VW TDI Oil & Fluid Specifications
Complete fluid specification reference for every VW TDI engine code. VW oil specs explained, coolant types, transmission fluids, brake fluid, AdBlue, and capacities.
Engine Oil Specifications by Engine Code
Master Reference| Engine Code | VW Oil Spec | Viscosity | Capacity (w/ Filter) | Drain Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALH | 505.00 / 505.01 | 5W-40 | 4.5L (4.8 qt) | 5,000 - 10,000 mi |
| BEW | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 4.5L (4.8 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| BRM | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 4.3L (4.5 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| BHW | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 5.5L (5.8 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| CBEA / CJAA | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 4.7L (5.0 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| CKRA | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 4.7L (5.0 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| CRUA | 508.00 / 509.00 | 0W-20 | 5.7L (6.0 qt) | 10,000 mi |
| CASA / CATA | 507.00 | 5W-30 | 8.0L (8.5 qt) | 10,000 mi |
Using non-507.00 oil in DPF-equipped TDI engines (BEW, BRM, BHW, CBEA, CJAA, CKRA, CASA, CATA) causes ash buildup in the Diesel Particulate Filter. This ash cannot be burned off during regeneration cycles, leading to premature DPF clogging and a replacement cost of $1,500 - $3,000. Always verify the VW oil spec number on the bottle before purchasing.
VW Oil Specifications Explained
Technical DetailVW 505.00
Original TDI SpecThe original TDI oil specification for engines without a Diesel Particulate Filter. Covers both mineral and full synthetic 5W-40 oils. Designed for the ALH indirect injection engine with its simpler fuel system demands.
VW 505.01
TDI Injection ProtectionSpecial TDI specification providing enhanced injection system protection. Designed for higher-pressure fuel systems. Compatible with ALH engines and sometimes recommended as an upgrade over 505.00 for better injector and pump protection.
VW 507.00
Low Ash - DPF RequiredCritical specification for all DPF-equipped TDI engines. The low-ash formula prevents metallic ash accumulation in the Diesel Particulate Filter. Standard engine oils contain calcium, zinc, and phosphorus additives that leave behind non-combustible ash residue. VW 507.00 oils use alternative additive chemistry to provide engine protection while keeping ash content below the threshold that damages DPFs.
VW 508.00 / 509.00
Latest Spec - EA288The newest VW oil specification, designed exclusively for the EA288 engine family (CRUA). Uses ultra-thin 0W-20 viscosity to maximize fuel economy while maintaining protection at diesel operating temperatures. The 508.00 spec covers gasoline engines; 509.00 covers diesels. Both are required for the CRUA.
Each spec exists for a specific reason. VW 508.00/509.00 (0W-20) is too thin for older engines and will cause accelerated wear. VW 505.00 (5W-40) has too much ash for DPF-equipped engines. Always match the oil spec to your engine code using the master table above.
Recommended Oil Brands
Approved ProductsAlways check the VW approval number printed on the oil container. Marketing terms like "diesel compatible" or "low ash" do not guarantee VW specification compliance. Only oils with the specific VW number (505.00, 507.00, or 508.00/509.00) on the label are approved.
Coolant Specifications
Cooling SystemG12 (Red/Pink)
Original OAT formula
Silicate-free
VW TL 774 D
G12+ (Pink)
Improved formula
Backward compatible with G12
VW TL 774 F
G12++ (Purple)
Si-OAT hybrid
Compatible with all G12 types
VW TL 774 G
G13 (Purple/Violet)
Current spec, all TDIs OK
Bio-based glycerin formula
VW TL 774 J
Coolant Capacity by Vehicle
- Golf / Jetta Mk4 (ALH)~6.5L (6.9 qt)
- Jetta / Golf Mk5 (BRM/BEW)~7.0L (7.4 qt)
- Passat B5 (BHW)~8.5L (9.0 qt)
- Jetta Mk6 (CJAA/CKRA)~7.0L (7.4 qt)
- Golf Mk7 (CRUA)~6.0L (6.3 qt)
- Touareg (CASA/CATA)~12.5L (13.2 qt)
Coolant Service Notes
- Mix Ratio50/50 with distilled water
- Change IntervalEvery 5 years
- Freeze Protection-35°C (-31°F) at 50/50
- Boil Protection108°C (226°F) at 50/50
- G13 ReplacesAll previous G12 variants
Green (IAT) and universal coolants contain silicates and phosphates that attack the seals, gaskets, and aluminum components in VW cooling systems. They also form gel deposits that clog heater cores and radiator passages. Use only G12, G12+, G12++, or G13 specification coolant. When in doubt, G13 is compatible with all VW TDI engines.
