The 2018 Audi RS7 with the 4.0L 8-cylinder engine (Engine Code CWUB 6 Turbo) is a high-performance machine that demands premium lubricants to handle its extreme operating conditions. Whether you are navigating daily commutes, engaging in spirited driving on the track, or pushing the vehicle through severe temperature variations, the factory fluid specifications are critical for maintaining performance and longevity. This guide outlines the exact AMSOIL synthetic lubricants and service capacities required for a complete maintenance routine on this sophisticated vehicle.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – A premium choice designed specifically for the precise demands of European gasoline, diesel, and hybrid engines, offering exceptional protection against high heat and wear.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – This European formula features a precise blend of synthetic base oils and additives to meet Audi and Volkswagen quality standards for optimal engine cleanliness.
- AMSOIL 0W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – An excellent alternative viscosity that ensures superior cold-start protection while maintaining the necessary thermal stability required by the turbocharged 4.0L engine.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy loads and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting and extended service intervals for the 8-speed automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A high-performance synthetic fluid formulated to provide OE-level protection and fuel efficiency for the RS7’s transmission system.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mix formulation that protects the cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses while offering corrosion protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that requires mixing, offering superior corrosion protection and the ability to extend service life in passenger cars and light trucks.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides high-load gear and bearing protection for the front and rear differentials, designed to improve seal life and resist rust and corrosion in severe conditions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers stable viscosity across a wide temperature range and ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction-control systems.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and improves fuel economy, which is particularly beneficial for direct injection engines to prevent carbon buildup.
Proper lubrication is not merely a maintenance task; it is the lifeblood of your 2018 Audi RS7. The twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 engine generates significant heat and torque, placing immense stress on internal components. Standard petroleum-based oils can break down under these conditions, leading to sludge formation, increased friction, and accelerated wear. By switching to AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil or AMSOIL 5W-40 FS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil, you ensure that the engine remains clean and protected even during extended drain intervals, which can significantly reduce operating costs and maximize engine life. The recommended AMSOIL European Motor Oils meet the strict Audi and Volkswagen oil quality standards, ensuring that your vehicle receives the precise chemical balance required for optimal performance.
Beyond the engine, the RS7 relies on a robust 8-speed automatic transmission (0BK) that handles a massive amount of power. Using the correct transmission fluid is essential to prevent harsh shifting, overheating, and premature transmission failure. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is tested to withstand the extreme temperatures generated during track driving or spirited canyon runs. Similarly, the differential systems require specialized lubrication to manage the torque vectoring and handling dynamics that make the RS7 a standout in its class. The synthetic AMSOIL 75W-90 Long Life 100% Synthetic Gear Lube recommended here offers better cold-weather shifting and improved efficiency, directly translating to a more responsive driving experience.
The cooling system of the RS7 is equally critical. With a capacity of 12.7 quarts, the system requires a high-performance AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant that resists boiling and freezing while protecting aluminum components from corrosion. AMSOIL AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant products are free of phosphates, silicates, and borates, making them safe for all metals and elastomers used in the RS7 cooling system. This ensures that the delicate heat exchangers and sensors remain protected, maintaining the precise thermal management the engine needs to produce its peak power output.
Service Specifications and Capacities
When performing maintenance on the 2018 Audi RS7, adhering to the correct fluid capacities is vital for safety and performance. The engine requires a specific volume to ensure proper lubrication of the rotating assembly and cooling of the pistons. The engine oil capacity, including the filter replacement, is 9.2 quarts. It is crucial to refill the engine with the recommended viscosity and then check the oil level via the digital display to ensure accuracy. The torque specification for the oil drain plug is 15 ft-lbs, and the drain plug seal should always be replaced during an oil change.
The automatic transmission fluid capacity varies slightly depending on the specific state of the fluid and fill procedure. The total fill capacity for the 8-speed transmission is 9.1 quarts, while the initial fill is 3.8 quarts. For a fluid exchange or change, the capacity typically falls between 3.6 and 4.2 quarts. Ensuring the correct amount of fluid is used prevents issues related to low pressure or foaming, which can lead to transmission damage.
The differential systems for the RS7 also have specific fill requirements. Both the front and rear differentials, equipped with the 0BK transfer case setup, require a capacity of 1.9 pints each. Using the synthetic gear lube recommended ensures that the high-load gears and bearings are adequately protected. Additionally, the AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid should be flushed with the DOT 4 synthetic brake fluid to maintain the high boiling point necessary for high-performance braking applications.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Audi RS7 stands as a pinnacle of the Grand Touring sedan segment, blending the practicality of a four-door vehicle with the raw performance of a supercar. Born from the high-performance division of Audi Sport, the RS7 is built on the MLB Evo platform, which provides a lightweight yet rigid structure essential for handling the immense power of its engine. The vehicle is powered by a 4.0-liter TFSI twin-turbocharged V8 engine, a direct evolution of the engine found in the broader Audi S and RS lineup. This powerplant is renowned for its linear power delivery, capable of producing substantial horsepower that allows the RS7 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds, rivaling sports cars that cost significantly more.
Owners of the RS7 appreciate its versatility. It is a car that can comfortably seat five adults for a cross-country trip yet transform into a weekend warrior with its Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The Quattro system in the RS7 is electronically managed to send power to the rear wheels for a more engaging driving dynamic under normal conditions, shifting torque to the front wheels when traction is lost or during hard cornering. The 2018 model, specifically with the CWUB 6 Turbo engine code, represents a refined iteration of this technology, offering improved response times and efficiency compared to its predecessors. The exterior design, characterized by its wide stance and aggressive styling cues, reflects the mechanical prowess hidden beneath the body panels.
Despite its robust engineering, the RS7 does face challenges common to high-performance vehicles with complex electronics and advanced turbocharging systems. One common issue encountered by owners of this era is carbon buildup on the intake valves, a phenomenon often exacerbated by the use of low-quality fuels or stop-and-go driving habits. This can lead to rough idling and a loss of throttle response. Using a fuel additive like AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can effectively clean these injectors and intake ports, restoring lost power and efficiency. Another concern in high-mileage examples is oil consumption, which can be mitigated by the superior seal conditioning properties found in AMSOIL synthetic oils, helping to maintain proper oil pressure and reduce consumption.
Thermal management is another critical area for the RS7. The engine operates at high temperatures, and the cooling system must be flawless to prevent overheating, which can warp the cylinder heads or damage the turbochargers. Coolant degradation is a silent threat that can lead to corrosion in the aluminum cooling passages. Regular replacement with a high-quality synthetic coolant ensures the system remains free of rust and deposits, preserving the engine’s ability to dissipate heat efficiently. Furthermore, the high-performance braking systems used on the RS7 can suffer from fluid boiling under repeated hard stops, leading to a “spongy” pedal feel and reduced stopping power. A dedicated flush with synthetic DOT 4 brake fluid raises the fluid’s boiling point, ensuring consistent pedal feel and optimal braking performance even during track use. Finally, the dual-clutch nature of the transmission, while sophisticated, requires fluid that does not break down under high torque, and using the specified AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid prevents premature wear on the clutch packs and hydraulic components.
By selecting the right AMSOIL products, owners of the 2018 Audi RS7 can ensure their vehicle continues to perform at its peak, regardless of the driving conditions. These lubricants are not just replacements for factory fill; they are upgrades designed to extend the service life of critical components and maintain the driving dynamics that make the RS7 a favorite among enthusiasts. Whether you are driving on the highway, navigating city streets, or pushing the limits on a closed course, the protection offered by these synthetic fluids provides peace of mind and confidence in your machine’s capability.
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