What Size Bulbs Does a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro Use?
Correct headlight, fog light, and tail light bulb sizes. Sourced from OEM catalog data.
Installation Difficulty
Hard (Tight clearances)
Est. Replacement Cost
$15 - $40 (Halogen) / $30+ (LED)
What Lighting System Does the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro Have?
The 2016 Audi A6 Quattro features an extensive lighting system with 12 bulb positions. It uses halogen technology with a single HID-D5S LED dual-filament bulb handling both low and high beams. The A6 Quattro has been available from 2012 to 2019, and the 2016 model falls in the mid-generation years. As a Audi vehicle, it uses a CANbus electrical system that monitors bulb status.
LED Flicker Warning
This vehicle (Audi) is known to use a CANbus system that checks for burnt-out bulbs. Installing standard LEDs may cause them to flicker or trigger a dashboard error.
We highly recommend using a CANbus decoder or "Anti-Flicker" resistors.
Can You Put LED Bulbs in a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro?
Upgrading the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro to LED headlights is straightforward since it uses a single HID-D5S LED dual-filament bulb for both low and high beams. You only need one pair of LED bulbs to upgrade both functions. Look for a HID-D5S LED LED kit that specifically supports dual-filament operation to ensure both beams work correctly. Important: Audi vehicles use a CANbus system that detects bulb wattage. Standard LED bulbs may trigger dashboard warnings or flicker. Choose LED kits labeled "CANbus-compatible" or add inline decoder resistors to prevent these issues. For the fog lights, a Fog Light LED bulb provides a clean white output that pairs well with LED headlights.
How to Replace Bulbs on a 2016 Audi A6 Quattro
To remove the headlight bulb, disconnect the wiring harness, then twist the bulb counter-clockwise and pull it straight out of the housing. Audi vehicles are known for tight engine bay clearances around the headlight assembly. You may need to remove the air intake duct, battery cover, or wheel well liner to access the bulbs. Budget 30 to 45 minutes per side for your first replacement. When installing the new bulb, avoid touching the glass with bare fingers. Skin oils create hot spots that shorten bulb life. Wear clean gloves or handle the bulb by its plastic base only. The fog lights are accessed from underneath the front bumper. You may need to remove a few plastic clips or screws from the fender liner to reach the Fog Light fog light socket.
Full Upgrade Bundle
Upgrade All 12 Positions at Once
2016 Audi A6 Quattro Complete Bulb Size Chart
| Position | Bulb Size | Shop |
|---|---|---|
Low Beam | HID-D5S LED | Buy HID-D5S LED |
High Beam | HID-D5S LED | Buy HID-D5S LED |
Fog Light | Fog Light | Buy Fog Light |
Brake Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Dome Light | 6411 | Buy 6411 |
Side Marker | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Front | 12181NA | Buy 12181NA |
Map Light | 6486X | Buy 6486X |
Parking Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Turn Signal Rear | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Reverse Light | LED Bulb | Buy LED Bulb |
Trunk Light | 2825 | Buy 2825 |
Want to upgrade everything at once?
Shop Complete LED Kit for 2016 Audi A6 QuattroHow Long Do 2016 Audi A6 Quattro Headlight Bulbs Last?
Standard halogen headlights on the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro have an expected lifespan of 500 to 1,000 hours, which works out to roughly 2 to 3 years of normal use. Signs of a failing halogen bulb include noticeably dimmer output, a yellowish tint compared to the other headlight, or intermittent flickering. At 10 years old, the original bulbs on your A6 Quattro are likely overdue for replacement. Even if they still illuminate, reduced brightness significantly impacts nighttime safety. When one headlight burns out, replace both sides at the same time. Bulbs from the same batch age at similar rates, and mismatched brightness is distracting to oncoming drivers.
What Bulbs Are Compatible with the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro?
The D5S low beam bulb on the 2016 Audi A6 Quattro is a specific fitment. There are no widely recognized cross-compatible alternatives, so make sure to purchase the exact D5S size. Using the wrong bulb size can cause improper beam patterns that reduce your visibility and blind other drivers. It can also cause overheating inside the headlight housing, potentially warping the plastic lens or reflector. Always verify the bulb number before purchasing.
2016 Audi A6 Quattro Headlight FAQ
Did Audi A6 Quattro Bulb Sizes Change Over the Years?
Over its production run from 2012 to 2019, the Audi A6 Quattro has seen bulb size changes in the Low Beam, High Beam and Fog Light positions. The 2016 model uses the earlier bulb specification that was in place before the change around 2018. Always verify the exact bulb size for your specific 2016 model year using the chart above, as using the wrong size can result in poor fitment or reduced light output.
Other A6 Quattro Years
More from Audi
Other Vehicles That Use HID-D5S LED Bulbs
These vehicles from other makes also use a HID-D5S LED low beam bulb: