DSG Gearbox and override paddle use

[Dorsetbloke]

Hello all, I've been lucky enough to get a 2017 S3 black edition with 7 speed DSG and had it for 6 months now. Its a great car but you knew that!! I would like some help / opinion on a slightly annoying issue as described below. Apologies for the long post it is quite an easy real world thing to do but needs careful explanation.

This only happens occasionally when in Dynamic mode with the car in default 'auto' S mode i.e. not in fully manual, (gearstick to the left) where it works 100% fine.

The car has been in auto for all of the drive whilst warming up so you have not used paddles at all so far on this drive. You pull away fairly hard from a standstill and the box changes up to 2nd no problem but I want to change up to 3rd around say 3.5k to 4k rpm not let the box leave it in 2nd to around 6k because I just dont need it staying in 2nd plus i want to hear another gear change! So I pull the right hand paddle to change it up. Most of the time this executes a gear change to 3rd and goes into M mode as it should so all is well, but sometimes it only goes into M mode with no gear change up so hammers on up the road until you realise it didn't change up and grab 3rd by pulling the paddle again. By which time it has hit around 6k anyway. This seems to happen about 1 in 10 times as is say mainly on this first time. Once you have done that first manual override change up it hardly ever happens at all, probably about 1 in 50 times and again only in Dynamic so not really an issue.

So I was wondering if anyone else experiences this or is it some sort of fault with mine please? Its still under warranty but Audi sales guy said he didnt know because he only ever drives his S3 in auto and doesn't use the paddles but they can take it in and look at it if I wish. Because it is quite a specific issue I wanted to ask on here first!

So thanks for reading all that and any answers in advance, much appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

[Jassyo06]

Yeah this happens to me whilst in drive but then l decide to use the paddles whilst still in drive... . Find myself almost red lining the engine, this is face lift thing as my pre face lift S3 didn't do this as that would return back to auto quicker

 

[Tom.H]

Never drive in S personally, more suited to the track in my opinion.

If I put it in dynamic I either leave it in D or drive in manual.

 

[V8_Man]

It depends on your throttle position. If the mech unit determines that throttle is buried in the carpet and revs are rising then it will preselect a higher gear and a lower gear if it determines revs are dropping. A lot depends on the definition of 'hard acceleration' as sometimes hard is not hard enough


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[Dorsetbloke]

Yeah this happens to me whilst in drive but then l decide to use the paddles whilst still in drive... . Find myself almost red lining the engine, this is face lift thing as my pre face lift S3 didn't do this as that would return back to auto quicker

Thanks for the reply, a big help! Obviously it cost me a truckload of cash and so I just wanted to see if other people get the same thing or if mine is exhibiting some sort of fault. Thanks for your time much appreciated.

 

[Dorsetbloke]

Never drive in S personally, more suited to the track in my opinion.

If I put it in dynamic I either leave it in D or drive in manual.

I know what you mean which is exactly why I 'paddle it up' a gear a little early!

 

[Dorsetbloke]

It depends on your throttle position. If the mech unit determines that throttle is buried in the carpet and revs are rising then it will preselect a higher gear and a lower gear if it determines revs are dropping. A lot depends on the definition of 'hard acceleration' as sometimes hard is not hard enough


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Thanks for the information, this does seem to be a little different to what you describe. i.e. it does nothing other than slip into manual mode with no gear change either way. By hard I mean hard enough to push it to 6k if you leave it auto so say more than 3/4s throttle. Appreciate your time.

 

[V8_Man]

So, when you rev it up your foot doesn't touch the brakes? And it is quite possible as I use left foot for braking and right is always on the throttle. If that is the case you confuse the car whereby it preselects a lower gear for you. Also, in the 'S' and 'RS' models hitting 6k is super quick and very easy. I don't think this alone can be used as a criteria for the mech unit to not behave how you expect it to behave.

Imo, the reason there is a 'slight delay' is because the car is trying to predict your next move. Floor it properly next time and then try changing it and see how the car behaves. No partial flooring.


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[Dorsetbloke]

I dont rev it up, I just pull away hard, its in gear so I just hit the throttle. I dont hold it on the brake. I dont usually bury it just pretty hard. Hitting 6k is super quick and easy though yes. They are awesome and very quick cars! There is no delay in the gearbox it is a fantastic piece of kit but this is a definite action. When you pull the paddle it just switches across to manual without changing up (it should change up and it does do 99% of the time). Once this has happened once it rarely happens again on any given drive which is why its taken a while to notice it. But i noticed it, because it revs like mad because it is then in 2nd in manual waiting for you to change up. Kinda like I asked it to a split second ago by pulling the paddle!! It's not major but I just wondered if it was unique to mine or not... Audi couldn't really help so i thought of asking people on here.

