Hi, Had a look at
B5 - General Maintenance Spec Information
Recommended lubricants and fluids

Just got myself an Audi A4 Avant 1.8se
Want to top up the engine oil. Whats the best oil to use and do i need any additives or anything. I can remember reading something before i got the car that they like a certain type of oil.

See it says to use
Engine oil-API certified
Viscosity-10W-40
Not sure what API certified

Thanks for your time
doj

 

those are the specs for US oil. looking at your non turbo 1.8, you're either from europe or australia. find out what oil was in your car originally. there are 2 main types, conventional and synthetic. you can't mix the 2 so find out first.

 

Some of the best oils to use:

-Amsoil 5w40 European
-Castrol Syntec 0w30 European Formula (get this specifically at Autozone - if it doesn't say European Formula then it's not nearly as good)
-Pennzoil Platinum 10w30
-Mobil 1 0w40

It doesn't matter what came in your car. Anything from 0w30 to 10w40 is fine for any engine. Just don't buy lawnmower/snowmobile/etc oil or diesel oil because they have different additives that won't be as long lasting in a car. Amsoil is good in other weights, too. Mobil 1 is good at 0w40 and less good at other weights but still not bad. Castrol Syntec in other weights is less good but still good, and Edge is generally in between, I think. I've been hearing about Pennzoil Ultra, now, but I'm not sure if it's any good.

Turbo engines are more sensitive to oil type, but any oil that's good for them will also work in a N/A engine. All of the oils that are good for us will work well for him.

 

^^^Well-put.