Using the right fluids to the right VW spec is half of GTI reliability — the spec numbers matter more than the brand.
Engine oil:
- The petrol turbo engines want VW 502 00 full-synthetic (504 00 on some longlife-fill cars). Change every ~5k miles, not the long-life interval (GTI Service Intervals).
- The older 8v/16v/VR6 use their own specs — confirm for your engine code.
Transmission:
- DSG (DQ250): the specific DSG fluid + filter, ~40k (DSG Mechatronic Service).
- Manual: the specified MTF/gear oil.
- Haldex (R/4Motion): its own fluid + filter, ~40k.
Coolant: G12++/G13 (pink/purple), not green — don't mix types.
Brake fluid: DOT 4, flushed every 2 years.
Capacities vary by engine — confirm the exact figure for your engine code before filling.
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