 

[wab172uk]

Hello all, I've been lucky enough to get a 2017 S3 black edition with 7 speed DSG and had it for 6 months now. Its a great car but you knew that!! I would like some help / opinion on a slightly annoying issue as described below. Apologies for the long post it is quite an easy real world thing to do but needs careful explanation.

This only happens occasionally when in Dynamic mode with the car in default 'auto' S mode i.e. not in fully manual, (gearstick to the left) where it works 100% fine.

The car has been in auto for all of the drive whilst warming up so you have not used paddles at all so far on this drive. You pull away fairly hard from a standstill and the box changes up to 2nd no problem but I want to change up to 3rd around say 3.5k to 4k rpm not let the box leave it in 2nd to around 6k because I just dont need it staying in 2nd plus i want to hear another gear change! So I pull the right hand paddle to change it up. Most of the time this executes a gear change to 3rd and goes into M mode as it should so all is well, but sometimes it only goes into M mode with no gear change up so hammers on up the road until you realise it didn't change up and grab 3rd by pulling the paddle again. By which time it has hit around 6k anyway. This seems to happen about 1 in 10 times as is say mainly on this first time. Once you have done that first manual override change up it hardly ever happens at all, probably about 1 in 50 times and again only in Dynamic so not really an issue.

So I was wondering if anyone else experiences this or is it some sort of fault with mine please? Its still under warranty but Audi sales guy said he didnt know because he only ever drives his S3 in auto and doesn't use the paddles but they can take it in and look at it if I wish. Because it is quite a specific issue I wanted to ask on here first!

So thanks for reading all that and any answers in advance, much appreciated. Thanks guys!

There is a setting you can use that guarantees the car will always change gear when `you` require it.

No having to wait while the engine red lines in Dynamic mode (but staying in dynamic mode) when you don't want it too.
No having the gearbox shuffle from 3rd to 7th when you just want to hold it in 3rd for a little while
This setting also guarantees you enjoy the driving experience more on each drive, and more so on a spirited drive.

Whisper it though ............. it's called a manual gearbox !!!

Joking aside. I had a A3 1.5 TFSI while my S3 was in for a service. Had the DSG gearbox. While I've slagged them of on many occasions on here, I was going to give the gearbox a fair appraisal this time, as I was soo close to ordering an RS3, which as we know is DSG only.

Hated it soo much. Dynamic mode just meant it hung onto the gear ration for dear life. The paddles were too short and awkward to use. In normal mode it changed up far too soon. And the gear lever is just soo wrong being push up to change up.
After 10-15 mins, the car remained in D mode, and was driven around with zero input from me apart from steer, brake, accelerate. Frustrating gearbox which never does what you want it to do, and in D mode it just becomes very very boring.

So pleased I never ordered an RS3, as it would have been the biggest mistake I could have ever made. I can see why people like them, but I just hope gearboxes become the next Diesel gate, and we see a resurgence in the manual gearbox on cars that are meant to be fun to own and drive.

 

[Tom.H]

I know what you mean which is exactly why I 'paddle it up' a gear a little early!

TBH you're probably best just driving it in manual then, when you go into dynamic the car goes from D to S, you can either pull down on the gearstick which will put it back into D but keep you in dynamic or push it to the left to drive it in manual.

 

[Dorsetbloke]

Well funny This isnt a manual vs DSG debate though! I wanted one and I do think it's great. I can drive it round in manual mode and its 100% fine, I just wondered if what I am seeing is right or a possible fault. I take your point but each to their own. Full on Dynamic mode in S does hang on a long time yes which is why manual or paddle override is there in the first place... its really a mode for when your all fired up but these cars are so quick being all fired could lose you your licence in a matter seconds nowadays oh yeah unless you own the slower manual of course (couldnt resist that one )

 

[Dorsetbloke]

TBH you're probably best just driving it in manual then, when you go into dynamic the car goes from D to S, you can either pull down on the gearstick which will put it back into D but keep you in dynamic or push it to the left to drive it in manual.

Thanks Tom, I do that some of the time and yes it is 100% obedient

 

[Jassyo06]

There is a setting you can use that guarantees the car will always change gear when `you` require it.

No having to wait while the engine red lines in Dynamic mode (but staying in dynamic mode) when you don't want it too.
No having the gearbox shuffle from 3rd to 7th when you just want to hold it in 3rd for a little while
This setting also guarantees you enjoy the driving experience more on each drive, and more so on a spirited drive.

Whisper it though ............. it's called a manual gearbox !!!

