VW Certified Oils / Dealer Service Costs

Took the R36 to get it's first service last week & the local dealer did a good job. They rotated wheels, aligned sunroof, programmed 9W7 for steering wheel and normal oil change, etc. All seemed to be going well until I got to the oil section on the invoice 'Shell Helix 5W-40'. I immediately recognised the error, knowing that all current VW petrol engines tend to run a 5W-30, specifically the VW Longlife III 504/507 or Castrol equivilant. After contacting the dealer for clarification I was told that it is a local VAG decision due to Australia's hot climate. The only problem with that explanation, was Shell's website made no mention of 5W-40 being VW certified. I questioned this with VAG & promptly received a call from the dealer to change the oil again for the correct 5W-30. Moral of the story, check the oil the dealer is putting in your car, as it may not be VW certified. I've got a sneaking suspicion it is one way to reduce the quoted cost of the service, i.e the 5W-40 is $15 less per 5ltrs, so the dealer can reduce upfront service quote. I've also read a few comments about people bring their own oil, which may have it's merits in ensuring they use the correct oil and often can be purchased for less at Supercheap or Autobahn.

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List of 504/507 certified oils link