Audi 50, 86 (EU)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

Audi 50 and 86 (EU) models require manual transmission fluid with a capacity range of 2,25 to 2,35 liters. The service interval is 1000 km. The data covers 3 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
50 1.3 (44 kW) (1977-1978)
  • Use: Initial service (no changing needed anymore)
  • Capacity 2,35 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 2,25 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 1000 km
  • Code: 4/1
50 1.1 (37 kW) (1974-1978)
  • Use: Initial service (no changing needed anymore)
  • Capacity 2,35 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 2,25 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 1000 km
  • Code: 4/1
50 1.1 (44 kW) (1974-1978)
  • Use: Initial service (no changing needed anymore)
  • Capacity 2,35 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 2,25 liter (Service fill)
  • Change 1000 km
  • Code: 4/1

Additional Notes

  • The Audi 50 transaxle manual transmission carries a dry fill capacity of 2.35 liters across all three engine variants — the 1.1 (37 kW), 1.1 (44 kW), and 1.3 (44 kW). A dry fill figure represents the total fluid volume required when filling a completely drained or newly assembled unit, making 2.35 liters the maximum the transaxle holds.
  • The service fill capacity across all listed variants is 2.25 liters, which is 0.10 liters less than the dry fill. A service fill accounts for residual fluid that remains in the unit after a drain, so a smaller volume is needed to return the transmission to the correct operating level.
  • All three configurations share an initial service interval of 1,000 km. An interval at such a low mileage is characteristic of a break-in service, intended to flush out metal particles and debris generated during the early wear-in period of new or rebuilt components.
  • The use condition across all rows is described as "initial service (no changing needed anymore)," meaning the 1,000 km interval represents a one-time break-in fluid change rather than a recurring maintenance schedule. After that single service, no further fluid changes are specified for the transaxle.
  • The 1.3 (44 kW) variant has a narrower production window of 1977-1978, compared to the 1974-1978 span of both 1.1 variants. Despite the shorter production period, the 1.3 shares identical capacity and interval specifications with the earlier 1.1 engines.
  • Both 1.1-liter variants produce different power outputs — 37 kW and 44 kW — yet carry exactly the same transaxle fluid capacities and service interval. The shared specifications suggest both engines used the same transmission unit regardless of the power difference between them.

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