Engine Oil Recommendations

[cmore]

What oil should I use in my 03' RS6 and how many quarts?

I've searched this board and I can't find a definite answer. I do know the Audi/VW part number for the oil filter is 078 115 561 K.

By the way, what kind of oil is it that it can go 10k between changes, but other synthetics have a recommended 3k change interval?

Thanks,
Chris

[V8weight]

I use the BND Quantum Blue, but previous to that, I used Lubro Moly Diesel High Tech, which I felt was the best oil available for the car. It takes exactly 8 quarts.

[yokust]

I prefer the OG OEM Castrol TXT oil personally, but I have never tried the BND oils that people on here rave about

I have tried other oils meet the oil specs, and personally found that both of my cars would burn it faster than the TXT when out on the track

[hahnmgh63]

Audi say's a synthetic 5W-40 meeting VW spec 505.01. I use Redline 10W-40 which has the highest HTHS (High Temp High Shear) rating of any 10W-40 oil out there, at least from the manufacturers that are willing to test or post it. The Redline 5W-40 is also one of the best for HTHS which is one a required test for the Euro ACEA ratings to meet certain grades. The best Mobil 1 is the 0W-40 (In N. America) and it only has a HTHS of 3.6 whereas Redline 5W-40 has a HTHS of 4.6 (10W-40 is 4.7). Redline also has one of the highest ZDDP contents out there. I won't go into the need of ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates) which was reduced in oil sold in N. America by the EPA so for the first time in history, the quality of our oil decreased a few years ago.
I won't knock everyone else's choice as there are many good oils out there, I just think Redline is one of the best if not the best.

[marklar182]

G052167A2 is the recommended oil per Audi.

505.1 5W-40 is what you are looking for if you choose otherwise.

I like to order 9L so I have an extra around.

[as350]

I just ordered Motul 505.01 5W40, a couple filters, a drain plug and a few washers.I will be changing the oil over the next couple weeks or so. I haven't been able to find Castol TXT anymore, hence the switch.

[JSRS6]

Bnd quantum blue all the way. Doing an oil change soon as well. And Brian sends you two gallons, just what the doctor ordered. :-)

[DHall1]

I personally agree with all the choices given in this thread. I have used the OEM TXT and most all Audi dealers still carry the product.

Thumbs up to the BND oil and I will change to it the next service.

I have nothing bad to say about Redline products at all. I have run the products for years and years in other cars.

And yes, the EPA has really been screwing up lately. They did the same thing with diesel fuel a couple years ago by taking the sulfur out. Ditto for some of the diesel oil producers taking out critical additive packages. Research your oil choice folks.


Audi say's a synthetic 5W-40 meeting VW spec 505.01. I use Redline 10W-40 which has the highest HTHS (High Temp High Shear) rating of any 10W-40 oil out there, at least from the manufacturers that are willing to test or post it. The Redline 5W-40 is also one of the best for HTHS which is one a required test for the Euro ACEA ratings to meet certain grades. The best Mobil 1 is the 0W-40 (In N. America) and it only has a HTHS of 3.6 whereas Redline 5W-40 has a HTHS of 4.6 (10W-40 is 4.7). Redline also has one of the highest ZDDP contents out there. I won't go into the need of ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates) which was reduced in oil sold in N. America by the EPA so for the first time in history, the quality of our oil decreased a few years ago.
I won't knock everyone else's choice as there are many good oils out there, I just think Redline is one of the best if not the best.

[marklar182]

ECS Tuning still carries the TXT (G052167A2), as well as Audi/VW dealers. The TXT is mandatory for TDI cars, so it should stay available.

[skribe]

I think redlne products are great, but I only use the OEM 505.01 spec Castrol.

Audi makes quite an explicit point that you void your warranty if you use any other spec. Not sure about third-party warranty writers' policies on that, but I wouldn't want to be the guy who suffers random catastrophic engine failure with something else in the crankcase, giving my warranty holder a loophole.

It's quite expensive, but it can be found cheaper by the case at some VW dealers.

[cmore]

Here is the OEM TXT oil from ECS:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/505.01/ES4063/

I wonder how 7.87 per liter compares to the dealer price? I will have to call on Friday as my local Audi dealer seems to really make up any parts.

I am probably going to do the oil change next week with the through-the-wheel-well oil filter removal method.

Thanks!
Chris

[as350]

Thanks for the link to the OEM stuff. I never even thought to check ECS.

