2008 Volkswagen GLI Oil Type & Capacity
The 2008 Volkswagen GLI takes 5W-40 motor oil — 4.9 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-40 — 4.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 A, CBFA, Automatic DCT | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0 A, CBFA, Standard | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0 A, CCTA, Automatic DCT | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0 A, CCTA, Standard | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0 J, Automatic DCT | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0 J, Standard | SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. Synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 4.90 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen 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 Volkswagen Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix any lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damage caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your GLI
2008 Volkswagen GLI factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
8.5 quarts (8.04 L) — Phosphate-free Coolant G 012 A8F A4
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2008 Volkswagen GLI take?
The 2008 Volkswagen GLI takes 5W-40 motor oil (SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30. 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 2008 Volkswagen GLI take?
The 2008 Volkswagen GLI holds 4.9 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2008 Volkswagen GLI?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2008 Volkswagen GLI. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.