What Oil Does a 2016 Audi A5 Take?

The 2016 Audi A5 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW 502 00 (for gasoline) or VW 507 00 (for most diesels) specifications, typically in a 5W-40 or 5W-30 viscosity, but the exact choice depends on the engine variant and regional climate. Understanding which oil is correct is crucial to protect the engine, maintain performance, and keep the factory-style lubrication standards Audi designed for this model.

Why the Correct Oil Matters for the 2016 Audi A5

The 2016 Audi A5 is a premium coupe and cabriolet built around tightly engineered turbocharged engines that run hot and demand specific oil standards. Using the wrong oil specification or viscosity can lead to increased wear, deposits, turbocharger issues, and in some cases warranty disputes or premature engine damage. Audi and Volkswagen Group therefore specify not just viscosity (like 5W-40) but also strict manufacturer standards (such as VW 502 00 or VW 507 00) that any suitable oil must meet or exceed.

Key Oil Specifications for the 2016 Audi A5

To choose the correct oil for a 2016 Audi A5, you need to consider two things: the VW/Audi oil specification and the viscosity grade. Both need to be correct for the engine to be properly protected under different operating conditions.

VW/Audi Oil Specifications

The most critical requirement for any oil used in a 2016 Audi A5 is that it meets the correct VW (Volkswagen Group) specification. This standard reflects how the oil behaves under heat, load, and long-drain intervals in these engines.

Below is an overview of the most common VW oil specifications relevant to the 2016 Audi A5 lineup and how they apply:

• VW 502 00: Primary spec for most 2016 A5 gasoline (petrol) engines, including the 2.0 TFSI in many markets. Designed for high-performance, turbocharged engines and conventional service intervals.
• VW 504 00: Long-life gasoline spec sometimes used in extended service interval regimes in certain regions (mainly Europe), paired with flexible service intervals; less common in North America but may appear in some manuals.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01: Older diesel specifications; may appear in documentation for earlier generations, but for a 2016 A5, VW 507 00 is generally preferred for most modern TDI engines.
• VW 507 00: Low-ash, long-life spec primarily for modern diesel engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF). This is typically the standard for 2016 A5 diesel variants in markets where they were sold.
• Backward compatibility: VW 504 00/507 00 oils are often backward-compatible with 502 00/505 00 in many cases, but you should always check the label and your owner’s manual or dealer guidance before relying on compatibility claims.

In practice, for most 2016 Audi A5 owners, seeing “VW 502 00” (for gasoline) or “VW 507 00” (for diesel with DPF) on the oil container is the most important confirmation that the oil meets Audi’s engineering requirements.

Typical Viscosity Grades (5W-40, 5W-30, etc.)

Once you’ve confirmed the correct VW specification, the next step is choosing the right viscosity. This determines how the oil flows in cold starts and high-temperature operation.

The following are the most commonly recommended viscosity grades for the 2016 Audi A5, depending on engine and climate:

• 5W-40 (VW 502 00 for gasoline): A very common recommendation for 2.0 TFSI engines in many regions, especially where ambient temperatures range from cold winters to warm summers. It provides strong high-temperature protection while still flowing reasonably well when cold.
• 5W-30 (VW 507 00 for diesel): Typical for A5 diesel models with DPF systems. This low-SAPS (low-ash) oil protects emissions equipment while handling high soot and heat levels in modern TDIs.
• 0W-40 or 0W-30 (502 00/504 00/507 00 where allowed): Sometimes used in very cold climates to improve cold-start lubrication, as long as the oil also meets the correct VW spec listed in the owner’s manual.
• Regional variation: In hotter regions, 5W-40 may be favored; in very cold regions, Audi may indicate that 0W-30 or 0W-40 is acceptable, again provided the VW spec is correct.

The owner’s manual typically shows an oil viscosity chart keyed to local climate; that chart should be treated as the final word when there is any doubt.

Engine Variants and Their Likely Oil Requirements

The exact engine in your 2016 Audi A5 determines which VW specification and viscosity are recommended. Audi sold different engines in various markets (North America, Europe, etc.), so it is important to identify your specific engine code or at least whether it is gasoline or diesel.

Gasoline Engines (2.0 TFSI and Others)

For most gasoline-powered 2016 Audi A5 models—including the widely used 2.0 TFSI—the standard recommendation in many markets is fully synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00.

Key points for gasoline engines in 2016 A5 models include:

• Common spec: VW 502 00 fully synthetic oil.
• Typical viscosity: 5W-40 in many markets; 5W-30 or 0W-40 may also be allowed depending on climate and manual guidance.
• High-performance versions: If you have an S5 (3.0 TFSI), which shares some platform characteristics but is a distinct model, it usually also calls for VW 502 00, often 5W-40. Owners should follow the S5-specific manual.
• Service intervals: Audi commonly recommends around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months in North America, but in some regions “LongLife” flexible intervals are used with 504 00/507 00 oils.

Because gasoline A5s are heavily turbocharged, maintaining oil that consistently meets 502 00 is essential to protect the turbocharger, reduce sludge, and control deposits in high-temperature areas.

Diesel Engines (TDI Variants)

In regions where the 2016 Audi A5 was offered with diesel engines (such as 2.0 TDI), the recommended oils typically meet VW 507 00, designed for engines equipped with diesel particulate filters.

For diesel-powered 2016 A5 models, consider the following:

• Primary spec: VW 507 00, low-ash, fully synthetic oil.
• Common viscosity: 5W-30 is the standard pairing with VW 507 00 for most climates.
• DPF protection: 507 00 is specifically formulated to limit ash formation, helping protect and prolong the life of the DPF.
• Extended intervals: Many European-market TDIs with flexible service intervals rely on VW 507 00 for long-drain operation (often up to 30,000 km / ~18,000 miles under ideal conditions).

Using non-507 00 oil in a TDI with DPF risks both emissions-system damage and potential compliance issues, making it critical to match the specification exactly.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Car

Because engine options and regional recommendations vary, the definitive source of information for your individual 2016 Audi A5 is the car’s own documentation and identification.

Check Your Owner’s Manual and Under-Hood Labels

Audi provides explicit lubrication guidance in the documentation supplied with the vehicle. This information is tailored to your engine and market.

Use the following steps to verify the correct oil:

1. Read the owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine oil” or “Fluids and capacities” section for the exact VW specification and acceptable viscosity ranges.
2. Check the service booklet: In some markets, the maintenance booklet lists the oil spec used by the dealer and recommended change intervals.
3. Inspect the oil fill cap: Many 2016 A5 models have the oil standard (e.g., “VW 502 00”) printed or molded on the cap or a nearby label.
4. Look for under-hood stickers: Some cars include a decal in the engine bay or near the radiator support indicating approved oil specs.
5. Confirm with VIN at an Audi dealer: If anything is unclear, a dealer can pull your exact engine code and official oil spec from Audi’s system using the Vehicle Identification Number.

Following these steps ensures you’re not relying solely on generic charts or online advice, which can sometimes mix up different model years and engine variants.

Recommended Brands and How to Read the Label

Multiple oil brands make products that comply with Audi’s requirements; the critical factor is that the bottle explicitly states it meets the correct VW specification.

Recognizing Compliant Oils

When you’re standing in front of the shelf or browsing online, it’s essential to know how to identify the right oil based on its labeling rather than just brand reputation.

When selecting oil for a 2016 Audi A5, pay attention to these label details:

• VW specification line: The back (and sometimes front) label should clearly state something like “Meets or exceeds VW 502 00” or “Approved VW 507 00.” This is more important than generic marketing phrases like “European formula.”
• Viscosity grade: Confirm the weight (e.g., 5W-40 or 5W-30) matches what your manual lists for your climate and engine type.
• Full synthetic: The 2016 A5 engines are designed around fully synthetic oils; ensure the label clearly states “full synthetic” or equivalent terminology.
• Approvals vs. claims: “VW approval 502 00” is stronger than just “suitable for” 502 00. If possible, choose oils with explicit manufacturer approval numbers.
• Low-SAPS note for diesel: VW 507 00 oils may mention “low-SAPS” or “low ash,” confirming suitability for DPF-equipped diesels.

Well-known brands—such as Castrol, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Shell, Total, and others—offer VW 502 00 and VW 507 00 oils, but the actual printed VW spec on the bottle is the deciding factor, not the brand name alone.

Oil Capacity and Change Intervals

Apart from specification and viscosity, it’s important to know how much oil your engine needs and how often it should be changed to keep the 2016 Audi A5 running reliably.

Approximate Oil Capacity

The exact oil fill quantity can vary slightly by engine code and whether you’re changing the filter, but there are general ranges.

Typical oil capacities for 2016 Audi A5 engines are approximately:

• 2.0 TFSI (gasoline): Roughly 4.6–5.0 liters (about 4.9–5.3 US quarts) with filter change, depending on specific engine code.
• 2.0 TDI (diesel): Often around 4.3–4.7 liters (about 4.5–5.0 US quarts) with filter, but this can vary slightly.
• Other variants: Higher-displacement engines (such as the 3.0 TFSI in the S5) hold more oil—commonly in the 6–7 liter range.

