
Wondering what type of oil to use in your Porsche Macan? Blauparts is here to help! In this blog article, we've put together a Porsche Macan oil type application list or guide to help you determine the correct Porsche oil type needed when changing your motor oil. We also briefly discuss the different types of Porsche oil such as A40, C20, and C30 oil types. We offer a full line of premium approved European Porsche oils and convenient BLAU Oil Change Kits that include the necessary quantity of oil, oil type, oil filter, and hardware for 2015-2023 Porsche Macan models.
With our long history as an independent service garage with over 30 years of hands-on experience in European automotive service, we've seen many mechanical breakdowns on vehicles. Experience has shown that changing your oils and fluids is the single most important preventive maintenance routine you can perform to avoid vehicle breakdowns. Regular oil change intervals and using high-quality OEM-approved engine oils can greatly help extend the life of your engine to well over 150,000 miles and beyond.
Post Contents [hide]
- What Type of Oil Should I Use In My Porsche Macan?
- Recommended Porsche Macan Oil Type Specifications
- What Is the Best Porsche Macan Engine Oil Type?
What Type of Oil Should I Use In My Porsche Macan?
The owner's manual specifies the recommended Porsche oil, specifications, quality standards, and oil viscosity weight. Always consult the vehicle's service owner's manual to confirm what specific fluids or oils are required for your Porsche Macan model. These specifications can typically be referenced in the owner's manual index under engine oil or operating fluids. If the owner's manual has been lost and it is difficult to determine what type of Porsche Macan oil to use, refer to our BLAU® Oil Change Kits buttons below, which match the correct Macan oil specification, oil filter, and hardware for each specific model and engine type.
Recommended Porsche Macan Oil Type Specifications
Porsche Macan A40 Oil Type Specification
The Porsche A40 oil quality specification was Porsche's first oil quality standard. This is primarily used in select Porsche gasoline engines from 1994-2019. The Porsche A40 oil specification is a Full SAPS additive (Full Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation that supports extended oil change intervals. Engine oils saying they meet the A40 standard should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater, and a minimum TBN of 10.0. The Porsche A40 oil specification is available in multiple 40-weight viscosities. The Porsche A40 specification is always a 0W-40 or 5W-40 and corresponds to an ACEA A3/B4 oil standard.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues, a Porsche A40 should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source the Porsche A40 specification oil in your region when a low engine oil level emergency arises, or when your oil change interval is drastically past due and you feel you need to change it right away, you could temporally substitute with an oil meeting specifications VW 502 00, MB 229.5, or BMW Longlife-01 with a viscosity of SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. If you cannot find those alternatives, you could substitute with an oil meeting ACEA A3/B4 specification with a viscosity grade of either SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 weight. If you find yourself having to use alternatives or substitutes due to your unique circumstances, it would be best to find a source for the approved Porsche A40 oil as soon as you can, and then schedule another oil change service using the approved oil. Always remember, engine oil that has received formal Porsche approval for the A40 specification has been subjected to a rigorous testing procedure to ensure the oil meets all Porsche standards and a higher level of quality than your typical name brand standard oils sold today which typically meet only the basic industry oil quality specifications.
Porsche A40 Oil Type Used in the Following Macan Models:
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.6L V6 turbo gasoline models use Porsche A40 oil spec (Turbo model).
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gasoline models use Porsche A40 oil spec (S and GTS model).
Porsche Macan C20 Oil Type Specification
In the USA the Porsche C20 oil specification began seeing use in Porsche engines in 2019. Currently, this oil formulation is primarily used in small displacement Porsche inline turbocharged 2.0-liter 4 cylinder and turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines from 2019 onward. Many of these engines are used in Porsche SUV and sedan models. This is a Mid-SAPS additive (Mid Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation, suitable for extended oil change intervals, reducing fuel consumption, reducing engine emissions, and should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 2.6 - 2.9 mPa*s, and a minimum TBN of 6.0. The Porsche C20 oil specification will typically correspond to the ACEA C5 oil specification and 0W-20 viscosity.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues only a Porsche C20 with viscosity SAE 0W-20 should be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source a Porsche C20 specification oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. A VW 508 00 engine oil can be used. If a Porsche C20 or VW 508 00 oil specification cannot be sourced an ACEA C5 SAE 0W-20 oil can be used in place. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when a Porsche C20 approved specification oil can be sourced. It should also be noted that Porsche C20-approved oils receive more quality standard testing over the broader and basic industry specification. For the best possible engine performance, a Porsche C20-approved oil should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Porsche C20 Oil Type Used in the Following Macan Models:
- 2019-2021 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gasoline models use Porsche C20 oil spec (S model).
