more obscure one is Castrol Syntec Euro Formula 0W-30. Again, it's very specific and has to say Euro Formula--about the only Castrol sold here that comes from Germany. That can be found only at Autozone AFAIK among the chains (plus like the Mobil 1, Amazon). But that assumes you want to run a 30 weight by summer, or would normally use it just in other seasons or in milder climates. It is actually the oil weight spec'ed for my W12 in Europe. I also run it in my Mini, a high strung turbo where the BMW/Mini spec is 5W-30, and that same oil meets the BMW spec. per their lists. I may end up running that in the Q5 given the same general turbo motor set up. Last on these, I noticed recently Autozone also has Castrol Syntec 5W40 on the shelf, and I looked at the labeling to confirm it met 502/505; thus there is an exact US Audi spec 5W-40 synthetic choice (also found on the linked list) you can get off the shelf.

As the advanced post script, I also like either the Euro Formula Castrol or the Mobil 1 0W-40 because they also met an old obscure Audi spec (503xx) that was an older version of the current extended wear spec. That was the Euro W12 spec, and means the oil (in theory) can run up to 2 years and way over 10K miles. Not that I do, but having an additive pack capable of running out that far (if the oil quality sensor they use in Europe says the oil condition is okay; typical of more highway running and less frequent short haul trips) sound better to me, even if I use the standard change intervals. As a proxy for this, I look at the labels to be sure they say VW 502 and 505 (relatively few do), but then also reference the extended MB, BMW and maybe VW spec numbers.

[Redd]

Thanks. I suppose it is "US-centric" to expect a German company to write a spec for a German product for the US-market <G> but since US market specs for oil are API/SAE specs....I must be an Ugly American ?!

When Mobil first came out with the 0W40 grade of Mobil1 they used to label the bottles as "European spec" or something like that, so it isn't surprising that would make Audi happy. (I haven't read an oil bottle lately, my bad.)

I'm very much aware that API/SAE specs don't tell everything about an oil, but squinting at the Wall of Oil in my local auto shops hoping to find a "VW spec..." on them...a guy could go blind that way. 10K miles would be nothing for Mobil1, IIRC that's always been spec'd for 25,000, although I'd never push it anywhere near that long. AFAIK there's no oil quality sensor in the Q5, and the only ones I know of are really just measuring particulate load (IR or visible light scattering). I had to smile when I went looking for the dipstick and found that was now conveniently buried in the "radio" settings so I could keep my unauthorized uncertified hands out from under the hood. <VBG>

I'm a fossil, I'd be just as happy with a dipstick instead of relying on computers, sensors, and electronics to replace...a simple stick?

is there a simple URL that will go to the audiusa document library, to search for things like this? Or where are we supposed to drill down to find these things?

[MP4.2+6.0]

... I had to smile when I went looking for the dipstick and found that was now conveniently buried in the "radio" settings so I could keep my unauthorized uncertified hands out from under the hood. <VBG>

I'm a fossil, I'd be just as happy with a dipstick instead of relying on computers, sensors, and electronics to replace...a simple stick?

The screen reading already has a known history of errors if the sensor goes bad. You can buy a regular dipstick for the 2.0T and fit it into the tube that should be there (with a rubber plug). On the Hybrid I have, the same one works but you can't leave in place because the valve cover trim and sound cover interferes with it.

[Redd]

WOW! I wonder if they have to special order that, or it might just be in stock?

If I install the dipstick (thinking of the roof racks and the ESC) will the onboard computer automatically offer me bets on whether the two readings agree? <G>

[thetech]

hi everyone, about to do my first oil change, is it DIY? what kind of oil should I use? high mileage
thanks!

[Redd]

"what kind of oil should I use?"
Ergh, honey-gold color oil.

No, seriously...<G>...The URL to Audi's docs provides a long list. I'll let Audi do the "first" change, at 5000 miles or one year, since that's free and they can inspect away at all sorts of things. But the first "real" just an oil change after that? I'll be doing myself. I can't see paying someone $125 an hour to unscrew a can and a bolt. I'm quite capable of doing that, and the half hour or hour of my own time costs me a whole lot less. Heck, even Mobil has an oil-change chain that will do a Mobil1 (Audi compliant) oil change for something like $65.

Speaking of oil changes...2.0T means turbo, yes? And turbos all are lubricated by oil? Our engine turbos are lubricated by the main engine oil, yes? (Meaning, a good synthetic is critical for proper turbine operation.)

