What Oil a 2019 Audi A6 3.0 Takes: Specifications, Brands and Maintenance Tips

The 2019 Audi A6 3.0 (3.0 TFSI V6) requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets the VW 508 00 / 509 00 specification, most commonly in a 0W-20 viscosity grade. Using oil with this exact VW approval is critical for protecting the engine, maintaining warranty compliance, and ensuring optimal performance and fuel economy.

Understanding the 2019 Audi A6 3.0 Engine and Its Oil Requirements

The 2019 Audi A6 3.0 sold in most markets is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 (3.0 TFSI), often paired with a mild-hybrid system. This modern, high-efficiency engine runs tight tolerances, advanced turbocharging, and extended service intervals, all of which demand very specific oil performance and chemistry, not just a generic “full synthetic.” As Audi and Volkswagen have transitioned to lower-viscosity oils to improve efficiency, their in-house VW/Audi oil standards matter more than the generic SAE weight printed on the bottle.

The Exact Oil Specification: VW 508 00 / 509 00

For the 2019 Audi A6 3.0, the critical requirement is that the oil must carry VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval. This specification goes beyond viscosity and sets strict rules for additive packages, ash content, volatility, and long-life performance. Oils that lack this approval may not provide adequate protection, especially over the extended service intervals Audi recommends.

Primary Specification

The following points outline the key characteristics of the required VW 508 00 / 509 00 oil and what they mean for A6 3.0 owners.

• VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval: This is the official Volkswagen Group standard for many modern gasoline and some diesel engines. It is sometimes labeled as “VW 508.00 / 509.00” on bottles.
• Low-viscosity, high-efficiency oil: Typically 0W-20, designed to reduce internal friction and improve fuel economy while still protecting under high temperature and load.
• Long-life formulation: Engineered to support extended service intervals when used with Audi’s service indicator system, resisting oxidation and breakdown over time.
• Low-SAPS (low ash) chemistry: Helps protect modern emissions systems, including catalytic converters and particulate filters in markets where relevant.
• Factory-fill alignment: Matches the type of oil Audi uses at the factory and in its dealer network for this engine generation.

Together, these characteristics ensure the oil performs as Audi intends, balancing protection, efficiency, and emissions-system compatibility for the 3.0 TFSI engine in the 2019 A6.

Recommended Viscosity: 0W-20

While the VW approval is non-negotiable, viscosity also matters. For the 2019 Audi A6 3.0, Audi’s current guidance is centered on a 0W-20 oil that meets the VW 508 00 / 509 00 standard.

Why Audi Uses 0W-20 in the A6 3.0

Modern engines like the 3.0 TFSI are engineered around specific oil behavior. These points explain why 0W-20 has become the default choice.

• Cold-start protection: The “0W” rating means the oil flows quickly at low temperatures, reducing wear during cold starts, which are among the harshest conditions for an engine.
• Fuel economy: Thinner oil at operating temperature reduces drag within the engine, contributing to better fuel efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions.
• Precision tolerances: The 3.0 TFSI uses tight clearances, variable valve timing, and high-pressure fuel systems, all calibrated with low-viscosity oil in mind.
• Thermal stability: Approved 0W-20 VW 508 00 oils are formulated to handle sustained highway speeds and turbocharged heat loads despite their low viscosity.

This combination of benefits helps explain why Audi specifies this oil type for the 2019 A6 3.0 instead of the thicker grades that were common in older engines.

Examples of Oils Meeting VW 508 00 / 509 00

Several major brands produce oils that carry the necessary VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval. It is essential to check the back label or technical data sheet, as many oils may say “for European cars” without actually meeting this specific standard.

Commonly Available Options

The following list highlights example products (availability can vary by region) that are formulated to meet VW 508 00 / 509 00 for the 2019 Audi A6 3.0.

