Volkswagen Oil Specifications & Types

Since the mid-1990s there are approximately 13 different engine oil quality specifications for VW models. Each VW oil quality specification signifies the necessary oil performance levels, chemicals, and properties in accordance with a desired Audi engine application. A high majority of VW engines that experience mechanical issues or failures are due to prolonged use of lower to mid-quality engine oils. Using the correct VW oil specification as outlined by VW for your engine type will offer the best possible engine protection, performance, and longevity. Below you will find a brief overview and explanation of the VW engine oil specifications and what the basic engine application should be. Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your application.

VW 500 00 Oil Spec

VW 500 00 oil spec was introduced and used for VW gasoline and diesel engines built before late 1999. This spec was typically always formulated as conventional or semi-synthetic engine oil. The VW 500 00 oil specification is an old and no longer relevant oil specification for VW engine applications. The VW 500 00 oil specification has been replaced by the new VW 502 00 / 505 00 oil specifications. Individuals desiring VW 500 00 oil specification quality standards should use engine oil with VW 502 00 / 505 00 oil quality specifications for higher engine oil performance.

VW 501 01 Oil Spec

The VW 501 01 oil specification was designed for both VW gasoline and diesel engines built before late 1999. The VW 501 01 oil specification is an old spec and has been replaced by the newer VW 502 00 / 505 00 oil specification. Wherever the older VW 501 01 oil specification is being requested it is recommended to use the VW 502 00 / 505 00 oil specification for improved engine oil performance results.

VW 502 00 Oil Spec

VW 502 00 oil specification is the most widely used engine oil specification used in America by VW for all gasoline engines from the 1990s up to 2019. Recommended for VW gasoline engines subject to strenuous conditions. OEM-approved VW 502 00 oil specification engine oils are compatible with the VW fixed oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or once a year. Whichever would occur first. Also, the VW 502 00 oil specification replaces the older VW 500 00 and VW 501 01 oil specification. Some 2018/2019 and newer gasoline VW engines such as the 2.0L TFSI and 1.4L TFSI with Budack B-cycle valvetrain specify a newer oil specification. If you are a 2018 and newer VW owner, please consult your service manual to confirm you're using the correct VW engine oil specifications.

VW 502 00 specification engine oil cross-references to OEM part numbers G 052 502 M2, G 052 502 M4, G 052 502 M6, and G 052 502 M9.

VW 503 00 Oil Spec

The VW 503 00 oil specification was for gasoline engines with extended service intervals (15,000-30,000 miles or every two years. Whichever occurs first.). This extended service interval engine oil was also known by VW as a Longlife II engine oil. This oil specification has been discontinued and replaced by the VW 504 00 oil specification. VW 502 00 oil specification can also be used in place of VW 503 00 oil specification but should not exceed 10,000 miles or once a year oil change interval. Whichever occurs first.)

VW 503 00 oil specification cross-references to OEM part numbers G 052 183 M2, G 052 183 M4, G 052 183 M6, and G 052 183 M9.

VW 503 01 Oil Spec

The VW 503 01 engine oil specification is for turbocharged gasoline engines over 180hp with extended service intervals (15,000-30,000 miles or every two years. Whichever occurs first.). This was more specifically designed for the 2.7T biturbo engines, 225hp Audi TT models, and the W12 engines available in the VW Phaeton and Audi A8. The VW 503 01 oil specification has been discontinued and replaced by the VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 oil specification depending on the engine application.

VW 504 00 Oil Spec

The VW 504 00 oil specification is for Audi VW gasoline engines with extended or long life service intervals (Confirm intervals with the vehicle manufacturer). The VW 504 00 oil specification is also known by VW as a Longlife III engine oil. VW 504 00 oil specification replaces the VW 503 00 and VW 503.01 oil specifications. Due to the purity in the VW 504 00 oil quality standard level, it is the desired oil specification by many to minimize the popular carbine buildup often associated with the modern valvetrain of the VW TSI or TFSI gasoline engines. Some 2018/2019 and newer gasoline VW engines such as the 2.0L TFSI and 1.4L TFSI with Budack B-cycle valvetrain specify a newer oil specification. If you are a 2018 and newer VW owner, please consult your service manual to confirm you're using the correct VW engine oil specifications.

VW 504 00 specification engine oil cross-references to OEM part numbers G V52 195 A1, G V52 195 M1, G 052 195 M2, G 052 195 M4, G 052 195 M6, and G 052 195 M9.

VW 505 00 Oil Spec

The VW 505 00 oil spec is formulated for older VW TDI, TD, and non-turbo diesel engines. This is the recommended oil specification for all non-Pumpe Duse TDI diesel engines before 2004. This is a full ash of full saps oil due to this era of the engine only being equipped with a catalytic converter and not yet a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) exhaust system.

The VW 505 00 oil specification was specifically used in America in the following engines.

  • 1993-1999 VW 1.9L D, TD and TDI diesel engines
  • 1999-2004 VW 1.9L TDI diesel engine code ALH

VW 505 00 specification engine oil cross-references to OEM part numbers G 052 502 M2, G 052 502 M4, G 052 502 M6, and G 052 502 M9.

