What Oil Does a 2014 Audi A6 3.0T Take?
The 2014 Audi A6 3.0T requires a fully synthetic engine oil that meets Audi/VW specification VW 502 00, in viscosity grades such as 5W-40 or 5W-30, with 5W-40 being the most commonly recommended for the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 in North America. This choice ensures proper lubrication, performance, and engine longevity, provided the oil also carries the correct approvals from a reputable brand.
Contents
Understanding the Engine and Its Oil Requirements
The 2014 Audi A6 3.0T uses a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine (often referred to as the 3.0 TFSI). Because it is a high-performance, direct-injection engine, it is sensitive to oil quality and specification. Audi does not just recommend generic synthetic oil; it specifies oils that meet particular factory standards designed to handle high temperatures, turbo/supercharger loads, and long drain intervals.
The Key Specification: VW 502 00
The most critical requirement when choosing oil for a 2014 Audi A6 3.0T is that it must meet the VW 502 00 standard (sometimes written as VW 502.00). This is the official Volkswagen Group approval for high-performance gasoline engines like the 3.0 TFSI, and it governs detergency, resistance to breakdown, and protection under high stress.
Recommended Oil Spec and Viscosity
The factory guidance is to use a fully synthetic oil that meets VW 502 00. In most markets, this is paired with a viscosity grade of 5W-40, though 5W-30 may also be acceptable if it still meets the same VW 502 00 standard and local climate conditions support it.
Common Viscosity Grades for the 2014 Audi A6 3.0T
Choosing the correct viscosity grade is about balancing cold-start protection, fuel economy, and high-temperature protection. For the 2014 A6 3.0T, Audi-authorized oils are generally in a narrow band of viscosities suited to this engine.
The following list outlines the main viscosity grades typically used in a 2014 Audi A6 3.0T, assuming they meet VW 502 00:
- 5W-40 (most common) – Widely recommended for the 3.0T in North America; offers robust high-temperature protection and is suitable for a broad range of climates.
- 5W-30 – Sometimes used in moderate climates if it carries VW 502 00 approval; can offer marginally better fuel economy but may provide slightly less film strength at very high temperatures compared with 5W-40.
In practice, many Audi dealers and independent German-car specialists favor 5W-40 VW 502 00 oils for the 3.0T due to their strong high-temperature performance and compatibility with spirited driving and highway use.
Approved Oil Brands and Product Examples
While Audi does not insist on a specific brand, it does require that the oil used meets the VW 502 00 specification. Many major oil manufacturers produce products that comply with this standard, giving owners flexibility when purchasing oil for topping off or oil changes.
The following list gives examples of fully synthetic oils commonly used in 2014 Audi A6 3.0T engines, provided the bottle explicitly states VW 502 00 approval:
- Castrol EDGE 5W-40 or 5W-30 (European Formula / Euro Car variants) – Frequently recommended by Audi dealers; many versions are VW 502 00 approved.
- Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 (European Car Formula) – Often carries VW 502 00, 505 00, and Porsche approvals; widely available and popular among European car owners.
- Liqui Moly Top Tec or Synthoil series (commonly 5W-40) – German-made oils with specific VW 502 00-certified products tailored for VAG engines.
- Motul Specific or X-cess lines (5W-40) – Certain Motul oils are explicitly labeled with VW 502 00 approval and are marketed for German performance cars.
- Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro (5W-40 or 5W-30 Euro blends) – Select “Euro” formulas include VW 502 00 on the label and are suitable for VW/Audi gasoline engines.
Because formulations can change over time, it is important to confirm VW 502 00 (or higher compatible gasoline spec such as VW 504 00 if permitted in your manual) directly on the bottle or in the product data sheet before use, rather than relying solely on model-year charts or old recommendations.
Oil Capacity and Change Interval
In addition to using the right oil type and spec, knowing how much oil the engine takes and how often to change it is crucial for maintaining reliability and performance in a 2014 Audi A6 3.0T.
The following list summarizes typical capacity and service interval guidelines for this model, assuming normal operation and using factory-spec oil:
- Oil capacity: Approximately 6.6–7.0 quarts (about 6.3–6.6 liters) with filter change, depending on exact engine variant and residual oil; always check dipstick or MMI level after filling.
- Factory interval (USA/Europe): Often up to 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, under standard service conditions.
- Enthusiast/“severe service” practice: Many owners and independent specialists prefer 5,000–7,500 mile (8,000–12,000 km) intervals, especially for city-heavy driving, frequent short trips, or hard use, to reduce carbon buildup and wear.
- Monitor oil level: The 3.0T can consume small amounts of oil between changes; checking level periodically (via dipstick or MMI) and topping off with the same VW 502 00 oil is recommended.
While Audi’s official interval is based on its long-life service philosophy, more frequent changes with the correct oil are often considered inexpensive insurance for the longevity of a supercharged performance engine.
Climate and Driving Conditions
Local climate and driving style can influence whether you lean toward 5W-40 or 5W-30, as long as both meet VW 502 00. The 3.0T’s supercharger generates additional heat, which makes robust high-temperature protection particularly important.
