Maintaining the 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro with a 2.2-liter turbocharged engine requires precise attention to fluid specifications. This vehicle, powered by the MC 2 engine, demands lubricants that can withstand the thermal stresses of forced induction while providing reliable protection for its aging components. Whether you are driving daily or using the car as a collector’s item, using the correct oil viscosity and capacity is essential to prevent wear and ensure longevity.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Premium Protection 10W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-zinc formula specifically designed to guard against wear in older flat-tappet camshafts while resisting deposits to keep the engine clean.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides up to 20,000 miles of protection between changes with superior cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for longer intervals.
- AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Developed for the unique demands of European vehicles, featuring a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives tailored for this specific engine.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity for contaminants to reduce engine wear and offer extended service life.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated solution that offers exceptional protection against corrosion and erosion, ideal for those who prefer mixing their own coolant solution.
- AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube – Excellent seal compatibility and outstanding cold-flow properties that protect brass synchronizers and inhibit rust in the manual gearbox.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Offers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for safer stopping power.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway with friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Reduces operating temperatures and provides a long oil life, protecting against rust and corrosion in heavy-duty applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Designed to control thermal runaway and reduce operating temperatures with superior protection for extreme loads.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Formulated to help seals remain soft to prevent leaks while resisting heat for long fluid life and strong anti-wear protection.
Engine Oil Selection and Specifications
The heart of your 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro is the 2.2-liter 5-cylinder engine with the MC 2 turbo designation. This engine was a marvel of its time, utilizing a turbocharger to deliver impressive power figures for a European sedan of the late 1980s. However, the combination of high performance and the passage of time means that engine wear is a primary concern for owners today. The recommended oil capacity for this vehicle, including a filter change, is 5.0 quarts. After refilling, it is critical to check the oil level to ensure proper lubrication without overfilling, and the oil drain plug should be torqued to 29 ft/lbs to prevent leaks.
For this specific engine, three primary viscosity options are available through AMSOIL. The AMSOIL Premium Protection 10W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is an excellent choice for older engines. It features a high-zinc formula specifically designed to guard against wear in flat-tappet camshafts, which are common in vehicles of this era. This oil resists deposits effectively, helping to keep the engine internals clean during operation.
If you are looking for extended intervals between oil changes, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil offers up to 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection. This option provides 37 percent more cleaning power than standard synthetic oils, which helps maintain engine smoothness and performance over extended driving periods. It is ideal for those who push their vehicle or drive in severe conditions where sludge and deposit buildup are common.
For owners who prefer an oil that mimics original European specifications, the AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil is designed for the unique demands of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid European vehicles. It features a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives tailored to meet the specific tolerance requirements of Audi and Volkswagen engines. This oil is particularly beneficial for maintaining the tight clearances required by the turbocharger and the engine block of the 5000 Quattro.
Engine and Transmission Fluids
Proper lubrication extends far beyond the engine block. The cooling system plays a vital role in managing the thermal output of the turbocharged engine. The coolant capacity for the 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro is 8.5 quarts. For this system, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers a robust option. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant provides ethylene glycol-based protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is engineered to exceed original equipment manufacturer requirements, protecting all metals, gaskets, and hoses within the cooling system.
Transmission maintenance is equally critical, especially for the manual transmission found in this model. The capacity for the manual transmission, which includes the final drive, is 4.6 pints. The AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube is the recommended fluid. It offers outstanding cold-flow properties and protects brass synchronizers, which are essential for smooth shifting. This fluid also features excellent seal compatibility, helping to prevent leaks in aging transmission components.
The clutch fluid and hydraulic brake system require fluid that maintains stability under varying temperatures. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is recommended. It provides excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems and maintains a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent braking performance in all driving conditions.
Differential and Gear Lubrication
The Quattro system relies on a permanent all-wheel-drive setup that includes front, center, and rear differentials. The rear differential requires 3.6 pints of lubricant. For these components, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is a top choice. It contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and controls thermal runaway, helping to keep operating temperatures lower while providing long oil and seal life.
For those seeking the ultimate in protection, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube offers advanced protection against wear and corrosion. Similarly, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides a higher viscosity option that still delivers excellent thermal stability and wear protection, ensuring the Quattro system operates smoothly under heavy loads.
Power Steering and Maintenance
The power steering system benefits from a fluid that keeps seals soft to prevent leaks, which are a common issue in older vehicles. The AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid reduces friction and offers strong anti-wear protection. It is formulated for quiet operation and provides excellent high-temperature performance, ensuring the steering system remains responsive and leak-free.
About the Vehicle
The 1987 Audi 5000 Quattro represents a significant milestone in automotive history. It was one of the first luxury sedans to feature a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system paired with a turbocharged engine, setting the stage for modern performance cars. The Quattro system, which permanently sends power to all four wheels, provided unprecedented traction and handling stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. This technology was not just for snow; it offered superior cornering grip that rivals often struggled to match.
The specific model in question is equipped with the 2.2-liter inline-five engine, designated as the MC 2. This engine was renowned for its smooth power delivery and distinct exhaust note. The five-cylinder configuration provided a unique balance of power and compactness, fitting well under the hood while delivering torque that felt eager even in the early 1980s and late 1980s. The turbocharger added a layer of performance that allowed this sedan to compete with sports cars of the era, while still offering the comfort and refinement expected from an Audi.
Owners of the 5000 Quattro often cite the driving character as the primary reason for their affection for the vehicle. It is a car that rewards attentive driving with precise steering and a connected feel to the road. The interior, typical of German engineering from the time, was designed with durability and comfort in mind, featuring high-quality materials and a layout that prioritized the driver’s experience. The Quattro system transformed the driving experience, making the car feel planted and secure in a way that front-wheel-drive competitors could not achieve.
However, with age comes common challenges that owners must be prepared to address. One of the most frequent issues with this engine and model is valve cover gasket leakage. The rubber seals can harden over time, leading to oil seepage onto the exhaust manifold or down the side of the engine. Using a high-quality synthetic oil like the AMSOIL Extended-Life 10W-40 100% Synthetic Motor Oil can help mitigate some of the heat stress on these gaskets, though replacement is often necessary for older units.
Another common problem is coolant leaks from the water pump. The water pump on these engines is known to develop leaks through the weep hole as the bearing seals wear out. The water pump drive belt tensioner can also become weak, leading to belt slippage which affects the timing and performance of the engine. Switching to a high-quality antifreeze like AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant and maintaining strict cooling system maintenance can help reduce the thermal cycling stress on these components.
Oil consumption can also be a concern as the engine miles accumulate. While the synthetic oil provides better sealing properties, rings can wear over time, leading to increased oil burn. The anti-wear properties of AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil and other AMSOIL options are particularly beneficial here, helping to maintain compression and reduce the rate at which oil is burned off through the piston rings and valve guides.
Finally, the turbocharger itself requires careful attention. The bearings in the turbo can wear out, leading to oil leaks or reduced boost pressure. Proper oil changes and the use of oils that can withstand high temperatures are critical to extending the life of the turbocharger. Ensuring the vehicle is allowed to idle before shutdown after hard driving helps protect the turbo bearings from heat soak, a common practice for owners of this era’s turbocharged vehicles.