Short answer
Porsche A40 is a long-established Porsche engine oil approval for many earlier gasoline engines, carried by full-SAPS oils in grades such as 0W-40, 5W-40 and 5W-50. Porsche’s newer C-series approvals (C20, C30, C40 and C40 GT) are tied to specific grades and to the engines Porsche currently assigns them to. Use the approval Porsche lists for your model and year.
Porsche A40
A40 is one of Porsche’s oldest current approvals and appears on full-SAPS oils, meaning they do not carry the reduced ash limits of low-SAPS European oils. Porsche’s allocation for model year 2020 and earlier assigns A40 to many 911, Boxster, Cayman, Cayenne, Panamera and Macan gasoline engines.
Oils with A40 approval come in 0W-40, 5W-40 and 5W-50 grades. The approval is the requirement; the grade still has to suit the engine and climate guidance in the manual.
Porsche C30
C30 is a low-SAPS approval associated with 30-grade oils and with Porsche models that share VW Group engines, particularly where particulate filters are fitted. Retail data often cross-lists C30 oils with VW 504 00/507 00.
Porsche assigns C30 to specific engines, such as some Macan and Panamera variants in recent bulletins. It should not be treated as a replacement for A40 in older engines unless Porsche lists it.
C20, C40 and C40 GT
C20 is a 0W-20 approval used in some current Cayenne and Macan applications, and it is often cross-listed with VW 508 00/509 00. C40 is a 0W-40 approval for many current 911 Carrera, Cayenne V8 and Panamera engines.
C40 GT is a separate approval for designated GT engines such as the 911 GT3. It shares the 0W-40 grade with C40 but is not interchangeable with it.
Finding your requirement
Porsche publishes oil allocations by model and year and updates them over time. Your owner’s manual, a Porsche service center or Porsche’s current oil approval list are the authoritative sources.
When buying oil, look for the Porsche approval code itself on the current product data, not just a matching viscosity grade.
Frequently asked questions
Is Porsche A40 low SAPS?
No. A40 oils are full-SAPS formulations. Low-ash requirements are handled by approvals such as C30.
Can I use a C40 oil in a GT3?
Porsche lists C40 GT separately for designated GT engines. Use the approval named for your car.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].