List of Approved Oils Meeting VW 502 00 Standard

The VW 502 00 standard, introduced in the mid-90s, applies across the entire Volkswagen Group: VW, Audi, Skoda, and Seat gasoline engines. You’ll find this specification in technical bulletins covering vehicles from at least 1997 through 2018, and it even applies to certain Pumpe-Düse diesel engines. 

Specific models requiring VW 502 00 include the Jetta GLI with the 2.0T engine, the 2017 Passat with the 1.8 TSI, various Golf models, the Tiguan, Touareg, and many others across the VAG lineup.

Most VW 502 00 oils come in 5W-40 or 0W-40 viscosities, though you’ll find approved products in other weights like 5W-30, 0W-30, 10W-30, and 10W-40. The critical thing to understand is this: the oil standard itself matters more than the specific viscosity for VAG vehicles.

VW 502 00 Oil List Lookup

This lookup guide is created to help you know if the oil you intend to use can meet VW 502 00 standards or not.

Type oil manufacture or product name and viscosity grade in the SEARCH BOX.
E.g: Castrol EDGE A3/B4 0W40

Leave a comment if you find that I missed any product in this list.

Read more: List of Approved Oils Meeting VW 508 00 Standard

SAE 0W-30 Engine Oils for VW 502 00

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Motul 8100 X-Max 0W-30

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Ravenol SSO SAE 0W-30

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Castrol Edge A3/B4 0W-30

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Motul 8100 X-max 0W-30

Motul 8100 X-max 0W-30 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals. It is a fully synthetic, Full SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous, Sulfur) oil designed for both gasoline and diesel applications across the VAG lineup.

The 0W-30 viscosity grade is less common than the typical 5W-40 or 0W-40 you’ll find with VW 502 00 oils, but it’s perfectly legitimate. In fact, this specific viscosity meets Volvo’s VCC 95200356 specification, which requires both ACEA A3/B4 performance and the 0W-30 weight. 

The thinner viscosity reduces hydrodynamic friction, which translates to better fuel economy, particularly during cold starts. You’ll also see faster oil pressure buildup and quicker warm-up times.

Motul formulated this oil to balance fuel efficiency with strong lubrication performance. The HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) viscosity sits at 3.5 mPa.s, which means the oil maintains adequate film strength even when hot and under stress. This is critical because some low-viscosity oils sacrifice protection for efficiency, but Motul keeps both in check here.

Motul 8100 X-max 0W-30 also meets Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5 and ACEA A3/B4 standards. The MB 229.5 specification is particularly demanding, requiring strong resistance to oil aging, excellent detergent and dispersant properties, and measurable fuel economy improvements. The ACEA A3/B4 rating emphasizes high-temperature protection, wear resistance, and controlled oil consumption over extended drain intervals.

This engine oil is compatible with catalytic converters and works with all fuel types: gasoline, diesel, LPG, CNG, and biofuels. It can be mixed with synthetic or mineral oils if needed, though you’d ideally stick with one product. 

Ravenol SSO (Super Synthetic Oil) 0W-30

Ravenol SSO (Super Synthetic Oil) 0W-30 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals. It is a fully synthetic, low-friction oil formulated for year-round use in passenger cars with or without turbochargers.

Like the Motul 8100 X-max, this Ravenol uses the less common 0W-30 viscosity rather than the typical 5W-40 or 0W-40 you’ll find with VW 502 00 oils. The thinner weight delivers impressive cold-start performance, maintaining flow down to temperatures below -30°C. The CCS (Cold Cranking Simulator) viscosity at -35°C measures 5,580 mPa*s, and it pours at -60°C, which means you’re getting immediate oil pressure even in brutal winter conditions.

Ravenol claims savings of up to 8% compared to conventional motor oils, though your actual results will vary based on driving conditions. The HTHS viscosity sits at 3.57 mPa.s, slightly higher than the Motul, which means the oil maintains solid film strength at high temperatures despite the lower viscosity grade. The viscosity index of 173 indicates excellent stability across temperature ranges.