I, too, was wondering about 3rd party warranty coverage with non-OEM spec lubricants in case of an engine problem. With all the great reviews of BND products I'd be switching to it as well were it not for the uncertainty of warranty coverage due to non-spec oil.

[DHall1]

Check with BND but I think he actually makes the RS6 oil to 505.01 spec. If it ever came down to it...you could have any oil you used bench tested for proper performance and show that it meets the proper spec. Blackstone lab report.


Thanks for the link to the OEM stuff. I never even thought to check ECS.

I, too, was wondering about 3rd party warranty coverage with non-OEM spec lubricants in case of an engine problem. With all the great reviews of BND products I'd be switching to it as well were it not for the uncertainty of warranty coverage due to non-spec oil.

[JSRS6]

Check with BND but I think he actually makes the RS6 oil to 505.01 spec. If it ever came down to it...you could have any oil you used bench tested for proper performance and show that it meets the proper spec. Blackstone lab report.

I do believe that is the case Dave. I think I remember those numbers being printed on the two gallon jugs I got...

[tidus888]

I personally like to use motul! I use 300V on my s2000 for track and the rs6 I use the 505.01 specific! Feels great!

[papadoc]

Spoke with Brian at BND this morning to order a couple of gallons of Quantum Blue for my upcoming service. Interesting that he compounds the oil to 7.5w-38 with 505.01 specs, has found this works best in our cars. Talked me into the steering fluid flush and conditioner as well. Just passed 100K this week, still running strong...

[GEN XER]

Spoke with Brian at BND this morning to order a couple of gallons of Quantum Blue for my upcoming service. Interesting that he compounds the oil to 7.5w-38 with 505.01 specs, has found this works best in our cars. Talked me into the steering fluid flush and conditioner as well. Just passed 100K this week, still running strong...

I don't even use anything except BND now. Wait till you get it in your engine.

[kilian tuning]

in the Netherlands Audi recommends 50501 5w30... since that has been put in, my engine ticks when cold for about 1 minute...i think im gonna change it for 5w40....

[hahnmgh63]

I agree with you, switch to the 5W-40, 5W-30 is too thin, especially when hot.

[kilian tuning]

yes i thought so, my bonnet is almost untouchable after a spirit ride... is that normal or oil type related? my engine temp never exceed 90 degrees celsius...dont know if the dial is accurate...

[Brav]

These engines run quite hot. I would say thats normal. Even in normal driving with temps around 68F, if I turn the AC off, the engine still cooks the air up at least 10-15 degrees with normal driving (which I find quite annoying....) you would think that you would at least get ambient temps from the vent air!

[vodeftones]

Can I hear a thumbs up for Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/afl.aspx

[4everRS]

Its 50501, so I say sure. You could put worse in it.
Can I hear a thumbs up for Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/afl.aspx

[hahnmgh63]

The Amsoil has a slightly higher HTHS (High Temp High Shear) raiting (3.8) than the best Mobil One (3.6, not really that good), but doesn't come close to Redline 10W-40 (4.6). I think the VW/Audi minimum is 3.5 HTHS, but that is the minimum. Just because Porsche, Corvette, & Cadillac use & recommend a couple of weights of Mobil One doesn't mean it's a great oil. It meets their minimum specs, just barely and I'm sure that an engine under normal conditions will meet their 4 yr 50K warranties, and you would be hard pressed after that to prove against those big companies that their oil recommendaton caused your engine to wear prematurely after the warranty had already expired. So off of my soapbox for now, why meet the minimum when you can surely exceed it by a large margin. But I would use the Amsoil over the Mobil, but definitely not before the Redline and they are about the same price.

[4everRS]

What he said is better ^^

[kilian tuning]

What about Castrol Edge 5w40?
But what is considered to be the best oil for our engines? 50501 5w40 but which brand, or doesnt the castrol, mobil, esso, etc brands differ that much....?

