Audi A6 Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Audi
FixMyCar provides key information about the Audi A6.
Ellie Dyer-Brown
Wednesday April 02 2025
10 min read
Audi’s A6 model is an impressive luxury vehicle offering space, comfort and style. After debuting in 1994, it went on to win World Car of the Year in 2005 and is now in its fifth generation.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your A6 in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Audi A6 generations
Audi A6 Mk1 1994-1997
The first-gen A6 was a refreshed version of the Audi 100, featuring a newly designed front grille and rear lights, distinguishing it from its predecessor. There was also a sports version known as the S6.
Body styles:
Saloon
Avant (estate)
Key engine options:
Petrol – 125bhp 1.8-litre, 172bhp 2.8-litre, 322bhp 4.2-litre V8.
Diesel – 89bhp 1.9-litre TDI, 138bhp 2.5 TDI.
Audi A6 Mk2 1997-2004
The second generation of the A6 was different from the Mk1 version and the Audi 100 that it replaced. It was hailed as a roaring success, easily competing with models like the BMW 5 Series.
It underwent a facelift in 2001 that saw upgrades to the interior and the introduction of alloy wheels.
Body styles:
Saloon
Avant (estate)
Key engine options:
Petrol – 200bhp 2.8-litre V6, 250bhp 2.7-litre twin turbo.
Diesel – 1.9-litre TDI.
Audi A6 Mk3 2004-2011
The Mk3 A6 had an even longer wheelbase and came equipped with an MMI Entertainment System for the first time in Audi’s history. Front-wheel drive models came with a CVT transmission, while quattro models were paired with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission.
Body styles:
Saloon
Avant (estate)
Key engine options:
Engine options stayed the same as the Mk2’s lineup with the addition of a 3.2-litre V6.
Audi A6 Mk4 2011-2018
The fourth generation of the Audi A6 saw an exterior redesign with a more aggressive front grille, longer wheelbase, and more spacious interior. There was also a hybrid option for the first time in the model’s history, pairing a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with an electric motor.
Body styles:
Saloon
Avant (estate)
Key engine options:
Petrol – 2.0-litre turbo, 3.0-litre supercharged V6.
Diesel – 3.0-litre turbo V6.
Audi A6 Mk5 2018-
The fifth-gen A6 is even sportier than its predecessors, offering improved performance across the board and a range of high-tech safety features.
Body styles:
Saloon
Avant (estate)
Key engine options:
Petrol – 201bhp 2.0-litre TFSI, 600bhp 4.0-litre twin turbo V8.
Diesel – 204bhp 2.0-litre TDI.
Audi A6 service intervals
Audi recommends a few different service regimes depending on your type of car. If you buy your vehicle from an Audi dealership, they will advise you on the most suitable option, and you can use the myAudi app to check when your next service is due.
Petrol, diesel and hybrid – flexible regime
Oil service based on fluid degradation up to a maximum of two years or 18,600 miles, whichever comes first.
Inspection service every 18,600 miles/two years.
Petrol, diesel and hybrid – fixed regime
Oil service every 9,300 miles/one year, whichever comes first.
Inspection service every 18,600 miles/two years
Used Audi A6 maintenance schedule
| Maintenance type | Replacement interval |
|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | Every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. |
| Brake fluid | Every two years regardless of mileage. |
| Brake system | Checked with annual service |
| Battery | Checked every 20,000 miles/two years. |
| Tyres | Checked with annual service |
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Audi A6 tyre pressure
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the A6 on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure for your A5:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| A6 model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025, 2024 | 255/40/R20 101 Y | 37 PSI/2.6 BAR | 255/40/R20 101 Y | 37 PSI/2.6 BAR |
| 2023, 2021 | 255/40/R20 101 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 255/40/R20 101 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2022, 2020, 2019 | 225/55/R18 102 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 225/55/R18 102 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2018 | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 245/45/R18 100 Y | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
Where can I check my Audi A6 tyre pressure?
Many petrol stations have an air machine on the forecourt that you can use to check and top up your tyres. Alternatively, you can check the pressure at home using a tyre pressure gauge, which you can buy for around £10.
How to reset the tyre pressure light on an Audi A6
The method for resetting the tyre pressure warning light can vary between different A6 generations. You can find instructions specific to your vehicle in your owner’s manual.
Switch the ignition on without starting the engine.
Press the car function button found on the MMI control panel.
Select ‘systems’ followed by ‘services and checks’.
Select ‘tyre pressure monitoring’, then ‘store tyre pressures’.
