What Oil Should You Put in Your Audi A6?

You should use fully synthetic engine oil that meets the official VW/Audi specification for your Audi A6—most commonly VW 504 00 / 507 00 for modern petrol and diesel engines—at the correct viscosity grade such as 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30, depending on your model year, engine code, and climate. Always confirm the exact spec and viscosity in your owner’s manual or via your VIN with a dealer.

Why Oil Choice Matters for Your Audi A6

The Audi A6 uses high-precision, turbocharged engines that run hot and rely on very specific oil chemistry. Using the wrong oil can cause premature wear, carbon buildup, timing-chain issues, turbocharger damage, and may void warranty coverage. Conversely, using the correct VW-approved oil keeps the engine cleaner, maintains performance, and supports long service intervals.

The Key Specification: VW 504 00 / 507 00 and Others

Audi doesn’t just care about viscosity like 5W-30; it requires oil that meets internal VW/Audi standards. These “VW specs” ensure the oil can handle long drain intervals, high temperatures, turbochargers, and emissions systems like particulate filters.

Main Oil Specs for Modern Audi A6 Models

The following list explains the most important VW oil specifications you’ll encounter on modern Audi A6 models and what they are typically used for.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – The current, widely used spec for most late-model A6 petrol and diesel engines in Europe and many other markets. Supports long-life (flexible) service intervals and is low-SAPS for emissions systems.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Newer spec often paired with ultra‑low viscosity oils (like 0W‑20) on the latest mild‑hybrid and high-efficiency engines. Not backward compatible with older designs unless explicitly allowed by Audi.
• VW 502 00 – Older petrol-engine spec commonly used on pre‑2013-ish A6 models or in markets where flexible (long-life) intervals are not used. Often seen on high‑quality 5W‑40 or 5W‑30 synthetic oils.
• VW 505 01 / 505 00 / 506 01 – Diesel specs that applied to older TDI engines, especially those with unit injectors (PD). Less common on recent A6 generations but still relevant for older cars.

Recognizing these codes on the oil label is more important than the brand name; they confirm the oil has passed Audi’s tests for your engine type and service regime.

Recommended Viscosity Grades by Generation (General Guidance)

Viscosity grades like 0W‑20 or 5W‑30 describe how thick or thin the oil is at cold start and at operating temperature. The correct viscosity for your A6 depends on model year, engine, and local climate, but there are clear trends across generations.

Audi A6 C8 (2018–present)

The current-generation A6 (C8), sold from 2018 onward, uses a range of mild‑hybrid petrol and diesel engines with tight clearances and advanced emissions systems, making oil choice especially important.

• Most 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TFSI (petrol): Usually require VW 508 00 spec oil, almost always in 0W‑20 viscosity. Check your manual; many markets specify 0W‑20 for fuel efficiency.
• Most 2.0 TDI and 3.0 TDI (diesel): Commonly require VW 504 00 / 507 00, typically in 0W‑30 or 5W‑30. Again, the manual or VIN lookup will specify which.
• S6 / RS 6 (high‑performance): These engines often specify VW 504 00 (sometimes 502 00 in certain markets) and a slightly thicker grade such as 0W‑30 or 5W‑30, with some markets recommending 5W‑40 under harsh or track conditions.

Because the C8 generation uses new efficiency-focused oils, using an older spec like VW 504 00 instead of 508 00 in a 508‑approved engine is usually not recommended unless Audi has officially permitted it.

Audi A6 C7 (2011–2018)

The C7 A6 includes popular engines like the 2.0 TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, and 2.0/3.0 TDI. These engines mostly predate the VW 508/509 spec and were designed around slightly thicker oils.

• Petrol (TFSI) engines: Usually require VW 504 00 / 507 00 (for long-life service) or VW 502 00 (fixed interval) with 5W‑30 fully synthetic. Some high‑performance variants may recommend 5W‑40 in hot climates or for spirited use.
• Diesel (TDI) engines: Commonly specify VW 504 00 / 507 00 with 5W‑30 low‑SAPS oil to protect DPFs (diesel particulate filters) and support long intervals.
• S6 / RS 6 of this era: Typically require a high‑quality synthetic oil meeting VW 502 00, often in 5W‑40 or sometimes 5W‑30, depending on market and climate notes in the manual.

For the C7, VW 504 00 / 507 00 5W‑30 is a safe default for most everyday petrol and diesel variants if it is confirmed in your owner’s documentation.

Audi A6 C6 and Older (pre‑2011)

Earlier A6 generations (C6, C5, etc.) use a mix of naturally aspirated, turbo and diesel engines, and oil specs vary more widely, especially on older diesels.

