What Kind of Oil Does a 2016 Audi Take?

A 2016 Audi typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards, most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, with the correct viscosity (often 5W-40 or 5W-30) depending on the exact engine. The precise oil type depends on the model and engine code, so always confirm with the owner’s manual or dealer before topping up or changing oil.

Understanding Audi’s Oil Specifications

Audi does not choose engine oil solely by viscosity (like 5W-30); it uses internal manufacturer approvals such as VW 502 00, 504 00, 505 00, and 507 00. These specifications ensure the oil meets strict requirements for wear protection, engine cleanliness, and compatibility with emissions systems. For a 2016 Audi, using an oil that meets the correct VW spec is more important than brand loyalty, and using the wrong oil can affect warranty coverage and long-term reliability.

Common Oil Specs for 2016 Audi Models

Most 2016 gasoline and diesel Audi models in North America and Europe rely on a few key VW oil approvals. The exact requirement depends on whether the car uses fixed service intervals, flexible “LongLife” intervals, and whether it has a gasoline turbo or diesel engine with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

Typical Specs by Engine Type (General Guide)

The following list summarizes the most commonly recommended VW/Audi oil approvals and viscosities for 2016-era engines. It is a guide, not a substitute for checking your exact engine code and regional manual.

• Gasoline turbo engines (EA888 2.0T, 1.8T, many 3.0T V6):
  Fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (fixed intervals) or VW 504 00 (LongLife/flexible intervals). Common viscosities: 5W-40 (502 00) or 5W-30 (504 00).
• High-performance gasoline engines (S/RS models, depending on market):
  Usually require VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, sometimes with stricter viscosity guidance (often 5W-40, occasionally 0W-40 or 5W-30, depending on climate and manual).
• Older-style diesel engines without DPF (rare in 2016, region-specific):
  Typically VW 505 00 or VW 505 01, usually in 5W-40 viscosity.
• Modern TDI diesels with DPF:
  Low-ash oils meeting VW 507 00, commonly 5W-30 “Low SAPS” formulations to protect the particulate filter.
• LongLife service intervals (where supported):
  Oils meeting VW 504 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel), generally in 5W-30 viscosity, are used with flexible, computer-calculated oil-change intervals.

While these patterns cover most 2016 Audi engines, some markets, climates, and performance variants may specify alternative viscosities or more restrictive approvals, making it essential to verify for your specific vehicle.

By Popular 2016 Audi Models: Typical Oil Requirements

Because “2016 Audi” can refer to many different models—from compact A3s to Q7 SUVs—the recommended oil can vary slightly even within the same model year. The following breakdown reflects common pairings seen in 2016 model-year Audis, but always cross-check your owner’s documentation.

2016 Audi A3 / S3

The A3/S3 lineup includes small-displacement turbocharged gasoline engines and TDIs (in some markets). These engines are sensitive to oil quality because of turbocharging and, in diesels, aftertreatment systems.

• A3 1.8T / 2.0T (gasoline, EA888):
  Usually VW 502 00 (fixed intervals) or VW 504 00 (flexible). Viscosities commonly 5W-40 (502) or 5W-30 (504).
• S3 2.0T high-output:
  Typically VW 502 00 synthetic oil, often in 5W-40. Some manuals allow 0W-40 or 5W-30 as secondary options depending on climate.
• A3 TDI (where sold in 2016):
  Low-ash oil meeting VW 507 00, commonly 5W-30, to protect the DPF and meet emissions requirements.

Given the range of engines in the A3/S3 family, using the exact VW approval listed on the oil cap, service booklet, or manual is crucial, especially on turbo and TDI variants.

2016 Audi A4 / S4 (B8.5 Generation)

The outgoing B8.5-generation A4 and S4 were still on sale in many regions in 2016 and are widely owned today. They rely heavily on turbocharged and supercharged engines that demand correct oil specifications.

• A4 2.0T (gasoline):
  Typically uses fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00. Viscosity is usually 5W-40, with 5W-30 permitted in some markets/climates if it meets 502 00.
• A4 TDI (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI, region-dependent):
  Generally VW 507 00 low-ash oil, most often 5W-30.
• S4 3.0T (supercharged V6):
  Typically requires VW 502 00 high-quality synthetic, frequently specified as 5W-40. Performance use makes adherence to spec particularly important.

Because A4/S4 engines are often driven hard and maintained for the long term, ensuring a 502 00 or 507 00 approval (as appropriate) is more important than focusing on brand or marketing claims alone.

