1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-20 (4.3 quarts)
The 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet takes 5W-20 motor oil — 4.3 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-20 — 4.3 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (Below 10Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Below 20Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F) | 4.30 QTS. | 3.70 QTS. | — |
| Standard | SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (Below 10Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Below 20Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F) | 4.30 QTS. | 3.70 QTS. | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Cabriolet
🛞 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
5.1 quarts (4.82 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet take?
The 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet takes 5W-20 motor oil (SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 20Deg.F), 10W-30 or 10W-40 (Below 0Deg.F to Above 60Deg.F), 15W-40 or 15W-50 (Below 10Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F), 20W-40 or 20W-50 (Below 20Deg.F to Above 80Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
The 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet oil capacity is 4.3 quarts with a filter change, or 3.7 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
Most 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Volkswagen recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet?
Yes. 5W-20 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Volkswagen Cabriolet. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.