What Kind of Oil a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro Takes

A 2016 Audi A6 Quattro requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 502 00 specification, most commonly in 5W-40 (or, in some climates, 0W-40), and should never be filled with conventional or non-approved synthetic oil. This specification is more important than the brand or exact viscosity within Audi’s allowed range.

Understanding the Official Oil Specification

The key requirement for a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro is that the engine oil must meet Volkswagen/Audi’s VW 502 00 standard. This standard defines detergency, resistance to breakdown, and protection for turbocharged, high-performance gasoline engines like those used in the A6.

The VW 502 00 Standard

VW 502 00 is a factory-approved specification for gasoline engines that operate under higher loads and longer drain intervals. Even if the bottle says “European” or “German” formula, it is only suitable if it explicitly lists “VW 502 00” (or “VW 502.00”) among its approvals on the label.

Below is a list of the most important requirements your oil must meet to be considered correct for this vehicle.

• Must explicitly state VW 502 00 approval on the label.
• Must be full synthetic (not semi-synthetic or conventional).
• Must be formulated for modern, turbocharged gasoline engines.
• Must be from a reputable manufacturer with current certifications.

Ensuring your oil meets all these characteristics protects engine longevity, helps prevent sludge, and keeps your Audi running as engineered by the manufacturer.

Recommended Viscosity Grades

While the VW 502 00 spec is non-negotiable, Audi allows certain viscosity choices depending on climate and driving conditions. For most owners, 5W-40 synthetic oil is the most common and widely available choice that fully complies with Audi guidance.

Typical Choices: 5W-40 and 0W-40

The 2016 Audi A6 Quattro’s gasoline engines (such as the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI) are designed to operate on a few specific viscosity grades, provided they meet the VW 502 00 spec. Climate and driving style dictate which is best for you.

The following list outlines the most suitable viscosity grades and where they make sense.

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00): The most commonly recommended viscosity for many Audi dealers and European-style service shops; works well in a wide range of temperatures.
• 0W-40 (VW 502 00): Often favored in colder climates for better cold-start performance while still offering strong high-temperature protection.
• 5W-30 (VW 502 00): May be acceptable if it explicitly meets VW 502 00 (not just ACEA A3/B4 or API). However, many technicians prefer 5W-40/0W-40 for slightly higher high-temp protection in these engines.

Choosing between these viscosities should be guided by your climate and owner’s manual, but in practice, VW 502 00–approved 5W-40 or 0W-40 covers the needs of most 2016 A6 Quattro owners.

Popular Oil Brands That Meet Audi’s Requirements

Several major oil manufacturers produce full-synthetic oils that carry the VW 502 00 approval. The brand is less important than the specification, but using well-known products makes it easier to verify compliance and quality.

Examples of Commonly Used Oils

The automotive aftermarket offers many VW 502 00–approved oils in the recommended viscosities, and these are widely stocked at parts stores, dealerships, and online retailers.

The list below highlights examples of products frequently used in 2016 Audi A6 Quattro service, subject to regional availability.

• Castrol EDGE 5W-40 or 0W-40 (European Formula): Many Audi dealers historically used Castrol; select variants are VW 502 00–approved.
• Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (formerly “European Car Formula”): A popular choice that typically lists VW 502 00 approval on the back label.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec / Special Tec series (5W-40 or 0W-40): German-brand oils with clear VW 502 00 approvals, widely used by European specialists.
• Motul 8100 X-cess / X-clean series (5W-40, some 0W-40): Performance-oriented oils with VW 502 00 among approvals on specific SKUs.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 or 0W-40: Many formulations are certified for VW 502 00 and marketed as “Euro” or “European” oils.

Always read the product data sheet or the container’s back label before purchase; formulations can change, and only bottles clearly marked with VW 502 00 should be used in this Audi engine.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Oil choice is only part of proper maintenance. Quantity and change frequency also matter for the longevity of a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro, especially as the vehicle ages and accumulates mileage.

Approximate Oil Capacity

The exact capacity depends on engine variant, but most 2016 Audi A6 Quattro gasoline engines fall in the 5.5–7.0 liter range (roughly 5.8–7.4 quarts) with filter change. Always confirm with the owner’s manual or service data for your specific engine code.

The following list gives typical ranges used by technicians when planning an oil service, with final level always set by the dipstick or electronic gauge.

• 2.0 TFSI (4-cylinder turbo): Approximately 5.7–6.0 quarts (5.4–5.7 liters) with filter.
• 3.0 TFSI (V6 supercharged): Typically around 6.9–7.2 quarts (6.5–6.8 liters) with filter.
• Check method: Fill slightly under the spec, then top off gradually while monitoring the dipstick or MMI (Multi Media Interface) oil level display.

Because capacity can vary by engine code and service procedure, confirming in the owner’s literature and verifying by oil level reading is essential to avoid under- or overfilling.

How Often to Change the Oil

When new, Audi typically specified oil change intervals up to around 10,000 miles (or about 1 year) under normal conditions for VW 502 00 oils. Many independent Audi specialists now recommend somewhat shorter intervals, especially on older, higher-mileage cars.

