1997 Audi A4 Oil Type & Capacity
The 1997 Audi A4 oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 1.8 B, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.3 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 1.8 B, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.3 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.8 A, Automatic takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2.8 A, Standard takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts qt with filter); the Quattro, 1.8 B, Automatic takes 5W-40 (4.3 quarts qt with filter); the Quattro, 1.8 B, Standard takes 5W-40 (4.3 quarts qt with filter); the Quattro, 2.8 A, Automatic takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts qt with filter); the Quattro, 2.8 A, Standard takes 5W-40 (5.3 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 1.8 B, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.3 quarts with filter
- Base, 1.8 B, Standard: 5W-40, 4.3 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.8 A, Automatic: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
- Base, 2.8 A, Standard: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
- Quattro, 1.8 B, Automatic: 5W-40, 4.3 quarts with filter
- Quattro, 1.8 B, Standard: 5W-40, 4.3 quarts with filter
- Quattro, 2.8 A, Automatic: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
- Quattro, 2.8 A, Standard: 5W-40, 5.3 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 1.8 B, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 1.8 B, Standard — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 2.8 A, Automatic — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 2.8 A, Standard — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 1.8 B, Automatic — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 1.8 B, Standard — 1.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 2.8 A, Automatic — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 2.8 A, Standard — 2.8L Eng | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your A4
🛞 1997 Audi A4 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1997 Audi A4 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1997 Audi A4 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1997 Audi A4 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.0 quarts (7.57 L). The cooling system has been filled at the factory with permanent coolant which DOES NOT need to be changed. The coolant consists of a mixture of water and the manufacturer's coolant additive G 12 A8DTL 774 D - antifreeze on glycol basis with 50% anti-corrosive additives.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1997 Audi A4 take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 1.8 B, Automatic uses 5W-40; Base, 1.8 B, Standard uses 5W-40; Base, 2.8 A, Automatic uses 5W-40; Base, 2.8 A, Standard uses 5W-40; Quattro, 1.8 B, Automatic uses 5W-40; Quattro, 1.8 B, Standard uses 5W-40; Quattro, 2.8 A, Automatic uses 5W-40; Quattro, 2.8 A, Standard uses 5W-40.
What is the oil capacity of a 1997 Audi A4?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Base, 1.8 B, Automatic holds 4.3 quarts with filter; Base, 1.8 B, Standard holds 4.3 quarts with filter; Base, 2.8 A, Automatic holds 5.3 quarts with filter; Base, 2.8 A, Standard holds 5.3 quarts with filter; Quattro, 1.8 B, Automatic holds 4.3 quarts with filter; Quattro, 1.8 B, Standard holds 4.3 quarts with filter; Quattro, 2.8 A, Automatic holds 5.3 quarts with filter; Quattro, 2.8 A, Standard holds 5.3 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1997 Audi A4?
Most 1997 Audi A4 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 — Audi recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Audi A4?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Audi A4. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.