• Volkswagen / Audi Genuine Oil 0W-20: Often sold at Audi dealers and branded as “VW 508 00 / 509 00” long-life oil; this is the default dealer-fill product.
• Castrol EDGE Professional LongLife IV FE 0W-20: A common partner oil for VW/Audi dealer networks in many markets, usually bearing explicit VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval.
• Mobil 1 ESP x2 0W-20 (where approved): In some markets, specific Mobil 1 formulations carry VW 508 00 / 509 00; always confirm on the label or datasheet.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 0W-20: A European-focused synthetic oil often marketed directly for vehicles requiring VW 508 00 / 509 00.
• Other regional brands: Some local or regional suppliers (e.g., Fuchs, Ravenol, Motul in certain product lines) offer oils with VW 508 00 / 509 00 approvals; the key is the exact spec on the label.

Any oil you choose should clearly state “VW 508 00 / 509 00” approval in its product documentation; if it only says “meets requirements of” or does not list the spec, it is safer to avoid it for this engine.

Checking Compatibility: Owner’s Manual and Oil Cap

Although the VW 508 00 / 509 00, 0W-20 combination is the standard recommendation, Audi sometimes updates guidance by market, climate, or running changes. Owners should verify with a few reliable sources on the car itself.

Where to Confirm the Correct Oil

To avoid any confusion, it is worth double-checking the official sources that apply specifically to your vehicle’s VIN, region, and equipment.

• Owner’s manual: The lubrication section lists the exact VW standard required and may give acceptable alternatives, if any, for certain conditions.
• Service booklet or digital manual: Some vehicles ship with separate maintenance documentation that reiterates the oil standard.
• Oil filler cap or under-hood label: In many modern Audi models, the oil spec or a reminder to use “VW 508 00” may be printed on or near the cap.
• Dealer or VIN-based service system: An Audi dealer can look up your car by VIN and confirm the recommended oil standard, particularly if there have been technical service bulletins.
• Technical service bulletins (TSBs): In rare cases, Audi may issue updated recommendations; service departments typically have access to this information.

Cross-referencing at least two of these sources helps ensure you are using the exact oil Audi intends for your specific 2019 A6 3.0 configuration.

Oil Change Intervals and Service Considerations

The type of oil is closely tied to the service schedule. The 2019 Audi A6 3.0 is generally set up for flexible or fixed service intervals, depending on market and how the car was configured when new.

Typical Service Intervals

The factors below explain how often you should expect to change the oil in a 2019 A6 3.0 when using the correct VW 508 00 / 509 00 oil.

• Flexible/long-life interval: In many regions, oil changes may be up to around 10,000–12,000 miles (approximately 15,000–20,000 km) or about 1 year, as indicated by the service reminder.
• Fixed interval (severe conditions): In harsher use (short trips, frequent cold starts, heavy city traffic), some owners or workshops prefer shorter intervals, often around 7,500–10,000 miles (12,000–15,000 km) or annually.
• Monitoring oil level: The car’s sensor may alert you if the oil level drops; topping up with the same VW 508 00 / 509 00 oil is important.
• Warranty and service history: Sticking to intervals and using approved oil is key for preserving warranty coverage and long-term resale value.

Regardless of the exact interval your Audi recommends, using the correct long-life oil is what allows those intervals to be safe for the engine.

Why You Should Not Substitute Older VW Oil Specs

Owners familiar with older Audi and VW models may remember standards like VW 502 00 or thicker oils such as 5W-30 or 5W-40. For the 2019 A6 3.0, substituting these can be problematic unless Audi explicitly allows them in specific conditions.

Risks of Using the Wrong Specification

The points below describe why an apparently “good quality” non-508 00 oil may still be unsuitable for this engine.

• Incorrect viscosity behavior: Oils designed for VW 502 00 or 504 00 might not provide the low-friction behavior expected by the 3.0 TFSI’s calibration.
• Potential warranty issues: In case of engine problems, using an oil without the required VW approval can complicate or jeopardize warranty claims.
• Long-term deposits and wear: Additive packages not tuned for this spec could contribute to deposits on turbochargers, timing components, or within the crankcase ventilation system.
• Emissions system compatibility: Incorrect SAPS levels or volatility may negatively affect catalytic converters and other emissions components over time.

