Which Oil Does the Audi A6 Take?

The Audi A6 generally requires fully synthetic engine oil that meets Volkswagen/Audi specification VW 504 00 / 507 00 (or the exact spec listed in your owner’s manual), with viscosity commonly 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30 depending on engine and model year. The precise oil you should use depends on the A6’s engine code, production year, and market, so checking the owner’s manual or dealer data is essential.

Why the “Right” Oil Matters for the Audi A6

The Audi A6 is a mid-size luxury sedan and estate model that relies on tightly engineered engines—often turbocharged, sometimes mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid—that are sensitive to oil quality. Choosing the correct oil is not only about viscosity (like 0W-20 or 5W-30) but also about meeting the official Audi/VW specifications designed to protect the engine, turbocharger, emissions system, and fuel economy over the vehicle’s lifetime.

Core Requirements: Specs Before Brand

The most important factor when selecting oil for an Audi A6 is compliance with the correct Volkswagen Group (VW) oil standard. While many brands can satisfy these standards, using any oil that does not meet the required spec can risk engine damage, increased wear, and warranty issues.

Main VW/Audi Oil Specifications for the A6

The following list outlines the key Volkswagen/Audi oil specifications you will see for various Audi A6 engines. Understanding these helps you select the right product on the shelf or confirm a shop is using suitable oil.

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 – The most common modern long-life spec for many petrol and diesel Audi A6 engines in Europe and other markets with flexible service intervals; low-ash oil suitable for engines with particulate filters and advanced emissions systems.
• VW 508 00 / 509 00 – Newer, ultra‑low viscosity long-life spec (often 0W‑20) for some current-generation engines focused on maximum fuel efficiency and reduced CO₂; not backward compatible with all older engines.
• VW 502 00 – Older fixed-interval spec for many petrol engines, typically with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 viscosity, used on earlier A6 models or in markets without LongLife service programs.
• VW 505 00 / 505 01 – Older diesel specifications, including for some unit‑injector (PD) engines; often associated with 5W‑40 synthetic or semi-synthetic oils.
• VW 506 00 / 506 01 – Earlier long-life diesel standards used on some pre‑DPF engines; now largely superseded by 504 00 / 507 00 on newer models.

These specifications serve as the baseline: once you know which VW code your engine requires, you can then safely choose among different viscosity grades and trusted brands that explicitly state compliance with that spec on the label.

By Generation and Engine: Typical Oil Types

Because the Audi A6 has been produced across multiple generations with a wide range of engines—from naturally aspirated V6s to turbocharged four‑cylinders, V6s, diesels, and hybrids—oil requirements vary. The following overview covers common guidance up to late 2024, but the owner’s manual or dealer service database should always overrule general advice.

Current and Recent Models (C8, 2019–Present)

For the latest C8-generation A6 (including A6 Avant, S6, RS 6 Performance, and some A6 allroad variants), Audi typically specifies fully synthetic, low-ash oils that support modern emissions systems and extended service intervals.

• 2.0 TFSI mild hybrid (A6 40 TFSI, etc.) – Commonly requires oil meeting VW 508 00 (petrol) with viscosity 0W‑20 in many markets; some regions may still specify VW 504 00 with 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 depending on climate and service regime.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 (A6 55 TFSI, S6 in some markets) – Frequently uses VW 508 00 0W‑20 or VW 504 00 0W‑30 / 5W‑30, determined by engine code and regional documentation.
• 3.0 TDI V6 (A6 45/50 TDI, A6 allroad) – Commonly requires VW 504 00 / 507 00 low‑SAPs oil, typically in 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 viscosity, suitable for diesel particulate filters.
• A6 TFSI e plug‑in hybrid – Typically uses the same petrol-engine specification as its non‑PHEV counterpart (often VW 508 00 0W‑20 or VW 504 00 0W‑30 / 5W‑30), but always confirm with the hybrid’s specific manual.
• RS 6 (C8) high‑performance V8 – Usually specifies a high-performance fully synthetic oil meeting VW 511 00 or, in some markets, VW 504 00 with 0W‑30 or 5W‑30; the precise requirement is engine‑ and region‑specific and must be checked in the RS manual.