Ravenol SSO meets BMW Longlife-98, Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5, Renault RN0700/RN0710, and Volvo VCC 95200356. It’s also been tested in applications requiring VW 503 01 (common in Audi vehicles), though it doesn’t carry formal approval for that specification. The ACEA A3/B4 rating confirms the oil’s suitability for extended drain intervals with strong detergent and wear protection properties.

The oil has low evaporation tendency (7.7% Noack volatility), which translates to reduced oil consumption between changes. It’s compatible with catalytic converters and can be mixed with other commercially available engine oils without flushing.

Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A3/B4

Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A3/B4 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals. It uses Castrol’s latest formulation technology aimed at protecting metal-to-metal contact points throughout the engine.

The 0W-30 viscosity delivers solid cold-start characteristics with a CCS viscosity of 6,200 cP maximum at -35°C and a pour point of -54°C. You’re getting reliable flow in extreme cold, though the numbers aren’t quite as aggressive as the Ravenol SSO. Where this oil differs noticeably is the HTHS viscosity, which sits at 2.9 cP minimum. That’s lower than both the Motul (3.5 mPa.s) and Ravenol (3.57 mPa.s) we’ve looked at, meaning the Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A3/B4 runs thinner under high temperature and high shear conditions.

This lower HTHS translates to better fuel economy but potentially less protection under severe stress. It’s still within ACEA A3/B4 requirements, which demand strong wear protection and extended drain capability, but it sits at the minimum threshold. The viscosity index of 167 is respectable, though lower than the Ravenol’s 173. This could mean that the oil is slightly less stable across temperature extremes.Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A3/B4 also meets BMW Longlife-01, Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3 and 229.5, and ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 standards. The MB 229.5 approval is particularly relevant since it requires fuel economy performance alongside durability.

VW 502 00 SAE 0W40 Oil List

Most Recommended

Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40

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Pennzoil Platinum Euro Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40

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Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40

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Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4

Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals, making it a solid fully synthetic choice for Volkswagen engines. The 0W-40 viscosity is one of the most common weights you’ll find for VW 502 00 oils, alongside 5W-40.

Its viscosity index of 181 is excellent, meaning the oil maintains consistent protection across a wide temperature range. This is noticeably higher than Castrol EDGE 0W-30 A3/B4, which we looked at earlier.

Castrol markets this with their “Fluid TITANIUM” technology, which they claim helps the oil maintain film strength under pressure. Beyond VW, it’s approved for Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3 and 229.5, Porsche A40, and meets Ford WSS-M2C937-A. It also carries ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 ratings for extended drain capability. 

Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40 meets VW 502 00 and 505 00 specifications, making it a compatible aftermarket option for Volkswagen gasoline and diesel engines. This fully synthetic oil uses Pennzoil’s PurePlus Technology, which converts natural gas into base oil rather than starting with crude oil.

The 0W-40 viscosity delivers strong cold-weather performance with a CCS viscosity of 5,960 cP at -35°C and a pour point of -54°C. The viscosity index of 183 is excellent, slightly better than the Castrol EDGE 0W-40, meaning consistent protection across temperature extremes. Beyond VW, it’s approved for Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3, 229.5, and 226.5, Porsche A40, and meets Fiat 9.55535.Z2 requirements. It also carries ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 ratings.

Pennzoil emphasizes piston cleanliness and wear protection with this formulation, claiming it keeps pistons cleaner than industry standards require. The natural gas-derived base oil contains fewer impurities than crude-based oils, which Pennzoil says contributes to better fuel economy and reduced deposits. Check your owner’s manual to confirm the 0W-40 weight matches your vehicle’s requirements.

Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic 0W-40

Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic 0W-40 meets VW 502 00 and 505 00 specifications, making it another solid aftermarket choice for Volkswagen gasoline and diesel engines.

The 0W-40 viscosity provides strong performance across temperature extremes. Cold-start capability is excellent with CCS viscosity under 6,000 cP at -35°C and a pour point of -39°C or lower. The viscosity index sits around 180, comparable to other quality 0W-40 oils we’ve looked at. The HTHS viscosity of 3.7 cP is notably higher than the Castrol EDGE 0W-40. This means better film strength under high stress and temperature conditions.

