What Kind of Oil Does an Audi A6 Take?

An Audi A6 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi standards, most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 (for many modern European-market and later-model engines) or VW 502 00 (for many gasoline engines), in a viscosity such as 5W-30 or 0W-30 depending on model year, engine, and climate. The exact specification for a particular A6 is always found in the owner’s manual and on the oil-filler cap or engine-bay label.

Why Oil Specification Matters for the Audi A6

The Audi A6 uses advanced turbocharged engines and long service-interval strategies, so using the correct oil is critical for turbocharger health, fuel economy, emission-system longevity, and warranty compliance. Audi and its parent company Volkswagen define strict internal performance standards (VW 502 00, 504 00, 507 00, etc.) that go beyond generic API and ACEA ratings. Choosing the wrong oil can accelerate wear, clog catalytic converters and particulate filters, and invalidate extended service plans.

The Key Oil Standards for the Audi A6

Several VW/Audi oil standards are relevant to the Audi A6, and which one your car needs depends on its engine type, model year, and regional specification. Understanding these codes helps you pick the right bottle off the shelf instead of relying only on brand names.

Main VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The following list summarizes the most common VW/Audi oil standards you will encounter for an Audi A6 and what they typically apply to.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00:

  • Modern “LongLife” low-SAPS synthetic oil used in many late-model Audi A6 gasoline and diesel engines, especially in Europe and other markets with flexible/long service intervals.

  • Designed to protect catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters (DPFs).

• VW 502 00:

  • High-performance synthetic oil spec for many older and some North American gasoline engines in the A6.

  • Common in 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, and some 4.2 FSI engines, particularly on fixed (non-flexible) service intervals.

• VW 505 00 / 505 01:

  • Older diesel specifications used on earlier TDI engines in the A6.

  • 505 01 was specifically aimed at “pump–duse” (unit injector) diesels; less common on newer A6 models.

• VW 508 00 / 509 00 (emerging on some newer platforms):

  • Ultra-low-viscosity, high-efficiency oils (often 0W-20) used on some newer VW group engines for CO₂ and fuel-economy targets.

  • Not yet universal across all A6 engines; must verify in your manual before using.

While many oil brands may advertise compatibility with Audi engines, it is these VW standards—printed on the label—that ultimately determine whether an oil is suitable for your A6’s specific engine and service regime.

Typical Oil Types by Audi A6 Generation and Engine

Exact requirements vary by model year, engine code, and market, but there are recognizable patterns across recent generations of the Audi A6. The following sections outline the most common combinations enthusiasts and technicians see in practice as of the mid-2020s.

C6 Audi A6 (Approx. 2005–2011)

The C6 A6 introduced widespread use of FSI and TDI engines. While these cars are older now, matching the correct spec remains crucial for durability and to avoid sludge and turbo issues.

The most common oil guidelines for the C6-era Audi A6 include the following combinations, which should always be cross-checked with the individual owner’s manual and engine code.

• Gasoline engines (e.g., 2.0 TFSI, 3.2 FSI, 4.2 FSI):

  • Typically require VW 502 00 oil.

  • Common viscosities: 5W-40 or 5W-30 full synthetic, depending on climate and market.

• Diesel engines (2.0 TDI, 2.7 TDI, 3.0 TDI):

  • Often specified for VW 505 01 (earlier engines) or VW 507 00 (later, DPF-equipped engines and long-life intervals).

  • Typical viscosity: 5W-30 low-ash synthetic, especially where DPFs are fitted.

• LongLife service intervals (mainly Europe):

  • Many late C6 models with flexible intervals require oils meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00.

Because many C6 A6s have high mileage today, some owners choose slightly thicker viscosity (such as 5W-40 within the approved spec) to address oil consumption, but the VW approval remains non-negotiable.

C7 Audi A6 (Approx. 2012–2018)

The C7 A6 saw expanded use of downsized turbocharged gasoline engines and more sophisticated emissions systems on diesels. Oil choice became even more closely tied to protecting turbochargers and particulate filters.

For C7 Audi A6 models, the oil requirements tend to converge around a smaller set of VW standards and viscosities.

• Gasoline engines (2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, some markets 1.8 TFSI):

  • Commonly require VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, depending on region and service schedule.

  • Viscosity usually 5W-30 or 0W-30 fully synthetic.

• Diesel engines (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI):

  • Typically require VW 507 00 low-SAPS synthetic oil to protect DPFs.

  • Viscosity most often 5W-30.

• LongLife / flexible service intervals:

  • Audi generally specifies VW 504 00 / 507 00 oil, usually 5W-30.

In this generation, it’s especially important not to substitute generic “Euro 5W-30” oil unless the label clearly states VW 502 00 or 504 00/507 00 approval, as these engines run hot and heavily rely on correct detergency and shear stability.

C8 Audi A6 (2019–Present)

The current C8 A6 lineup, with mild hybrids and more stringent emissions controls, is designed around highly specific lubrication requirements. In many markets, these cars default to low-ash, long-life oils that reduce CO₂ emissions and protect after-treatment systems.

