Hi... ok so usually, by what I understand the manuals come with the recommendation to use 5W-40 fully synthetic even as far as 99 AUDI and it does state of course that they should be 502-00 (in the case of 99 at least per Audi's new standards on their list) so I was just wondering why some say to use 5W-30 semi-synthetic or fully synthetic, but not the fully synthetic 5W-40.

We called AUDI and they repeated to us to use the 5W-40... but if any of you have other info that suggests to choose 5W-30, whether it's the semi-synthetic or fully synthetic, I would like to know the reasons.

I also see that the same car but the 2.7 (as opposed to 2.8) uses a different oil. Is the 2.7 diesel -- or why is the oil so different if it's the same year and everything else is the same.

Unfortunately none of the sites that sell oil coincide with the oil type. When we called Audi they told us to use a simple 502 00 5W-40, with no further additives for a 99. They said additives sometimes are for newer cars or for cars with more HP, or what have you.

It's very confusing b/c everyone says something different and some sites don't even have the option to put 2.8; they only show this car but the 2.7 L version of it. Furthermore, the same companies that Audi recommends on their 2014 list show different choices on their site. For example if one that Audi says you should get (for argument's sake I'm making this brand up) Brand Acme 50200 5W40 called Ultra; the site will tell you to get another one called Acme 50200 5W40 Max, which is not on the Audi list; or they may even tell you to get one that is 5W30 that may or may not say Ultra on the label, as Audi recommends.

We ended up finding a simple choice, which is the Castrol Syntec 5W-40 502-00, and we bought that at an auto parts store, but on Castrol's site they show different versions with more initials on it like "contains S.." (can't remember now) so I'm not sure if that's a new additive, if it was always in it and they just changed the label, etc. SO CONFUSING especially with an older version car, and especially since the same car but 2.7 get a whole different oil (my best guess is that it's diesel when it says 2.7? but I may be wrong)

Thanks for any help!

Thanks!

 

Ive run penzoyle synth and royal purple synth 5/30 in my wifes and my 2.8l Avants and it runs fine with zero issues for years

 

thanks for your answer! I assume that's cheaper than the 40? is your car a 99?

We went with what Audi told us b/c the car smokes a bit when idle, in cold weather and with heater on (or a/c in summer) and stinks up the car with smell of CO2 or oil or something strong. This used to happen only before the car was running for a while and then it would stop, but now it began happening all the time, randomly, sometimes yes, sometimes no... so we thought we were using the wrong oil.

thanks again!

 

in other words, it smokes more until the engine warms up, so I thought maybe the oil was getting too thin or it was the wrong oil for winter.. I'm not sure. I just don't want it breaking b/c we need it more than ever since my husband is getting treated for cancer in another state. We can't afford it to break down. We'll be screwed since we already have a lot of expenses.

 

mine is a 99 hers is a 01

Chances are for the age of your a6, the valve cover gaskets are going and yes different thicknesses of oil can seep past failing gaskets.

Plan on replacing them soon

I don't use 5/30 because it is cheaper than 40, I've used Royal Purple in many cars and have had zero issues.

 

great, thanks a bunch!!