This engine oil also meets Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5, 229.3, and 226.5, BMW LL-01, Porsche A40, Renault RN0700 and RN0710, and Chrysler MS-12633 and MS-10726. It also carries ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4, and C3 ratings. The C3 approval is worth noting since it indicates mid-SAPS formulation compatibility with certain emissions systems, though VW 502 00 applications typically use Full SAPS oils.

Valvoline formulates this with premium antioxidants and detergents to prevent sludge and oil breakdown under extreme conditions. It’s widely available at retailers like Walmart, typically in 1-quart bottles. For convenience, you can also purchase Valvoline on Amazon.

VW 502 00 SAE 5W30 Oil List

Most Recommended

Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Full Synthetic 5W-30

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Pennzoil Platinum Euro Full Synthetic 5W-30

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Ravenol HCL Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30

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Type oil brand or product name into SEARCH box to check whether the oil you want to use is in the VW 502 00 approved list.

Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4

Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals, with the 5W-30 viscosity being one of the more common weights specified in VW owner’s manuals.

The cold-start performance is solid with a CCS viscosity of 6,580 mPa.s at -30°C and a pour point of -36°C. The viscosity index of 165 is decent, though lower than the 0W-40 variants we’ve looked at, which typically sit in the 180+ range. This means slightly less stability across extreme temperature swings, but it’s perfectly adequate for the intended applications.

Castrol markets this with their Fluid TITANIUM technology, claiming it doubles film strength to prevent oil breakdown under pressure. The oil is formulated specifically for highly tuned four-cylinder engines and modern powerplants operating at higher temperatures. It’s also approved for BMW Longlife-01 and Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5, and meets ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 standards for extended drain capability.

Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30

Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30 meets VW 502 00 and 505 00 specifications. It uses Pennzoil’s PurePlus Technology, converting natural gas into base oil for reduced impurities compared to crude-based oils.

The 5W-30 viscosity delivers excellent cold-start performance with a CCS viscosity of 4,300 cP at -30°C and a pour point of -45°C. The viscosity index of 174 is strong, indicating good stability across temperature ranges. What’s notable here is that despite being labeled “Euro L,” this formulation meets both Full SAPS specifications like VW 502 00/505 00 and mid-SAPS ACEA C3 requirements, making it versatile across different European engine types.

Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30 is also approved for BMW LL-01 and LL-04, Mercedes-Benz MB 226.5, 229.3, 229.5, 229.31, and 229.51, GM dexos2, and Chrysler MS-11106. It also meets ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 standards. This broad approval range means it works for both older engines requiring Full SAPS protection and newer emissions-compliant powerplants with particulate filters.

Pennzoil claims this oil keeps pistons cleaner than industry standards require and provides 40% better wear protection than API SN specifications. 

Ravenol HCL SAE 5W-30

Ravenol HCL SAE 5W-30 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals. It uses Ravenol’s CleanSynto technology, designed for both turbocharged and naturally aspirated applications with or without direct injection.

The 5W-30 viscosity provides strong cold-start performance with a CCS viscosity of 5,591 mPa.s at -30°C and a pour point of -39°C. The viscosity index of 168 is respectable, indicating good temperature stability, though slightly lower than some competitors. The HTHS viscosity sits at 3.57 mPa.s, matching the Ravenol SSO 0W-30 we looked at earlier, which means solid film strength under high temperature and stress conditions.

It’s also formulated for BMW Longlife-01 and Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5, and meets ACEA A3/B4 standards for extended drain capability. Ravenol also lists it as recommended for BMW Longlife-01 FE (Fuel Economy) and VW 501 01.

The formulation emphasizes fuel economy while maintaining protection, with excellent detergent and dispersant properties to keep engines clean over extended drain intervals. Noack volatility sits at 8.6%, which is moderate but acceptable for this specification. The oil is suitable for catalyst-equipped vehicles and can be used where manufacturers recommend extended oil change intervals. 

Read more: VW g12 Coolant Equivalent

VW 502 00 SAE 5W40 Oil List

Most Recommended

Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40

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Pennzoil Platinum Euro Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40

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Valvoline 5W-40 MST SynPower Full Synthetic

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Type oil brand or product name into SEARCH box to check whether the oil you want to use is in the VW 502 00 approved list.