Owners of the latest A6 models should pay close attention to their manuals, but some overall trends can be described for gasoline and diesel variants.

• Gasoline engines (e.g., 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI mild hybrid):

  • Common European requirement: VW 504 00 or newer specs such as VW 508 00 for certain efficient engines.

  • North American models often still call for VW 502 00-approved oils, though the precise viscosity may shift toward 0W-30 or 0W-20 depending on engine variant.

• Diesel engines (2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI in applicable markets):

  • Typically require VW 507 00 or, on certain newer engines, VW 509 00.

  • Most common viscosity remains 5W-30, with some ultra-efficient engines using 0W-30.

• Hybrid and performance variants (S6/RS 6):

  • Performance models usually require higher-performance VW 502 00 or updated equivalents with strict temperature and shear stability requirements.

  • Always verify with the specific S/RS supplement, as RS 6 engines are particularly sensitive to oil quality.

Because the C8 range is still evolving and regional differences are significant, the safest approach is to treat the owner’s manual and the engine-bay sticker as the final authority, then select an oil that explicitly lists the corresponding VW standard.

Viscosity Grades: 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40 and Beyond

While VW approval codes define the performance standard, viscosity (like 5W-30) determines how thick or thin the oil is at cold start and operating temperature. Audi calibrates each engine with a narrow band of recommended viscosities, but some flexibility exists for climate and usage.

Common Viscosity Choices for the Audi A6

The viscosities listed below are among the most frequently recommended for different climates and model years, as long as they also meet the required VW standard.

• 5W-30:

  • The most common choice for modern Audi A6 models across both gasoline and diesel engines.

  • Offers a good balance of cold-weather flow and high-temperature protection.

  • Frequently paired with VW 504 00 / 507 00 and VW 507 00 labels.

• 0W-30:

  • Favored in colder climates and on newer, high-efficiency engines.

  • Often used where Audi specifies VW 504 00 or VW 508 00.

• 5W-40:

  • Common for older A6 models (especially C5/C6) where manuals allow it under VW 502 00.

  • Popular in hotter climates or for engines with higher mileage, due to slightly thicker film at operating temperature.

• 0W-20 / 5W-20:

  • Found on some of the latest engines with VW 508 00 / 509 00 approvals.

  • Do not use these ultra-low viscosities unless your manual explicitly specifies them, as many older engines are not designed for 20-weight oils.

Within the correct VW approval, viscosity can sometimes be tuned for local conditions, but going outside Audi’s recommended range (for instance, jumping to 10W-60 or 15W-50 in a modern TFSI) is generally discouraged unless under very specialized, track-only circumstances with professional guidance.

How to Identify the Right Oil for Your Specific A6

Because the Audi A6 has been sold in many versions across global markets for decades, the only way to be certain you’re using the correct oil is to check your car’s own documentation and labels, then match those requirements on the oil container.

Step-by-Step: Confirming the Correct Oil

The following steps provide a practical way for any A6 owner to verify the correct oil type before a change, whether they are doing it themselves or checking a shop’s work.

1. Check the owner’s manual:

   • Look for the “Lubricants” or “Engine oil” section.

   • Find the exact VW standard (e.g., VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 502 00) and the recommended viscosity.

2. Inspect the oil-filler cap and engine-bay stickers:

   • Many A6 models have “VW 504 00/507 00 only” or similar wording near the oil cap or in the engine bay.

3. Match the VW standard on the oil bottle:

   • Only choose oils that explicitly say “Approved” or “Meets/Exceeds VW 504 00/507 00” (or your required spec).

   • Avoid generic formulations that just say “recommended for” Audi/VW without listing the VW spec code.

4. Select viscosity appropriate to climate and spec:

   • Follow the viscosity range in the manual (e.g., 0W-30 or 5W-30).

   • If the manual offers a range for different temperatures, choose based on your typical ambient climate.

5. Confirm with dealer or trusted independent specialist if uncertain:

   • Provide your VIN so they can confirm the correct VW standard and viscosity for your exact engine and region.

By following these steps, you move from guesswork to informed choice, ensuring your A6’s lubrication system aligns with Audi’s engineering assumptions rather than generic recommendations.

Brands Commonly Used for Audi A6 Oil

Audi dealerships often partner with particular oil suppliers, but many high-quality brands meet the necessary VW standards. For the A6, it is the approval code, not the brand, that matters most.

Examples of Oils Meeting Audi A6 Requirements

Below are representative examples of oil product lines that commonly offer VW-approved formulations suitable for many Audi A6 engines, subject to verifying the exact label.

• Castrol Edge / Edge Professional:

  • Often used by Audi dealers in various markets.

  • Look for variants stating VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 502 00.

• Mobil 1:

  • Products like “ESP 5W-30” or “ESP X2 0W-20” frequently meet VW 504 00/507 00 or 508 00/509 00 where specified.

• Liqui Moly:

  • Known for VW/Audi-focused oils in Europe and the U.S.

