Owner reviews for engine oil

I have a 2014 Audi A5 2.0T owned new since July 2014 and have done about half of the oil changes the car has had, myself. I have 61,000 miles now and the engine remains completely healthy as far as I know, with negligible oil consumption. My car has an electronic display virtual dipstick, not a physical one, and it takes several thousand miles before the oil level dips below "max" by "one notch" on the gauge picture. This type of Mobil 1 is 0W-40, which does meet VW 502. I never was able to tell any difference in feel or economy between the 2 weights of oil even though the Mobil supposedly should be a bit thinner at cold temperatures.

LiquiMoly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W40 Easy DIY kits sold online for ~$70 delivered including VW filter and drain plug, has a good reputation in the VAG community

I've used Mobil 1 since 1986 in my other vehicles, but I don't want any issues with VW should there be an engine failure. Once out of warranty, I can buy the same oil for less at Walmart.

I just did my first oil change at 1k miles. I went with Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 which meets 502 spec.

I ended up returning the Castrol Edge 5W-40 and got AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-30 Improved ESP Synthetic Motor Oil instead, which is VW Approved and 504 spec. Its quite pricey though, $180 CAD for 12 x 946ml.

I typically use Castrol Edge 0W-40 at 5000 mile change intervals unless my annual service interval comes up at the dealership.

I personally use the Castrol 0W-40 that meets the VW 502 spec. Per the Bob is the Oil Guy forums, it’s one of the best oils out there and is available at a great price from Wal-Mart, at ~$25 per 5qt jug. I’d use this oil in any VW and not think twice.

I've been using the Liqui-Moly 5w-40 Leichtlauf High Tech since 2500 miles.

You want to know how your oil is doing? Send it to Blackstone labs for testing. Cost $35 but worth it in my opinion. I send my 8k oil (Liquy Moly, from my CC) and it was still very good!

I run German (Belgian) Castrol, which comes in a 0w-40 or 0w-30 weight. In general, it's better than the US spec stuff that sage149 posted because Europe has stricter oil standards than the US and it holds better certifications like MB229.5. I mainly run the 0w-40, and while I only have 13k miles, it does include 4 track days and the oil level doesn't change in between oil changes.