40 is better than 30 since it resists heat better. You should notice the oil temp run a little lower with a 40 weight which is better for the engine. In the manual it even says that the engine had a a high quality 40 weight (probably meaning a fully synthetic oil) put in from the factory, but if you can't acquire it, then 30 can be used.

 

Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra are amazing. Both are better than M1. www.bobistheoilguy.com

The only dino oil I'd consider is Castrol GTX. There were a couple of well-known but bad brands of dino oil that would have wax separate out and get all of your engine. I think Pennzoil was one years ago.

 

man, i never knew this was so serious unless you were into racing your a4. i just put the stuff in and let her go.

 

It's much more important in any car with a turbo. And the 1.8 is known to have oil sludge issues which also makes it important.

 

Yep. The amount of heat that's produced with a turbo is the reason why using a good quality oil is so important. Most conventional oils or thinner oils are more likely to break down quickly under high heat. Oil turns into sludge when this happens.

 

I change mine every 3k with Mobil1 0w-40 euro formula and Mobil 1's big *** filter, no exceptions. It's a bit more expensive but I've had good experience with it so it stays. I've never used anything else in either of my A4's, so I can't comment on that.

 

Oil is on sale here at O'Rileys its 4.99 a quart for mobil one 0w-40!!! I might buy like 3 cases haha ^and im with CCA4 I'd do it every 3k no exceptions. Thats what i do and I have no issues. I def would not use 5w-30.

 

Seriously!? That oil is $10/qt. in DC

 

Anyone else get the letter in the mail about refunding money already spent to repair any damages caused by sludge?

 

O.P. Mobil One oil isn't "real" synthetic oil,its a synthetic "blend"= crap.Stick with the Mfg'rs. recommended oil, Full Synthetic 5-W40.Good synthetic oil will have NO problem lasting 5000 miles.The 3000 mile oil change "myth" netted the BIG oil companies OVER 2.5 Billion (yes billion) dollars in 2009 alone!!. $.02