Across recent A6 models, the shift is toward lower-viscosity, fuel‑saving oils with stricter VW standards; using a generic 5W‑30 that lacks the proper VW approval is increasingly risky and may be incompatible with the engine or emissions systems.

Previous Generation (C7, 2011–2018)

The C7-generation Audi A6 introduced extensive use of turbocharged four‑cylinder engines and advanced diesels, many already dependent on low-ash synthetics designed for long-life service intervals.

• 2.0 TFSI petrol – Typically specifies VW 504 00 with 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 (LongLife) in Europe; in North America, many 2.0 TFSI engines are fine with oils meeting VW 502 00 in 5W‑40 or 5W‑30, depending on climate.
• 3.0 TFSI V6 petrol – Commonly requires VW 502 00 or VW 504 00 with 5W‑30 or 5W‑40, especially for hotter climates or more spirited driving.
• 2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI diesels – Typically use VW 504 00 / 507 00 fully synthetic low‑ash oils, usually in 5W‑30 viscosity, compatible with diesel particulate filters (DPF).
• S6 / RS 6 high‑performance variants – Frequently specify VW 502 00 or a high‑performance oil approved by Audi, typically in 5W‑30 or 5W‑40, with attention to track or high-load use requirements.

For C7 owners, the VW 504 00 / 507 00 5W‑30 oil is a safe bet for most European petrol and diesel models, while some North American cars may be adapted to VW 502 00 5W‑40 depending on dealer guidance and climate.

Older Generations (C6 and Earlier)

Earlier Audi A6 generations (C6: 2004–2011, C5: 1997–2004, and older) use a wide range of engines, many designed around the VW 502 00 / 505 00 baseline. These engines are generally more tolerant of higher viscosities but still require the correct approval for proper protection and sludge control.

• Petrol V6 and V8 (C5/C6) – Most require oils that meet VW 502 00, with common viscosities like 5W‑30, 5W‑40, or occasionally 0W‑40, selected based on climate.
• Older turbo petrol engines – Also typically specified for VW 502 00, but benefit from high‑quality full synthetics due to turbo heat and deposit concerns.
• Early TDI diesels (non‑DPF) – Often use VW 505 00 or 505 01 oils in 5W‑40 viscosity; cars with early long‑life service intervals might call for VW 506 01.
• Non‑LongLife markets – Many older A6s outside Europe were maintained on fixed intervals (e.g., every 10,000–15,000 km / 7,500–10,000 miles) using VW 502 00 or 505 00 oils rather than long-life formulations.

Owners of older A6 models tend to have more flexibility in viscosity choice, especially in warmer or colder climates, but they should still ensure that the oil meets at least the minimum VW approval listed in the original manual.

How to Identify the Correct Oil for Your Specific A6

Because the Audi A6 has so many variants over the years, the safest way to confirm the exact oil for your car is to combine the vehicle’s identification details with official documentation or trustworthy databases.

Key Steps to Confirm the Right Oil

The following steps can help any Audi A6 owner or buyer pinpoint the exact oil spec and viscosity suited to their specific engine and conditions.

1. Check the owner’s manual – Look for the “Engine oil” or “Specifications” section; Audi lists the required Volkswagen standard (e.g., VW 504 00) and sometimes recommended viscosity ranges for different temperatures.
2. Use the VIN with a dealer or official service portal – Giving your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to an Audi dealer or using official online tools can provide model‑ and engine‑specific oil requirements.
3. Identify the engine code – Engine codes (like “EA888,” “CGXC,” “CREC,” etc.) are printed on engine data stickers or service documents and can be cross‑referenced with Audi technical bulletins or parts catalogs.
4. Consider your climate – Within the approved spec, Audi usually allows a range of viscosities; in colder regions, 0W‑20 or 0W‑30 may be preferred, while 5W‑30 or 5W‑40 may be suitable for hotter climates, as long as the oil still meets the necessary VW approval.
5. Match service interval type – Cars on flexible LongLife intervals typically need 504 00 / 507 00 or 508 00 / 509 00 oils, while those on fixed, shorter intervals may use 502 00 / 505 00 oils per Audi’s instructions.