VW 505 01 Oil Spec

The VW 505 01 oil specification was introduced around 2000. The desired oil viscosity for OEM-approved VW 505 01 oil specifications is SAE 5W-40. However, depending on your region some oil manufacturers do make SAE 5W-30 and 10W-40 VW 505 01 oils that are OEM approved. The VW 505 01 oil spec was specifically designed for VW TDI diesel engines equipped with Pumpe Duse TDI injection systems. The Pumpe Duse TDI injection system is run directly off the camshaft lobs second to the camshaft lobs running the intake and exhaust valves. As the camshaft rotates, the rocker arm of the camshaft loads the injectors allowing them to be opened and closed to fire the diesel fuel into the cylinder. This creates more load on the camshaft when compared to a standard or conventional valvetrain engine. Due to this extra load, the Pumpe Duse TDI valve train requires a higher quality engine oil. Most Pumpe Duse TDI camshaft and injector failures are due to improper, low quality, or engine oils that claim VW 505 01 oil quality levels but do not. For all practical purposes, a Pumpe Duse VW TDI diesel engine should make it to over 200,000 miles with no injector or camshaft issues if a high-quality OEM-approved VW 505 01 oil specification is used along with the factory recommended oil change intervals.

The VW 505 01 oil specification was specifically used in America in the following engines.

  • 2004-2006 VW 1.9L TDI diesel engine codes BEW and BRM
  • 2004-2005 VW 2.0L TDI diesel engine code
  • If the VW 505 01 oil specification is not available in your region, it is suitable to use a VW 507 00 oil specification for the above-mentioned Pumpe Duse TDI diesel engine oil applications.
  • 2004-2004 VW 5.0L V10 TDI engine code BKW (Originally this was a VW 506 01 oil specification. The VW 506 01 oil spec has been discontinued and has been updated to the VW 505 01 oil spec for this application. For the best possible engine performance a VW 507 00 oil specification should not be used in the VW 5.0L V10 TDI engine code BKW.)

Volkswagen also made an engine oil specification update for the 2001-2004 4.0L W8 gasoline engine. This engine was originally specified with the VW 503 01 oil specification quality standard. However, the VW 503 01 oil specification has been discontinued and replaced by the VW 505 01 oil spec for this application.

The factory recommended oil change interval for all engines in America requiring the VW 505 01 engine oil quality specification have a 10,000-mile oil change interval or once-a-year service. Whichever occurs first. If the engine oil is not OEM approved for the VW 505 01 oil specification under no circumstances should you try to attain a 10,000 mile or once-a-year oil change interval.

VW 505 01 oil specification cross references to OEM part numbers G 052 167 1L, G 052 167 A2, G 052 167 M2, G 052 167 M4, G 052 167 M6, G 052 167 M9, GE521672QDSP, GE521671QDSP, ZVW352540S, ZVW352540SDSP

VW 506 00 Oil Spec

VW 506 00 oil specification was recommended for TDI diesel engines in accordance with extended service intervals (15,000-30,000 miles or every two years. Whichever occurs first.). This extended service interval engine oil was also known by VW as a Longlife II engine oil. This is an old oil specification and has been replaced by the VW 507 00 oil specification.

VW 506 00 oil specification cross-references to OEM part numbers G 052 183 M2, G 052 183 M4, G 052 183 M6, and G 052 183 M9.

VW 506 01 Oil Spec

The VW 506 01 oil spec was specifically designed for VW TDI diesel engines equipped with Pumpe Duse TDI injection systems requiring extended service interval engine oil (15,000-30,000 miles or every two years. Whichever occurs first.). This extended service interval engine oil was also known by VW as a Longlife II engine oil. The VW 506 01 oil specification has been discontinued and replaced by the VW 505 01 or VW 507 00 oil specs depending on the engine application.

If the TDI diesel vehicle that was requiring the VW 506 01 oil spec is without a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) exhaust system, the VW 505 01 oil is recommended. If the TDI engine is equipped with a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) exhaust system, then a VW 507 00 oil spec should be used.

The VW 506 01 oil specification was specifically used in America in the following VW engines.

  • 2004-2004 VW 5.0L V10 TDI BKW engine code (Specification discontinued and updated to VW 505 01 oil spec)
  • 2006-2008 VW V10 TDI engine (This oil specification was discontinued and updated to the VW 507 00 oil spec for this application)
  • 2004-2006 VW 1.9L TDI diesel engine codes BEW and BRM (This oil specification was discontinued in America and updated to VW 505 01. VW 507 00 oil spec can also be used for this engine application.)
  • 2004-2005 VW 2.0L TDI diesel engine code BHW (This oil specification was discontinued in America and updated to VW 505 01. VW 507 00 oil spec can also be used for this engine application.)

VW 506 01 oil specification cross-references to OEM part numbers G 052 183 M2, G 052 183 M4, G 052 183 M6, and G 052 183 M9.