Transmission Fluid Specifications
Drivetrain| Transmission | Type Code | Fluid Spec | Capacity | Change Interval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual 5-Speed | 02J | GL-4 75W-90 | 2.0L (2.1 qt) | 60,000 mi |
| Manual 6-Speed | 02M / 02Q | GL-4 75W-90 | 2.3L (2.4 qt) | 60,000 mi |
| DSG 6-Speed | 02E (DQ250) | VW G 052 182 | 5.5L (5.8 qt) | 40,000 mi |
| DSG 7-Speed | 0AM (DQ200) | VW G 052 529 | 1.7L (1.8 qt) | 40,000 mi |
| Automatic (Torque Converter) | 09G | VW G 060 162 (ATF) | 7.0L (7.4 qt) | Lifetime* (60k recommended) |
The DSG mechatronic unit operates under extreme hydraulic pressure and heat. Degraded fluid causes erratic shifting, shuddering, and eventual mechatronic unit failure costing $2,000 - $3,000 to repair. Change DSG fluid and filter every 40,000 miles without exception. The "lifetime fill" claim does not apply to DSG transmissions regardless of what the dealer may say.
VW originally marketed the 09G automatic as having "lifetime" fluid. In practice, the fluid degrades and causes harsh shifting, delayed engagement, and premature wear. Most independent specialists recommend changing the ATF at 60,000 miles. Use only VW G 060 162 or approved equivalent - generic ATF will cause shifting problems.
Brake Fluid & Power Steering
HydraulicsBrake Fluid
- SpecificationDOT 4
- VW SpecTL 774 C
- Change IntervalEvery 2 years
- Dry Boiling Point230°C (446°F)
- Wet Boiling Point155°C (311°F)
- Reason for ChangeAbsorbs moisture over time
Power Steering Fluid
- Hydraulic RackPentosin CHF 11S
- VW SpecVW G 002 000
- ColorGreen (synthetic)
- Change IntervalNot scheduled (inspect)
- MQB PlatformElectric steering - no fluid
- WarningNEVER use ATF in VW P/S
DOT 4 brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere through brake hoses and seals. After 2 years, the water content rises enough to significantly lower the boiling point. Moisture-contaminated fluid boils under hard braking, creating vapor lock and a spongy or absent pedal. Flush every 2 years regardless of mileage.
AdBlue / DEF (EA288 Engines Only)
EmissionsAdBlue Specifications
- StandardISO 22241
- Composition32.5% urea in demineralized water
- Tank Capacity~13 - 17L (varies by vehicle)
- Consumption Rate~1L per 1,000 km (600 mi)
- Freeze Point-11°C (12°F)
- Heated TankYes - prevents freezing
AdBlue Service Notes
- Shelf Life~12 months (store cool)
- Refill WarningDashboard at ~1,500 mi remaining
- If EmptyEngine will NOT restart
- Applies ToCRUA, CKRA (SCR-equipped)
- DilutionNEVER dilute or substitute
- ContainerNon-metallic only (corrodes copper)
If the AdBlue/DEF tank runs empty, the engine management system will prevent the engine from restarting after the next shutdown. This is an emissions compliance requirement, not a malfunction. The dashboard provides multiple warnings starting at approximately 1,500 miles of remaining range. Keep the tank topped off to avoid being stranded.