You're standing in front of the shelf, looking at a bottle of 0W-20 oil marked VW 508.00 and 509.00. It's newer, thinner and supposedly better. And you're thinking, "If it's the latest oil, why shouldn't I put it in my car?" I get it. But there's something really important I want you to understand about VW 508 00 509 00 engine oil compatibility. Newer oil doesn't automatically mean better oil for your engine. In fact, you could end up damaging it.
What do VW 508.00 and 509.00 actually mean?
These are Volkswagen's specifications for LongLife IV engine oil. VW 508.00 is for petrol engines, while VW 509.00 is for diesels. We're talking about 0W-20, which is a much thinner oil. It's designed for newer generations of engines that were built from the factory to run on exactly this oil. Tighter clearances, less friction, lower fuel consumption. Everything inside the engine has been designed around that specification. In my guide to engine oil and service parts I've explained all the VW oil specifications, going right back to 500.00.
Can I use 0W-20 in an engine that requires 504.00 or 507.00?
No. And I really want you to listen to me on this one. Volkswagen explicitly states that oils meeting 508.00 and 509.00 are not compatible with the older specifications. If your engine was designed for 5W-30 meeting 504.00 or 507.00, it relies on a thicker protective film of oil. Around the bearings, in the timing chain tensioner and inside the turbo. Put thinner oil in there and you're reducing protection exactly where the engine needs it. And do you know the worst part? You probably won't notice straight away. The engine will still run, the engine management warning light might never come on, and you won't necessarily feel anything unusual. But the wear is happening all the same. And sooner or later, that gets expensive.
Never put VW 508.00/509.00 0W-20 oil into an engine that requires 504.00 or 507.00. And it works both ways. If your engine requires 508/509, don't put a different oil in just because someone told you that "thicker oil gives better protection". It's not that simple.
How do I find the correct oil for my engine?
- Check the oil filler cap. On many newer models, the required specification is printed right on it.
- Look at your service schedule or the sticker inside the car. You may find the required oil specification there too.
- Check using your VIN. If you're not sure where to look, send us your VIN and we'll tell you exactly which oil your engine needs.
Let me give you a few examples to make things clearer. VW 508/509 oils are intended for newer generations of engines, including the 1.5 TSI evo and some newer 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines. Most older engines require 504/507. But here's the important bit! Don't choose your oil simply because you drive a TSI or TDI. What matters is the exact specification required by your particular engine.
How often should I change my engine oil?
My advice is exactly the same whether you're using 0W-20, 0W-30 or 5W-30. If you drive in Bulgaria, change your engine oil and oil filter every 10,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. I've explained why I'm so particular about this in my guide to service intervals. Short journeys, traffic jams, dusty roads. That's everyday driving for us. And it's those conditions that determine how often your oil needs changing, not how famous the brand on the bottle happens to be.
Advice from Kris Mladenov: Don't choose your engine oil because it's the newest or has the nicest label. Check what your engine actually requires. If you're unsure whether you need 508/509 or 504/507, send us your VIN. We'll check it and tell you the exact specification. I'd much rather we got it right now than see you paying for a mistake later.
I hope you can see now why choosing engine oil just because it's newer is a bad idea. Your engine was designed for a particular specification, and I want you to stick to it. If this guide has helped you, share it with a friend. You might save them from making an expensive mistake at their next oil change.
The right oil from our shop
Genuine LongLife IV 0W20 engine oil G S60577M2 1 litre
Genuine LongLife IV 0W20 engine oil meeting VW 508.00/509.00. Only for engines that specifically require this specification.
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Genuine LongLife III FE 0W30 engine oil 5 litres
Genuine LongLife III FE 0W30 engine oil meeting VW 504.00/507.00, 5 litres.
View in our shop
Genuine LongLife III FE 0W30 engine oil
Genuine LongLife III FE 0W30 engine oil, 1 litre for topping up.
View in our shopFurther reading
- Routine servicing at Das Auto Service
- When should I change the oil and service parts on my VAG car?
- Service intervals for transverse-engine platforms (Golf, Passat…)
- 1.5 TSI (EA211 evo): why does it hesitate when pulling away cold?
- VW 504/507 and LongLife: what the label on the bottle really means
- 1.0 TSI three-cylinder engine: vibrations and servicing
Frequently asked questions
Can I use VW 508.00 0W-20 oil in an older engine?
No. Oils meeting VW 508.00 and 509.00 are not compatible with older engines that require 504.00 or 507.00. Don't take chances with your engine.
How do I find the correct oil for my car?
Check the oil filler cap, your service schedule or the specification using your VIN. Send us your VIN and we'll tell you exactly which oil specification your engine needs.
Which engines use VW 508/509 oil?
Newer-generation engines, including the 1.5 TSI evo and some newer 2.0 TSI and 2.0 TDI engines. But always check the requirements for your particular car.