1997 Audi A6 Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-40 (5.3 quarts)
The 1997 Audi A6 takes 5W-40 motor oil — 5.3 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-40 — 5.3 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avant, 2.8 A | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Avant, 2.8 C | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 4D Sedan, 2.8 A | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 4D Sedan, 2.8 C | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 4D Wagon, 2.8 A | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Base, 4D Wagon, 2.8 C | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 4D Sedan, 2.8 A | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 4D Sedan, 2.8 C | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 4D Wagon, 2.8 A | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
| Quattro, 4D Wagon, 2.8 C | SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855). | 5.30 QTS. | — | Use only a high-quality engine oil that expressly complies with the AUDI oil quality standard specified for your vehicle's engine. Using any other oil can cause serious engine damage that will not be covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. DO NOT mix lubricants or other additives into the engine oil. Doing so can cause engine damage. Damaged caused by these kinds of additives are not covered by any AUDI Limited Warranty. Quantities are approximate. DO NOT overfill. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your A6
🛞 1997 Audi A6 Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1997 Audi A6 Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1997 Audi A6 Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1997 Audi A6 Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
9.0 quarts (8.51 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Antifreeze and water. Use Phosphate-free Antifreeze.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1997 Audi A6 take?
The 1997 Audi A6 takes 5W-40 motor oil (SAE 5W-40. Petroleum or synthetic based oils. Engine oil must conform to the exact specification in VW publication VW 502 00. See TSB No. 17 09-07 (2012855).), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1997 Audi A6?
The 1997 Audi A6 oil capacity is 5.3 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1997 Audi A6?
Most 1997 Audi A6 owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Audi recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1997 Audi A6?
Yes. 5W-40 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1997 Audi A6. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.
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