1998 Audi A8 Oil Type & Capacity
The 1998 Audi A8 takes 5W-40 motor oil — 8.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-40 — 8.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 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). | 8.00 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. To prevent overfilling add approximately 0.5 less oil than specification listed. Start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg.F (60Deg.C), turn off ignition, wait aproximately 3 minutes and recheck fluid level, then fill to mark (may be more/less than 0.5 QT. depending on model) TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing engine oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine this could cause damage/failure of turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro | 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). | 8.00 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. To prevent overfilling add approximately 0.5 less oil than specification listed. Start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg.F (60Deg.C), turn off ignition, wait aproximately 3 minutes and recheck fluid level, then fill to mark (may be more/less than 0.5 QT. depending on model) TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing engine oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine this could cause damage/failure of turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
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More specs & repair guides for your A8
1998 Audi A8 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.5 quarts (8.99 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 1998 Audi A8 take?
The 1998 Audi A8 takes 5W-40 motor oil (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).), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 1998 Audi A8 take?
The 1998 Audi A8 holds 8.0 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1998 Audi A8?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1998 Audi A8. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.