What Kind of Oil Does a 2016 Audi A4 Take?

A 2016 Audi A4 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification, most commonly 5W-40 in many markets, though 0W-40 or 5W-30 oils are also used if they meet the correct Volkswagen/Audi approval. This choice depends on engine variant, climate, and whether the vehicle is gasoline or diesel, but the VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 for some long-life service regimes) approval is the critical requirement.

Understanding the 2016 Audi A4 Engine Lineup

The correct oil for a 2016 Audi A4 depends first on which engine is under the hood. Audi sold this model year with several four‑cylinder engines and, in some markets, diesel options, each with slightly different recommendations but the same core rule: the oil must carry the correct VW/Audi approval code.

Common Engines in the 2016 Audi A4

The 2016 A4 sits at a crossroads in Audi’s lineup: in North America it largely marks the B8.5/B9 transition; in Europe and many other markets it is the first year of the B9 generation (Typ 8W). Across these versions, the oil requirements are more similar than different.

The following list outlines the most common engines used in the 2016 Audi A4 and why the exact engine matters for oil selection.

• 2.0 TFSI (Gasoline, turbocharged): The most widespread engine, especially in North America and Europe, often rated around 190–252 hp depending on market and trim.
• 2.0 TDI (Diesel, turbocharged): Common in Europe and other diesel‑friendly markets; oil choice must account for diesel particulate filters (DPF) in many variants.
• Other regional variants: Some markets had lower‑output gasoline engines (e.g., 1.4 TFSI in certain regions) or higher‑output diesels; these still follow VW oil specifications.

While outputs and emissions equipment differ, most 2016 A4 engines converge on the same core Volkswagen Group oil approvals, which simplifies choosing the correct lubricant once the engine type is known.

The Core Requirement: VW Oil Specifications

For a 2016 Audi A4, matching the official VW/Audi oil specification is more important than simply matching viscosity like 5W‑40. These approval numbers ensure the oil can handle turbocharging, high operating temperatures, and (for diesels) emissions equipment.

Primary Oil Specifications for the 2016 A4

The following specifications are the main ones relevant to a 2016 Audi A4 and are printed in the owner’s manual and often on a decal under the hood or in the service booklet.

• VW 502 00 – The most common spec for gasoline engines in the 2016 A4. Suited to high‑performance turbocharged engines on fixed or flexible service intervals, depending on region.
• VW 504 00 – A more advanced “LongLife” specification often paired with extended oil change intervals in some European markets. Frequently used in newer gasoline engines where long service intervals are enabled.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 – Typically associated with diesel engines; VW 507 00 is a low‑SAPs (low ash) spec designed to protect diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

In practice, a 2016 Audi A4 gasoline model will almost always call for VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 oil, while diesel models will generally require VW 507 00, particularly when fitted with a DPF. Your owner’s manual and service stickers remain the final authority.

Recommended Oil Viscosity Grades

Once you have the required VW spec, viscosity—such as 5W‑40 or 0W‑40—should be chosen based on your climate and what Audi lists in the manual’s lubrication chart for your region.

Common Viscosities for the 2016 Audi A4

The oil viscosity range allowed for the 2016 A4 is relatively flexible, but there are patterns by market and climate that most owners will encounter.

• 5W‑40 (Fully Synthetic): One of the most commonly recommended viscosities for many 2.0 TFSI engines with VW 502 00 approval, suitable for a wide temperature range and popular in North America and Europe.
• 0W‑40 (Fully Synthetic): Favored in colder climates due to improved cold‑start performance while still providing robust high‑temperature protection, as long as it carries VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval.
• 5W‑30 (Fully Synthetic): Often used with VW 504 00 / 507 00 oils (frequent for diesels or long‑life service programs), balancing fuel economy with adequate protection.

Within this range, owners should default to the viscosity recommended in their regional owner’s manual, then ensure the chosen product also carries the correct VW approval printed on the container.

Gasoline vs. Diesel: Key Differences

Although the oil approvals share common roots, gasoline and diesel engines in a 2016 Audi A4 place different demands on their lubricants, especially with modern emissions systems.