Because of these risks, it is safer to treat the VW 508 00 / 509 00 requirement as mandatory, not a suggestion, for the 2019 A6 3.0 unless Audi documentation for your specific vehicle clearly provides an alternative.

Practical Tips for Owners Handling Their Own Oil Changes

Some A6 owners prefer to perform their own maintenance or supply their own oil to an independent shop. In these cases, preparation and documentation are key.

Best Practices When Choosing and Using Oil

The following steps help ensure a trouble-free oil change and clear documentation for the future.

• Verify the label: Check the rear of the oil container for “VW 508 00 / 509 00” in the official approvals list, not just “recommended for European cars.”
• Buy from reputable sources: Purchase from trusted retailers or directly from dealers to avoid counterfeit or mislabelled products.
• Match top-up oil: If you need to add oil between services, use the same brand and specification when possible, and never mix in non-approved grades.
• Keep receipts and product details: Retain proof of what oil was used, including part numbers, in case you need to demonstrate correct maintenance.
• Change the filter together with the oil: Use an OEM or high-quality equivalent oil filter designed for the 3.0 TFSI to ensure proper flow and filtration.

Following these practices not only protects the engine but also helps maintain a clear maintenance record, which can be valuable if issues arise or when selling the vehicle.

Summary

The 2019 Audi A6 3.0 (3.0 TFSI V6) is engineered to run on fully synthetic, low-viscosity oil that meets the VW 508 00 / 509 00 specification, almost always in a 0W-20 grade. This precise combination is critical for engine protection, fuel economy, and emissions-system health, and it underpins the extended service intervals Audi promotes. While several brands produce compliant oils, the single most important step for owners is to confirm that “VW 508 00 / 509 00” appears explicitly in the product’s official approvals and to pair that oil with sensible service intervals and proper documentation.

What oil should I put in my Audi A6?

The required Audi A6 oil type varies by model year, but it’s often a full synthetic oil with specific viscosity grades like 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40. Always check your owner’s manual for the specific viscosity grade and the required oil quality specification, such as VW 508.00, VW 504.00, or VW 502.00. 
By model year and engine

• 2019-2023 models (3.0L Turbocharged): Full synthetic 0W-20 is often required, meeting the VW 508.00 & 509.00 standard. 
• 2017-2018 models (3.0L Supercharged): May require a full synthetic 5W-40 that meets VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 standards. 
• 2010-2016 models (3.0L Supercharged): Full synthetic 5W-40 is a common requirement, meeting the VW 502 00 standard. 
• Older models (2002-2004, 3.0L 30V): Typically use a full synthetic 5W-40 that meets the VW 502 00 oil specification. 

General recommendations

• Always confirm with your owner’s manual: The most accurate information will be in your owner’s manual for your specific vehicle. 
• Choose a full synthetic oil: For many Audi A6 models, a high-quality full synthetic oil is recommended or required for optimal engine protection. 
• Consider climate: If the specified oil isn’t available, choose a viscosity grade suitable for your local climate and operating conditions. 
• Look for the oil quality specification: The VW quality standard (like 508.00, 504.00, or 502.00) is crucial, not just the viscosity grade. 

What oil does an Audi A6 3.0 take?

Castrol – EDGE Euro 5W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart (Part No. 15B6FE)

How many quarts of oil does a 2019 Audi A6 take?

A 2019 Audi A6 takes different amounts of oil depending on the engine: the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine requires approximately 5.5 quarts, while the 3.0L V6 turbocharged engine takes around 8 quarts. Always verify the specific capacity for your engine before adding oil. 
2.0L 4-Cylinder Engine

• Oil capacity: Approximately 5.5 quarts with a filter change. 
• Recommended oil: 0W-20 full synthetic, meeting the specific Audi/Volkswagen oil quality standards. 

3.0L V6 Turbocharged Engine 

• Oil capacity: Approximately 8 quarts (or 7.6 liters). 
• Recommended oil: 0W-20 full synthetic, with the VW 508 00 specification. 

What oil does a 2019 Audi A6 3.0 T take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 0W-20.