2012 Audi A3 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Audi A3 oil type depends on the engine: the 2.0 TDI takes 0W-30 (4.2 quarts with filter); the 2.0L takes 5W-40 (4.8 quarts with filter); the 2.0L takes 5W-40 (4.8 quarts with filter); the 2.0L takes 5W-40 (4.8 quarts with filter); the 2.0L takes 5W-40 (4.8 quarts with filter); the 2.0T Quattro takes 5W-40 (4.8 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2.0 TDI: 0W-30, 4.2 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 5W-40, 4.8 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 5W-40, 4.8 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 5W-40, 4.8 quarts with filter
- 2.0L: 5W-40, 4.8 quarts with filter
- 2.0T Quattro: 5W-40, 4.8 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 TDI — Diesel | SAE 0W-30 VW 508 00 | 4.20 QTS. | — | Refer to Audi's Engine Oil Overwiew chart: Specialty Engine Oils. Version 7 -/21/2021. |
| 2.0L — Gas | 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). | 4.80 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. Overfilling engine oil can cause misfire DTC's to be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5 less than capacity, start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg. F (60Deg. C), turn OFF ignition, wait approx. 3 min., check dipstick, then fill to MAX. TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine, as this could cause damage/failure of the turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0L — Gas | 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). | 4.80 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. Overfilling engine oil can cause misfire DTC's to be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5 less than capacity, start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg. F (60Deg. C), turn OFF ignition, wait approx. 3 min., check dipstick, then fill to MAX. TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine, as this could cause damage/failure of the turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0L — Gas | 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). | 4.80 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. Overfilling engine oil can cause misfire DTC's to be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5 less than capacity, start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg. F (60Deg. C), turn OFF ignition, wait approx. 3 min., check dipstick, then fill to MAX. TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine, as this could cause damage/failure of the turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0L — Gas | 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). | 4.80 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. Overfilling engine oil can cause misfire DTC's to be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5 less than capacity, start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg. F (60Deg. C), turn OFF ignition, wait approx. 3 min., check dipstick, then fill to MAX. TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine, as this could cause damage/failure of the turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| 2.0T Quattro — Gas | 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). | 4.80 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. Overfilling engine oil can cause misfire DTC's to be stored in the Engine Control Module (ECM) -J220-. To prevent overfilling, add approx. 0.5 less than capacity, start engine and let it run until engine operating temperature is approx. 140Deg. F (60Deg. C), turn OFF ignition, wait approx. 3 min., check dipstick, then fill to MAX. TURBO ENGINES ONLY: After changing oil and filter, start and run engine at idle until oil pressure light goes out. DO NOT rev engine, as this could cause damage/failure of the turbocharger. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
Buy the right oil
Buy 0W-30 motor oil on AmazonBuy 5W-40 motor oil on Amazon2012 Audi A3 oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your A3
2012 Audi A3 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.2 quarts (8.7 L). Part No. G 012 A8G.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Audi A3 take?
It depends on the engine: 2.0 TDI uses 0W-30; 2.0L uses 5W-40; 2.0L uses 5W-40; 2.0L uses 5W-40; 2.0L uses 5W-40; 2.0T Quattro uses 5W-40.
How much oil does a 2012 Audi A3 take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2.0 TDI holds 4.2 quarts with filter; 2.0L holds 4.8 quarts with filter; 2.0L holds 4.8 quarts with filter; 2.0L holds 4.8 quarts with filter; 2.0L holds 4.8 quarts with filter; 2.0T Quattro holds 4.8 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 Audi A3?
Yes. 0W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Audi A3. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.
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