• Petrol engines: Frequently require VW 502 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 fully synthetic. Some V6 and V8 engines benefit from 5W‑40 in warmer climates for better film strength.
• Diesel engines: Older TDIs often use VW 505 01 or VW 506 01 for unit‑injector (PD) engines, typically with 5W‑40 or special long‑life oils. Later C6 diesels may already specify VW 504 00 / 507 00, particularly those with DPFs.
• High‑mileage examples: For engines with significant wear, Audi often still recommends the same spec, but some owners and independent specialists prefer a slightly thicker viscosity (like 5W‑40 instead of 5W‑30) if oil consumption is high—only do this if compatible with the spec in the manual.

For older A6 models, it’s especially important not to assume newer low‑viscosity oils are suitable; the design clearances and lubrication needs are different and should match the original spec.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Car

Because Audi A6 models vary widely by year, engine code, and market, the most reliable way to know which oil to use is to identify your exact engine and cross-check with official documentation.

Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following list outlines practical steps you can take to be sure you’re buying the correct oil for your Audi A6.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look for the “Engine oil” section. Audi usually lists a VW spec (e.g., 504 00/507 00) and sometimes a primary viscosity plus alternates for different climates.
2. Use your VIN at a dealer: Call or visit an Audi dealer, provide your VIN, and ask for the approved oil spec and viscosity for your engine and service regime (flexible vs fixed).
3. Look for labels on the oil cap or under the hood: Some A6 models have a sticker or printed note indicating the required VW spec.
4. Check the oil container for VW approval: On the bottle, look for wording like “Meets VW 504 00 / 507 00” or “Approved by Volkswagen” with the exact spec number, not just generic “for European cars.”
5. Confirm service interval type: If your car runs “LongLife” flexible intervals, you must use oils compatible with those intervals (usually 504 00 / 507 00 or 508 00 / 509 00); if you are on a fixed 10,000–15,000 km (6,000–10,000 mile) schedule, 502 00/505 01 may be acceptable where specified.

Following these steps minimizes the risk of using an inappropriate oil and ensures you meet Audi’s technical and warranty requirements.

Brands and Product Examples

Once you know the exact VW spec and viscosity, many reputable oil brands offer suitable products; brand is secondary to correct specification and quality.

Common Oils That Often Meet Audi A6 Requirements

The following list gives examples of commonly available oils that frequently meet Audi A6 specs; always verify the label, as formulations change.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 (typically 5W‑30 or 0W‑30):
  

  • Castrol Edge 5W‑30 LL (often factory‑recommended in Europe)
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV‑L 5W‑30
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30
  • Total Quartz Ineo Long Life 5W‑30

• VW 508 00 / 509 00 (usually 0W‑20):
  

  • Castrol Edge Professional LL IV FE 0W‑20
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV‑LV 0W‑20
  • Mobil 1 ESP X2 0W‑20 (where VW 508 00/509 00 is indicated)

• VW 502 00 / 505 00 (commonly 5W‑30 or 5W‑40):
  

  • Mobil 1 FS 0W‑40 or 5W‑40 (check label for 502 00 approval)
  • Castrol Edge 5W‑40 (with VW 502 00 / 505 00)

These examples illustrate the kind of products to look for; always confirm the exact VW spec and viscosity on the bottle against your car’s documentation.

Climate, Driving Style, and Service Intervals

Even within a given spec, Audi may allow several viscosity options. Climate, driving habits, and service interval preferences can influence which one is best for you.

Matching Oil Choice to Real-World Use

This list summarizes how conditions can influence which approved oil variant you might choose for your A6.

• Cold climates: Lower “W” grades like 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 improve cold-start lubrication and are often recommended where winter temperatures drop significantly below freezing.
• Hot climates or heavy loads: Slightly thicker oils such as 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 (if approved for your engine) can provide a stronger oil film at high operating temperatures, especially for towing, mountain driving, or sustained high speeds.
• Short trips and city driving: Engines may not reach full temperature often, leading to more fuel and moisture in the oil. Sticking rigidly to long “flexible” intervals can be hard on the engine; many owners voluntarily change oil more frequently.
• Spirited or track driving: High‑performance variants (S6, RS 6) particularly benefit from premium synthetic oils and possibly the higher‑viscosity option permitted in the manual; more frequent changes are advisable under severe use.
• Service intervals: If your car uses variable long-life intervals, you must use oils certified for those intervals. If you prefer fixed, shorter intervals, some markets allow slightly different specs—but they still must be on Audi’s approved list.

These factors do not replace the need for the correct VW spec, but they guide which approved viscosity and change interval best suit your real‑world use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many engine problems in modern Audi models trace back to incorrect or poor-quality oil choices. Avoiding a few common pitfalls can save you significant repair costs.

Oil Choices That Can Harm Your A6

The following list highlights mistakes owners frequently make and why they are risky.

