Volkswagen Beetle oil specs by year

Volkswagen Beetle oil specs changed across the 2011–2019 range. The most recent checked year uses 6 qt of 0W-20. Select the exact year to see the checked capacity, viscosity, and filter for that model year.

Multiple engine options: The Volkswagen Beetle was offered with 5 engine options across its history. Open the exact year page and select your engine to see the correct capacity and viscosity for your vehicle.
Year Capacity Oil type Filter Page
2019 6 qt 0W-20 WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 Verified fit Open record →
2018 6 qt 0W-20 WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 Verified fit Open record →
2017 5.8 qt 5W-40 WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 Verified fit Open record →
2016 5.8 qt 5W-40 PRO-TEC PXL10024; Purolator L28161; WIX 51032 Verified fit Open record →
2015 5.8 qt 5W-40 PRO-TEC PXL10024; Purolator L28161; WIX 51032 Verified fit Open record →
2014 5.8 qt 5W-40 WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 Verified fit Open record →
2013 4.9 qt 5W-40 AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02; AMSOIL EA15K03 Verified fit Open record →
2012 4.9 qt 5W-40 AMSOIL EA15K01; AMSOIL EA15K02; AMSOIL EA15K03 Verified fit Open record →
2011 5 qt 5W-40 Purolator L35895 Reference Open record →

Volkswagen Beetle oil spec changes by year

Checked records show 3 spec changes across the 2011–2019 range. 2012: capacity changed from 5 qt to 4.9 qt (vs 2011). 2014: capacity changed from 4.9 qt to 5.8 qt (vs 2013). 2018: capacity and viscosity changed from 5.8 qt / 5W-40 to 6 qt / 0W-20 (vs 2017). Open the exact year page for the full source notes before buying.

  • 2013: engine option “1.8L Turbo” added.
  • 2013: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel” added.
  • 2013: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo” removed.
  • 2014: engine option “1.8L 4-Cyl Turbo” added.
  • 2014: engine option “1.8L Turbo” removed.
  • 2015: engine option “2.5L 5-Cyl” removed.
  • 2016: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo” added.
  • 2016: engine option “2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo Diesel” removed.
  • 2018: engine option “1.8L 4-Cyl Turbo” removed.

Volkswagen Beetle oil — frequently asked questions

What oil does the Volkswagen Beetle take?
The Volkswagen Beetle oil spec has changed across model years. The most recent checked year uses 6 qt of 0W-20. Use the year table above to find the spec for your specific model year.
Does the Volkswagen Beetle oil capacity change across years?
Yes. Checked records show 3 capacity changes across the 2011–2019 range. Use the year table above to find the exact capacity for your model year and confirm in your owner's manual.
Does the Volkswagen Beetle have different oil specs for different engines?
Yes. The Volkswagen Beetle has been offered with multiple engine options (1.8L 4-Cyl Turbo, 1.8L Turbo, 2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo, and others). Each engine can have a different oil capacity and viscosity. Open the exact year page, select your engine, and confirm specs before buying.
What oil filter fits the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most recent checked year lists WIX 51032; WIX 51036; WIX 51040 as a compatible oil filter for the Volkswagen Beetle. Filter part numbers can change across model years — open the exact year page for the source-checked part number for your year.

Look up a specific Volkswagen Beetle year

Select a model year to open the exact checked oil fitment record before ordering.