[hahnmgh63]

You can find the oil specifications for most oil on the manufacturers website. If it is 505.1 then it is recommended by VW/Audi but within those 505.1 oils some are very close and some are better. The HTHS is one of the main specifications to determine VAG oil and a few other European manufacturers guidlines. In Europe you have a choice of many very good oils. In N. America here we have some of the best oils made....but we also have some of the worst oils made. Our best oils also sell for much cheaper than oil in Europe but many people here tend to go cheap...think 3~4 Euro a quart cheap where some of our best are only 6~7 Euro. Are oil stateside, and European ones sold here for regular street use were required by the Envirmental Protection Agency to remove a large portion of ZDDP (Zinc dialkyldithiophosphates). I won't go into a big discussion of ZDDP as their is a lot of good stuff on the internet but it is bascially a anit-wear additive. The EPA wanted Catalytic Converters to last longer, even if it was at the sacrifice of engine wear. Oils sold in Europe were not required to remove or reduce ZDDP, only oils sold in the U.S. Some small specialty manufacturers and lower volume manufacturers didn't have this requirement so that is where our best oil is, and really always has been. Good luck on your search.

[1 bad 03 rs6]

What about this? This is what the local Audi dealer sold my friend before I bought the car from him.
http://pentosin.net/pressreleases/Pento_II_5W-40.pdf

[USAF Long]

Any link to where I can purchase this Redline Oil? I used to live near Lane Automotive and could go get it in person but now that I'm in Ohio I'm not sure where to get it.

10k is the recommended interval?

[vodeftones]

I guess my thing about the oil anyone choses to use, I've used mobil 1, motul, amsoil, castrol, txt, blah blah blah. I have 120k miles on my 6 and have owned numerous Audi's and had countless numbers apart. I've had the heads off v6 and v8 Audi engines with over 200k miles and no wear on the cylinders. I've put new rod and main bearings in 1.8 sludge motors that the crank was all scored up, the cars are still on the road. IMHO unless ANY of our cars had 300,000 or 400,000 miles on them as long as 50501 synthetic oil was used and changed at the right time you will never ever have to worry about it. The rest of the vehicle will fall apart long before you can wear out the engine. I have never once seen a worn out Audi engine with normal maintenance because you can't wear them out. We will never wear a RS6 motor out...ever. A cam adjuster might grenade, oil pump blows up, a poorly cast camshaft breaks or oil pressure switch leaks all the oil out and ruins an engine is one thing but baring that. If the right oil was used and changed at the right time it won't happen. Pick your 50501 spec oil, run it and change it and it's all you can do. Let the shitstorm begin!

[lswing]

Thanks for bringing the thread back up, just got my rs6 and looking to do a change soon.

[4everRS]

Vodeftones, I hope you didn't jinx yourself with that one! :)

I agree. Properly maintained, this engine is amazing. Problem is what's behind it. Too bad the cosworth wasn't more utilized. But I guess then we owners would be as exclusive!

[PixieVC]

Well, I'm resurrecting this dead thread - I wasn't able to find anyone locally with a 505.01 spec approved motor oil for the car - in the end I settled for something with a 502 certification, and had the car filled with Kendall GT-1 at 5w-40 weight... Hopefully I didn't make a mistake here!

I also had the opportunity to watch the mechanic attempt an oil change with the car today - and suffice it to say, holy moly, that's a tough job. They had to unbolt the swaybar in order to get the filter out. It was also the first time I've seen a drain plug with an allen wrench key - not that I've seen many drain plugs in my time. The plastic shield on the bottom, thoughtfully bolted in with about 50 screws also has to come off to both drain the car, and access the oil filter. I've never seen a more complex operation for an oil change before. In comparison with my M5 - that was a 10 minute job to remove the filter, drain the oil, etc.

I am curious as to what the recommended oil change interval is. The oil filter that my mechanic spent an hour trying to extract - when he finally got it out (and I took a close look at it) was an Audi OEM part with a lot of writing in German - and in very big letters it said 30,000 KM FILTER or something to that effect. 30,000 kilometers is 18,000 miles roughly - is the service interval for the oil that long under factory guidelines? Or is it just the service interval for the filter? Oil would be refreshed, and the filter would stay on for 3 changes or so? Regarding oil, my mechanic suggested a 7,500km change interval - he said I could go 10,000 miles most likely.

And the oil that came out was utterly gross, nearly black. It was time to change it... whatever it was. I don't know how long the existing oil had been in there. Furthermore - what is a typical oil burn rate? I assume since it's a turbocharged car, it is normal to get some burn and some oil blowby - what are you all averaging? Quarts per miles (for the metric crippled amongst us)?

Thanks everyone!

[twinsteve]

OEM spec oil should be pretty easy to find...not sure how different 502 is (if at all)

I think 5k miles is interval

[kilian tuning]

Audi put 50501 Mobil fulll synthetic 5w30 in mine, which im not that happy with. im going to get 5w40...