Following these steps aligns real-world conditions and your vehicle’s exact configuration with Audi’s lab-tested specifications, minimizing the risk of using an inappropriate oil.

Recommended Types and Example Products

While Audi does not require a single brand, many reputable oil manufacturers produce products certified to VW specifications. The label must clearly state the exact VW approval—not merely “suitable for” or “meets requirements”—for full peace of mind.

Common Oil Types and Brands Meeting Audi A6 Specs

The following examples represent typical oils used in Audi A6 models; they are illustrative and not exhaustive. Always verify the VW specification printed on the bottle against your manual.

• VW 508 00 / 509 00 (0W‑20) – Often used in latest A6 petrol and some diesel engines:
  

  • Casting Edge Professional V 0W‑20 (if VW 508 00/509 00-approved variants for VAG are available in your market)
  • Mobil 1 ESP x2 0W‑20 (VW 508 00 / 509 00 approval variants)
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W‑20 (check label for 508.00/509.00)

• VW 504 00 / 507 00 (0W‑30 / 5W‑30) – Common for many C7/C8 diesels and petrol engines on long-life service:
  

  • Castrol Edge 5W‑30 LL (VW 504 00 / 507 00)
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W‑30 (VW 504 00 / 507 00)
  • Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W‑30 or 5W‑30 (504.00/507.00 approved variants)

• VW 502 00 / 505 00 (5W‑30 / 5W‑40) – Typical for many older A6 petrol and some diesel engines:
  

  • Castrol Edge 5W‑40 (VW 502 00 / 505 00)
  • Mobil Super 3000 5W‑40 (VW 502 00 / 505 00)
  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4100 5W‑40 (vetted for VW 502 00 / 505 00)

These examples show that you can often choose among several respected brands, but you should never compromise on the exact VW approval, even if the viscosity looks similar on the front label.

Practical Maintenance Tips for Audi A6 Owners

Using the right oil is only part of keeping an Audi A6 healthy; the way you change and monitor that oil also affects engine life, reliability, and performance.

Best Practices Around Oil Changes

The following guidelines help ensure your A6’s engine oil does its job throughout its service life, especially as engines become more complex and heavily turbocharged.

• Respect (or improve upon) the service interval – Even if your A6 is on a LongLife schedule of up to ~30,000 km or 2 years, many specialists recommend shorter intervals (e.g., 10,000–15,000 km / annually) for turbo engines, city driving, or harsh climates.
• Always replace the oil filter – Use a quality OEM or OEM-equivalent filter; cheap filters can bypass or clog early, reducing protection even with good oil.
• Watch for oil consumption – Some TFSI engines are known to consume oil; check the dipstick (or MMI oil level display) regularly and top up with the same spec oil when necessary.
• Warm up gently – Avoid hard acceleration until the engine has reached operating temperature; cold oil, even of the right spec, cannot protect as well under high load.
• Keep records – Document oil type, spec, volume, and date/mileage of each change; this helps with resale value, diagnostics, and any warranty discussion.

Consistent, well-documented maintenance using the correct oil and filter is one of the simplest ways to protect your A6’s engine, turbocharger, and emissions systems from premature wear or failure.

Summary

The Audi A6 takes fully synthetic engine oil that matches specific Volkswagen/Audi standards, not just a generic viscosity rating. Most modern A6 models—especially diesels and recent petrol engines—require low‑ash oils meeting VW 504 00 / 507 00 or VW 508 00 / 509 00, typically in 0W‑20, 0W‑30, or 5W‑30 grades. Older generations mostly rely on VW 502 00 / 505 00 oils, often in 5W‑30 or 5W‑40.

To know exactly which oil your Audi A6 needs, consult the owner’s manual, confirm the VW specification, and then choose a reputable brand that explicitly lists that approval on the label. Matching the right spec with sensible service intervals and good maintenance habits will help ensure your A6’s engine runs smoothly, efficiently, and reliably for years.

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 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 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 type of oil does a 2016 Audi A6 take?

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