2016 Audi A5 / S5

The A5/S5 shares much of its drivetrain with the A4/S4 and thus follows similar oil rules. Coupes and convertibles may see more spirited driving, making quality oil even more critical.

• A5 2.0T (gasoline):
  Usually VW 502 00, often 5W-40 synthetic, similar to the A4 2.0T.
• A5 TDI models (where available):
  Typically VW 507 00, 5W-30 low-ash diesel oil.
• S5 3.0T (supercharged V6):
  Requires fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00, commonly in 5W-40 viscosity. Some manuals may list optional viscosities based on temperature ranges.

Because the A5/S5 platform shares engines with the A4/S4, owners can largely follow the same oil-approval logic, again deferring to the exact engine code where necessary.

2016 Audi A6 / S6 / A7 / S7

These mid-size and four-door coupe-style models often use more powerful engines, including V6 and V8 units, and in some regions, high-torque TDI diesels. Oil decisions here strongly affect performance and longevity.

• A6/A7 2.0T (gasoline):
  Generally VW 502 00 (5W-40) or, where LongLife/flexible service is supported, VW 504 00 (5W-30).
• A6/A7 3.0T (supercharged gasoline V6):
  Typically requires VW 502 00 synthetic, most often 5W-40. High-output variants place extra stress on oil.
• A6/A7 TDI (3.0 TDI, etc.):
  Usually VW 507 00 low-ash oil, 5W-30, to protect DPFs and meet emissions requirements.
• S6/S7 4.0T (twin-turbo V8):
  Performance models typically require VW 502 00-approved oil. Viscosity recommendations vary by climate but commonly include 5W-40 or 0W-40 full synthetic.

Given the complexity and expense of these powertrains, following the official VW approval and change intervals is especially critical, and owners often choose premium synthetic brands that explicitly list 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00 on the label.

2016 Audi Q3, Q5, and Q7 SUVs

Audi’s SUVs share powertrains with sedan/coupe models but may experience heavier loads, towing, or more frequent short trips—all of which make oil quality and interval discipline even more important.

• Q3 2.0T:
  Commonly VW 502 00 synthetic oil, often in 5W-40 viscosity.
• Q5 2.0T / 3.0T (gasoline):
  Typically VW 502 00, with 5W-40 a frequent recommendation; some markets may support VW 504 00 5W-30 on flexible intervals.
• Q5 and Q7 TDI models:
  Usually require VW 507 00 low-ash oil, commonly 5W-30. This is essential for DPF health and emissions compliance.
• Early second-generation Q7 (2016, depending on market):
  Often uses newer V6 TFSI and TDI engines but still with VW 502 00 (gasoline) or VW 507 00 (diesel) approvals.

For SUVs subjected to towing or frequent cold starts, maintaining proper oil level and using the correct VW-approved oil can significantly reduce wear and turbo or timing-chain issues over time.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2016 Audi

Because so many variables exist—engine code, fuel type, market, and service interval strategy—the only truly authoritative answer for your car is tied to its documentation and identification numbers.

Key Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following steps help any 2016 Audi owner move from a general rule-of-thumb answer to a precise oil recommendation tailored to their vehicle.

1. Check the owner’s manual:
   Look for the “Engine Oil” or “Specifications” section. It will list the required VW standard (e.g., VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00).
2. Look at the oil filler cap and under-hood stickers:
   Many 2016 Audis have the required VW approval printed near the oil cap or on an under-hood label.
3. Verify the engine code:
   The engine code (e.g., EA888 variants, specific 3.0 TDI codes) can be checked through the vehicle data sticker, VIN decoding, or dealer. Specific TSBs may adjust recommendations by engine code.
4. Consider your region and service regime:
   Some regions support LongLife/flexible intervals using VW 504 00/507 00 oils, while others mandate fixed intervals with VW 502 00/505 00 oils.
5. Match the approval on the oil container:
   When buying oil, ensure the label explicitly states “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” or “VW 507 00” (as applicable). Marketing phrases like “for European cars” are not enough.
6. Consult a dealer or trusted independent specialist:
   If in doubt, a VIN-based lookup by an Audi dealer or experienced shop can confirm the correct spec and current service bulletins.

Following these steps turns a generic year-and-make answer into a precise, engine-correct recommendation that safeguards both performance and warranty considerations.

Viscosity Choices: 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 and Climate

Once the correct VW approval is known, the remaining decision usually concerns viscosity, which affects cold-start behavior and high-temperature protection. Many oils that meet VW 502 00 or 504 00 are offered in different SAE grades tailored to climate and usage.