[hahnmgh63]

I use Redline 5W-40 which exceeds pretty much any oils specifications, and for you, it is produced in Cali :) 5K to 6K change intervals are what I use and it may use up to 1 quart of oil between changes. You may want to shorten your next couple of changes to 4K to 5K in order to help clean any sludge that has built up since it sounds like your oil hadn't been changed in the past as often as it should.
As for the newer cars, including the newer M5, they all have belly pans nowadays. As for the sway bar you only need to loosen the two back mounts to swing it out of the way and leave the two drop links alone. Amsoil also makes a very fine oil that rates almost as high as Redline but their are many other 505.1 oils out there, Motul, Lubrimoly, Swepco, Elf, Pentosin.

[marklar182]

Audi recommends a 10k interval, but it depends on your driving style/climate.

When in doubt you can always purchase oil from one of the many online retailers (ecs, world impex, ect)

I stick to the Audi recommended oil G052167M2 (Castrol Edge Turbo Diesel Oil 5W40) formerly known as G052167A2.

[Brav]

My car was on scheduled oil changes with previous owner, and I have evidence of sludge build up now.. so I'm going to do 2 to 3k for a while then stick to 5k.. then also will do a Seafoam treatment next change.

[Brazil]

I bought the car with a fresh Pentosin 5w-40, 505.01 change. My first self change I used Lubro Moly Hi Tech 5w-40, 505.01. I noticed a small change in exhaust note and the common lifter noise for the first 0.5 seconds at startup. These noises were not noticable on the Pentosin. Same weight at 5w-40. It sounds like an indication that the oil is not lubricating as well. I haven't looked up the HTHS numbers, but my subjective data gives the nod to the Pentosin.

With that said, I'm going to try either Redline or BND next. I won't use Lubro Moly again in this application. The lifter noise makes me cringe, even if there's no damage/substantial wear.

Mark, what's your flavor of transmission oil? Where do you get your Redline?

[hahnmgh63]

I'm using Redline D4 in the transmission. I mail order my oil from either Racerspartswholesale of a truck place http://www.stylintrucks.com/ as they always send me online 10~15% off coupons. Brazil where have you been? RS6 meet on the 7th at Feierabend? There will be at least 4 cars, maybe more.

[Brazil]

I've been overwhelmed with school and work lately... 100hrs per week between the two.

I wish I could make the meet on Wednesday. I have a final on the 8th, so I need to study that night. After the 15th, I'll be done for the semester and should have some time free. I'm planning to do the fluids in the RS and some stuff on the S4 and Lotus during the break.

Hope you're well, we need to make a beernight again soon.

[mik15]

same issue here...because i didn't want to use Castrol i have changed it to Mobil 0w-40 505.00, i am not pretty sure how good is this, my mechanic said it's better than the OEM Castrol, which after oly 4k came out really black and only 3/4 or less of what Audi pored in at the last service, so i don't think Castrol is that good...is Mobil 0w-40 ok for this engine?

[4everRS]

same issue here...because i didn't want to use Castrol i have changed it to Mobil 0w-40 505.00, i am not pretty sure how good is this, my mechanic said it's better than the OEM Castrol, which after oly 4k came out really black and only 3/4 or less of what Audi pored in at the last service, so i don't think Castrol is that good...is Mobil 0w-40 ok for this engine?
Any 505.01 oil is much better than average. Castrol is a great choice along with others. What you described is not normal. Your oil shouldn't be black in a normal interval, castrol or otherwise. Also that's way too much oil to use for these motors. I'll go anywhere from 5000 to 7500 miles on oil and I swear it seems not an ounce gets lost. I know it does have to use a little, but it is so minuscule. I suspect there could be another issue causing you to go through this much oil.

[mik15]

so then Mobil 1 0w-40 it's not the right oil i guess, judging by the fact that does not meet the VW rating of 505.01....regarding my black and not so much oil, according to the receipts last service on the car was made at 66k and i have changed it at 70k, i have looked well under the car and so did my mechanic, there are no oil leaks whatsoever, the inter-coolers are clean as well, only the passenger side one had insignificant oil traces, took down the pipe to get access to the oil filter and there is nothing serious, just regular, so the only options would be: they didn't pored in the correct amount of oil or the engine is burning oil which i doubt it as firstly the exhaust pipes are very clean and secondly i guess i would have seen something...i will get to see better after this oil change with Mobil 1. However, should i go and flush the Mobil 1 and get the Castrol 505.01 or is it ok to drive it for a couple of thousand miles??