The exact capacity for your engine is printed in the owner’s manual and is what you should rely on; always fill gradually and check the dipstick and/or MMI level display rather than dumping in the maximum listed amount all at once.

Recommended Change Intervals

Service intervals for the 2016 Audi A5 depend on market, driving conditions, and whether your car is on a fixed or flexible interval schedule.

Key points about oil change intervals include:

1. Fixed intervals (common in North America): Typically every 10,000 miles (about 16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, when using approved synthetic oil.
2. Flexible/LongLife intervals (common in parts of Europe): With VW 504 00/507 00 oils, intervals can extend up to around 30,000 km or 2 years under ideal conditions, with the car’s service reminder adjusting based on driving style.
3. Severe use conditions: Frequent short trips, heavy city traffic, extreme temperatures, or spirited driving can justify shorter intervals—sometimes 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km).
4. Dealer vs. independent shop: Any shop can service the car as long as they use oil that meets the correct VW spec and reset the service indicators properly.

Erring on the side of slightly more frequent oil changes—while always using the correct specification—can help keep turbochargers, chains, and internal components cleaner over the life of the vehicle.

What to Avoid When Choosing Oil for a 2016 Audi A5

While many oils will physically fit and work in the short term, some choices can shorten engine or emissions-system life.

Common Mistakes and Misconceptions

Drivers sometimes assume that any high-quality synthetic oil is acceptable, but modern Audi engines are more demanding than that.

These are some pitfalls to avoid when selecting oil for your 2016 A5:

• Ignoring the VW specification: A top-tier synthetic that lacks VW 502 00 or 507 00 approval can still be wrong for your engine, regardless of price or brand.
• Choosing viscosity only by habit: Using 10W-40 or 10W-30 simply because it worked on older cars can hurt cold-start lubrication and may not match Audi’s design assumptions.
• Using non-507 00 oil in a DPF diesel: This can increase ash buildup, forcing early DPF replacement and potentially causing emissions-system faults.
• Mixing random oils: Topping up with oil that doesn’t meet the same VW spec or even the same viscosity can gradually degrade overall oil performance.
• Overfilling: Pouring in more than the specified capacity (or not checking the dipstick/MMI) can lead to foaming, increased crankcase pressure, and leaks.

A careful check of the bottle’s VW spec line, combined with the guidance in your owner’s manual, is the best defense against these common errors.

Summary

The 2016 Audi A5 is engineered to run on fully synthetic oil that meets strict VW specifications, with VW 502 00 typically required for gasoline engines and VW 507 00 for most diesel variants equipped with DPF. In many markets, this translates to a 5W-40 synthetic (502 00) for the 2.0 TFSI and a 5W-30 synthetic (507 00) for TDI engines, with alternative viscosities like 0W-30 or 0W-40 allowed in certain climates as long as the VW spec is correct.

To ensure optimal engine protection and performance, owners should always verify the exact specification and viscosity in the owner’s manual, on the oil cap or engine-bay labels, and—when in doubt—by checking with an Audi dealer using the VIN. Matching both the VW spec and the recommended viscosity, changing oil at the prescribed intervals, and avoiding non-approved products will help the 2016 Audi A5’s engine and turbocharger deliver reliable service over the long term.

Can I put 5W-30 in my Audi A5?

A5 2.0 TFSI engines may experience higher oil consumption and occasional oil leaks around seals. The Audi A5 2.0 TFSI requires synthetic 5W-30 oil meeting VW 502 00/505 00 standards.

What oil does the Audi A5 use?

The recommended oil for an Audi A5 is typically a full synthetic 5W-40 or 5W-30 oil that meets Audi’s specifications, such as VW 502 00. However, it’s essential to verify the specific requirements in your owner’s manual or by using the vehicle’s on-board computer system, as the exact type can vary by model year and engine. 
Key details

• Viscosity: The most common recommendations are 5W-40 or 5W-30. 
• Type: Use a full synthetic engine oil. 
• Specifications: Ensure the oil meets the required Audi/Volkswagen specification, such as VW 502 00, which is often listed on the oil cap or in the owner’s manual. 
• How to check:
  • Consult your owner’s manual. 
  • Use the vehicle’s on-board computer system, which can often provide specific information for your car. 
  • Check the oil cap for the recommended viscosity and specification. 

What kind of oil does a 2016 Audi A5 take?

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

What kind of oil does a 2016 Audi take?

Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-40 1 Quart.