- 2019-2023 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gasoline models use Porsche C20 oil spec (Base model).
Porsche Macan C30 Oil Type Specification
In the USA the Porsche C30 oil quality specification was introduced primarily for the 2013-2016 3.0L Cayenne diesel engine. This is a Mid to Low SAPS additive (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) level formulation, supports extended oil change intervals, and should have a minimum high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater. The Porsche C30 oil quality standard requires a 0W-30 and 5W-30 viscosity and corresponds to an ACEA C3 oil specification. Since the inception of the Porsche C30 oil specification, it has transitioned into also being recommended for some Porsche gasoline engines. This is a result of stricter EPA standards for gasoline engines, modernized gasoline engine technologies, and different gasoline quality grades and types in the United States. In the United States, the C30 spec is now being recommended for select Volkswagen and Porsche-derived gasoline engines. The 2017 onward inline 2.0 liter 4 cylinder and 2018 onward 2.9 liter V6 gasoline engines.
Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues only a Porsche C30 oil quality specification should be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If you are unable to source a Porsche C30 engine oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. A VW 507 00 engine oil specification can be used. If Porsche C30 or VW 507 00 oil specification cannot be sourced an ACEA C3 SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 oil can be sourced. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when a Porsche C30-approved specification oil can be sourced. It should also be noted that Porsche C30 and VW 507 00 approved oils receive more quality standard testing over the broader and basic industry specification. For the best possible engine performance, a Porsche C30-approved oil should always be used when recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Porsche C30 Oil Type Used in the Following Macan Models:
- 2017-2018 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gasoline models use Porsche C30 oil spec (Base model).
- 2020-2023 Porsche Macan 2.9L V6 turbo gasoline models use Porsche C30 oil spec (GTS and Turbo model).
Porsche Macan Oil Fill Capacities
It is also important not to overfill your engine with oil. The below charts recommend adding 0.5 liter Less engine oil than the total oil capacity called for Porsche Macan. After you change the oil and filter, start the engine, and run it until you reach the full operating temperature of approximately 180 F. Typically, it will take around 15 minutes to achieve engine operating temperature. With the vehicle on level ground, wait a minute or two once the engine is shut off, and then check the dipstick oil level or use the vehicle onboard Multimedia Interface computer system to check the oil level. Fill the engine to the full mark. This is the correct way to check the engine oil level and avoid overfilling the engine crankcase when performing your Porsche Macan oil change. Following this procedure allows the oil in the engine to warm up and expand so that the dipstick reflects the accurate level of oil in the engine. It is also good to make sure your engine and oil are warm before draining because this allows the oil to flow or drain down to the engine's oil pan sump for a more thorough and complete draining of the old engine oil.
Overfilling the engine oil is a common mistake. If you check your Macan oil level when the engine is cold, remember the oil has not fully expanded and if you top off the oil to the maximum level on the dipstick when the engine is cooler, you will likely overfill your engine. If you overfill the engine oil, the excess oil expands, resulting in excess crankcase pressure and can make its way into the engine's crankcase ventilation breather hoses, PVC valves, and EGR systems. The excess oil will create above normal engine crankcase pressure, and above normal oil smog, or mist, known as blowby. The excess blowby can pollute the air the engine is ingesting for combustion and impairs the engine PCV ventilation and the EGR systems. When the engine experiences repeated overfilling, the excess blowby will likely contribute to an oily carbon buildup on the topside of the engine's intake and exhaust valves. Over time, repeated overfilling can also cause oily residue and carbon buildup in expensive emission system components and cause catalytic converters, EGR valves, oxygen sensors, EGT sensors, and engine particulate filters (PDF) to plug up and fail prematurely.
Porsche Macan Oil Fill Capacity
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.6L V6 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 8 liters or 8.5 quarts (Turbo model).
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 8 liters or 8.5 quarts (S and GTS model).
- 2020-2023 Porsche Macan 2.9L V6 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 7.5 liters or 7.9 quarts (GTS and Turbo model).
- 2019-2021 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 7.5 liters or 7.9 quarts (S model).
- 2017-2018 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 4.7 liters or 4.9 quarts (Base model).
