VW 508 Spec-0w20

I just traded in my GLI for a ‘20 GTI, and asked their tech what his opinion is on the 508: “I put it in there because I have to, not because I want to. I wouldn’t run that in my car.”

Make of that what you will. He didn’t give me anything to back up his disapproval of the oil.
And what actual evidence is there that the warranty is predicated on the use of that oil? Does it say that anywhere in the owner’s manual or in the warranty booklet? It doesn’t in any of my Volkswagen documents.
 
And what actual evidence is there that the warranty is predicated on the use of that oil? Does it say that anywhere in the owner’s manual or in the warranty booklet? It doesn’t in any of my Volkswagen documents.

This is the only reference to the warranty:

Use only an engine oil that expressly complies with the Volkswagen oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any Volkswagen Limited Warranty.

https://api.ownersmanualvw.com/#/vin/1VWLA7A30KC000137/content/en-US:561012723BG:6-0-1-3
 
Yes if it causes damage which is completely understandable. The same restriction would apply to using API SA oil for example. But a VW 504 00 oil isn’t going to damage the engine and therefore won’t be the cause of warranty denial. People need to think rather than not thinking.
 
Yes if it causes damage which is completely understandable. The same restriction would apply to using API SA oil for example. But a VW 504 00 oil isn’t going to damage the engine and therefore won’t be the cause of warranty denial. People need to think rather than not thinking.

Who is to say the thicker oil didn't cause premature wear that lead to an engine or engine parts failure?
 
Yes if it causes damage which is completely understandable. The same restriction would apply to using API SA oil for example. But a VW 504 00 oil isn’t going to damage the engine and therefore won’t be the cause of warranty denial. People need to think rather than not thinking.

It says use oil that complies with the VW oil standard specified for your engine.

So I would take that to mean yes, 508 vs 504 does matter. Why give them any reason to deny a potential warranty claim anyway.
 
I would rank the likelihood of having a 1) major powertrain failure AND 2) VW requesting oil records AND 3) VW denying the warranty claim due to not using the correct approval (VW 508.00) to be nearly zero. Even dealers are using good ol' 502 oils in the new VWs that are supposed to use 508. It's a risk tolerance question. I had a whole post on this recently.
 
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Who is to say the thicker oil didn't cause premature wear that lead to an engine or engine parts failure?
I think that only someone who does not know how oil works and what film thickness means would say that. Heavier oil does not cause wear, it can help prevent it. Thinner oils help fuel economy only, there is no other positive benefit. If you’re worried about “cold starting” then that’s the function of the winter rating.
 
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You know, I've come around on this as well.

If I had a car that spec'd 508, I'd run 508. Once my stash of M1 0W-40 is out, I'll be moving to M1 0W-30 ESP (504) in the Atlas.
I would for sure unless I was modifying my GTI/GLI with a tune/hardware - then I'd be more inclined to run 502 or 504 but for a stock car, I don't understand why you wouldn't be comfortable with the 508. I haven't DIY'd my Atlas yet going on 3 years this coming Jan/30K miles. Always just had the dealer do it when it was in for recalls/service campaigns which have been timed nicely to just include the maintenance to keep things easy/time is money. When I start DIY'ing, I am going to use the same LM 5W40 I use in my GSW. Mine is an '18 and has the 502 or 504 sticker.
 
I would rank the likelihood of having a 1) major powertrain failure AND 2) VW requesting oil records AND 3) VW denying the warranty claim due to not using the correct approval (VW 508.00) to be nearly zero. Even dealers are using good ol' 502 oils in the new VWs that are supposed to use 508. It's a risk tolerance question. I had a whole post on this recently.

That's cool to say and all, until it happens. 508 has vanadium tracer, and green color for a reason.

If the dealer puts in the wrong oil and something fails, that becomes their problem.
 
That's cool to say and all, until it happens. 508 has vanadium tracer, and green color for a reason.

If the dealer puts in the wrong oil and something fails, that becomes their problem.
As I said, if I was modifying it who cares, the likelihood of major powertrain issues being covered is about zero at that point so run what you want. Again, stock car, I'd run the 508 hands down.
 
I would rank the likelihood of having a 1) major powertrain failure AND 2) VW requesting oil records AND 3) VW denying the warranty claim due to not using the correct approval (VW 508.00) to be nearly zero. Even dealers are using good ol' 502 oils in the new VWs that are supposed to use 508. It's a risk tolerance question. I had a whole post on this recently.

I agree with you on 1 but once 1 happens 2 is nearly a given particularly if the oil doesn’t appear to meet the approval and 3 is a given if they can.

There are a lot of people here who are very cavalier when it’s not their warranty and wallet at risk (I’m not necessarily saying you) but when it comes down to it in spite of whatever protection MM may offer and where the technical burden of proof lies a huge corporation with staff engineers and lawyers would bankrupt you before you would actually win in court.
 
I agree with you on 1 but once 1 happens 2 is nearly a given particularly if the oil doesn’t appear to meet the approval and 3 is a given if they can.

There are a lot of people here who are very cavalier when it’s not their warranty and wallet at risk (I’m not necessarily saying you) but when it comes down to it in spite of whatever protection MM may offer and where the technical burden of proof lies a huge corporation with staff engineers and lawyers would bankrupt you before you would actually win in court.
The reason some folks seem cavalier is b/c there are basically no cases where this has happened for folks that are taking care of their cars meaning - changing the oil regularly and keeping records. I'm not saying it can't happen, but it doesn't seem to be a v. big risk. based on the "0" stories online about it. I tossed my warranty out the window on my DD a few mos. after buying it....best thing I ever did with a car I've owned..hahahah....SEND IT!
 
I think that only someone who does not know how oil works and what film thickness means would say that. Heavier oil does not cause wear, it can help prevent it. Thinner oils help fuel economy only, there is no other positive benefit. If you’re worried about “cold starting” then that’s the function of the winter rating.
I have read the new 1.4 TSI uses a different oil pump and the variable valve timing controls rely on a specific oil weight just like many other manufacturers systems. Also, why would VW go to the trouble of putting a dye in 508.00 oil if the spec didn't matter.
 
I have read the new 1.4 TSI uses a different oil pump and the variable valve timing controls rely on a specific oil weight just like many other manufacturers systems. Also, why would VW go to the trouble of putting a dye in 508.00 oil if the spec didn't matter.
Correct - but a lot of the drama w/r to the 508 spec is from owners of the higher-output GTI and GLIs with the 2.0 that used to call for 502/504 oils that now call for 508 with seemingly no changes in the engine.
 
Correct - but a lot of the drama w/r to the 508 spec is from owners of the higher-output GTI and GLIs with the 2.0 that used to call for 502/504 oils that now call for 508 with seemingly no changes in the engine.
Except the oil pump. Seems logical that if you increase oil pressure as power demand increases, you can maintain film strength while reducing drag at lower power levels.
 
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