• Choosing oil only by viscosity: Grabbing “5W‑30 synthetic” without checking VW 504 00 / 507 00 or other required spec can mean using oil that lacks proper detergents, shear stability, or compatibility with emissions systems.
• Mixing incompatible specs: Topping up VW 508 00 / 509 00 oil with a generic 5W‑30 that only meets VW 502 00 may dilute the intended formulation, especially in engines designed around ultra‑low viscosity oils.
• Ignoring DPF or GPF requirements: Using high‑ash oil in diesel engines with particulate filters (DPF) or petrol engines with GPFs can accelerate filter clogging and trigger expensive repairs.
• Extending intervals beyond recommendations: Even with long-life oils, stretching changes too far—especially with mainly city driving—can lead to sludge, chain tensioner issues, and turbo varnish.
• Using “universal” additives: Many aftermarket oil additives can interfere with the carefully balanced additive package of VW-approved oils; Audi generally does not recommend them.

By avoiding these traps and staying within Audi’s approved specs, you significantly reduce the risk of lubrication-related engine damage.

What to Do If You Don’t Know Your Engine or Spec

Some used A6 owners inherit the car without full service history or manuals. In that case, taking a systematic approach to identify the right oil is crucial before the next change.

Practical Steps for Uncertain Situations

The following list provides a straightforward approach to finding the correct oil when documentation is missing or unclear.

1. Locate the engine code: It may be printed on a sticker in the spare-wheel well, inside the service booklet, or visible in the engine bay. Codes like “CGLC,” “CDUC,” or “EA888” family identifiers help a dealer or specialist look up specs.
2. Visit an Audi dealer or reputable specialist: Ask them to print the oil specification page for your VIN, including approved viscosities and whether your car is configured for long-life or fixed service intervals.
3. Obtain or download a manual: Many owner’s manuals are available online via Audi’s regional websites or third-party documentation providers; ensure you choose the correct model year and market.
4. Perform an oil and filter change ASAP: If you suspect the previous owner used the wrong oil, it’s wise to replace it quickly with the correct spec and a quality filter.
5. Monitor consumption and engine behavior: After switching to the correct oil, track any oil consumption, noises (like timing chain rattle at cold start), or warning lights, and address them early with a professional.

Following these steps restores you to a known, safe baseline, which is vital for long‑term reliability of the engine and turbocharging system.

Summary

For an Audi A6, the right oil is a fully synthetic product that meets the exact VW/Audi specification listed in your owner’s manual—most often VW 504 00 / 507 00 for many recent petrol and diesel engines, or VW 508 00 / 509 00 with 0W‑20 for the newest efficiency-focused models. Older cars may call for VW 502 00 or diesel-specific specs like 505 01. Once you know the spec and recommended viscosity (0W‑20, 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 5W‑40, depending on engine and climate), you can choose any reputable brand that clearly states that approval on the label. Verifying this against your VIN or manual, and sticking to sensible service intervals, is the most reliable way to protect your Audi A6’s engine for the long term.

What kind of oil does a 2019 Audi A6 take?

2019-2023 Audi A6 Quattro. Notes: Engine Oil – Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 – 0W-20 Synthetic (5 Liter) — TOP TEC 6200; Approvals: Audi/VW 508.00 & 509.00.

What kind of oil does a 2018 Audi A6 take?

The 2018 Audi A6 uses 5W-40 full synthetic oil, specifically oil that meets the Audi/Volkswagen 502 00 specification. It’s crucial to use the correct oil to ensure proper engine protection and performance. 

• Oil Type: Full synthetic 
• Viscosity: 5W-40 
• Specification: Must meet the Audi/Volkswagen 502 00 oil quality standard 
• What this means: Look for a 5W-40 full synthetic oil that explicitly states it meets the 502 00 specification for your 2018 Audi A6. 

What is Audi recommended engine oil?

Audi engines require full-synthetic oil, with common types being 5W-30, 0W-40, and 5W-40, though the specific type depends on the model and climate. The correct oil must meet specific Audi/VW specifications, such as VW 502 00, VW 504 00, or LL-01, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Always consult your owner’s manual for the exact specification recommended for your vehicle. 
Common Audi oil types

• 5W-30: A common choice that balances fuel efficiency and wear protection, suitable for many engines in moderate climates.
• 0W-40: Excellent for cold climates because it provides better cold-start protection.
• 5W-40: Often recommended for higher-performance models and turbocharged engines, as it offers good protection in warmer climates. 

Why full-synthetic oil is crucial

• Audi engines are designed for the superior performance of synthetic oil. 
• Conventional oil can break down too quickly, leading to poor lubrication, sludge buildup, and potential damage to the engine and turbocharger. 

How to find the right oil

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as it lists the exact viscosity and specification required for your engine. 
• Look for Audi/VW specifications: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific Audi or Volkswagen approval number, such as VW 502 00, VW 505.00, or LL-04. 
• Consider your climate: Choose a viscosity grade that is appropriate for your local temperature conditions. 

What kind of oil does an Audi A6 take?

Mobil 1 – Extended Performance 5W-30 High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart (Part No. 15021)