What type of oil for 1996 Volkswagen GTI?

Answer 1

Oil for 1996 VW GTI: My Haynes says oil meeting VW spec 500 000 (viscoscity between 5W-30 and 10W-40) or 500 001 (viscoscity between 5W-30 and 20W-50).

This is probably a bit out of date now..you can also look in the owners manual in your glove box, if it is still there. Otherwise Google vw dealers for your country and call one up and ask the required spec and viscosity range.

I use a 505 000 spec oil for a TDi engine. These are between £20 for 4-5 litres and £45 for 4-5 litres for a big name oil..

If you don't understand what, for example, 5W-30, means, this is the viscosity rating for a multigrade oil. The lower the first number with the W, the cooler the operating conditions that the oil is good for, (W means winter), the higher the second number, the thicker the oil will be at the hotter end of the scale. So 15W-50 would be an oil for a hot country like Spain, while 5W-30 would be suitable for colder countries like Sweeden.

Note Some engines require very specific oils, like the PD diesel engines from VW. Always check with your dealer if you are not sure.