2008 Volkswagen GTI Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-40 (4.9 quarts)

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI takes 5W-40 motor oil — 4.9 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.

Factory-spec answer

5W-404.9 quarts with filter

Oil capacity by engine

EngineOil Type (viscosity)Capacity w/ FilterCapacity w/o FilterNotes
2D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CBFA, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
2D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CBFA, StandardSAE 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.
2D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CCTA, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
2D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CCTA, StandardSAE 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.
2D Hatchback, 2.0 V, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
2D Hatchback, 2.0 V, StandardSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CBFA, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CBFA, StandardSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CCTA, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CCTA, StandardSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 V, Automatic DCTSAE 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.
4D Hatchback, 2.0 V, StandardSAE 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.
📦 DIY Oil Change Kit Builder

Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2008 Volkswagen GTI

Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-40, 4.9 quarts).

Preferred Oil Brand:
Mobil 1 5W-40 Full Synthetic OilExact Spec
5-Quart Jug (4.9 quarts needed)
$27.97Item Link ↗
2008 Volkswagen GTI Premium Synthetic Oil FilterExact Fit
OEM-fitment high-efficiency synthetic filter media (2D Hatchback, 2.0 D, CBFA, Automatic DCT)
$11.99Item Link ↗
Oil Drain Plug Crush Washer Gaskets (5-Pack)Recommended
Direct-fit replacement seal — prevents oil leaks after tightening
$6.99Item Link ↗
15-Quart Low-Profile Drain Pan with Pour SpoutTool
Catch-all basin with anti-splash lip & secure transport cap
$18.99Item Link ↗
RhinoRamps 12,000 lb Drive-Up Vehicle RampsTool
Safe driveway clearance for quick vehicle underbody access
$49.99Item Link ↗
Heavy-Duty Black Nitrile Gloves (Box of 100)PPE
6-mil commercial-grade chemical & oil resistant mechanics gloves
$14.99Item Link ↗
Multi-Angle Spill-Proof Oil Funnel SetTool
Wide-mouth funnel with flexible neck to eliminate engine bay spills
$8.99Item Link ↗
Scott Blue Shop Towels (6-Pack)Supplies
Ultra-absorbent lint-free automotive towels for clean-up
$12.99Item Link ↗
Selected Items: 3 items
$46.95 est. total
🛒Buy Complete DIY Kit on Amazon (~$46.95) →

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.

Buy the right oil & filter for your GTI

🛒 Buy 5W-40 Full Synthetic Oil (4.9 quarts needed) on Amazon

Popular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-40):

Mobil 1Valvoline AdvancedPennzoil PlatinumCastrol EDGE
🔧 2008 Volkswagen GTI Oil Filter on AmazonDrain plug crush washer on Amazon
+ 15 Qt Drain Pan+ Shop Towels (6 pack)+ Nitrile Gloves (100 pk)

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.

More factory specs & repair guides for your GTI

🛞 2008 Volkswagen GTI Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2008 Volkswagen GTI Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2008 Volkswagen GTI Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2008 Volkswagen GTI 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) — Phosphate-free Coolant G 012 A8F A4

Frequently asked questions

What type of oil does a 2008 Volkswagen GTI take?

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI 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.

What is the oil capacity of a 2008 Volkswagen GTI?

The 2008 Volkswagen GTI oil capacity is 4.9 quarts with a filter change.

How often should I change the oil in my 2008 Volkswagen GTI?

Most 2008 Volkswagen GTI 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 2008 Volkswagen GTI?

Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2008 Volkswagen GTI. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.

Other Volkswagen GTI years

2024 GTI2023 GTI2022 GTI2021 GTI2020 GTI2019 GTI2018 GTI2017 GTI2016 GTI2015 GTI2014 GTI2013 GTI2012 GTI2011 GTI2010 GTI2009 GTI2007 GTI2006 GTI2005 GTI2004 GTI2003 GTI2002 GTI2001 GTI2000 GTI1999 GTI1998 GTI1997 GTI1996 GTI1995 GTI1992 GTI1991 GTI1990 GTI1989 GTI1988 GTI1987 GTI1986 GTI1985 GTI

Other Volkswagen models

ArteonAtlasAtlas Cross SportBeetleCabrioCabrioletCCCorradoEosEuroVanFoxGLIGolfGolf AlltrackGolf IIIGolf RGolf SportWagenJettaJetta IIINew BeetlePassatPhaetonPickupQuantumR32RabbitRoutanSciroccoTaosTiguanTiguan LimitedTouaregVanagon