  • Offers dedicated formulations labeled with VW 502 00 and 504 00/507 00.

• SHELL Helix Ultra:

  • Several versions carry VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00 approvals.

• OEM-branded oil (Audi/VW Genuine Oil):

  • Sold at dealers and clearly marked with the correct VW approval codes for your model.

All of these can be entirely appropriate for an Audi A6 as long as the exact VW code on the bottle matches what your particular engine requires, confirming that the oil’s additive package and performance characteristics align with Audi’s specifications.

Service Intervals and Oil Change Best Practices

The correct oil is only part of the story; changing it at appropriate intervals, along with the filter, significantly affects the long-term health of an Audi A6 engine, especially turbocharged units operating under high loads.

How Often Should You Change the Oil in an Audi A6?

Service intervals differ by region and whether the car is set to flexible (“LongLife”) or fixed service, but some general practices are widely observed for A6 owners.

The following guidelines highlight common intervals and considerations that apply to most Audi A6 models in real-world use.

• Flexible / LongLife intervals (mainly Europe):

  • Up to around 30,000 km or 2 years, depending on driving profile, when using approved LongLife oil (e.g., VW 504 00 / 507 00).

  • Many specialists still recommend more frequent changes for heavily urban or spirited driving.

• Fixed intervals (common in North America):

  • Often around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first.

  • For older or high-mileage A6s, some owners choose 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) as a precaution.

• Turbocharged and performance engines:

  • Benefit from more frequent oil changes due to higher thermal stress.

  • Many enthusiasts change oil every 5,000–7,500 miles even if the car’s indicator allows longer intervals.

• Severe driving conditions:

  • Short trips, heavy traffic, high ambient temperatures, or frequent towing justify shorter intervals.

Regardless of the official maximum interval, a conservative approach—using correct-spec oil and changing it somewhat more frequently than the absolute limit—is widely recognized as a cost-effective way to extend engine and turbocharger life.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

With so many standards and viscosity numbers on the market, it is easy to make errors that seem minor but can have long-term consequences for an Audi A6 engine. Being aware of these pitfalls helps owners protect their cars’ reliability and value.

Frequent Oil-Related Errors with Audi A6 Models

The items below summarize some of the most common oil mistakes A6 owners and shops make and why they are problematic.

• Using generic synthetic oil without VW approval:

  • Even high-quality synthetics may lack the low-ash or high-temperature stability required by VW specifications.

  • This can harm DPFs, catalytic converters, or lead to sludge in turbochargers.

• Ignoring the owner’s manual in favor of online guesses:

  • Different model years and engines can require different specs; what’s correct for a friend’s A6 might be wrong for yours.

• Mixing incompatible oils:

  • Topping up with a non-approved oil can dilute the additive package and compromise VW-spec performance.

  • In emergencies, topping up is better than running low, but a full change should follow soon after.

• Running extended intervals on non-LongLife oil:

  • Stretching change intervals when not using approved LongLife formulations increases the risk of varnish, sludge, and wear.

• Neglecting the oil filter:

  • Replacing only the oil but not the filter undermines the benefits of fresh oil and can recirculate contaminants.

By avoiding these pitfalls and always cross-checking the VW approval codes and intervals, Audi A6 owners can significantly reduce the risk of costly engine repairs tied to lubrication issues.

Summary

An Audi A6 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets the specific VW/Audi standards stated in its owner’s manual—most often VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 502 00—in a viscosity such as 5W-30 or 0W-30, with some newer engines moving toward 0W-20 under VW 508 00 / 509 00. The exact requirement depends on your A6’s model year, engine, and region, and is usually printed on the oil-filler cap or engine-bay label.

For C6 and many C7 A6 models, VW 502 00 (often 5W-30 or 5W-40) is common for gasoline engines, while VW 507 00 (5W-30) typically serves diesel engines with particulate filters. Later C7 and C8 models increasingly rely on VW 504 00/507 00 and, for some latest-generation powertrains, ultra-low-viscosity oils carrying VW 508 00/509 00. Choosing any reputable brand is acceptable as long as the bottle explicitly lists the correct VW approval and recommended viscosity.

Owners are best served by confirming the required VW standard and viscosity in their manual, matching that on the oil container, and observing sensible service intervals—often 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or less, and even shorter in demanding driving or on performance variants. Avoiding non-approved oils, overlong intervals, and mixed formulations helps keep an Audi A6’s engine, turbo, and emissions systems reliable for the long term.

What oil does a 2014 Audi A6 3.0 T take?

7 liters 5W-40 Audi A6 motor oil, oil filter, and hardware for 2009-2015 3.0 Supercharged applications.

Can I use 5W-30 for Audi?

For most A4 engines, SAE 5W-40 grade motor oils are suitable, offering excellent protection in various temperatures. If this isn’t available, SAE 5W-30 or another motor oil with an alternative viscosity can be used as long as it adheres to Audi’s oil-quality standards.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Audi A6 take?

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

What kind of oil does a 2016 Audi A6 take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-40.