Castrol EDGE 5W-40 A3/B4

The 5W-40 viscosity, which shows on Castrol EDGE 5W-40 A3/B4’s label, is one of the most common weights you’ll find for VW 502 00 applications, alongside 0W-40. The 5W-40 weight offers a good balance between cold-start flow and high-temperature protection. It is versatile for year-round use in most climates. 

The cold-start performance is strong with a CCS viscosity of 5,650 mPa.s at -30°C and a pour point of -42°C. The viscosity index of 170 indicates good temperature stability, though it’s slightly lower than the 0W-40 variants in the Castrol EDGE lineup. At 100°C, the kinematic viscosity sits at 13.4 mm²/s, which means this 5W-40 runs slightly thicker when hot compared to the 0W-40 (13.2 mm²/s) or 5W-30 (12.1 mm²/s) versions.

Castrol EDGE 5W-40 A3/B4 is also approved for BMW Longlife-01, Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3 and 229.5, Porsche A40, and Renault RN0700/RN0710. It meets Chrysler MS-12991 engine test requirements and is suitable for use in vehicles requiring MB 226.5. The oil also carries the latest API SP specification and ACEA A3/B4 rating for extended drain capability.

Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40

Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 carries official VW 502 00 and 505 00 approvals, making it a legitimate fully synthetic choice for Volkswagen gasoline and diesel engines. It uses Pennzoil’s PurePlus Technology, converting natural gas into base oil rather than starting with crude, which reduces impurities in the formulation.

The 5W-40 viscosity delivers solid cold-start performance with a CCS viscosity of 6,300 cP at -30°C and a pour point of -45°C. The viscosity index of 167 matches the Castrol EDGE 5W-40, indicating comparable temperature stability. At 100°C, the kinematic viscosity sits at 13.3 mm²/s, running slightly thinner when hot compared to the Castrol (13.4 mm²/s) but thicker than most 0W-40 formulations.

This engine oil is also approved for BMW LL-01, Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3, 229.5, and 226.5, Porsche A40, and Chrysler MS-10725, MS-10850, and MS-12991. It meets or exceeds Fiat 9.55535.Z2 requirements and is approved for Ferrari and Maserati applications. The oil carries ACEA A3/B3-10 and A3/B4-10 ratings for extended drain capability.

Pennzoil emphasizes piston cleanliness and wear protection, claiming it keeps pistons cleaner than industry standards require and provides superior friction protection. The natural gas-derived base oil formulation aims to deliver better fuel economy and reduced deposits compared to crude-based alternatives.

Valvoline SynPower MST C3 5W-40

Valvoline SynPower MST C3 5W-40 holds VW 502 00, 505 00, and 505 01 approvals, qualifying it as a versatile fully synthetic option for Volkswagen gasoline and diesel engines. The “MST” stands for “Mid SAPS Technology,” and the C3 designation indicates this oil is formulated for engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and three-way catalysts (TWC).

The 5W-40 viscosity delivers strong cold-start performance with a CCS viscosity under 6,200 mPa.s at -30°C and a pour point of -45°C. The viscosity index of 170 matches the Castrol EDGE 5W-40, indicating solid temperature stability. At 100°C, the kinematic viscosity sits at 14 mm²/s, running slightly thicker when hot compared to most other 5W-40 formulations we’ve covered.

Interestingly, Valvoline MST holds a broad approval range: It covers both older Full SAPS specifications (VW 502 00/505 00) and newer mid-SAPS requirements (VW 505 01, ACEA C3, BMW LL-04). This makes it suitable for modern Euro 4 and 5 diesel engines with DPF technology as well as older engines requiring traditional Full SAPS protection. Valvoline designed this specifically for CDI engines with EGR and DPF systems. It claims to support drain intervals up to 30,000 kilometers where manufacturers recommend it.

Valvoline SynPower MST C3 5W-40 carries Mercedes-Benz MB 229.51, Porsche A40, Renault RN0700/0710, GM Dexos 2, and Ford WSS-M2C917-A approvals. It’s also recommended where Fiat 9.55535.S2 is specified. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What oil weight should I use for VW 502 00?