Gasoline 2.0 TFSI Models

For a typical 2016 A4 with the 2.0 TFSI gasoline engine, the factory guidance aligns with fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00, in either 5W‑40 or 0W‑40, depending on climate. In some newer B9‑generation 2.0 TFSI engines on extended service intervals, VW 504 00 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 may also be listed.

Diesel 2.0 TDI and Other Diesel Variants

Diesel engines, especially those equipped with a DPF, are more sensitive to ash and sulfur content in oil. Audi typically specifies VW 507 00 (low‑SAPs) 5W‑30 for these engines. Using a non‑compliant oil can shorten DPF life and impact emissions performance.

Examples of Suitable Oil Products

Many major brands produce oils that meet VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00. The label will explicitly list these specifications; that should always override generic marketing language such as “for European cars.”

Common Brand Examples (Check the Label)

The following list illustrates typical examples available in many markets; always verify the VW approval code on the bottle, as formulations change over time.

• For gasoline (VW 502 00 / 504 00):
  Products such as Castrol EDGE 5W‑40, Mobil 1 FS 0W‑40, or Liqui Moly Top Tec and Special Tec ranges that explicitly state VW 502 00 / 504 00 approval.
• For diesel (VW 507 00):
  Oils marked “Low‑SAPs” or “DPF‑safe,” such as Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife III 5W‑30, Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30, or similar VW 507 00‑certified formulations.
• Dealer‑branded oils:
  Audi/VW‑branded LongLife oils sold at dealerships, pre‑approved for the exact engine family and service schedule.

Brand is less important than the printed VW approval; if a product does not explicitly list VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 as required by your engine, it should not be used, even if the viscosity seems correct.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Knowing how much oil your engine takes and how often to change it is as vital as picking the right specification and viscosity. The 2016 A4’s exact capacity varies slightly by engine and oil filter design.

Typical Oil Capacity Ranges

Oil capacity is listed in the owner’s manual, but for orientation, most 2016 A4 four‑cylinder engines fall into a recognizable range.

• 2.0 TFSI gasoline: Commonly around 4.6–5.5 liters (approximately 4.9–5.8 US quarts), depending on exact variant and region.
• 2.0 TDI diesel: Typically in a similar range, often about 4.3–5.0 liters (4.5–5.3 US quarts), varying slightly with the oil filter and sump design.
• Other engines: Smaller or larger variants may differ; always confirm via the manual or a reliable technical database.

These figures are approximate; filling should be done gradually, using the dipstick or MMI/oil‑level display to fine‑tune to the recommended mark rather than relying solely on a volume estimate.

Service Intervals: Fixed vs. LongLife

Audi uses two broad types of service schedules: fixed intervals and flexible “LongLife” intervals, and your choice of oil may differ slightly between them.

The following list summarizes these schedule types and their implications for oil choice.

• Fixed interval service: Typically every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months in North America, or similar fixed distances/time frames in other regions. Oils meeting VW 502 00 (gasoline) or VW 505/507 00 (diesel) are typically used.
• LongLife (flexible) service: In some markets, the interval can stretch up to about 18,000–19,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, depending on driving conditions and oil‑quality monitoring. Oils must usually meet VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel).
• Real‑world best practice: Many specialists advise more frequent changes—around 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–16,000 km)—even with LongLife oils, especially on turbocharged engines, to mitigate carbon buildup and turbo wear.

Your car’s MMI/service indicator and local Audi dealer will show whether your vehicle is configured for fixed or LongLife servicing, and that configuration should guide the exact oil approval used.

How to Verify the Right Oil for Your Specific Car

Because regional differences, software updates, and engine variants exist, owners should always double‑check the correct oil type for their specific 2016 Audi A4 rather than relying solely on a general guide.

Steps to Confirm the Correct Oil

The following points outline practical steps any owner can take to confirm the correct oil type with high confidence.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine Oil” section; it will list VW specifications (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00) and approved viscosities for your climate.
2. Use the VIN with a dealer: Provide your Vehicle Identification Number to an Audi service department; they can pull the exact engine code and oil recommendation for your car.
3. Look for service stickers: Under‑hood labels or past dealer invoices often list the specification and viscosity used previously, which can confirm correct practice.
4. Verify the bottle label: When purchasing oil, confirm the VW spec is explicitly printed—do not rely only on phrases like “meets or exceeds European requirements.”

