I have the 2.0 TSI, so I know I need VW 502 00 spec oil as my oil & inspection countdown is every 12 months (fixed).

 

But what viscosity? I'm seeing 5w-30, 5w-40, 0w-30, 0w-40.

 

Helpfully the manual only states the 502 standard but no actual viscosity.

 

Anyone have advice/opinions?

Castrol Edge 5w/30.

If you get it from a dealer its Edge Professional but its the same thing.

Quantum 5w/30 (VAGs own trade brand) is also fine.

Both oils are 504 spec, long life so overspec for fixed interval servicing...

but here in the Uk I am sure dealers only use 504 spec oil regardless of whether the service is fixed or long life.

I tend to use the castrol stuff as I have a few bottles knocking about from previous car purchases (where top up packs have been supplied).....also i have to buy my company car oil on fuel card and the only spec oil i can get in some garages tends to be castrol edge.

What is it with VAG at the moment with the tight and exacting specs as far their "numbers" are concerned for oil you must use - then ignore the "weight" of the oil. What they need to understand is, people do look for that advice, and in UK, each of the VAG brands distribute their "own" English language version of the operator's handbook.  If their "numbers" fully described the oil then no one would be asking this question.

As with most things its a case of learning.

502.00 spec oil is fine for 12 month fixed interval servicing but not long life....504.00 serves both purposes as its over spec for fixed servicing.

The compatible oils list the specs on the bottle so its usually a case of routing through the oils on sale in your local store until you find the right one.

I just happen to know Castrol Edge and Quantum 5w/30 are the OEM longlife oils for VAG cars and will be fine for fixed servicing too....forums like this are helpful of course :-)

I'm just topping up so guess it's not too much of an issue with whatever viscosity I get, only had the 504 edge in 1l bottle so went for that rather than 4l of the 502 (which is 5w-40).

I believe a 1.8TSi uses 502.00 for fixed and 504.00 for variable. A 2.0 TSi should use 504.00 for both regardless if the service regime is fixed or variable. The manual is not in front of me now but I am very sure that is what it saids.

At the end of the day, can't go wrong with 504.00.

Indeed shouldnt worry for the sake of top ups so long as the oil meets at least one of the specs.

I'd wager despite the service schedule set on the car that it was supplied from the factory with long life oil anyway.

Stick with 504.00 spec anyway, technically same quality lubrication but with a longer service life so will be in a better state come the end of 16k kms than the 502.00 spec oil.

 technically same quality lubrication but with a longer service life so will be in a better state come the end of 16k kms than the 502.00 spec oil.

 

Could you elaborate on how you compare the lubricants technically? I would've thought the fixed interval lubricant would be superior technically in terms of its ability to flow and maintain oil films as more of the product is oil and less detergent/acidity control etc?

 

I'm working with a few oil suppliers at the moment so its good to gather a bit of info so I can load a few questions. I've got a visit to an oil blending facility coming up too (I doubt they tel me too much about their blends for 502/504/507).

 

If you want to look after your engine I'd say 502 in the 5W30 spec for an everyday car in northern europe. If I'd chipped the car and was using it enthusiasticly then go for the 40. The 888 TSI engine was laid out as a 1.8T and grew later in its development but fuel economy is more important than high power optimised bearing design and they wont want to have too many different spec parts for varying power levels. Back in the days I was working on these things the only engine which I saw using 5W40 was the 4.2 V8 in the RS6 (possibly the R5 Turbo in the TTRS too?).

I've used Catrol Edge 5W40 and Motul Specific 504 507 5W30. Very little noticeable difference between them though some would suggest the 5W30 offers better performance and economy. I spent hours reviewing various forums and to be honest learnt very little because there are such varying opinions. As per previous advice stick with 504 if possible and don't stress between 5W30 and 40. The one consistent thing I've come across with respect to topping up is to not mix synthetic and conventional but your likely to already have synthetic onboard.