A3 DSG Gearbox (or not)

[chrisn900]

I'll be replacing my 2006 2.0 TDi SE 140 in about 12 months.
I fancy a paddle shift DSG in the same spec of car as I have now
Is the gearbox reliable and are there any issues I'd need to look out for?
Is this purely an automatic gearbox, or can it be used in manual mode selecting gears as required by pushing and pulling either the gear lever or paddle shifters on steering wheel.
Sorry if I seem abit vague about this, but I'm hoping some kindly person will explain in simple terms
Or should i stick to the normal 6 speed manual box ??
Thanks for any pointers and advice

 

[audicruiser]

The DSG gearbox is near bullet proof. We have it on our 2010 170TDi and it's good. It's not to be confused with a conventional Auto as it more an electronic manual. It can be driven as a manual by changing the gears via the paddles or the gearstick and when you do it's rewarding. It changes gear instantly when you want it to. When in Auto mode it is programmed for economy and so changes up the box quickly. Sport mode makes it hold onto the gears for maximum acceleration. All in all they are good and reliable.

 

[rsbowling]

Hi.

I have a 2.0 TDI DSG and i can highly recommend it. The gear changes are pretty much seamless and you can override them by either flappy paddles or push the gear lever to he left.
What i Will say is make sure the car has been well looked after, because if they go wrong its big money.
I have yet to drive a car with a better gearbox.

Hope this helps.

Richard

 

[h5djr]

I'm on my 4th 2.0TDI with a DSG gearbox and none of them have given any trouble in the aproximately 3 years and 36k miles each.

Personally I think they are fantansic. I had 19 different cars including 4 A3s with normal manual gearboxes before my first with a DSG and I would never ever buy another car with a manual gearbox. To me the DSG adds greatly to the pleasure of driving and is so easy to use. It can be a manual with an electronically controlled clutch or a fully automatic depending on how you feel and the traffic situation. I tend to drive in manual tiptronic mode most of the time and only use the auto mode when I'm in slow moving traffic.

 

[_G_]

IMHO the first dsg's (wet clutch) with 6 speed are way more reliable than the dry clutch 7 and 7+ speeds.
I have had several (7 speed dsg's) with mahoosive problems: gearbox thump, delayed upshifts and two mechatronic unit failures: one at 20k miles and one at 50k miles.

I have two A3's at the moment (50k and 88k respective)... all I have done is changed the gearbox oil at 40k miles on both and g.box filter (dsg fluid expensive) but definitely worth it and it still feels like new.

 

[kayandawg]

Hi guys,

I am planning on buying the same car (2006 2.0tdi quattro sport with DSG) this thread has been very helpful thank you. I do have just a few questions though, any help would be appreciated. Is there anything to look out for when going to see the car? as in any signs of a bad not looked after gearbox? secondly someone told me the diesels have problems with the injections, is this ture?

Thank you

Alfie

 

[MrLapou]

I'm on the 4th 6speed DSG and love them. Normally carry out oil changes myself.
Agree, the 7speed boxes do seem to be gathering a reputation for being troublesome.

2006 year car will have the more reliable 6 speed fitted.

Enjoy the world of DSG.....

 

[dex140]

Dsg box is great I came from a manual a3 to. Dont expect to muxh from the paddles thoigh I think there pretty crap

 

[kayandawg]

Damn I was hoping to be like an F1 driver with the paddle shifts lol! thanks guys!

 

[MrLapou]

Do not be put off, paddles work just like F1.

Tip: after using the paddles and provided gear lever in D and pushed to the right (normal auto mode), keep the right paddle (+upshift) held for 3 sec and the box will revert back to normal auto change mode. If not, it's default will do if for you after about 45 secs.

If you haven't got the car in the right gear i.e. at very low or very high rpm the box will change up and down to protect it's self and the engine.

 

[doggydoctor]

Alfie, I didn't know they made the 2.0 tdi Quattro with dsg in the uk. You might have to loose the Quattro if you want dsg on the diesel.

 

[h5djr]

Dsg box is great I came from a manual a3 to. Dont expect to muxh from the paddles thoigh I think there pretty crap

I am currently on my 4th A3 with the DSG box and use the paddles all the time. The work fine and I it still brings a smile to my face to be accelerating and just a quick touch of the paddles bring a very quick up change on full power.

Also I don't think Audi have ever sold a 2.0TDI quattro DSG in the UK. Looking back on all my Pricing and Specification Guides the only list it with a 6-speed manual transmission.

 

[MrLapou]

I concur, the same, TDi Quattros only come with 6sp manual.

 

[dex140]

I am currently on my 4th A3 with the DSG box and use the paddles all the time. The work fine and I it still brings a smile to my face to be accelerating and just a quick touch of the paddles bring a very quick up change on full power.

Also I don't think Audi have ever sold a 2.0TDI quattro DSG in the UK. Looking back on all my Pricing and Specification Guides the only list it with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Do you not find there is a massive delay between pusing the paddly and the change in gear? Also i just can seem to get the knack of changing down...i always seem to over rev it!

 

[h5djr]

Do you not find there is a massive delay between pusing the paddly and the change in gear? Also i just can seem to get the knack of changing down...i always seem to over rev it!

There is absolutely no delay at all when I change up using the paddles, just an instant change of engine note. The answer with changing down is to just to click the paddle and let the gearbox 'blib' the the revs. You will find it does so very well. If you always seem to over rev it may be because both you and the gearbox are trying to do the same thing.

 

[dex140]

Ahhh I will try dropping a gear and letting the gear box do the work instead of dropping and planting my foot!

 

[T15 SWN]

i have the DSG box and its my first automatic i have had. its amazing you hardly even feel the box changing gears, as for the paddle shifts its a novelty to start off with put it in sport mode and it does the job

 

[as400]

Its great to read all these people saying how good the DSG box is as I have read so many posts about how they go wrong and cost a fortune to fix!

 

[kg1979]

Bought a dsg a3 as my wife hasn`t long passed her driving test but only on an automatic. They are fantastic, really don`t see why you would ever want to drive a manual again. This is my first Audi and I love it.

 

[WAFTER]

Amen to all the positive repsonses. Stirring a stick that sticks out of the floor how so last century is that? ! Come on it's 2103 so why should we even consider what is a left-over from the Edwardian period.

 

[Artimus]

..Come on it's 2103 so why should we even consider what is a left-over from the Edwardian period.

errr ...either I've been in Cryostasis for 90 years or there's something wrong with the space\time continuum. The rest I agree with, can't see the need to be pumping clutch pedals any more.

 

[voorhees]

errr ...either I've been in Cryostasis for 90 years or there's something wrong with the time\space continuum. The rest I agree with, can't see the need to be pumping clutch pedals any more.

Lmao @ that

WAFTER you clown

 

[ben-sullivan]

Im 22 and this is my third car. Always said i would have manuals but decided to get myself an A3 tdi DSG and absolutely love it. Dont think ill ever go back to a manual as this box is such a pleasure to drive.

 

[_G_]

Lol @ 2103

 

[MadA3]

My view is very different unfortunately, my gearbox has been nothing but trouble for me and it still isn't resolved. I think I've just been unlucky as judging by this thread and other stronic cars I've driven they've been very good. My advice would be to go for a long drive on any car you consider buying. Make sure it's all types of driving to really get a feel for the car. Also this is applicable to my car not sure about others but at 40k I had to change the oil in the gearbox so might be an idea to check if that has been done.

My 2p worth.

 

[N8]