What oil for the R36

[Lance B]

Each to there own but, for me, I will only ever use the recommended oil and I don't care about the extra $20 mark-up.
Much better than giving VW an excuse to refuse warranty, not that I'm sayimg they would but this was used as a major excuse by Audi on my A4 and it cost me $13k.
My last car was sold, serviced exactly to spec (right down to the replacement tyres) so there were absolutely no excuses in case of an issue and, besides, who am I to think I know better than the engineers who built this thing? (and therefore specced the appropriate oil) I don't believe for one second it's "buy the cheapest to make the most profit' as they wouldn't risk the warranty claims. My 2c.

By law, Audi *cannot* refute warranty if the oil you used is the same spec as what is recommended in the handbook. If the handbook states that 5W30 semi or full synthetic to API/ACEA/MB/VW/BMW/Ford or whatever, they *cannot* refute warranty.

As for oil specs, a good quality synthetic that meets all the requirements laid down by VW would be as good or better than that specified. Diester based synthetic oil is supposed to be the best and dearest and I would guarantee that it would be better then the VW recommended semi/full synthetic. Engines are *not* that fickle that they require such a specific blend.

In your case above, one would wonder how they could refute warranty if you did what you said you did in that you had it serviced as per the handbook. I would say that you have a great case against them.

[GHW]

Hi Lance,
like everything there's more to the story but I don't want to revisit it and in hindsight shouldn't have taken the op for a whinge, apologies all.
My point is that I don't get why ppl purchase a new vehicle then insist on changing everything right down to the oil? really, what gains can be had by changing the factory spec oil? or am I missing something? maybe I'm just showing my age

[Lance B]

Hi Lance,
like everything there's more to the story but I don't want to revisit it and in hindsight shouldn't have taken the op for a whinge, apologies all.
My point is that I don't get why ppl purchase a new vehicle then insist on changing everything right down to the oil? really, what gains can be had by changing the factory spec oil? or am I missing something? maybe I'm just showing my age

I don't disagree. All I am saying is that if you need to top up your oil, then an oil which meets or exceeds the spec laid down in the handbook will be fine and will not void your warranty.

Also, there are oils which are better specified than that laid down in the handbook, like the diester based synthetic oils which some people may find attractive in the belief that they think it will do the engine better. I used to use these diester based synthetic oils in previous cars, due to the fact that the specified oil and used was crap mineral oil, and they were excellent giving better power and economy. However, the oil specified for the R36 is a reasonably top grade oil anyway and I would see little benefit in "upgading" due to the extra cost of the "better" oil.

[Transporter]

I don't disagree. All I am saying is that if you need to top up your oil, then an oil which meets or exceeds the spec laid down in the handbook will be fine and will not void your warranty.

Also, there are oils which are better specified than that laid down in the handbook, like the diester based synthetic oils which some people may find attractive in the belief that they think it will do the engine better. I used to use these diester based synthetic oils in previous cars, due to the fact that the specified oil and used was crap mineral oil, and they were excellent giving better power and economy. However, the oil specified for the R36 is a reasonably top grade oil anyway and I would see little benefit in "upgading" due to the extra cost of the "better" oil.

Meets or exceeds doesn't mean " VW APPROVED".
If the oil would be VW approved they would put it on the label (Approved by VW.....)

[Lance B]

Meets or exceeds doesn't mean " VW APPROVED".
If the oil would be VW approved they would put it on the label (Approved by VW.....)

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be approved by VW for it to meet or exceed it's specification. There are *many* oils that meet or exceed VW's specification which means that they can be safely used in their engines.

The *law* states that if the oil meets or exceeds that specified by the manufacturer, then they *cannot* refute warranty.

[Transporter]

Not necessarily. It doesn't have to be approved by VW for it to meet or exceed it's specification. There are *many* oils that meet or exceed VW's specification which means that they can be safely used in their engines.

The *law* states that if the oil meets or exceeds that specified by the manufacturer, then they *cannot* refute warranty.

Then you will be taking your engine's warranty to the oil company that is saying that oil meets particular specs not the VW dealer for the repairs.

Here is an example:
I will make my own oil put the sticker on it that will say "meets and exceeds VW specs" you buy it and your engine will suffer the damage than you go to VW dealer demanding the engine to be repaired by the warranty what do you think will follow?
I hope that explains.

[Rocket36]

Jesus! This isn't rocket science.

The engine is designed to run on a certain TYPE of oil. I can't remember exactly what type that is, but it's in the manual. For argument's sake let's say it's 5W40. That means you can quite safely use ANY 5W40 oil. Doesn't matter the brand, and your warranty will be fine.

Personally, I use the oil specifically engineered for the VW engines. At least according to my dealer. Changed the initial run-in oil (which is a specific run-in oil) at 1500km and will be changing the oil for the life of the car (while I own it) at 5000km intervals. Dealer charges me $130 for oil, filter and labour, uses the oil designed for and recommended by VW and gives me 100% peace of mind and 100% warranty coverage.

[Transporter]

Jesus! This isn't rocket science.

The engine is designed to run on a certain TYPE of oil. I can't remember exactly what type that is, but it's in the manual. For argument's sake let's say it's 5W40. That means you can quite safely use ANY 5W40 oil. Doesn't matter the brand, and your warranty will be fine.

Personally, I use the oil specifically engineered for the VW engines. At least according to my dealer. Changed the initial run-in oil (which is a specific run-in oil) at 1500km and will be changing the oil for the life of the car (while I own it) at 5000km intervals. Dealer charges me $130 for oil, filter and labour, uses the oil designed for and recommended by VW and gives me 100% peace of mind and 100% warranty coverage.

I'm sorry, but you are wrong. You can't use ANY 5W40 oil and comply with the warranty. Of course it is you car and you/anybody can put any oil you like in it, it is you business.

[Steve]

I'm sorry, but you are wrong. You can't use ANY 5W40 oil and comply with the warranty. Of course it is you car and you/anybody can put any oil you like in it, it is you business.

According to my local VW service department, any fully synthetic 5W-30 oil is perfectly fine. I was told they use a Castrol oil but I probably wouldn't be able to find it at a shop, so "use any fully synthetic 5W-30 oil. Nothing else." There was no mention of the VW spec.


If the service department tells me it's fine, they can't very well decide that it's not fine if there's a problem later in life.

[Transporter]

According to my local VW service department, any fully synthetic 5W-30 oil is perfectly fine. I was told they use a Castrol oil but I probably wouldn't be able to find it at a shop, so "use any fully synthetic 5W-30 oil. Nothing else." There was no mention of the VW spec.


If the service department tells me it's fine, they can't very well decide that it's not fine if there's a problem later in life.

Get it from them in writing and post it here.
Alternatively have a look in your vehicle owner's manual.
For minor top ups you should be fine for complete oil change no.