2012 Audi A4 Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-40 (4.9 quarts)
The 2012 Audi A4 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0T | 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). | 4.90 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 Avant 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). | 4.90 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, Automatic Trans | 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). | 4.90 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, Standard Trans | 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). | 4.90 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. |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 2012 Audi A4
Everything you need delivered in one order. Pre-matched to your factory spec (5W-40, 4.9 quarts).
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are real-time retail estimates.
Buy the right oil & filter for your A4
🛒 Buy 5W-40 Full Synthetic Oil (4.9 quarts needed) on AmazonPopular Full Synthetic Brands (5W-40):
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More factory specs & repair guides for your A4
🛞 2012 Audi A4 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Audi A4 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Audi A4 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Audi A4 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
7.4 quarts (7 L). Part No. G 012 A8G.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Audi A4 take?
The 2012 Audi A4 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.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Audi A4?
The 2012 Audi A4 oil capacity is 4.9 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Audi A4?
Most 2012 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 2012 Audi A4?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Audi A4. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.