What Kind of Oil a 2016 Audi A6 Takes

A 2016 Audi A6 typically requires full synthetic engine oil that meets Volkswagen/Audi specification VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, most commonly in viscosity grades 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on the engine variant and regional climate. To understand why these specifications matter and how to choose the correct oil for your exact A6 model, it’s important to look at Audi’s factory standards, engine types, and maintenance recommendations.

Understanding Audi’s Oil Specifications

The 2016 Audi A6 is built to operate with oils that meet strict manufacturer standards, not just generic viscosity ratings. These specifications ensure proper lubrication, fuel efficiency, and protection for turbocharged and high-compression engines.

Key VW/Audi Oil Specs for the 2016 A6

The following list explains the main Volkswagen/Audi oil specifications you’ll see on bottles suitable for a 2016 Audi A6 and what they mean for your car’s engine.

• VW 502 00: The primary specification for most gasoline engines in the 2016 A6 in North America. Designed for high-performance engines and “fixed” (non–long-life) service intervals.
• VW 504 00: A newer, low-ash, long-life spec used primarily in certain markets and for extended drain intervals; often paired with VW 507 00 for modern diesel engines with particulate filters.
• VW 505 01 / 507 00 (diesel, where applicable): Used for certain diesel engines with advanced emissions systems, generally outside the U.S. market for this model year.

These specifications must appear on the oil label—meeting only the viscosity (for example, 5W-40) is not enough; the VW approval is what ensures compatibility with Audi’s design and warranty standards.

Recommended Oil Viscosity for the 2016 Audi A6

Viscosity determines how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. Audi specifies a range of viscosities for the A6, with the exact choice influenced by engine type and climate.

Common Viscosity Grades

The next list outlines the most common viscosity options for a 2016 Audi A6 and when each is generally recommended.

• 5W-40 Full Synthetic: One of the most common recommendations for 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI petrol engines in many regions. Offers strong protection in a wide temperature range and is a frequent dealer fill for this generation.
• 5W-30 Full Synthetic: Also widely used, especially oils approved to VW 504 00. Favored for efficiency and cold-start performance, often recommended in moderate climates and in markets emphasizing long-life service intervals.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30 (where approved by VW spec): Sometimes supported in colder climates for improved cold-start lubrication, but must still carry the correct VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval to be suitable.

While multiple viscosities may be technically acceptable, using the one listed on your under-hood sticker or owner’s manual—paired with the correct VW approval—is the safest choice.

Engine Variants and Their Typical Oil Requirements

The 2016 Audi A6 came with several engine options around the world, and oil recommendations can differ slightly between them. In all cases, VW 502 00 or VW 504 00–approved full synthetic oil remains the baseline requirement for gasoline engines.

Gasoline Engines (U.S. and Many Global Markets)

The following list describes the main gasoline engines offered in the 2016 A6 and the types of oil they commonly use.

• 2.0 TFSI (four-cylinder turbo): Typically requires full synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 meeting VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 where long-life intervals are used). This engine is turbocharged and sensitive to oil quality—using approved oil reduces risk of sludge and turbo wear.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (supercharged, labeled “3.0T”): Also generally uses 5W-40 or 5W-30 full synthetic with VW 502 00 or 504 00 approval. Given the higher output and thermal load, correct spec oil is especially important for protecting timing components and supercharger-related parts.

Even if aftermarket sources suggest generic “Euro” oils, Audi’s official VW-spec approvals should be your primary reference to protect these high-stress engines.

Diesel Engines (Markets Outside the U.S.)

In some regions, the 2016 A6 offered TDI diesel engines, which use different oil specifications to protect emissions equipment.

• 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI: Commonly require full synthetic oil meeting VW 507 00 (which supersedes 504/507 in many cases). Viscosity is often 5W-30, but the critical factor is the low-ash 507 00 approval to protect diesel particulate filters.
• Long-life service regimes: Many European-market diesels are set up for flexible or extended oil-change intervals, making VW 507 00 long-life oils mandatory.

For diesel A6s, using oil without the correct low-ash VW 507 00 spec can prematurely damage emissions components and may cause warranty or inspection issues.

How to Confirm the Right Oil for Your Specific A6

Because trim levels, regional specifications, and previous owner changes can all affect what your car needs, you should verify your engine type and check factory documentation rather than relying solely on generic guides.

Where to Look for the Official Recommendation

The following steps show where you can confirm the exact oil Audi recommends for your specific 2016 A6.

1. Owner’s manual: Check the “Engine oil” section, which will list VW approvals (such as 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00) and acceptable viscosity ranges.
2. Under-hood or filler-cap label: Many A6 models have a label near the oil filler cap or on the radiator support specifying the required VW standard.
3. VIN-based dealer lookup: An Audi dealer can run your VIN and provide the exact oil spec and capacity for your engine variant.
4. Digital manuals and technical bulletins: Audi’s online owner resources and TSBs sometimes update guidance, especially regarding long-life intervals or new oil formulations.

Cross-checking at least two of these sources is a practical way to ensure you are using the most accurate and up-to-date oil recommendation for your particular vehicle.