By combining manual, dealer, and product‑label checks, you drastically reduce the risk of using an incorrect oil that could affect engine longevity or warranty coverage.

Why Using the Correct Oil Matters

Modern turbocharged engines like those in the 2016 Audi A4 are sensitive to oil quality. Using an oil without the proper VW approval—or stretching oil changes too far—can cause issues ranging from increased deposits to turbocharger wear.

Potential Consequences of the Wrong Oil

The following list highlights some of the main risks associated with using non‑approved oils in a 2016 A4.

• Accelerated engine wear: Inadequate high‑temperature stability or poor shear resistance can thin the oil film, particularly around turbo bearings and camshafts.
• Sludge and carbon buildup: Oils that lack the detergency or thermal stability of VW‑approved products can leave deposits, affecting variable valve timing and piston rings.
• Emissions system damage: In diesels, non‑low‑SAPs oils can clog or shorten the life of the DPF; in gasoline engines, poor oil control can harm catalytic converters.
• Warranty and resale implications: Manufacturers and well‑informed buyers expect documented use of correct‑spec oil; deviations can affect goodwill repairs and perceived vehicle care.

While one incorrect fill may not cause immediate failure, consistent use of the wrong oil—or overly long change intervals—is a common factor in expensive repairs on aging turbocharged engines.

Summary

A 2016 Audi A4 generally requires fully synthetic oil that meets official VW specifications—most often VW 502 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for many diesels, with VW 504 00 appearing on some long‑life gasoline service regimes. The most commonly used viscosity is 5W‑40 for many 2.0 TFSI engines, with 0W‑40 or 5W‑30 also suitable where explicitly approved and matched to climate. Owners should always confirm the exact VW specification and viscosity in the owner’s manual or with an Audi dealer using the vehicle’s VIN, then select a reputable brand whose label clearly lists the required VW approval.

Is Dot 4 for an Audi A4 2015?

StopTech DOT 4 Racing Brake Fluid is available in two formulations depending on the operating temperature of your vehicle: STR600 and STR660. It is engineered to give street and strip vehicles the best in braking performance.

What does Audi recommend for oil?

Oil Viscosity Recommendations
SAE 5W-30: Ideal for a wide range of temperatures and common for most Audi engines.

What type of oil does an Audi A4 2016 take?

Audi recommends using synthetic oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification. Here are a few top choices: Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil: Known for its exceptional strength under high pressure, this oil provides superior protection and performance for your Audi A4.

What kind of oil should I put in my Audi A4?

The correct Audi A4 oil type depends on the engine and model year, but it is typically a full synthetic oil with an Audi/VW specification like VW 502.00 or VW 504.00. For many turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, a SAE 5W-40 or SAE 5W-30 is suitable, and you should always check your owner’s manual for the specific requirements, as these can vary by year and engine.
 
Common Audi A4 oil types by engine and year

• Older 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (e.g., 2017 and earlier): Often require a full synthetic oil that meets the VW 502.00 specification, with SAE 5W-40 being a common viscosity. 
• Later 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (e.g., 2019 and later): May use a different specification like VW 504.00, often with a SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40 viscosity. 
• 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines (some models): Some models, like certain years of the engine code CYMC, may require a VW 504.00 / VW 507.00 specification. 
• 3.2L V6 engines: Typically require oil that meets the VW 502.00 specification. 
• Modern 2.0L Turbocharged I4 engines: Newer models might have an even different specification, such as VW 508.00 for the DBPA, DPAA, and DMSA engine codes. 

Key takeaways

• Always consult your owner’s manual for the most accurate information on your specific A4 model, as requirements can change between years and engine types. 
• Look for the specific Audi/VW oil quality standard, such as VW 502.00, VW 504.00, or VW 507.00, in addition to the viscosity rating (e.g., 5W-40). 
• Full synthetic oil is generally recommended for optimal performance and longevity.