Joking aside. I had a A3 1.5 TFSI while my S3 was in for a service. Had the DSG gearbox. While I've slagged them of on many occasions on here, I was going to give the gearbox a fair appraisal this time, as I was soo close to ordering an RS3, which as we know is DSG only.

Hated it soo much. Dynamic mode just meant it hung onto the gear ration for dear life. The paddles were too short and awkward to use. In normal mode it changed up far too soon. And the gear lever is just soo wrong being push up to change up.
After 10-15 mins, the car remained in D mode, and was driven around with zero input from me apart from steer, brake, accelerate. Frustrating gearbox which never does what you want it to do, and in D mode it just becomes very very boring.

So pleased I never ordered an RS3, as it would have been the biggest mistake I could have ever made. I can see why people like them, but I just hope gearboxes become the next Diesel gate, and we see a resurgence in the manual gearbox on cars that are meant to be fun to own and drive.

Your best shopping elsewhere because as far as Audi are concerned the manual gearbox on a S/RS car is extinct
I don't share your opinions on both the dsg and manual boxes did you actually test drive a RS3 instead of basing your judgement on a short term courtesy car, manual gear boxes are far from perfect and don't offer anything over a dsg box. ....

 

[wab172uk]

Your best shopping elsewhere because as far as Audi are concerned the manual gearbox on a S/RS car is extinct
I don't share your opinions on both the dsg and manual boxes did you actually test drive a RS3 instead of basing your judgement on a short term courtesy car, manual gear boxes are far from perfect and don't offer anything over a dsg box. ....

Haha, I knew you'd reply. The only thing a DSG offers over a Manual is faster acceleration.

I didn't test drive an RS3, no. But the gearboxes are the same. And yes, you're right. This will probably be my last Audi to lack of manual on future cars.

 

[Jassyo06]

Haha, I knew you'd reply. The only thing a DSG offers over a Manual is faster acceleration.

I didn't test drive an RS3, no. But the gearboxes are the same. And yes, you're right. This will probably be my last Audi to lack of manual on future cars.

I have seen a few die hard manual fans come round to auto boxes, l didn't like my last S3's dsg box it was a pain the **** to say the least but the box in my current car is pretty good even sensational at times especially when I need some over taking speed which for me is unusual as I don't drive fast and the thing is its not perfect but these types of transmissions are getting better all the time, manual gearboxes are great in normal cars = a A1 or a uber sports cars =911 etc

 

[Terminator x]

I know what you mean which is exactly why I 'paddle it up' a gear a little early!

Just put it properly in manual, job jobbed. I never use the paddles whilst in auto although perhaps just me.

TX.

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[SILVAF0XX]

To be honest I only ever drive in dynamic/manual ‍


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[Jassyo06]

To be honest I only ever drive in dynamic/manual ‍


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Dynamic/Manual.....think once you dip it into manual.....your no longer in dynamic mate...but a get yer drift

 

[SILVAF0XX]

Is that correct?

I assumed gearbox suspension and everything was optimum so even the manual shifts were faster. I can see how I’d be wrong though


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[Bells]

Dynamic/Manual.....think once you dip it into manual.....your no longer in dynamic mate...but a get yer drift

That may be true, I’d say my car sounds louder especially on upshifts if I leave it in S mode compared to manual. I drive in manual most of the time though as S holds 2nd gear too long especially for driving around town.

 

[SILVAF0XX]

I’m not sure there’s any difference.

If I’m wanting good “backfire” noise I try to change down at around 3000 RPM when slowing which always sounds good.

I just prefer to drive the box manually at all times.

Don’t get me wrong the DSG auto is great but I’m just happier dictating the cogs - especially on motorways!


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[Vertigo1]

Never drive in S personally, more suited to the track in my opinion.

If I put it in dynamic I either leave it in D or drive in manual.

D is fine for most situations but I often flick into S mode when I want to make some rapid progress simply because it hangs onto gears longer and changes down more aggressively.

Do you rev it to the line when using manual mode? If so then why not just use S mode more often. If not then you're never using the full potential of the car, so why buy it? I'm confused.

It depends on your throttle position. If the mech unit determines that throttle is buried in the carpet and revs are rising then it will preselect a higher gear and a lower gear if it determines revs are dropping. A lot depends on the definition of 'hard acceleration' as sometimes hard is not hard enough

This. I've had the gearbox ignore my change requests on odd occasions and I believe it's when it deems the request isn't compatible with your current driving. If you're accelerating hard but ask for an early upshift the car may, quite logically, deduce you want to switch to (temporary) manual mode but don't actually want to change up as that will stunt the acceleration.