Brands and Products That Commonly Meet Audi Specs

Numerous major oil brands produce formulas specifically approved for VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00. Brand does not matter as much as the certification printed on the bottle.

Examples of Suitable Oils

The following list offers representative examples of products that often carry the appropriate VW approvals for a 2016 Audi A6; always verify the current label, as formulations and approvals can change.

• Castrol Edge (European Formula) 5W-40 or 5W-30: Frequently labeled with VW 502 00/505 00, commonly used at many Audi and VW dealers.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30: Often approved to VW 504 00/507 00, especially suitable for markets with long-life service intervals and for certain diesel engines.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec and Special Tec lines: Several variants are explicitly designed for VW/Audi engines and carry the necessary VW 502 00 / 504 00 / 507 00 approvals.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro: Some versions meet VW 502 00 or 504 00 and are widely available in many regions.

Regardless of brand, the critical check is the VW approval number on the back label—this matters more than marketing terms like “Euro” or “for German cars.”

Oil Change Interval and Maintenance Considerations

Choosing the right oil is only part of protecting your 2016 Audi A6; how often you change it also significantly affects engine health, particularly for turbocharged and supercharged engines.

Typical Service Intervals

The list below outlines common practice for oil-change intervals on a 2016 A6, taking into account both Audi’s guidance and real-world usage.

• Standard interval (North America): Often 10,000 miles (about 16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first, when using approved synthetic oil.
• Enthusiast / severe-use interval: Many independent specialists recommend 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) for turbo/supercharged engines, especially if you do lots of short trips or spirited driving.
• Long-life (flexible) intervals: In some European markets using VW 504 00/507 00 long-life oils, the car may dynamically calculate intervals up to around 18,000–19,000 miles (30,000 km) or 2 years, but real-world practice is often more conservative.

Following at least the factory interval—and shortening it if you drive in demanding conditions—helps reduce carbon buildup, sludge, and wear in these relatively complex engines.

Key Takeaways

For a 2016 Audi A6, the essential point is that you must use a full synthetic engine oil that carries the correct VW/Audi approval, not just a matching viscosity. Most gasoline A6 models are designed for VW 502 00 (or VW 504 00 in some markets) in 5W-40 or 5W-30, while certain diesel versions require VW 507 00 low-ash oil.

Summary

A 2016 Audi A6 generally takes full synthetic oil that meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 (for gasoline engines), most commonly in 5W-40 or 5W-30, and VW 507 00 in 5W-30 for applicable diesel engines. Always confirm the exact specification in your owner’s manual, on the engine-label, or via an Audi dealer using your VIN, and prioritize the VW approval printed on the bottle over brand or generic viscosity alone.

What engine oil does Audi recommend?

Audi engines require full-synthetic oil, with common types being 5W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-40, though the specific type depends on the model and climate. The correct oil must meet specific Audi/VW specifications, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or LL-01, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification recommended for your vehicle. 
Common Audi oil types

• 5W-30: A common choice that balances fuel efficiency and wear protection, suitable for many engines in moderate climates.
• 0W-40: Excellent for cold climates because it provides better cold-start protection.
• 5W-40: Often recommended for higher-performance models and turbocharged engines, as it offers good protection in warmer climates. 

Why full-synthetic oil is crucial

• Audi engines are designed for the superior performance of synthetic oil. 
• Conventional oil can break down too quickly, leading to poor lubrication, sludge buildup, and potential damage to the engine and turbocharger. 

How to find the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as it lists the exact viscosity and specification required for your engine. 
• Look for Audi/VW specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi or Volkswagen approval number, such as VW 502 00, VW 505.00, or LL-04. 
• Consider your climate: Choose a viscosity grade that is appropriate for your local temperature conditions. 

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 type of oil does an Audi A6 2016 take?

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

What oil should I put in my Audi A6?

The required Audi A6 oil type varies by model year, but it’s often a full synthetic oil with specific viscosity grades like 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40. Always check your owner’s manual for the specific viscosity grade and the required oil quality specification, such as VW 508.00, VW 504.00, or VW 502.00. 
By model year and engine

• 2019-2023 models (3.0L Turbocharged): Full synthetic 0W-20 is often required, meeting the VW 508.00 & 509.00 standard. 
• 2017-2018 models (3.0L Supercharged): May require a full synthetic 5W-40 that meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 standards. 
• 2010-2016 models (3.0L Supercharged): Full synthetic 5W-40 is a common requirement, meeting the VW 502 00 standard. 
• Older models (2002-2004, 3.0L 30V): Typically use a full synthetic 5W-40 that meets the VW 502 00 oil specification. 

General recommendations

• Always confirm with your owner’s manual: The most accurate information will be in your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle. 
• Choose a full synthetic oil: For many Audi A6 models, a high-quality full synthetic oil is recommended or required for optimal engine protection. 
• Consider climate: If the specified oil isn’t available, choose a viscosity grade suitable for your local climate and operating conditions. 
• Look for the oil quality specification: The VW quality standard (like 508.00, 504.00, or 502.00) is crucial, not just the viscosity grade.