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2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 A3 Cabriolet.

Transmission Automatic (AM-S6)

The 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet is a convertible offering equipped with an Automatic (AM-S6) transmission and EPA ratings of 24/35/28 mpg. Within the model’s reliability history, this model year is distinguished by 111 owner complaints and three recalls, with air bags representing the top complaint area. That record means researchers should prioritize air-bag system verification and recall completion when evaluating any example.

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

EPA fuel economy24/35/28 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI NS · 480-680 CCA battery, OE oil filter 03N115562B. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI NS · 480-680 CCAOEM · verified

Tire sizeP225/40R18OEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter	03N115562B alt 06L115562B
Engine air filter	5Q0129620C alt 5Q0129620B
Fuel filter	5Q0127177
Spark plug	06K905601B
Battery	000915089E alt 000915089BC
Front wiper blades	8V1998002B alt 8V1955425
Serpentine belt	06L903137A alt 04L260849AB
Thermostat	04L121113C alt WHT007713
Cabin air filter	5Q0819669

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

Transmission

Automatic (AM-S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length	174.8 in
Overall width	70.9 in
Overall height	53.5 in
Wheelbase	102.4 in
Curb weight	3583 lb
Track (front / rear)	60.6 / 59.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)	60/40

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined	24 / 35 / 28 mpg
Drivetrain	Front-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuel	Regular Gasoline

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine VW Part Number G052145S2 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to 18.4 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	Audi part number G060162A2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	3.8-5.5
Brake Fluid	DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil	VW Part Number G052145S2
Differential Gear Oil Capacity	1.9-2.1
Engine Coolant	Use Audi coolant G13 TL-VW774J
Engine Coolant Capacity	10.5 qt
Engine Coolant	Use Audi coolant G13 TL-VW774J

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	6.6
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	18.4
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	22.1 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug	18.4 ft-lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts	7.2

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Denso
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs
Spark Plug Manufacturer	Denso
Spark Plug Torque	22 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.07-1.15 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	480-680 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Pressure Test	14.5 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	20-23 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	Gasoline Engines: 188, Diesel Engines:198 °F
Residual Pressure	44 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	87 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum	58

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque	Front: 26; Rear: 26 Use; Front: 22.0; Rear: 26 Use
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque	Front: 147.5; Rear: 66 Use; Front: 145; Rear: 75 use
ABS Sensor Torque	6 / 6.6 / NS
Minimum Pad Thickness	Front: 0.354; Rear: 0.315 Specifications
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement	Front w/1ZE, 1ZP, 1ZA and 1ZD:

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Front Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages

Install new bolt and tighten to 148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180 degrees.

148 ft. lbs

Rear Wheel Hub — tightening sequence 1 stages

Install new bolt and tighten to 148.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 180 degrees.

148 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

48.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90

48 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 35,000 mi.

At 5,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Disc Brake Caliper (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 10,000 mi	Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Diesel Emissions Fluid (fill) · Disc Brake Caliper (inspect) · Engine Assembly (leak inspection) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
At 15,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Convertible Top Latch (lubricate)
Every 20,000 mi	Air Conditioning Evaporator Case Drain (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Convertible Top Latch (lubricate)
At 35,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
Every 40,000 mi	Brake Rotor (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace) · Transmission Fluid & Filter (replace)
At 55,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Housing (clean)
At 75,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Owner complaints about the 2016 Audi A3 Cabriolet dominate in one area — the air bags, 37 of 111 reports (33%), well ahead of the next concern. That matters, because the air bags are also the target of recalls 21V-198 and 22V-543 on this vehicle — so the single most useful check before buying or servicing one is confirming they were actually performed. 3 of the reports describe a crash and 4 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the air bags pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

111

Owner complaints

3 involved a crash · 4 a fire

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 111 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags37

Fuel/Propulsion System8

Electrical System8

Unknown Or Other6

Power Train5

Engine5

Tires4

Fuel System, Gasoline3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V198000Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front PassengerReported 22/03/2021

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Audi S3 Sedan, A3 Sedan, 2016-2018 A3 Etron, 2017-2020 RS3 Sedan, and 2015-2019 A3 Cabriolet vehicles. The passenger occupant detection system… Remedy: Dealers will replace the PODS sensor mat and update the PODS control module, free of charge. Owners letters were mailed December 23, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service…

22V543000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 27/07/2022

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2016 Audi TT Roadster, TT Coupe, S3 Sedan, R8 Coupe, A3 Sedan, A3 Etron, A3 Cabriolet, 2016 Golf Sportwagen, Golf R, Golf GTI, Golf A7, and E Golf… Remedy: Dealers will replace the front-passenger air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 16, 2022. Owners may contact Volkswagen's customer service…