For the 1980 Audi 5000 with the 2.0L 5-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code CN L), the oil capacity is 4.8 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-20, 20W-40, 20W-50, 30, or 40 depending on operating temperatures. AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil (AFLQT-EA) for exceptional engine protection.
What oil does a 1980 Audi 5000 2.0L Diesel take?
The engine requires an oil with a CF grade specification. Depending on your ambient temperature, several viscosities are appropriate for this diesel engine to ensure proper lubrication and protection.
AMSOIL product recommendations
Based on the AMSOIL lookup for the 1980 Audi 5000 2.0L Diesel, the following products are recommended to maintain engine and system health.
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil | AFLQT-EA |
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EAO15-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | 51515-EA |
| MANN-FILTERS Oil Filter | W94025-EA |
Coolant & Transmission
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle ATF | ATFPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle ATF | OTFQT-EA |
Manual Transmission Gear Lube
| Product Name | Code |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL 75W-90 Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube | MTGPK-EA |
Engine Oil Viscosity Options
| Temperature Range | Recommended Viscosity |
|---|---|
| -20 To 10°C | 10W-30, 10W-40 |
| -15 To 30°C | 15W-40, 15W-50 |
| -10 To 10°C | 20W-20 |
| -10 To 30°C | 20W-40, 20W-50 |
| 0 To 30°C | 30 |
| 20 To 40°C | 40 |
Engine Oil Capacity and Torque
| Description | Specification |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 4.8 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 ft/lbs |
Note: After refilling, always check the oil level manually.
How much transmission fluid does it take?
Transmission capacities vary depending on whether you are performing an initial fill or a total refill of the 3-speed automatic system.
Automatic Transmission Capacities
| Application | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 3 Speed 087 Total Fill | 6.3 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 3.2 quarts |
Note: The AMSOIL lookup notes that for the 087 transmission, DEXRON II could have been replaced with Esso Type LT 71141 (P/N G 052 162) which is clear-yellow in color. Always verify fluid before topping off.
Manual Transmission Capacity and Torque
| Description | Specification |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 5.3 pints |
| Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
| Fill Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Coolant Specifications
The cooling system capacity for this vehicle is 8.5 quarts. Maintaining proper coolant levels and chemistry is vital for protecting all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses.
| Product | Type/Notes |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | OAT formulation; 50/50 pre-mix |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze | Concentrated (requires mixing with distilled water) |
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
Diesel engines present unique lubrication challenges. Below is a summary of potential concerns for this vintage Audi engine.
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL product from this lookup | How it may help | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | High-compression diesel combustion increases friction. | AFLQT-EA | Provides exceptional engine protection via synthetic base oils. | Does not repair existing wear. |
| Contaminants | Small particles can cause abrasive wear. | EAO15-EA | 99% efficiency at 20 microns to capture wear-causing contaminants. | Filter must be replaced regularly. |
| Cold Starts | Thick oil can hinder lubrication during startup. | AFLQT-EA | Synthetic formula maintains fluidity in various temperatures. | Always match viscosity to ambient temperature. |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
- Fuel System: Owners should focus on maintaining fuel system integrity and managing wear patterns associated with high-compression diesel combustion.
- Cooling Efficiency: Proactive attention to cooling hoses and rubber seals is critical for preventing leaks and overheating in these vintage units.
- Filter Maintenance: Using a filter with high efficiency (such as the AMSOIL EAO15-EA) can help reduce engine wear by capturing small contaminants.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
NHTSA research has identified several historical recalls for the 1980 Audi 5000. Owners should verify current open recalls using their specific VIN.
- Automatic Transmission: A recall (Campaign 87V008000) addressed potential sudden acceleration when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive; the remedy involved installing an automatic shift lock.
- Accelerator Pedal: A recall (Campaign 82V037000) noted that improperly placed mats could interfere with the vibration absorber, preventing the pedal from returning to idle.
- Brake Pedals: A recall (Campaign 83V095000) addressed an insufficient height differential between accelerator and brake pedals.
Note: NHTSA complaints are owner reports and should not be treated as verified defects. One complaint was noted regarding a battery lacking a plastic safety guard on the positive terminal.
About this vehicle
The 1980 Audi 5000 represents a specific North American market designation for what was known globally as the Audi 100. During this era, the Audi 5000 was marketed in the United States to compete within the mid-size and executive car segments, facing off against established rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series. This specific model belongs to a lineage of vehicles that transitioned through several generations (C1 through C4), with the 1980 model falling within the C2 generation era.
Equipped with a 2.0L 5-cylinder diesel engine (Engine Code: CN L), this vehicle is part of Audi’s history of developing robust, multi-cylinder diesel technology. Maintenance for these vintage units typically revolves around preserving the longevity of the diesel injection system and ensuring that vacuum-operated components or electrical systems are functioning correctly. Given the age of the vehicle, proactive attention to rubber seals, cooling hoses, and fluid freshness is critical for preventing leaks and overheating.
Disclaimer: Users should verify all engine-specific technical data against a factory service manual before performing heavy mechanical work.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
What is the correct oil viscosity for my 1980 Audi 5000 Diesel?
Viscosity depends on your climate. For temperatures between -20 to 10°C, use 10W-30 or 10W-40. For warmer climates (20 to 40°C), a 40 weight oil is suggested. Always check the AMSOIL lookup for specific temperature ranges.
How much oil does my CN L engine take?
The capacity is 4.8 quarts when including a new oil filter. Always check the level after refilling.
Can I use synthetic oil in this older diesel?
Yes, AMSOIL recommends AMSOIL 5W-40 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil, which is designed for the unique demands of diesel European vehicles.
What should I do about the automatic transmission fluid?
The 3-speed 087 transmission has a total fill capacity of 6.3 quarts. The lookup note mentions that Esso Type LT 71141 (P/N G 052 162) is a possible replacement for DEXRON II.
How often should I change my coolant?
While specific intervals aren’t listed, AMSOIL products like the Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze offer protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
How do I check for active recalls on my Audi?
You should always verify open recalls by using your specific Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through an official dealer or the NHTSA website.
Verification Disclaimer: All technical specifications provided are derived from AMSOIL and NHTSA source data. Always cross-reference with your vehicle’s owner manual or a verified workshop manual before performing maintenance.