There is a setting you can use that guarantees the car will always change gear when `you` require it.

No having to wait while the engine red lines in Dynamic mode (but staying in dynamic mode) when you don't want it too.
No having the gearbox shuffle from 3rd to 7th when you just want to hold it in 3rd for a little while
This setting also guarantees you enjoy the driving experience more on each drive, and more so on a spirited drive.

Whisper it though ............. it's called a manual gearbox !!!

Which gives you all the benefits of reduced performance, lower economy, higher emissions and is no longer available on the S3 anyway.

Or you could just put the S-Tronic in manual mode

 

[Jassyo06]

Is that correct?

I assumed gearbox suspension and everything was optimum so even the manual shifts were faster. I can see how I’d be wrong though


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Dynamic Mode really is all about the gearbox mode,its akin to Economy mode, drop it into manual mode yer no longer in Economy

 

[Tom.H]

Do you rev it to the line when using manual mode? If so then why not just use S mode more often. If not then you're never using the full potential of the car, so why buy it? I'm confused.

I do yes, I also like to change up at lower rpm's as well at times so I don't need to use S.

 

[Tom.H]

Dynamic/Manual.....think once you dip it into manual.....your no longer in dynamic mate...but a get yer drift

Suspension etc is still in dynamic though, also still pops which it doesn't in other modes - that's good enough for me

 

[Matt Titanium]

Hated it soo much. Dynamic mode just meant it hung onto the gear ration for dear life. The paddles were too short and awkward to use. In normal mode it changed up far too soon. And the gear lever is just soo wrong being push up to change up.
After 10-15 mins, the car remained in D mode, and was driven around with zero input from me apart from steer, brake, accelerate. Frustrating gearbox which never does what you want it to do, and in D mode it just becomes very very boring.

After 2500 miles driving STronics, I totally agree.
Maybe the new S3 will come with an auto that does what you want when you want it to. A custom mode where stepped selections between D and S can be chosen in the MMI to make it is usable, maybe even enjoyable. And a box that VWAudi have ironed out all these accepted "quirks" so that owners aren't repeatedly taking them back to the dealers because they think they are faulty.

If Audi could tune an STronic do that I might buy the new S3 when it comes out... Even though I'm from an age where small autos were only bought by nervous girls who passed their test in one because they couldn't master clutch control, or doddery old folk that never drove above 45mph.

 

[wab172uk]

Which gives you all the benefits of reduced performance, lower economy, higher emissions and is no longer available on the S3 anyway.

Or you could just put the S-Tronic in manual mode

Reduced performance? In What situation? 0-60? fair point, but as I don't live at Santa Pod, it's quite pointless really.

Lower economy? Hmmm, well I'd tend to disagree with that one. As Audi / VW as some other manufacturers have been caught out for cheating. The DSG box can shuffle from 1st to 7th on the rollers, giving a false mpg figure that no one can replicate. It was only a few years back that every manufacturer gave worse mpg for their cars fitted with Auto boxes. Now they can cheat with them to give un-real world figures.

DSG / Auto boxes are heavier than the manual boxes, so maybe in reality the manual car would be quicker (less weight) and in the real world obtain better mpg (less weight), but such very minor figures would be impossible to calculate, as driving style would eliminate everything anyway.

It's cheaper for manufacturers to develop one gearbox rather than Two, so by just providing DSG, they are reducing their costs, cheating the official figures, and pampering to a world where now we want everything done for us, because we can't be bothered to put any effort in for ourselves.

We are well on our way to autonomous cars, and sleepwalking into something no real car fan wants. But by buying cars that change gear for you. Turn on the lights for you. Turn on the wipers for you, and worse out of the lot is adaptive cruise control. I could get into a VW Golf with adaptive cruise control, enter the A1/M1 from Darlington to London, and never once have to hit the accelerator or brake, as it will do it for me. If it rains, it'll turn on the wipers for me. If it gets dark, it'll turn on the lights for me. Now if only it would steer for me ..........

Cars aren't fun anymore. Or very few are. Not hatches are just grip and power. Sports cars are just too fast for the roads, where you can only realistically red line them in second gear, maybe third on a decent stretch of road. People want to put no effort into driving at all. And before you know it we'll not have the choice.

 

[Terminator x]

I was a manual die hard until I got the RS3 which is dsg only. Such an amazing gearbox don't understand how anyone can hate on it. Speed wise a manual car will not get near it as changes are instant, no lag while the driver fluffs the change

And no I do not want and never will own an autonomous car.

TX.

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[larsmate]

Now if only it would steer for me ..........

If you've got the Assistance Package it does steer for you.....lol