What Oil Does a 2016 Audi Take?

A 2016 Audi typically requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets VW/Audi specification VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 (for gasoline engines) or VW 507 00 (for most diesel engines), most commonly in 0W‑40, 5W‑40, or 5W‑30 viscosity depending on engine and climate. The exact oil type depends on the specific model and engine code, so owners should match both the viscosity and VW spec listed in the owner’s manual or on the oil-filler cap.

Why the Exact Oil Specification Matters

The question “What oil does a 2016 Audi take?” sounds simple, but for modern German vehicles it is more about oil specification than brand. Audi engines are engineered for long service intervals, high performance, and strict emissions rules, and they rely on oils that meet particular Volkswagen Group (VW) standards—identified by numbers such as VW 502 00, 504 00, and 507 00—rather than just generic “full synthetic” labels or viscosity alone.

Key Audi/VW Oil Specifications for 2016 Models

Audi and its parent company Volkswagen define their own oil performance standards. These specifications ensure that the oil can handle extended drain intervals, turbocharger temperatures, and emission-control system requirements.

• VW 502 00 – High‑performance gasoline engines; widely used for many 2016 Audi gasoline models in North America, especially with fixed/regular service intervals.
• VW 504 00 – Long-life gasoline specification, generally used with flexible/long-life service intervals, more common in Europe; low‑ash formulation compatible with modern emissions systems.
• VW 505 01 / 507 00 – Diesel specifications; VW 507 00 is the newer low‑ash “long-life” standard for most modern TDI engines with diesel particulate filters (DPF).
• Audi LongLife service – In many European markets, Audi pairs VW 504 00/507 00 oils with variable oil‑change intervals controlled by the car’s service indicator.

Choosing oil that carries the correct VW spec on the label—rather than one that is merely “recommended for European cars”—is essential to maintain warranty coverage, protect the engine, and ensure emissions equipment longevity.

Typical Oil Requirements by 2016 Audi Model and Engine

Although the safest source is always the specific owner’s manual, many 2016 Audi models follow common patterns in both oil spec and viscosity grade depending on whether they are gasoline or diesel and on regional recommendations.

2016 Audi Gasoline Engines

Most 2016 Audi gasoline engines specify a VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 oil. In North America, 502 00 is most commonly listed, usually in a 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 viscosity.

The following list summarizes the general oil needs for popular 2016 gasoline models (North American market, typical guidance):

• A3 1.8T / 2.0T (EA888 turbo‑four) – Full synthetic, VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where specified), typically 5W‑40 or 0W‑40.
• A4 / A5 2.0T – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, viscosity often 5W‑40 or 0W‑40.
• A6 2.0T and 3.0T V6 – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, typically 5W‑40 or 0W‑40; some manuals allow 5W‑30 meeting 502 00/504 00 in certain climates.
• A7 3.0T – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, usually 5W‑40 or 0W‑40.
• A8 3.0T / 4.0T – Full synthetic, VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where indicated), most commonly 0W‑40 or 5W‑40.
• Q3 2.0T – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, 5W‑40 or 0W‑40.
• Q5 2.0T / 3.0T – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, 5W‑40 or 0W‑40.
• Q7 gasoline engines – Full synthetic, VW 502 00, with viscosities such as 5W‑40 or 0W‑40 depending on climate.
• S and RS models (S3, S4, S5, S6, S7, RS variants) – High‑performance full synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00 (or 504 00 where specified), frequently 0W‑40 or 5W‑40, designed for turbocharged and high‑load use.

While these guidelines cover typical combinations, the exact viscosity that Audi officially approves can vary with engine code and regional climate charts, so the manual or under-hood labels remain the definitive sources.

2016 Audi Diesel Engines (TDI)

For 2016 diesel models—where offered—Audi typically specifies low‑ash oils designed to protect diesel particulate filters, usually under the VW 507 00 standard.

The following list outlines common oil specifications for 2016 TDI engines:

• A3 TDI – Full synthetic diesel oil meeting VW 507 00, most commonly 5W‑30.
• A6 TDI – VW 507 00 low‑ash oil, frequently 5W‑30.
• A7 TDI – VW 507 00, typically 5W‑30.
• A8 TDI – VW 507 00, low‑ash full synthetic, 5W‑30.
• Q5 TDI – VW 507 00 5W‑30.
• Q7 TDI – VW 507 00, usually 5W‑30.

Using a non‑507 00 oil in a TDI with a DPF can shorten the life of emissions components and potentially conflict with manufacturer requirements, making adherence to the VW 507 00 specification especially important on these engines.

Viscosity Grades: 0W‑40 vs 5W‑40 vs 5W‑30

Beyond the VW spec, viscosity—how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures—plays a key role in protection and fuel economy. Audi supplies viscosity charts based on climate, but certain grades recur across most 2016 models.

