1985 Volkswagen Golf Oil Type & Capacity
The 1985 Volkswagen Golf oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Hatchback, 1.6 G takes 10W-30 (4.7 quarts with filter); the 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter); the 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter); the 4D Hatchback, 1.6 G takes 10W-30 (4.7 quarts with filter); the 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter); the 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard takes 5W-20 (4.7 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2D Hatchback, 1.6 G: 10W-30, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 4D Hatchback, 1.6 G: 10W-30, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
- 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard: 5W-20, 4.7 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Hatchback, 1.6 G — 1.6L Eng | SAE 10W-30 ( 60Deg.F and Below), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (20Deg.F and Below), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (20Deg.F and Below), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 4D Hatchback, 1.6 G — 1.6L Eng | SAE 10W-30 ( 60Deg.F and Below), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (20Deg.F and Below), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
| 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (20Deg.F and Below), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (10Deg.F to 90Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (20Deg.F to 90Deg.F) | 4.70 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Golf
1985 Volkswagen Golf factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.0 quarts (6.62 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1985 Volkswagen Golf take?
It depends on the engine: 2D Hatchback, 1.6 G uses 10W-30; 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic uses 5W-20; 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard uses 5W-20; 4D Hatchback, 1.6 G uses 10W-30; 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic uses 5W-20; 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard uses 5W-20.
How much oil does a 1985 Volkswagen Golf take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2D Hatchback, 1.6 G holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 2D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 4D Hatchback, 1.6 G holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Automatic holds 4.7 quarts with filter; 4D Hatchback, 1.8 A, Standard holds 4.7 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1985 Volkswagen Golf?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1985 Volkswagen Golf. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.