VW 502 00 isn’t limited to one weight. Commonly approved grades include 5W-40, 0W-40, 5W-30, and 0W-30. The approval itself matters most; if your manual specifies a hard-to-find grade like 0W-30, you can typically substitute a more common approved weight like 0W-40.

How do I know if an oil meets VW 502 00?

Check the bottle or product data sheet for “VW 502 00” listed as an approval or license. There’s a difference between oils that are “approved and licensed” (formal manufacturer approval) versus those that merely “meet the requirements.”.

Can I use VW 504 00 oil instead of VW 502 00?

Yes, VW 504 00 is the successor to VW 502 00, and you can use it without hesitation in vehicles approved for 502 00. Most 504 00 oils are 5W-30 or 0W-30, while most 502 00 oils are 5W-40 or 0W-40.

Which vehicles require VW 502 00 oil?

 VW 502 00 is required for most Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, and Seat gasoline engines (and some diesel engines) with fixed service intervals from model years 1997–2018. Specific models include the Jetta GLI 2.0T, Passat 1.8 TSI, Golf, Tiguan, and Atlas.

What happens if I use the wrong oil in my VW?

Using non-approved oil risks premature oil consumption, worn engine internals, blown turbochargers, and plugged emission systems. If you’re under warranty, using oil without OEM approval could also jeopardize your coverage.

Is the VW 502 00 approval more important than viscosity?

Yes, the VW 502 00 approval is the most critical aspect when choosing an engine oil for your Volkswagen. Focus on finding oil with the correct approval first. Your owner’s manual may recommend a specific weight, but as long as the oil carries VW 502 00 approval, several grades are acceptable. If it has the VW 502 00 approval, it will likely meet your engines viscosity requirement.

VW 502 00 are available in SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 10W-30, and 10W-40.

Read more: What is Compatible With G 055 025 A2?

VW 502 00 Oil Equivalent

According to VW owner’s manual, if VW 502 00 is not available, you may also use engine oil that meets the specs of VW 504 00.

If your VW OE oil is out of stock, you can opt for an alternative brand that aligns with the Audi oil quality standard VW 502 00. Thus, always ensure you’re utilizing a certified oil.

However, you should keep in mind some certain factors before using equivalent options:

• Numerous motor oils exist in the market, yet not all can adhere to VW standards. It’s essential to use only those oils that align with the Volkswagen oil quality benchmarks set for your engine.
• Avoid blending additives with your motor oil or combining different oils. Such actions can lead to engine harm, and any damages arising from these practices won’t be covered under Volkswagen’s warranty.

Final Words

The VW 502 00 specification exists for a reason. Stick with approved oils in the correct viscosity gives you the best protection and peace of mind. And remember: while 5W-30 and 5W-40 both meet the standard for most pre-2019 gasoline engines, the 5W-40 tends to burn less oil in these motors.

If you have a VW or an Audi engine from 2017 onwards, there’s a good chance that it requires VW 508 00 specifications. When in doubt, check the back of the bottle for the correct viscosity. Keep in mind that using approved oil is cheaper than rebuilding an engine.

Related Reads

1. Valvoline vs. Pennzoil Face-off: Narrowing Down the Best Engine Oil Compare Valvoline and Pennzoil to identify the best oils meeting the VW 502 00 standard for your vehicle – Learn more.
2. Liqui Moly vs. Mobil 1 – Which is the Better Option? Explore how Liqui Moly and Mobil 1 oils comply with the VW 502 00 standard, ensuring optimal engine performance – Read more.
3. List of Motor Oils with Chrysler MS-6395 Certification Discover motor oils that meet both VW 502 00 and Chrysler MS-6395 standards for versatile engine protection – Find out more.
4. Understanding ILSAC GF-6: The Best Engine Oils for Modern Vehicles Learn about oils that adhere to both VW 502 00 and ILSAC GF-6 standards for modern vehicle engines – Explore here.
5. Dexos Approved Oil Lists [Dexos 1, Dexos 2, Dexos 3, Dexos D, Dexos R] Compare Dexos approved oils with those meeting the VW 502 00 standard to find the best option for your engine’s needs – Discover now.