- 2019-2023 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gasoline engine oil fill capacity is 5.2 liters or 5.5 quarts (Base model).
What Is the Best Porsche Macan Oil Change Interval?
The recommended Macan oil change intervals will depend on the exact year and engine option. It is important to keep in mind that from the 2015 introduction of the Porsche Macans in the United States to the present, the oil change intervals have had several updates. Below are the current (as of the publishing date of this article) Porsche Macan oil change intervals that are in accordance with engine options and engine types.
Porsche Macan Oil Change Intervals
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.6L V6 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (Turbo model).
- 2015-2018 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (S and GTS model).
- 2020-2023 Porsche Macan 2.9L V6 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (GTS and Turbo model).
- 2019-2021 Porsche Macan 3.0L V6 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (S model).
- 2017-2018 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (Base model).
- 2019-2023 Porsche Macan 2.0L L4 turbo gas engine oil change interval is 10,000 miles or once a year, whichever accrues first. Or according to flexible onboard maintenance system (Base model).
The above oil change interval recommendation of 10,000 miles or once a year should only be followed with an oil that has the OEM Porsche approved oil quality specifications, along with, an OEM oil filter designed for a 10,000-mile extended oil change interval. Using engine oils labeled without the correct Porsche oil specification, and using generic aftermarket oil filters, could lead to engine mechanical breakdowns and reliability issues associated with the vehicle's emission system components.
Modern synthetic engine oils have motivated some owners to run their oil longer than the recommended change interval or oil change service. However, it is the best practice to stick to the Porsche recommended oil change interval. We feel that the vehicle manufacturers have done due diligence in defining what the correct engine oil specification requirements and quality standards should be, and precisely how many miles you should run the oil to ensure the best engine longevity. If you choose to run an oil with an OEM Approval beyond the recommended change interval, it would be a good practice to confirm it can be run safely beyond it, by collecting a sample of your used engine oil. After collecting the sample, you should send it to an oil analysis laboratory so they can analyze and test the oil to confirm it has not broken down, and it is still maintaining its ability to provide maximum lubrication protection for whatever length of oil change interval you may be choosing.
Under certain circumstances, we recommend performing oil changes at more frequent intervals.
If your vehicle is exposed to any of the below-driving conditions, you might want to consider changing the engine oil at 5,000 - 8,000 miles instead of 10,000 miles:
Examples:
- The engine is new and is still going through the break-in period.
- The engine is consistently under load, and subject to conditions such as commercial use, and pulling trailers. Driving at sustained high speeds or spirited driving conditions.
- Driving short distances or stop and go intermittent driving where full engine operating temperature is not reached. Especially in cold winter climates.
- Running the engine at idle for an extended period.
- Drive in extreme hot summer temperatures for an extended period.
What Are Porsche Engine Oil Quality Standards (AKA Oil Specs) and Why Are They Important?
Worldwide there has been an increased emphasis for vehicle manufacturers to reduce emissions, minimize their carbon footprint, and improve fuel economy. In the mid to late 1990s Porsche created and instituted their own internal engine oil quality standard and specification system to ensure optimal engine reliability and longevity. They were put into place to ensure a higher quality level of engine oil would be used in their engines instead of solely relying upon, and specifying the broader, and more general API or ACEA oil quality standards and specifications. Each Porsche oil quality specification denoted by letters and numbers (e.g. PORSCHE A40, PORSCHE C30, PORSCHE C20), signifies the necessary oil profile and chemical properties required for the oil to archive the correct performance level that is required for a specific Porsche engine application. It is also important to note that engine oils that have received OEM Porsche oil approvals have been tested more extensively than popular “off the shelve” oils, which typically are lower in quality and have a simpler set of oil specification parameters that only cover a broad or general range of lubrication requirements than those developed by Porsche. Engines and vehicle emission systems that experience mechanical issues or failures can often be linked to consumers using inferior low to mid-quality grade engine oils for a prolonged period. Using the correct OEM-approved Porsche oil specification for your engine requirements will offer the best possible performance, protection, and longevity for your engine.
Below you will find a full list of Porsche oil specifications for use in the Porsche Macan engines.
Can I use a non-approved oil in my Porsche Macan, or one that does not meet Porsche oil quality standards?
Conventional petroleum-based blends of motor oils are becoming a thing of the past and should not be used for the best results as noted above. Using conventional motor oils that do not have an OEM-approved Porsche engine oil quality standard on the bottle label is very risky and not recommended.
