Short answer
VW 504 00 and VW 507 00 are Volkswagen Group engine oil standards for gasoline and diesel engines respectively, often called LongLife III. They allow VW’s variable long-life service intervals and limit sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur to protect exhaust aftertreatment such as diesel particulate filters. They are commonly met by 5W-30 and 0W-30 oils.
Why VW created 504 00 and 507 00
As VW Group diesels adopted particulate filters, the company needed oils that produced less ash, which builds up in a filter and cannot be burned off. VW 504 00 and 507 00 combined long-life performance with reduced levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS).
The pair is often compared with the ACEA C3 category, which sets similar mid-SAPS limits, but VW approval requires VW’s own testing beyond any ACEA claim.
Backward coverage and its limits
In many cases a 504 00 oil can be used where earlier VW gasoline standards were specified, and a 507 00 oil can cover many earlier diesel standards. That broad coverage is why 504/507 oils became common at VW Group dealers.
There are exceptions. Some commercial vehicles and specific diesel engines retained requirements for standards such as 505 01 or 506 01, so check the manual rather than assuming 504/507 covers everything.
Viscosity and service intervals
Oils approved to 504 00 and 507 00 are usually SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30. The approval, not the grade, is the key requirement, but the grade should still match the manual.
Cars set up for LongLife service rely on the oil standard to support variable intervals.
How 504/507 compares with 508/509
VW 508 00 and 509 00 are newer, lower-viscosity standards for specific engines designed for 0W-20 or thinner oil. A 504 00/507 00 oil is not the same as a 508/509 oil, and the reverse substitution is not allowed: 508/509 oils cannot be used in engines that require 504/507.
Check the manual or service label for the exact standard. Newer VW Group engines may list 508 00 first and 504 00 only as a permitted alternative, if at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is VW 504 00 low SAPS?
It limits sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur to protect aftertreatment, a level often described as mid-SAPS and similar to ACEA C3.
Can I use 504 00 oil in my TDI?
Diesel engines use VW 507 00 or another diesel standard listed in the manual. Many oils carry both approvals, but check the label for 507 00.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].