How Viscosity Interacts with Audi’s Requirements

The list below explains how viscosities commonly seen in 2016 Audi recommendations relate to operating conditions and manufacturer guidance.

• 5W-40:
  Very common for VW 502 00 gasoline engines in temperate climates. Offers strong high-temperature protection and good year-round usability in most regions.
• 5W-30:
  Common for VW 504 00 and VW 507 00 LongLife oils, especially in Europe and markets using flexible intervals. Often specified for modern TDIs and many newer gasoline engines.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30:
  Sometimes permitted in very cold climates for faster cold-start lubrication, as long as the oil still meets the required VW spec (e.g., 502 00). Commonly chosen for high-performance engines in harsh winters.
• 10W-40 or other non-listed viscosities:
  Generally not recommended on modern 2016 Audi engines unless explicitly stated in regional documentation. These may lack the right VW approval or be intended only as emergency or legacy options.

Ultimately, the correct viscosity must be one of the options permitted in your manual and paired with the correct VW approval, with climate and driving style influencing which of those options is best.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Oil?

Using oil that does not meet the appropriate VW specification can have consequences beyond simple wear-and-tear. Modern Audi engines, especially turbocharged and diesel units with emissions aftertreatment, depend heavily on correct additive packages and low-ash formulations.

Potential Risks of Incorrect Oil

The list below summarizes common issues that can arise from using non-approved or low-quality oil in a 2016 Audi.

• Accelerated engine wear:
  Inadequate anti-wear and detergent packages can lead to sludge, varnish, and increased wear on camshafts, bearings, and turbochargers.
• Turbocharger problems:
  Turbochargers spin at very high RPMs and run extremely hot; substandard oil can coke in oil lines, leading to bearing failure.
• DPF and emissions-system damage (diesels):
  Using non–low-ash oil in a TDI can clog the diesel particulate filter and damage EGR or SCR components.
• Reduced fuel economy and performance:
  Incorrect viscosity or degraded oil can increase internal friction and reduce engine responsiveness.
• Potential warranty issues:
  If a failure is linked to oil that does not meet specified VW standards, warranty claims may be questioned or denied.

These risks underline why Audi’s VW approvals are more than a formality: following them is essential to maintaining reliability, efficiency, and compliance with emissions regulations.

Bottom Line for a 2016 Audi Owner

For a typical 2016 Audi—whether an A4 2.0T, Q5 2.0T, or similar model—the oil will be a fully synthetic product carrying a VW 502 00 (or, in some markets, VW 504 00) approval for gasoline engines, or VW 507 00 for modern diesels, in a viscosity usually around 5W-40 or 5W-30. Given the variety of engines and regional specifications, however, there is no single universal oil that fits every 2016 Audi without checking further.

Summary

A 2016 Audi generally takes fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approvals—most commonly VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for modern diesels, with viscosities typically around 5W-40 or 5W-30. The exact requirement depends on the model, engine code, fuel type, and market. To be certain, owners should verify the VW standard stated in the owner’s manual, on the oil filler cap or under-hood sticker, or via a dealer lookup using the VIN, and then choose a fully synthetic oil whose label explicitly lists that VW approval.

What oil does a 2016 Audi take?

Mobil 1 FS Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.

How much oil does a 2016 Audi 2.0 take?

4.8 quarts
Capacity: 4.8 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.

What oil is recommended for an Audi?

Audi requires high-quality full synthetic oil that meets specific manufacturer specifications, such as the VW 502 00 standard. The most common viscosity grades are 5W-40, 5W-30, and 0W-40, but the exact type and grade depend on the model, engine, and climate. Always check your owner’s manual for the correct oil type. 
Common oil types and viscosity grades

• SAE 5W-40: Often recommended for high-performance models or warmer climates due to its ability to withstand higher temperatures and provide good protection.
• SAE 5W-30: A versatile option suitable for many Audi models in moderate climates, balancing fuel efficiency and wear protection.
• SAE 0W-40 or 0W-30: Ideal for colder climates because of its superior cold-start protection. 

Important considerations

• Use only synthetic oil: Conventional oil is not recommended and can lead to engine damage, sludge buildup, and poor lubrication. 
• Check manufacturer specifications: Always look for the specific approval code (e.g., VW 502 00) on the oil bottle. Using an oil that meets the correct specification is crucial for engine health. 
• Consult your owner’s manual: The owner’s manual is the definitive source for the correct oil type for your specific Audi model and year. 

What oil goes in a 2016 Audi A3 2.0 T?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-30.