VW 507 00 Oil Spec

The VW 507 00 oil specification is low ash or low saps engine oil specifically designed and formulated for VW TDI diesel engines equipped with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) exhaust systems (EURO VI, EURO V, and EURO IV standard emission engines). The VW 507 00 oil specification is also known by VW as a Longlife III engine oil. This means it is stable to 15,000-30,000 miles or every two years. Whichever occurs first. Always confirm your oil change intervals with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations in your region. The VW 507 00 engine oil formulation allows excellent engine lubrication while also providing the best longevity to the Diesel Particulate Filter and Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system. If an engine oil without the VW 507 00 oil specification is used for extensive periods this can clog the Diesel Particulate Filter and EGR emission system. This can result in excessive engine exhaust temperatures. Damaging the turbocharger and engine internals. The long-term result of using the wrong engine oil could be catastrophic engine damage.

The VW 507 00 oil specification was specifically used in America in the following VW engines.

  • 2009-2015 VW 2.0L TDI engines
  • 2009-2016 VW 3.0L TDI engines
  • VW 507 00 oil specification can be used in place of VW 505 01 oil spec applications as mentioned above under VW 505 01 oil spec. VW 507 00 should not be used in place of VW 505 01 in the 2004 VW BKW V10 TDI engines (VW 507 00 is not admissible).

The VW 507 00 is designed for extended service intervals. The factory recommended oil change interval for all engines in America requiring the VW 507 00 engine oil quality specification have a 10,000-mile oil change interval or once-a-year service. Whichever occurs first. If the engine oil is not OEM approved for the VW 507 00 oil specification under no circumstances should you try to attain a 10,000 mile or once-a-year oil change interval.

VW 507 00 specification engine oil cross-references to OEM part numbers G V52 195 A1, G V52 195 M1, G 052 195 M2, G 052 195 M4, G 052 195 M6, and G 052 195 M9.

VW 508 00 Oil Spec

VW 508 00 oil spec is Volkswagen's newest and most modern gasoline oil specification. Developed for performance, fuel efficiency, and long-life service interval applications. VW 508 00 oil specification is only available in an SAE 0W-20 viscosity. The VW 508 00 oil spec is NOT backward compatible with older VW oil specifications and older engine applications. If VW 508 00 oil specification is used in an older VW engine, irreversible engine damage will occur. VW 508 00 oil specifications contain chemical markers for identification and are green colored. In America, the VW 508 00 oil specification began to be used in 2017/2018 and newer Audi VW 2.0L TFSI, 1.4L TFSI, 3.0L TFSI Budack B-cycle valvetrain engines (Does not fit supercharged 3.0T engines). Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific engine oil specification and oil requirements for your engine application.

VW 508 00 specification engine oil cross references to OEM part numbers G E52 577 1L DSP, G 052 577 M2, G 052 577 M4, and G 052 577 M6.

VW 509 00 Oil Spec

The VW 509 00 oil spec is Volkswagen's newest and most modern diesel engine oil specification. Developed for performance, diesel fuel efficiency, and long-life service interval applications. VW 509 00 oil specification is only available in an SAE 0W-20 viscosity. The VW 509 00 oil spec is NOT backward compatible with older VW diesel oil specifications and older engine applications. Irreversible engine damage will occur if VW 509 00 oil specification is used in older VW diesel engine applications. VW 509 00 oil spec contains chemical markers for identification traceability and is green colored. Currently, in America, the VW 509 00 diesel engine oil specification is not in use. Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific engine oil specification and oil requirements for your engine application.

VW 509 00 specification engine oil cross references to OEM part numbers G E52 577 1L DSP, G 052 577 M2, G 052 577 M4, and G 052 577 M6.

VW 511 00 Oil Type Spec

This is what VW calls a special performance oil. It is a new oil formulation to maintain higher shear stability yet still optimize modern emission systems. VW has introduced and recommended the VW 511 00 oil type for select late 2019 - 2020 onward Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley gasoline engines. From the information we currently have this oil specification will be recommended from 2020 onward in VAG Audi, Lamborghini, and Bentley 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 gasoline engines available in select RS6, RS7, SQ7, SQ8, RSQ8, Urus, and Bentley Bentayga models. This is a more robust Mid to Low SAPS (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) version of the already popular VW 505 01 oil type specification. Most 2020 and newer VW Audi models are equipped with more modern gasoline exhaust emission systems. The VW 511 00 oil formulation will optimize the life expectancy of these gasoline emission systems while still maintaining a high-temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s or greater. Also, the TBN requirements for a VW 511 00 oil type specification will be 8.0 or greater. From our current information, this will correspond to an ACEA C3 oil specification and a 0W-40 or 5W-40 viscosity.

Important Note: To minimize mechanical engine issues VW 505 01 spec oil should never be used in place of VW 511 00 specification oil. If you are unable to source a VW 511 00 specification oil in your region, when low engine oil level emergencies arise, or when oil change intervals have been drastically past due. A VW 505 01 oil specification with ACEA C3 and SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 can be used in place of an VW 511 00 oil. However, an engine oil change service should be performed as soon as possible when VW 511 00 approved oil can be sourced. The VW 511 00 specification engine oil is available as seen below for high-performance applications. It can also be a cross-reference to OEM part numbers GA52579M2 and GA52579M4.


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