What Kind of Oil Does My 2014 Audi A6 Take?

Your 2014 Audi A6 typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets the Volkswagen/Audi specification VW 502 00 or VW 504 00, with the most common viscosity being 5W-40 or 5W-30, depending on engine type and climate. To protect the engine, maintain warranty compliance, and ensure performance, it is important to match both the viscosity grade and the official VW/Audi oil specification, not just one or the other.

Understanding the Correct Oil for a 2014 Audi A6

The 2014 Audi A6 was sold with several different engines (gasoline and diesel in some markets), and while many use similar oil specs, the precise requirement depends on your engine code, fuel type, and region. Audi and its parent company Volkswagen define mandatory standards for oil—identified by “VW 502 00,” “VW 504 00,” and related codes—which are more important than brand names alone.

Main Oil Specifications for the 2014 Audi A6

The most important factor when choosing oil for your 2014 Audi A6 is compliance with official VW/Audi specifications, which are designed for turbocharged, high-efficiency engines and long service intervals.

• VW 502 00 – Common for many gasoline (petrol) engines in the 2014 A6; suitable for normal and spirited driving, including turbocharged engines.
• VW 504 00 – Typically used for newer long-life service intervals and some direct-injection gasoline engines; often paired with low-ash formulas for cleaner emissions systems.
• VW 505 00 / 507 00 – Diesel specifications (where applicable); 507 00 is a low-ash, “longlife” diesel spec for engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF).

By matching your oil to one of these VW specifications as listed in your owner’s manual or under-hood service label, you ensure the chemistry is compatible with your engine’s design, turbo system, and emission controls.

Typical Viscosity Grades for a 2014 Audi A6

Viscosity describes how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. For the 2014 Audi A6, the most commonly recommended viscosities are designed to offer good flow on cold starts while maintaining protection at highway speeds and high temperatures.

• 5W-40 – A very common choice for many 2.0 TFSI and 3.0T gasoline engines in moderate to warm climates, especially in North America and Europe, provided the oil also meets VW 502 00.
• 5W-30 – Often used in markets and engines that require VW 504 00 or VW 507 00 “longlife” oils; also common in colder climates, offering easier cold starts.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30 – May be suitable for very cold climates if they still meet the appropriate VW spec; these flow more quickly at low temperatures.

While the viscosity range is somewhat flexible within Audi’s approved chart, you should always ensure the oil’s label lists the correct VW specification first, then choose the weight (5W-40 vs 5W-30) that matches your manual and local climate.

How to Confirm the Exact Oil for Your Specific A6

Because the “correct” oil can vary slightly between different engines and markets, your car’s identification details and documentation are the most reliable sources for a precise answer.

1. Check the Owner’s Manual: The lubrication section will specify the VW oil standard and allowed viscosity grades based on temperature ranges.
2. Look Under the Hood or in the Trunk: Some cars have a service sticker or cap labeling (e.g., “Use VW 502 00 approved oil only”).
3. Identify Your Engine: The 2014 A6 came with engines such as the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI (supercharged V6), and various diesels (e.g., 2.0 TDI, 3.0 TDI in some regions). The engine code (printed on a label in the service book or under the trunk carpet) allows a dealer or trusted shop to specify the exact oil.
4. Consult the Dealer or Official Audi Service Site: Using your VIN, they can pull factory records and confirm the correct VW oil spec and service interval for your configuration.
5. Cross-Check with Major Oil Brands: Many oil companies have online selectors (e.g., Castrol, Mobil, Shell, Liqui Moly) where you enter “2014 Audi A6” and your engine; they will list products that officially meet VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00.

Confirming using these sources ensures you are not relying solely on generic recommendations and that you are aligned with Audi’s factory standards for your exact model and engine.

Recommended Types and Brands (Examples)

Many well-known brands produce oils that meet Audi/VW requirements. Brand is less important than the presence of the correct VW approval printed on the bottle.

• Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (VW 502 00/505 00) – Commonly used in many Audi gasoline engines that call for VW 502 00.
• Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 (VW 504 00/507 00) – Popular low-ash oil suitable for some gasoline and diesel engines requiring longlife or DPF-friendly formulations.
• Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV 5W-30 – Variants are formulated specifically for VW/Audi with VW 504 00/507 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30 – A German-made oil widely used in VAG vehicles that require VW 504 00/507 00.