Finally, select ‘yes’ to store the current pressures and reset the light.
Find out how a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) works in this guide.
Audi A6 engine oil
Using the correct engine oil for your car is crucial – find out why in this guide.
5W-30 oil is commonly used in Audi models, but the recommended oil grade can differ between different A6 configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the correct oil for your vehicle.
What is the oil capacity of an Audi A6?
Most A6 models have an oil capacity between four and seven litres. You can find information about your car’s capacity and recommended oil grade in your owner’s manual.
It’s important not to overfill the oil tank because the excessive oil will put pressure on engine parts as it circulates.
What to do if your Audi A6 leaks oil
You should arrange a repair as soon as you become aware of an oil leak. If the leak is minor, you might be able to top the oil up and drive to a garage. However, if it is severe enough that there is a chance you will run out of oil while driving, don’t take the risk – book a mobile mechanic instead.
Audi A6 battery
What battery do I need for my Audi A6?
The type and size of the battery will depend on the model’s configurations.
🚨If your car has start-stop technology that automatically switches the engine off when stationary, it requires an AGM or EFB battery.
The table below gives some examples of different A6 models and which batteries are most suitable for them.
| A6 Model Spec | Year | Battery |
|---|---|---|
| Black Edition 2.0 automatic petrol/electric saloon (204bhp) | 2025 | AGM 096 |
| Black Edition 2.0 diesel/electric automatic saloon (204bhp) | 2024 | AGM 020 |
| S Line 3.0 petrol/electric automatic estate (340bhp) | 2023 | AGM 020 |
| Vorsprung 2.0 petrol/electric manual estate (265bhp) | 2022 | AGM 096 |
Check out our ultimate guide to car batteries to learn more.
Audi A6 warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on an Audi A6?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Audi A6 warning lights you might not know
Audi brake pad warning light
Some Audi models have sensors that detect when the brake pads are excessively worn, triggering a dashboard warning light. The symbol is a circle with three dashed lines on either side following the curve.
When you see this warning light, you should schedule a brake pad replacement. Find out how much it’s likely to cost in this guide.
Audi transmission warning light
The transmission warning light looks like a gear with an exclamation mark in the middle. It appears when there is a problem with the gearbox or clutch. Low transmission fluid is a common cause, as are torque converter issues and damaged transmission components.
What should I do when my Audi A6 oil pressure warning light illuminates?
You should pull over somewhere safe and turn off the engine immediately. Do not continue driving with low engine oil.
Check the oil level using the dipstick. If it’s low, top it up – then you can continue driving. If the level is correct but the light is still illuminated, there is a problem with the system. Contact a mechanic for a diagnostic test.
Audi A6 common problems
Here, we look at two common problems encountered by A6 owners.
1. Electrical glitches
Audi is notorious for producing cars that experience electrical problems. The infotainment system is a common topic of complaint, with reports of connectivity issues and flickering screens.
2. Oil consumption
Some A6 owners have reported excessive oil consumption. It’s normal for cars to consume more oil as they age - it isn’t necessarily a sign of an underlying problem. However, if your car suddenly needs the oil topping up regularly, it’s worth investigating whether there is a leak.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Top Audi A6 questions and topics
How to replace the battery in an Audi A6 key fob
The battery replacement method depends on what generation of A6 you have.
Audi flip key fob battery replacement (older models)
Older key fobs use two 1620 batteries.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to separate the two halves of the key.
The half of the fob that doesn’t hold the flip key has a battery cover. Use the screwdriver to separate the cover from the fob.
Replace the old 1620 batteries with two new ones.
Snap the cover back in place and put the key fob back together.
Audi flip key fob battery replacement (newer models)
Newer models use a CR2032 battery.
Flip open the metal key using the key release button.
Locate the small notch inside the key compartment.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to open the battery cover in the small notch.
Gently pry the cover from the back near the metal keyring loop.
Remove the old battery and replace it with a new one (positive side facing up).
Replace the key fob cover.
Audi keyless entry remote battery replacement
You’ll need a new CR2032 battery before you begin.
Remove the metal key blade from the shell.
There is a small notch where the key blade usually sits.
Use a flat-head screwdriver to press the notch at an angle pointing towards the middle of the key fob.
Rotate the screwdriver to pop open the key fob shell.
Replace the old battery with a new one.
Snap the cover back into place.
Are all Audi A6 models quattro?
A6 models offer a choice of front-wheel or quattro all-wheel drive.
Do Audi A6 rear seats fold down?
The A6 comes with folding rear seats as standard.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.