[4everRS]

IMO you are ok for a couple thousand miles. You should always use the 505.01 as recommended buy Audi. Keep an eye on the level. You will know going forward if the previous fill was just not enough, or if it's going somewhere else.

Also, any specific reason your using 0w40? I don't know much about your climate, but I assume its warm. Audi recommends 5w40.

[mik15]

the only reason i went ahead with Mobil is because the mechanic said it's better than Castrol and i said let's give it a try, though i pointed him that it's not the Audi recommended oil rating....it's a hot climate here starting from May until October when it can reach up to 120F and even beyond, between October and May it's quite adorable, the temperatures drop to even 60F and below!

[hahnmgh63]

I would say the Mobil 1 0w40 is definitely not the right oil for your car, especially with the hot temps. If you have a selection of Mobil 1 in your area I would go with the 10W-40 or the Diesel 5w-40 but Mobil 1 would not be my first choice. If it's available in your area how about the Pentosin or Lubrimoly 5w-40 oils. You will see in the post above by Brazil that he at least seemed to notice an improvement with the Pentosin over the Lubrimoly but in either case both of those oils show better specs than Mobil 1 in their product data sheets.

[mik15]

here is the answer i got from Quattro GMBH regarding oil:

<table class="cf gJ" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td class="gF gK"><table class="cf ix" cellpadding="0"><tbody><tr><td>Breiter, Hanns (N/VQ-52) Hanns.Breiter@audi.de to me
</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td class="gH">show details 2:02 PM (21 hours ago)
</td><td class="gH">
</td></tr></tbody></table> Dear Mr. Turcu,

thank you very much for your message. Most oil companies have been phasing out engine oil according to VW specification 50501 because of the low demand. This oil was once meant to be used in heavy duty Diesel engines but due to its outstanding shear stability under high temperature we decided to use it for the RS 6 V8 twin turbo engine. The main reason for this move was the position of the turbo chargers which are pretty far located from the engine block and therefore from the oil supplying pump. After driving under extreme conditions, e.g. with high speed or under high load for a longer period of time and very high outside temperature, the oil pressure could drop to low levels when going back to idle.
Theoretically, engine oil to VW specification 50500 is not able to compensate the attributes of VW 50501 but the viscosity range of 0W-40 will stabilize oil pressure when the engine and turbo chargers are extremely hot. Hence, potential engine damage is not really an issue if VW 50500 is being used and there is no necessity to do drain this oil immediately.

The official substitute of VW specification 50501 is actually VW 50400, even it is mostly available in 5W-30, for example but without official endorsement MOBIL 1 ESP FORMULA 5W-30. We recommend to use VW 50400 when the next engine oil service is due (every 15000 km).

Kind Regards & Merry Christmas
Hanns Breiter
quattro GmbH
Kundendienst
quattro GmbH
N/VQ-52
Postfach 1144
74148 Neckarsulm
Telefon +49-7132-31-8547
BIK +49-7132-31-73050
Mobil +49-172-5929939
Fax +49-7132-31-88777
mailto:hanns.breiter@audi.de (hanns.breiter@audi.de)
Sitz/Domicile: Neckarsulm
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[4everRS]

Good info.

[PixieVC]

Fantastic info. Thank you for posting that up...

So, from the horse's mouth: 505.01 is the official spec, and 504.00 is the official replacement spec...

I'm going to run with my 5w-40 for the moment, and at the next change will switch to a 504.00 spec oil...

[Jimmy Joe]

You should try BND QuantumBlue, In my very authorized opinion is better than all the rest.

[papadoc]

Completely agree, Jimmy Joe. Realize that most of the current oils are low in ZDDP or other lubricants that are best for preserving the engine but may lead to early demise of the catalytic converters. BND Quantum Blue has more than 4 times the amount of phosphorus in an analyzed sample of used oil than would be found in other similar oils. It comes 7w-37.5 for our cars, and with your name on the label! Quantum Blue with ACES IV in the tank, and you're running strong with 100 octane tune on premium gas. Search for more information. Brian told me he sells to over 100 RS6 owners and that is only by word of mouth, and people happy with the products. Just order well in advance of your need, it can take a while for your order to get to you...