When selecting any brand, always read the back label for explicit phrases like “Meets or exceeds VW 502 00” or “Approved VW 504 00/507 00” rather than relying on general “European formula” marketing terms.

Oil Change Interval Considerations

The correct oil is only part of the equation; how often you change it matters for engine longevity, especially in turbocharged Audi engines.

• Standard/Fixed Intervals: In many regions, Audi recommends oil changes around every 10,000 miles (approximately 16,000 km) or once a year, whichever comes first, when using an approved synthetic oil.
• Longlife/Variable Intervals: Some 2014 A6 models in Europe and other markets are set up for variable intervals, potentially extending beyond 10,000 miles, but this assumes perfect conditions and strict use of VW 504 00/507 00 “longlife” oils.
• Severe Use Conditions: If you do many short trips, lots of city driving, or drive in very hot or cold climates, a more conservative interval (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km) is often better, even with approved oil.

Keeping to conservative change intervals and monitoring oil level between services can significantly reduce wear on timing chains, turbochargers, and direct-injection components common in the 2014 A6.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Oil?

Using oil that does not meet the required VW spec or has an unsuitable viscosity can cause both short-term and long-term issues that are often expensive to fix in Audi engines.

• Increased Wear and Deposits: Non-approved oil may lack the detergents and stability required for turbocharged, high-heat conditions, leading to sludge or varnish.
• Trouble with Turbochargers: Incorrect oil can overheat or break down in turbo bearings, increasing the risk of turbo failure.
• Emissions System Problems: For engines with particulate filters or sensitive catalytic converters, the wrong additive package can clog or damage these components.
• Warranty/Goodwill Issues: If major engine failure occurs and oil choice is suspect, it may complicate any goodwill assistance from the manufacturer or dealer, even if the formal warranty period has ended.

While a single short top-up of non-approved oil in an emergency is unlikely to be catastrophic, routinely using the wrong type is a real risk to the long-term health of your Audi A6’s engine and emissions systems.

How to Phrase It at the Shop or Store

To avoid confusion at a parts store or independent shop, it helps to be precise about what you need, not just say “synthetic 5W-40.”

1. State the car clearly: “2014 Audi A6, [gasoline/diesel], [engine size if known].”
2. Add the requirement: “I need a fully synthetic oil that is VW 502 00 approved” (or 504 00 / 507 00, as your manual specifies).
3. Mention preferred viscosity: “In a 5W-40” or “in a 5W-30” according to your manual and climate.
4. Ask to see the bottle label to confirm the VW spec before purchase.

Using this kind of specific language reduces the chance of being sold a generic “European” oil that may be close but not officially approved for your particular Audi requirements.

Bottom Line for a 2014 Audi A6

For most 2014 Audi A6 gasoline models, a fully synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 oil that explicitly meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 is the correct choice; for diesel variants, look for oils that meet VW 505 00 or 507 00. Always confirm the exact spec listed in your owner’s manual or via your VIN.

Summary

A 2014 Audi A6 requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets specific VW/Audi approvals—typically VW 502 00 or 504 00 for gasoline engines and VW 505 00 or 507 00 for diesels, with 5W-40 or 5W-30 as the most common viscosities. The VW specification on the label is more critical than the brand name, and the exact combination depends on your engine, market, and climate. Checking your owner’s manual, VIN-based dealer information, or under-hood labels ensures you match both the viscosity and the VW approval, supporting engine performance, reliability, and emissions system health over the long term.

What oil is best for Audi A6?

Best Oil Brands for Audi Engines

1. Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 (VW 504 00/507 00 Approved) Protects turbocharged engines from sludge buildup.
2. Castrol EDGE 5W-40 (VW 502 00 Approved)
3. Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 (VW 502 00/505 00 Approved)
4. Motul Specific 504 00/507 00 5W-30.

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.

How much oil does a 2014 Audi A6 2.0 T take?

4.9 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level. Torque: 22 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug) Replace drain plug with new drain plug after each removal.

What oil do I put in my 2014 Audi A6?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30 1 Quart.