The following list outlines how conditions might guide your choice, again always within the VW 502 00 framework:
- Hot climates / aggressive driving: 5W-40 VW 502 00 is generally preferred for stronger high-temperature protection and thicker oil film under load.
- Moderate climates / balanced driving: Either 5W-40 or 5W-30 VW 502 00 can be appropriate; many owners still default to 5W-40 for added margin.
- Very cold winters: 5W-30 VW 502 00 or even 0W-40 VW 502 00 (if officially approved for your region) can improve cold starts, though 5W-40 also performs well down to typical winter temperatures.
Ultimately, if you are unsure, following your regional Audi dealer’s recommendation and sticking with a well-known 5W-40 VW 502 00 oil is a safe and widely accepted choice for the 2014 A6 3.0T.
How to Confirm You’re Using the Right Oil
Because product names and packaging change, drivers should not rely solely on brand reputation or viscosity when selecting oil. The exact VW approval is the deciding factor.
The following list details steps to verify compatibility before putting any oil in your 2014 Audi A6 3.0T:
- Check your owner’s manual: Look for the engine oil specifications section; for the 3.0T, this will typically state VW 502 00 (or possibly 504 00 if long-life oil is specified in some regions).
- Read the oil label carefully: Confirm that “VW 502 00” (or the correct Audi/VW approval) appears explicitly, not just “recommended for European cars.”
- Review the product data sheet: Most manufacturers publish a technical data sheet (TDS) online listing all formal OEM approvals.
- Consult an Audi dealer or specialist: If uncertain, ask a dealer’s parts or service department which specific part number or oil they currently use for the 2014 A6 3.0T.
- Avoid non-approved oils: Even high-quality synthetics that lack VW 502 00 certification can be unsuitable and may jeopardize warranty coverage or long-term engine health.
By prioritizing the official VW 502 00 approval above marketing terms like “Euro,” “premium,” or “synthetic,” you greatly reduce the risk of lubrication issues in your Audi’s 3.0T engine.
Summary
The 2014 Audi A6 3.0T should be filled with fully synthetic engine oil that meets the Audi/VW VW 502 00 specification, with 5W-40 being the most widely recommended viscosity and 5W-30 acceptable where specified and appropriate for the climate. Reputable brands such as Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, Shell, and Pennzoil offer VW 502 00-approved oils suitable for this engine. With an oil capacity of roughly 6.6–7.0 quarts including the filter and recommended service intervals of up to 10,000 miles (or shorter by preference), maintaining strict adherence to VW 502 00 and regular level checks is key to preserving performance and longevity in the 3.0-liter supercharged V6.
What kind of oil does a 2014 Audi A6 take?
The 2014 Audi A6 requires a full synthetic oil with a viscosity of either 5W-40, 5W-30, 0W-40, or 0W-30. The specific oil must also meet the required Audi and Volkswagen oil quality standards, such as VW 502 00 for the gasoline engine or VW 507 00 for the 3.0L TDI diesel engine.
For gasoline engines
- Viscosity: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, or 5W-40
- Oil quality standard: VW 502 00 is generally recommended for most gasoline engines.
- Capacity: 4.9 quarts for the 2.0L engine with a filter, and 7.2 quarts for the 3.0L engine with a filter.
For 3.0L TDI diesel engines
- Viscosity: 5W-30
- Oil quality standard: VW 507 00 is required for the diesel engine.
- Capacity: 7.2 quarts with a filter.
Important considerations
- Always check your owner’s manual: to confirm the specific oil requirements for your engine.
- If an oil meeting the specific VW standard isn’t available in your area, you can use a viscosity grade suitable for your climate, but it must still meet the required quality standards.
What kind of oil does a 3.0 T take?
Audi 3.0T EA837 Engine Oil Change Kit – Rowe Oil SYNT RS HC-D 5W-40.
How much oil does a 2014 Audi A6 3.0 T take?
The oil capacity for a 2014 Audi A6 3.0T is approximately 7.2 quarts (7.0 liters) with a filter change. It is recommended to use a synthetic oil that meets the Audi/VW 502 00 oil quality standard, such as a 5W-40, 5W-30, or 0W-40 viscosity grade. Always check the oil level with the dipstick after refilling to ensure it is at the correct level.
- Engine oil capacity: Approximately 7.2 quarts (7.0 liters) with filter.
- Oil standard: Audi/VW 502 00.
- Recommended viscosity: 5W-40, 5W-30, or 0W-40 (all temps).
- Important: After filling, check the oil level with the dipstick to confirm the correct level, as capacity can vary slightly.
What oil does the Audi A6 3.0 T take?
The Audi A6 3.0T requires a full synthetic 5W-40 engine oil that meets Audi’s specific oil quality standards (like VW 502 00). The specific viscosity grade of 5W-40 is recommended for most climates, though a different viscosity may be suitable depending on the region and climate, as long as it meets the required VW specification.
- Viscosity: Full synthetic 5W-40 is the most common recommendation.
- Specification: The oil must meet a specific Audi/Volkswagen standard, most commonly VW 502 00 for this engine.
- Capacity: The oil capacity is approximately 7.2 quarts (about 6.9 liters) with a filter change, but it is important to check the dipstick after filling.