New Porsche Macan engines, turbochargers, and their fuel injection and emission system components, use an array of unique designs and materials. These engines and components are designed and engineered to operate within exact parameters, tolerances, and performance levels. The long-term use of low-quality generic engine oils that were not specifically designed for your engine could compromise the integrity of the engine and these related components. Always use engine oils that meet the exact Porsche oil specification for your specific Macan engine type. Additionally, using oils that do not meet the correct PORSCHE Macan oil specification could jeopardize your vehicle's warranty.
What engine oil should be used when topping off my Porsche Macan engine oil?
When topping off your Macan engine oil between oil changes, we encourage you to have an extra liter of the correct Porsche specification oil on hand. If you experience a low engine oil level emergency, having an extra liter of oil will help you to get through the remainder of the duration of your oil change interval. We discourage mixing oil brands and different types of oil since no two brand oil formulations are alike, especially, if the oil does not meet the correct Porsche oil specification. Purchasing an extra liter of oil helps ensure you are prepared to use the right oil for topping up, just in case.
* If you experience a low engine oil level emergency and you do not have the correct PORSCHE oil quality specification available, as an alternative you could use an oil specification very close to being an equivalent, rather than continuing to run the engine with a low oil level. If such an emergency occurs, we would advise you to schedule and perform the next oil change interval as soon as reasonably possible. Be sure to use the correct Porsche oil specification that is recommended for your exact Macan engine type. Here are some Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes oil specs that are close equivalents to the following Porsche oil specs.
- Porsche C20 oil type, aka VW 508 00*
- Porsche C30 oil type, aka VW 504 00, VW 507 00, MB 229.51, BMW Longlife-04*
- Porsche A40 oil type, aka VW 502 00, MB 229.5, BMW Longlife-01*
What Is the Best Porsche Macan Engine Oil Type?
Today, more than ever, there are more engine oil brands to choose from than ever before. Everyone seems to have an opinion as to what brand of oil they prefer to use in their Porsche Macan. Some choose to purchase a low-cost engine oil since they do not want to spend the money to buy a high-quality engine oil with formal PORSCHE-approved oil quality specifications. Others are unknowingly misled into thinking a name-brand oil is of high quality when it is not. Some name-brand oils are proven to be low quality by showing signs of breaking down as early as 4,000 - 5,000 miles. The signs of broken-down oil may be increased engine ticking or tapped noise around the 4000-mile mark. Others believe, “I’ll buy a cheaper oil and just change my oil sooner. Does that make sense when the manufacturer recommends changing the oil every 10,000 miles? Is it reasonable to pay twice, for 2 cheaper oil changes (including 2x the labor) that last only 5,000 miles each? Or is it more reasonable to buy once, for 1 high-quality oil change (including 1x labor) that will perform better for the entire recommended 10,000-mile oil change interval? Do the math, When you buy a high-quality oil engineered to be run for 10,000 miles, you will typically always save money and time, paying less in the long run. Using a high-quality oil like Ravenol CleanSynto or USVO, you are getting what you pay for. A superior quality product that is engineered to ensure optimal engine protection throughout the entire oil change interval along with a host of additional benefits as noted below.
If you plan on keeping your Porsche Macan long-term you should be concerned about the benefits your engine receives when using high-quality approved oils for your Macan engine. They offer better lubricating characteristics and usually do not break down for the entire duration of the oil change interval. Using a cheaper inexpensive oil will typically have a formulation with lower lubricating characteristics and will usually break down before the oil change interval. Remember, oils that have the formal Porsche approval on the bottle label meet a higher quality standard. They have been subjected to extensive testing when compared to many popular “off the shelve” oils which typically fall into the category of being lower quality because they only have a basic, general set, of lubrication requirements.
When you use a higher quality engine oil (Like Ravenol) you're being more environmentally responsible. Some benefits to the environment are having your engine emit fewer carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Longer oil change intervals mean you're conserving and using less oil. Using less oil means you are using less of the earth’s natural resources and producing fewer greenhouse gases which are created from the energy it takes to manufacture the oil in the first place. In the end, using a higher quality engine oil creates less pollution and you are being environmentally responsible.
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your application. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and Ravenol are not affiliated with Porsche, Porsche Cars North America Inc, Porsche Center Stuttgart GmbH, Dr. Ing.hc F. Porsche AG, PAG, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensors, or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing or article are displayed for identification purposes only. They are not intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.