[mtnbikerva1]

Any reason not to use Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic oil?
About a year maybe more ago I did a lot of research and it got good write ups, especially for the cost.
I use it in everything now.
My KTM 300XC gets a oil change with it every 2-3 rides or so.
I use it in my GTI and other motorcycles.

[spijun]

Any reason not to use Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic oil?
About a year maybe more ago I did a lot of research and it got good write ups, especially for the cost.
I use it in everything now.
My KTM 300XC gets a oil change with it every 2-3 rides or so.
I use it in my GTI and other motorcycles.

May use any oil that meets VW (Audi) standards: VW 502.00, VW 504.00, VW 505.00............... (depends on the engine)

http://www.audiusa.com/content/dam/a...e-Bulletin.pdf

Here are the reasons why you do not need to use Shell Rotella T6:

Shell Rotella T6 does not meet standards VW

The following day, this is the reply I received from Shell:

"Hello Steve,

Your engine may use Rotella T or T6 since VW allows API SJ or SL
rated oils. Rotella has not be qualified against the VW
specifications but meets API SM and prior S ratings for gasoline
engines. I think you will have good service with... Rotella T6 Full Synthetic 5W-40.

For your engine:
"Engine oil specifications for 4 and 6 cylinder engines

The following terms must appear on the oil container singly or in
combination with other designations.

Multi-viscosity energy conserving oils such as: VW 500 00, VW 502 00
Multi-viscosity oil: VW 501 01
Multi-viscosity oil according to: API-SJ or API-SL, SAE 5w-40 or SAE
10w-40"

Regards,
Keith
Shell Technical Information

[mtnbikerva1]

Ok Thank you.
I figured it would be safe even though Shell did not pay Audi/VW for their blessing.
It is nice to have just one motor oil stocked for all my vehicles. Plus I get the Shell t6 by the gallon at a fairly good price.

[spijun]

Ok Thank you.
I figured it would be safe even though Shell did not pay Audi/VW for their blessing.
It is nice to have just one motor oil stocked for all my vehicles. Plus I get the Shell t6 by the gallon at a fairly good price.

How do you think Shell has not paid???? For all of the below mentioned Shell paid, but not for Rotella T6 LOL

What then is this:

Audi Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00, VW505 01, or VW 504 00/507 00
Shell Helix Ultra
Shell Helix Ultra AX
Shell PKW Motorenöl SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Diesel HX7 C SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Plus SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Plus SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Plus VA SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Ultra SAE 0W-40
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Ultra SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Ultra SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Ultra E SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Diesel Ultra VA SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix HX7 SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix HX7 SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus SAE 10W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Plus AR SAE 10W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus Extra SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus S SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Plus S SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus SM SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Plus SM SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Plus VB SAE 10W-40
Shell Shell Helix Premium SAE 5W-40
Shell Shell Helix Ultec SAE 0W-40
Shell Shell Helix Ultra SAE 0W-40
Shell Shell Helix Ultra SAE 5W-30
Shell Shell Helix Ultra SAE 5W-40

Simple Shell Rotella T6 does not meet the standards of VW and that's it

You got a good price because the oil does not meet standards (VW, BMW, MB, Ferrari, Porsche ....)

http://www.shell.com/global/products...ra-racing.html
http://www.shell.com/global/products...tra/ultra.html
http://www.shell.com/global/products...-car-oils.html


PS: Now I know why it's cheap oil, Shell Rotella for heavy trucks and working machine LOL
http://www.shell.com/rotella/what-do-you-drive.html

[Redd]

biker-
There are many things about oils that are not reflected in 'the spec'. For instance, the US API/SAE specs say nothing about "thin film sheeting" which reflects how long an oil film will be kept on engine parts after the engine is shut down, and the behavior of that film under impact, which is what protects your crankshaft and bearings from wear when a cold engine starts after sitting for several days.

Nothing in the spec. But, synthetic oils all generally are vast improvements in this area.

First time I had an oil analysis done, it showed my oil was loaded with molybdenum. That's "moly" powder lubricant, a metal-on-metal lubricant and a very stable and expensive one. Mobil doesn't mention that Mobil1 is loaded with it. Another expensive plus that isn't in any spec from any party.

So if you've got an oil that has worked well for you, great. But since diesels want one thing, and turbines want another (and fry without it) and Shell apparently thinks there is a reason to make more than one oil, not all of which meet the Audi spec...you might just reconsider and chose a product from the same company that IS on the approved list. Call Shell, or do an oil analysis (about $25 these days) and find out what the real difference is, before you dismiss it. Compared to the rest of the engine, even the best oil is cheap.