The following list highlights common viscosity choices and how they are typically used:

• 0W‑40 – Excellent for colder climates; flows quickly at low temperatures while still protecting at high operating temps. Widely used in performance-oriented Audi engines.
• 5W‑40 – Common “all‑rounder” for many 2016 Audis; suitable for a broad range of climates and often the default in dealer bulk oil in North America.
• 5W‑30 – Frequently specified for VW 504 00/507 00 long‑life oils, especially in Europe and in diesel engines; slightly thinner at operating temperature, potentially aiding fuel economy.
• Other viscosities (0W‑30, 5W‑20, etc.) – May appear in manual climate charts for specific markets but are much less common as primary recommendations in 2016 Audi gasoline engines.

Whatever viscosity you choose must still carry the correct VW approval; a 5W‑40 without VW 502 00 is not an adequate substitute for a 502‑approved 5W‑40, even if the numbers match.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2016 Audi

Because the 2016 lineup includes a wide range of body styles and engines, the most reliable way to confirm the correct oil is to use the vehicle‑specific documentation and identifiers.

The steps below show how owners can ensure they select the right oil for their exact car:

1. Check the owner’s manual – Look for the “Engine Oil” section; it will list the required VW specification (e.g., VW 502 00) and approved viscosity ranges based on climate.
2. Read the oil cap and under‑hood labels – Many 2016 Audis print the required spec directly on the oil‑filler cap or on an engine bay sticker.
3. Identify engine code/VIN – The engine code (e.g., “CPMB,” “CREC,” etc.) and VIN can be used by dealers or reputable parts catalogs to look up the exact oil requirement.
4. Use the Audi or VW digital service information – Dealers and some independent shops access factory databases listing oil specs by model and engine.
5. Confirm with a trusted Audi specialist – When in doubt, an independent shop experienced with VAG vehicles can verify the correct oil standard and viscosity.

Following these steps reduces the risk of relying on generic parts store recommendations, which may overlook the VW approval requirement and focus solely on viscosity or brand marketing.

Brands and Products That Commonly Meet Audi Specs

Many major oil manufacturers produce fully synthetic oils approved to VW 502 00, 504 00, or 507 00. The brand is less critical than the presence of the correct VW approval on the back label.

The list below provides examples of product lines (availability can vary by region) that often carry Audi/VW approvals:

• Castrol EDGE / EDGE Euro – Several 0W‑40, 5W‑40, and 5W‑30 variants with VW 502 00/504 00/507 00 approvals.
• Mobil 1 ESP and Mobil 1 FS (European Car Formula) – ESP 5W‑30 often meets VW 504 00/507 00; FS 0W‑40 commonly carries VW 502 00/505 00 approvals.
• Liqui Moly – “Top Tec” and “Leichtlauf” lines with explicit VW 502 00/504 00/507 00 approvals, widely used by German-car specialists.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro – Certain “Euro” formulations meet VW 502 00/504 00/507 00.
• OEM-branded Audi/VW oil – Sold at dealers, pre‑approved for the exact spec and often labeled with the VW standard on the bottle.

Regardless of brand, the critical step is to verify that the specific product lists the exact VW specification (e.g., “Approved VW 502 00”) rather than generic terms like “suitable for” or “meets requirements of” without formal approval.

Oil Change Intervals and Warranty Considerations

Oil type and change interval are linked: long-life oils such as those meeting VW 504 00/507 00 are designed for extended service, whereas others expect more frequent changes. For 2016 Audis, intervals may vary by market and by whether the car is set to “fixed” or “flexible” service.

The following outline summarizes how oil choice interacts with maintenance and warranty expectations:

• Factory intervals – Commonly around 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year in North America; flexible/LongLife intervals up to ~18,000–20,000 miles in some European markets with 504/507 oils.
• Severe service – Frequent short trips, heavy traffic, or extreme temperatures may justify shorter intervals (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles), even when using approved oil.
• Warranty and goodwill repairs – Using oil that does not meet the required VW spec can complicate engine- or emissions-related warranty claims.
• Record keeping – Keeping receipts that show the oil spec and viscosity, plus mileage/date, helps demonstrate proper maintenance if issues arise later.

Adhering to both the specified oil and reasonable change intervals is one of the most effective ways to prevent sludge, timing chain wear, turbocharger issues, and premature component failures in a 2016 Audi.

Summary

A 2016 Audi is engineered to run on fully synthetic oil that meets specific Volkswagen Group standards rather than just any synthetic with a matching viscosity. Most gasoline engines from that model year call for oil approved to VW 502 00 (or, in some markets, VW 504 00), typically in 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 grades, while most diesel (TDI) engines require low‑ash oil meeting VW 507 00, usually in 5W‑30. The precise combination depends on the exact model, engine, and market, so the owner’s manual, oil‑cap markings, and engine labels remain the definitive references. Owners who match both the VW approval and the recommended viscosity—and keep to sensible service intervals—give their 2016 Audi the best chance of long, reliable service.