The following guidelines summarize common practices for maintaining a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro.

• Normal driving (mixed city/highway): 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
• Severe service (short trips, heavy traffic, frequent cold starts, hot climates): 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).
• High mileage engines: Many owners and specialists prefer 5,000–7,500-mile intervals as the car ages, even with full synthetic oil.
• Monitoring oil level: Check between services; turbocharged engines can consume some oil, especially as they age.

Adopting these intervals, combined with VW 502 00–approved oil, helps control deposits, protect the turbocharger and valvetrain, and minimize long-term engine wear.

Why the Right Oil Matters for the A6 Quattro

The engines in the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro are sophisticated, often turbocharged or supercharged, and operate at higher pressures and temperatures than older naturally aspirated units. Using the correct oil specification is central to how Audi engineered the vehicle’s reliability and performance.

Common Risks of Using the Wrong Oil

Filling the engine with oil that does not meet the VW 502 00 standard—even if it is synthetic—can increase the risk of wear, sludge formation, and turbo-related issues over time.

The list below outlines several potential problems tied to incorrect or subpar oil.

• Accelerated turbocharger wear: Inadequate high-temperature stability can cause coking in oil feed lines and bearings.
• Sludge and varnish buildup: Inferior detergents can allow deposits to accumulate in narrow oil passages and on camshaft components.
• Reduced fuel efficiency and performance: Incorrect viscosity or poor-quality oil can add friction and hamper the engine’s ability to operate efficiently.
• Warranty and goodwill issues (for newer or CPO vehicles): If service history shows non-approved oil, manufacturers may contest coverage for oil-related failures.

By adhering to the VW 502 00 specification and appropriate viscosity, owners dramatically reduce the chance of these issues and align their maintenance with Audi’s engineering assumptions.

Practical Tips for Owners and DIY Servicers

Whether you’re visiting a shop or changing the oil yourself, a few checks can ensure your 2016 Audi A6 Quattro gets the correct lubricants and service.

How to Confirm You’re Getting the Right Oil

Misunderstandings sometimes arise when service centers use “synthetic” as a blanket term. What matters is not just that the oil is synthetic, but that it meets the correct OEM standard.

Use the following checklist when buying oil or discussing service with a shop.

• Check the label: Look for “VW 502 00” printed in the approvals or specifications list.
• Confirm viscosity: For most conditions, request 5W-40 or 0W-40; verify it matches your manual’s guidance.
• Ask the shop: Specifically ask, “Does this oil have VW 502 00 approval?” and request the brand and product name.
• Keep receipts: Retain invoices that list the oil brand, viscosity, and spec for your records.

Following these steps gives you proof of proper maintenance and makes it easier to maintain consistent oil quality throughout the car’s life.

Summary

A 2016 Audi A6 Quattro is designed to run on full-synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 specifications, most commonly in 5W-40 or, in colder climates, 0W-40. Brand names like Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, and others are acceptable as long as the bottle clearly states VW 502 00 approval. Typical capacities range from about 5.7 to 7.2 quarts depending on engine, and most experts now recommend oil changes every 5,000–7,500 miles for long-term durability. Prioritizing the VW 502 00 spec and appropriate viscosity is the key to protecting the turbocharged engine and ensuring your Audi A6 Quattro delivers the performance and reliability it was built for.

What kind of oil for 2016 Audi A6 quattro?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 5 Quart.

How much oil does a 2016 Audi A6 2.0 T Quatro take?

5 quarts
Audi A6 Oil Change Fill Capacity for Models with 2.0T 4 Cylinder Engines. 2012-2018 Audi A6 2.0T model use 5 quarts or 4.7 liters. 2019-2020 Audi A6 2.0T model use 5.5 quarts or 5.2 liters.

Is 5W-30 ok for Audi?

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 oil does the Audi A6 quattro take?

The correct oil for an Audi A6 Quattro depends on the model year, but most modern models require a full synthetic oil with specific VW certifications like 5W-40 (VW 502 00) for older models, 0W-20 (VW 508 00) for newer ones, or 5W-30/5W-40 (VW 504 00) for a range of model years. Always check your owner’s manual or the oil cap for the specific viscosity and VW 50x 00 specification required for your vehicle.
 
Common oil types by year

• 2024 and newer: Full synthetic 0W-20 (check manual for specific certification). 
• 2019-2020: Full synthetic 0W-20 (VW 508 00). 
• 2017-2018: Full synthetic 5W-40 (VW 502 00) or 5W-30/5W-40 (VW 504 00). 
• 2012-2016: Full synthetic 5W-40 (VW 502 00). 
• 2003-2008: Full synthetic 5W-40 (VW 502 00). 

Important considerations

• Full synthetic is mandatory: All Audi models since 2005 require full synthetic oil that meets the specific VW 502 00 standard, even if the vehicle doesn’t strictly require it. 
• Check your owner’s manual: The information above is a general guide. Always consult your owner’s manual or the oil cap for the exact viscosity and certification required for your specific vehicle. 
• Consider the weather: The recommended oil viscosity can change depending on your local climate. A 0W-20 viscosity oil is suitable for all temperatures, but check your owner’s manual for other options.