Adam's Dad

Hi All,
I would like to determine the best, latest oil to use in my '03 Allroad. Please bear with me...
Background:
- My owner's manual specifies 0W-30 as preferred, with 5W-30 and 5W-40 as acceptable if 0W-30 is not available. Further, it specifies API service SJ and ACEA A2 or A3. No VW/Audi oil spec is listed.
- Audi Canada defers to my manual and confirms 0W-30.
- My local Audi dealer recommends 5W-30 and also suggests staying with what's been used previously to prevent problems.
- Castrol NA stated to me: "All Temperatures: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40 motor oil meeting VW/Audi 505.01. 0W-30 and 0W-40 are recommended weights for this engine, however, Castrol does not have a 0W-30 or 0W-40 motor oil meeting VW/Audi 505.01. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 C3 meets VW/AUDI 505.01 and can be used with confidence in your vehicle." I have a problem with this as 505.01 is a diesel spec for vehicles with pump unit injectors. When asked to clarify, Castrol NA defered to my manual and reiterated 505.01.
- I live in the southern interior of British Columbia where summer highs approach +40C during the day, and winter lows may approach -30C during the night on rare occasion. Usual summer temps are +25 to +35C and usual winter temps are -10 to +5C.
- My mechanic used 5W-30 full synthetic in my last change (I don't know which brand but it was European). I feel like the car is overly sluggish for a few mins after start-up on this oil, unless it's hot out or the engine is already warm. I also get poor mileage, but I believe it's a result of low gearing and is also somewhat normal for this model.
Questions:
- What is the correct VW/Audi oil spec for my car because 505.01 sure isn't it?
- Would 0W-30 be a better choice for winters here than 5W-30 (easier, lower wear starts)?
- By extension, would 0W-40 be a better choice for summers here than 0W-30, or would it be too thick and further decrease mileage?
- Would Castrol Edge 0W-40 A3/B4 be a good choice? It meets ACEA A3/B4 and VW 502.00 & 505.00, as well as API service SN? I bought this oil but I'm wondering if I should exchange it for 0W-30 A3/B4 or for 5W-30 C3?
- Any thoughts on
Thanks for reading this and cheers!

uberwgn

Adam, other cars of your generation would have spec'd VAG 502.00. Do you have an under-hood label showing this?

Adam's Dad

Thank you for your quick reply!

That's a good question. I will take a look and get back to you.
I thought 502.00 was correct as well but haven't seen it explicitly refered to for my car anywhere online.

Adam's Dad

Hi Uber,
I checked high and low under the hood but no oil spec to be found.
I contacted Audi Canada again to ask if there was a VAG spec issued to my car when new or even later on.
Will post info once I hear back...
Cheers!

uberwgn

pretty much every gas car was on 502.00 oil at that time.

Adam's Dad

Audi Canada confirmed to me that the VW/Audi oil standard for the 2003 Audi Allroad 2.7T was , and has not changed from, 502.00.

uberwgn

There you go !

Adam's Dad

You were right Uber, thanks!

Canadian Tire doesn't carry Castrol Edge 0W-30 in the 5L jugs, which are currently on sale for $28, only in the 1L containers that are $14; so I think I'll just use the 0W-40 A3/B4 that I already purchased. It meets 502.00 and ACEA A3, and it exceeds API SJ.

Cheers!