2012 Audi A8 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 Audi A8 oil type depends on the engine: the 4.2L takes 5W-40 (8.14 quarts qt with filter); the 6.3L takes 5W-40 (12.12 quarts qt with filter); the Base takes 5W-40 (8.14 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 4.2L: 5W-40, 8.14 quarts with filter
- 6.3L: 5W-40, 12.12 quarts with filter
- Base: 5W-40, 8.14 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L — 4.2L Eng | 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). | 8.14 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. |
| 6.3L — 6.3L Eng | 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). | 12.12 QTS. | — | Funnels or aftermarket speed filling devices are not allowed when filling the engine with oil. |
| Base — 4.2L Eng | 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). | 8.14 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. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your A8
🛞 2012 Audi A8 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 2012 Audi A8 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 2012 Audi A8 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 2012 Audi A8 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
15.9 quarts (15.04 L). Part No. G 012 A8G.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 Audi A8 take?
It depends on the engine: 4.2L uses 5W-40; 6.3L uses 5W-40; Base uses 5W-40.
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 Audi A8?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: 4.2L holds 8.14 quarts with filter; 6.3L holds 12.12 quarts with filter; Base holds 8.14 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 Audi A8?
Most 2012 Audi A8 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 A8?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 Audi A8. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.